ExplorerX

Ceasing production in 2005, the Lincoln Aviator is based off of the 3rd generation Explorer platform, and offers exceptional ride quality, luxury, and creature comforts. Starting at over $41,000 you would think it would come with everything you could want. Not true. A.J. Soliz is a man on a mission to customize anything he can for his brand new Aviator, and so far he is doing a damn good job.

EXPLORERX: You previously had a Mountaineer that looked fantastic. Next thing you know you buy an Aviator - what sealed the deal?

A.J. SOLIZ: The number one thing that sealed the deal with me getting into a 2005 Aviator was the price!

EXPLORERX: Were you considering any other vehicles other then the Aviator?

A.J.: Yes. I wanted a 3^rd generation Mountaineer or Explorer (preferring the Explorer) but I told myself I was not going to settle for a base model. If I was going to commit to 5 or 6 years of payments it was going to have to be fully loaded. I wanted either an Eddie Bauer or a Limited Explorer.

EXPLORERX:  Is the Aviator your daily driver? What do you primarily use it for?

A.J.: Yes. I basically drive it to work and then back home. Since purchasing it I have only driven it out of town once when I went to San Antonio, TX for my vacation.

EXPLORERX:  What do you love and loathe most about the Aviator?

A.J.:  The luxury aspect of it.

EXPLORERX:  Do you prefer anything from your Mountaineer over the Aviator?

A.J.:  No! Not one single thing.

EXPLORERX:  You really wasted no time modifying the Aviator. What was first on your list to change?

A.J.: The first thing I wanted to do was put some 22” wheels on it but a member on the forum (03ExplorerSPT ) told me I should get the factory H.I.D. headlights. My Aviator came with the halogen headlights and those were not cutting it. So I was extremely fortunate to have found a matching set from separate sellers on eBay. The 22’s came on next after that.

EXPLORERX: You just completed a pretty serious audio upgrade, even though you mentioned you were satisfied already with the factory components. I guess the mod bug got to you?

A.J.:  Yeah you can say that. Another option my Aviator didn’t come with was the navigation unit and that was bugging me. I seriously considered buying a factory one on eBay but the factory unit is rather plain and has no features as you would find in an aftermarket navigation unit. I started looking into the Eclipse models and before you knew it the audio upgrade began. I am glad I did it though. The difference from stock to what I have now is huge! It sounds so much better now.

EXPLORERX:  Of all the modifications to your Aviator, are there any that you are most proud of?

A.J.:  At this point no. I am equally gratified with everything I have done so far.

EXPLORERX: What are your future plans for the Aviator? Is it ever going to become a show vehicle?

A.J.:  As far as I know, the only thing I have on my "to do list" is to install a flip down monitor for the rear, a power inverter, and install my son’'s XBOX 360 into it. I also plan on monotoning the Aviator. What may or may not happen? You never know. I might end up lowering it someday, or doing an exhaust upgrade…but those are not on the immediate to do list and may never happen. Who knows? I guess it depends on how bored I get. As for shows? No. It will never be a show vehicle. It will only be a daily driver with nice wheels and a loud stereo.

 
A.J. had the subwoofer enclosure custom made by Competition Sounds, and wrapped it in leather to retain a factory appearance. The enclosure sacrifices rear cargo room, but retains a stealth look that blends in naturally with the interior. All other stereo components are hidden. While many custom rides feature elaborate interior stereo displays, we applaud A.J. for taking this challenging, and impressive route.

EXPLORERX:  How long can we expect you to hold onto your Aviator? 

A.J.:  I had my Mountaineer for 7-8 years, but only recently started to modify it. I would like to say I will hang on to the Aviator for 4-5 years but with the new Navigators coming out I can picture myself purchasing a used 2007 Navi somewhere in 2008.

EXPLORERX: So we can assume your next vehicle will be a 2007 Navigator?

A.J.:  Yeah, hopefully!

EXPLORERX:  Thank you for your time and letting us all know the great details about your Aviator. For those who you would like to thank for the progress, let us know!

A.J.:  Well first and foremost I would like to thank you for hosting such an awesome website and forum. Second, I would like to thank all the fellow members of the forum. You won’t find a better group of guys and girls then them. Last, I would like to thank all the people and businesses locally that I have had the pleasure to deal with over the past 8 months while working on the Mountaineer and Aviator.

VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS 

Exterior:

• Vivid Red Clearcoat Metallic

Interior:

• Luxury Enhancement Package
• American Walnut Burl Woodgrain
• Parchment Glove-Soft Premium Leather
• Satin-Nickel Trim
• White LED Instrument Lighting
• Heated & Cooled Front Seats
• Power-Adjustable Pedals
• Power Moonroof
• AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control
• 20% Window Tint on Front Windows to Match Factory Privacy Glass in Rear

Lighting:

• High-Intensity-Discharge Headlamps
• PIAA Xtreme White Plus Foglight Bulbs
• Sylvania Silverstar Highbeam Bulbs

Wheels and Tires:

• 22" Helo Cash Wheels
• 265/40/22 Toyo Proxes S/T Tires

Audio/Video:

• Eclipse AVN5495 Navigation/DVD/HDD Headunit
• Eclipse SIR-ECL1 SIRIUS Satellite Radio Tuner
• Eclipse RMC105 Full-Function Remote Control
• Custom Dual 12" Down-Firing Sub Box Matched to Interior Seats
• 2 12" Crossfire BMF1228 Subs
• 4 Crossfire SQ-6.0 6.5" Component Speakers
• Crossfire VR1000D Amp
• Crossfire VR404 Amp
• Crossfire XC2K 2 Gauge Power Wire Kit
• Rockford Fosgate Digital 1 Farad Cap

Vehicle Security:

• Directed Electronics Inc.
• Viper 791XV 2-Way Remote Start Alarm

Shops & Sponsors:

• Discount Tire Company (Jere Koonce), Corpus Christi, Texas
• Competition Sounds (Henry Rivera), Corpus Christi, Texas
• Tint Wizard & Car Trix (Kimberly Konecny), Ogden, Utah