2014+ Grille Removal How-To

[brentadams646]

When I bought my truck I wanted to swap out the OEM chrome mesh grille for an OEM black mesh grille and I found only a few instructions on how to actually remove/install the new grille. There is another member who is going to be swapping his grille out and he should be taking some pictures. I could not take pictures because I did this in my drive way and it got dark. The mesh is attached to the entire grille surround, so I bought the entire grille surround itself and swapped it out, it included the chrome surround, mesh and bowtie. The only two things you need to transfer from the old grille is the air shroud and model designation emblem (LTZ emblem) if you have one. These just simply clip on and swap over to the new grille.

 

Ok I'll try to make this as simple as possible,

1 - open hood.

2 - remove 10-12 press pins on radiator cover and remove cover and set aside.

3 - there are bolts that need to be removed on the bumper ends, 2 on each end, they are 7mm hex heads, one is horizontal screwed into the metal bumper the next is in a vertical position right next to it. (The torx screw you see in the fender well does not have to be removed). I would just take off the driver side bolts, you may not have to remove the entire top bumper pad if you have someone/something hold it up. I was able to do it without removing the entire thing.

4 - once bolts are removed (I started on driver side) slightly pull out and around the metal bumper to pop off the bumper pad off the corner of the steel bumper.

5 - you'll need to pull the bumper pad away from the headlight carefully without bending and damaging the pad and the paint, it will feel like you're pulling to hard but it will release with enough pressure.

6 - once its pulled away it will still be secured along the bottom of the grille, there are 5-6 snap clips holding the top pad to the grille, if you lay on your back and get under truck, look at the back side of the bumper, with a flat head screw driver you can pry the clips off the prongs of the bumper pad and have someone pull after you pop each one out.

7 - once you remove the pad enough you'll see that there are 4 main bolts holding the grille at the bottom (look hard at the bottom they are kind of deep in there, you'll need an extension) and 4 at the top, remove all of these.

8 - the grille is now just held on with clips, pull gently from one side and work your way around.

9 - last thing you have to do is swap the air shroud thing from the old grille to the new one. you'll see what I'm talking about.

repeat these steps backwards installing. I went into a little more detail, I hope it all makes sense. It's really easy once you get down to actually doing it.

Edited December 18, 2013 by brentadams646

[anthony2558]

REMOVE SNAPS

 

REMOVE SHROUD

 

 

REMOVE TWO NUTS WITH 7MM

 

 

LEAVE HEX SCREW

 

 

START TO PULL FROM SIDE AND LOWER LIP

 

 

UNDER TRUCK YOU WILL SEE 4 OR 6 CLIPS, CANT REMEMBER. LIGHTLY PRY AWAY

 

 

BUMBER LIP REMOVED. BE CAREFUL NOT TO DROP. ONCE CLIPS WERE REMOVED IT FELL RIGHT OFF.

 

 

REMOVE 4 ON BOTTOM AND 4 UP TOP 10MM

 

 

 

REMOVE AIR DAM. AND REPLACE ON TO NEW GRILL 7MM

 

 

AND YOUR DONE.

 

 

1 HR START TO FINISH FOR ME.

Edited December 18, 2013 by anthony2558

[brentadams646]

Love it when a plan comes together! Now all that's left is to box up the old one and sell it!! Looks much better man.

 

Here is my before and after

 

 

Edited December 18, 2013 by brentadams646

[anthony2558]

Me to! Thanks for the detailed instructions. Hope this helps others as well.

 

 

 

Sorry to hijack your post anthony, but I wanted to add a pic for the Sierra guys. It's the same as Silverado above, except at the corners where the bumper meets the fender trim. See pic below:

 

 

-Moto

Edited May 18, 2014 by MotoMedic

[fondupot]

Hmm...I smell a video opportunity.

[chewy22]

Where did guys buy your grills? I want the black one you guys changed to for my Z71. The z71 grill has to much open space. Hit a robin, it looked like a giant bug splatted on the radiator. And it was a PITA getting that bird out. Was able to seperate the air dams (on back of grill and front of radiator) and fish it out with a hanger. No access from the bottom. Stupid work for a darn bird.........................

Edited December 18, 2013 by chewy22

[anthony2558]

i got mine off ebay.

Edited December 18, 2013 by anthony2558

[brentadams646]

There is a guy who has had brand new grilles for cheap on eBay. I bought and had it on my door step in 1 day.

[250motorsportz]

Can anyone tell me if the chrome center pieces come apart from the grill or is it just plastic-welded and all one piece?

[250motorsportz]

Also,

Why don't you guys just plasti-dip the chrome in matte black? Almost gives you the same look, no disassembly required, and only costs $6-$15 depending where you're located.

[anthony2558]

The chrome inserts come right out, snap clips. I just had a hard time trying to trade with someone for black. To get it unsnapped u would need to remove the entire grill.

 

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[brentadams646]

Also,

 

Why don't you guys just plasti-dip the chrome in matte black? Almost gives you the same look, no disassembly required, and only costs $6-$15 depending where you're located.

 

In my opinion, plasti-dip is a cheap way out. I don't like the idea of plasti-dip but i'm just very picky and OCD. I bought the new black grille for $300.00 and sold my 3 day old chrome grill for $300.00. So in reality its a better final product and it cost me nothing but a little time.

[quickvert1]

Im putting mine on saturday...I will post some pics before and after

[250motorsportz]

The chrome inserts come right out, snap clips. I just had a hard time trying to trade with someone for black. To get it unsnapped u would need to remove the entire grill.

 

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Thank you. I am plasti-dipping my grill surround on my HC but want to leave the chrome inserts as is. Didn't want to remove the grill and find that it's all one piece like the GMT900's.

 

In my opinion, plasti-dip is a cheap way out. I don't like the idea of plasti-dip but i'm just very picky and OCD. I bought the new black grille for $300.00 and sold my 3 day old chrome grill for $300.00. So in reality its a better final product and it cost me nothing but a little time.

 

Plasti-Dip may seem like a "cheap way out" but if applied properly, it looks very good. The finish can be compared to regular paint or even powder-coat.

 

That's great that you were able to break even for your swap. Just thinking that DIP may be an option for those that can't afford the swap or don't want to go through the hassle of purchasing and selling.

[anthony2558]

Can't wait to see the reversal, chrome on the inside black on the outside. Make sure u post some pics.

 

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