Grille Replacement

[Terrell Boyles]

OK,

Got my nostril replacement grille idea from a Explorer Limited (06-09). The expy ltd grille is gonna fit and look awesome, IMHO. Popped out all the plastic rivets (12) and found about 16-18 clips locked in tight. Unable to remove or loosen these clips. Ford dealer Body Shop guy says the current nostril grill will likely be damaged or broken as it is removed. Said it normally is a "one time install".

Does this sound right? Comments from experienced, parts or body shop people? Thanks.

I'm just saying....



:supercool::supercool::supercool:

 

[Robert Caffyn]

I did a billet grille insert installation this past summer, and I couldn't get the damn thing out at all. Popped all the buttons, screws and anything else I could find and still couldn't get it out. I'm sure another member will enlighten us, perhaps Andy "Dingo" Callhoun since I know he's done it. BC nline:

 

[Les]

Dingo removed his front bumper cover to change his grill. I believe there are some pictures in him library.

 

[Bob Bendfeldt]

What is the "expy ltd grille"? I want to change my grille but haven't found anything that I like that will fit the 07.

 

[Terrell Boyles]

Hopefully there is a way short of removing the bumper or the sawzall :cry:



Benny-

Explorer Limited direct replacement. See pic in my library.

:grin:

 

[chris smith 5]

If the way the grille attached to the front end is similar in any way to the Adrenalin grille, I can tell you that it will be damaged when you remove it. You may break a clip or 5, but its not a "one time install". The rest of the clips I assume should still be usable. I replaced my Adrenalin grille with an ebay billet grille for the regular explorer as well. Just had to spend about 8 hours with a dremel cutting down the sides of the billet until it fit in the bumper nice and flush. I broke a few clips myself but I have been since been able to re-install the grille a few different times.

 

[Dingo]

I like the nostrils... Just not in chrome. I hate chrome. Chrome is an instrument of Satan.

I haven't broken a single clip. Definitely not a "one time install."

I've removed both of my grilles more than once. It's easy, if you go about it the right way. Time consuming, but easy.



<img src="http://72.35.72.219/~library/22354/Grille/P1020049%20%28Small%29.JPG">



<img src="http://72.35.72.219/~library/22354/Grille/P1020045%20%28Small%29.JPG">



<img src="http://72.35.72.219/~library/22354/Grille/P1020142%20%28Small%29.JPG">

 

[Terrell Boyles]

Hey guys, Thanks to ALL. Good pics Dingo. I do not have the temperament to take the entire front end off just to replace the grille. I may have found a local body guy to do the swap next week for $40. Otherwise lookout sawzall. Pics up after the swap.

:banana:

 

[EddieS'04]

As Dingo, I too like the nostrils...

 

[swshawaii]

Eddie- Regarding posts dated 11/3 and 11/10/09 (Painted Grill Nostrils)

Only used two coats of chrome Duplicolor Spray. You asked if I "clear coated" them.

Never did, and it's been over four months. You had issues of your TB cover paint job changing color under the hood, although the temperature is much higher.

My ST is parked in direct sunlight at least eight hours a day. No fading, peeling, flaking, etc. issues yet.

Maybe NOT spraying clear coat is the ticket.



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