Model For Ford 1995-1998 Explorer Eddie Bauer Sport Utility Black-VX-121-7087

Give your second-generation Ford Explorer the face it deserves. Whether road debris cracked your original grille or years of UV exposure have turned factory plastic chalky and brittle, this Mankee direct-fit center grille restores a clean, factory-fresh look without a single trip to the body shop. Compatibility This center grille is engineered specifically for the 1995 through 2001 Ford Explorer in XL, XLT, and Eddie Bauer four-door Sport Utility configurations. Coverage also extends to the 1995-1997 Ford Explorer Sport two-door and the 1995-1997 Ford Explorer Expedition trim level — all under one SKU. OEM interchange number FO1200316 and superseded Ford factory part number F87Z 8200 PAG confirm verified fitment, so you can order with confidence. Important fitment note: this product ships as the center grille section only. It does NOT include the outer grille extension. If your Explorer was originally equipped with a separate outer extension, you will retain that existing piece and replace only the center panel. Double-check your trim level before ordering to ensure you receive the correct component. Key Benefits • Bolt-on, zero-modification installation — every factory mounting tab, clip boss, and alignment pin is reproduced exactly so the grille seats rattle-free on the first try. • Ready-to-paint ABS surface accepts standard automotive aerosol rattle-can paint or professional spray-gun coatings, letting you color-match your Explorer's finish right in your driveway. • Broad single-SKU coverage across 1995-2001 XL, XLT, Eddie Bauer, and 1995-1997 Sport and Expedition trims eliminates ordering confusion. • Verified OEM interchange number FO1200316 cross-references against factory parts databases, giving you the same peace of mind as ordering from a dealer parts counter. • Resistant to cracking, warping, and impact thanks to high-impact ABS construction that outperforms aged, sun-degraded factory plastic. • Affordable OE-quality solution at a fraction of dealer or OEM pricing — restore your front end without inflating your repair budget. Technical Specifications • Part Number: Mankee VX-121-7087 • OEM Interchange: FO1200316 • Superseded Ford Part Number: F87Z 8200 PAG • Finish: Textured matte black (unpainted, ready for topcoat) • Material: High-impact ABS plastic • Position: Center grille section only (outer extension not included) • Mounting: Direct bolt-on, no drilling or cutting required • Surface Treatment: Scuff-and-prime ready for aerosol or spray-gun automotive paint Materials and Build Quality The Mankee center grille is manufactured from high-impact ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) thermoplastic, the same class of material used in OEM automotive exterior trim worldwide. ABS is chosen for its excellent balance of rigidity and impact resistance — it flexes slightly on hard contact rather than shattering, and it holds dimensional stability across the wide temperature swings that are routine under a vehicle's hood opening. Unlike the original factory plastic that has likely been under assault from UV radiation, road salt, insects, and pressure washing for nearly three decades, this new panel begins its life with a clean, unpainted textured surface free of micro-cracks or stress fractures. The matte black texture is uniform and consistent, providing an excellent mechanical key for primer adhesion when you decide to paint. The mounting lugs and clip tabs are molded with tight tolerances to match Ford's original tooling specifications, ensuring that every attachment point engages firmly without wobble, which eliminates the road-noise rattles that plague poorly-fitted aftermarket grilles. This is a part built to last another decade on your Explorer. Installation Guide Replacing your Explorer's center grille is a straightforward DIY project that most owners complete in under 45 minutes with basic hand tools. Step 1: Open the hood and secure it fully on the prop rod. Step 2: Locate the retaining clips and bolts securing the existing center grille — on second-gen Explorers these are typically accessible from behind the grille panel through the engine bay. Use a trim panel removal tool or a flat-head screwdriver wrapped in tape to release plastic retaining clips without cracking the surrounding bumper fascia. Step 3: If your Explorer has the outer grille extension, carefully detach it from the center section first and set it aside — you will reinstall it on the new grille. Step 4: Lift the damaged center grille free and clean the mounting channel with a dry cloth to remove debris. Step 5: Dry-fit the Mankee replacement to confirm all tabs align before committing. Step 6: Press the new grille firmly into position, engaging each clip boss until you hear an audible snap. Step 7: Reattach any bolts to manufacturer torque spec — typically finger-tight plus a quarter turn for plastic-to-metal mounting points. Step 8: Reinstall the outer extension if applicable. Step 9: If painting, apply a plastic adhesion promoter, two coats of primer, and your chosen color before final installation for a professional result. No drilling, cutting, or professional bodywork required. What's in the Box • 1x Mankee center grille, black ABS (VX-121-7087) • Installation hardware: retaining clips as applicable • Note: outer grille extension is NOT included Why Shop with Us We stock a curated catalog of direct-fit OEM-replacement exterior parts for American trucks, SUVs, vans, and commercial vehicles — parts verified against interchange databases so what you order actually fits. Every listing includes full year, make, model, and trim compatibility data, and our product team reviews interchange numbers against Ford, GM, RAM, and fleet parts databases before a SKU goes live. You get competitive pricing, clear fitment data, and product descriptions written by people who understand the difference between a center section and a full grille assembly. We cut the guesswork so you can order fast and get your Explorer back on the road. Order the Mankee 1995-2001 Ford Explorer center grille today. At $99.67 with OEM-verified fitment and bolt-on installation, it is the most cost-effective way to restore your Explorer's front end. Add to cart now and ship it to your door.