Billet Grille from Mr.Grille ??

[Vintage Merlot]

Re: Billet Grille from Mr.Grille ??

It looks to me that the entire grille is mounted too low in the opening. The install shop should not have to create new brackets. Collectively the shop does not seem to be installing with a full deck.

[Leroy]

Re: Billet Grille from Mr.Grille ??

Why would anyone design a grille the wouldn't replace the existing grille by using the same mounting brackets? If you don't have to tear the car apart to get the original grille out, you shouldn't have to tear it apart to install the new one. If Mr. Grille doesn't give you installation instructions, send it back and get your money back. Just my opinion. Leroy

[BlackShadow]

Re: Billet Grille from Mr.Grille ??

Any updates Ed??

[EBird]

Re: Billet Grille from Mr.Grille ??

Hey Dave !!

I am taking it back to the Body Shop this Wednesday.Will keep you updated.

Thanks..My fingers are crossed.

[BlackShadow]

Re: Billet Grille from Mr.Grille ??

good luck ................................if they can't do it find another shop, from were I am sitting they don't seem real competent

[Brad]

Re: Billet Grille from Mr.Grille ??

Leroy, to your comment about "tearing the car apart", the stock grill comes off by removing the front bumper cover and then pulling it out the back of the bumper cover. It's actually a very simple process, Thanks to the directions from someone on TBN I was able to do it myself in about 10 mins. I would advise having someone help you though to not scratch the paint when it comes down.


Why don't you measure the new grill compared to the original....I'm guessing you will find that either the grill is too small, or as has been mentioned the cover is distorted and just needs to be pulled together when installing the grill.

[Leroy]

Re: Billet Grille from Mr.Grille ??

Brad, I wouldn't put one of these grilles on my car, I was just commenting on how much work Blackshadow said was involved to install one of these. Did you have to uninstall both of your headlights? Why don't you send the directions you got to Ebird, sounds like the body shop that's doing it can't make heads or tails out of Mr. Grilles instructions. Did you have any problem with Mr. Grilles instructions? I've found from buying and selling Classic cars that replacing original parts with after market parts does nothing but take away from the value of the car when it comes time to sell it. Leroy

[Brad]

Re: Billet Grille from Mr.Grille ??

Leroy, I understood what you were saying, and I just wanted to point out that it wasn't anywhere nearly as difficult as I had assumed prior to doing it...once you figure out how the headlights come out, it's very simple...figuring out how the are installed was a bit tricky, but if you know what you're doing, literally like a few minutes per headlight. I didn't do one of these grills, but I removed mine and put in in another cover, and it's just clips.

The following is from bottomtime:
http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/forum...ad.php?t=19120


It's not as difficult as you may think. I've had mine off (2005) for a minor repair. It's just a matter of removing many screws which are on top of the front end bumper assembly, then several underneath the bumper assembly, also the headlights need to be removed for access to the top front side screws. First remove the cover panel underneath the hood at the front, for access to these screws on the top of the bumper assembly, also the screws at the front of the front wheel openings, then there are several in the bottom of this assembly underneath, and you will see fairly well where they are all located. Basically, what you're doing is going around in a oval circle, surrounding the complete assembly to remove all these screws. When all the screws are removed, you have to disconnect a wiring harness, (just unplug it) attached to the bumper assembly inside of the front bumper assembly itself. Also, don't forget to unplug the parking lights in the front end of the bumper assembly. Just remove the clear lenses, twist the bulbs loose and remove them (bulbs still attached to the wiring harness) from the rear. There are no nuts & bolts to deal with, just several screws that are holding all the plastic panels together. Some are different sizes, so remember what goes where. The grille will remain in the front bumper assembly, to which it is attached, so no problems there. It's really not as complicated as you may think. It's best to have another person help, when everything is removed, to help hold the entire front assembly for removal. It's made entirely from plastic, so not much weight is involved, but the size of it is what you need another set of hands for, so it doesn't fall down, or drop on the floor or ground

[BlackShadow]

Re: Billet Grille from Mr.Grille ??

Thats why you keep the original parts when you modify a car.


Brad, I wouldn't put one of these grilles on my car, I was just commenting on how much work Blackshadow said was involved to install one of these. Did you have to uninstall both of your headlights? Why don't you send the directions you got to Ebird, sounds like the body shop that's doing it can't make heads or tails out of Mr. Grilles instructions. Did you have any problem with Mr. Grilles instructions? I've found from buying and selling Classic cars that replacing original parts with after market parts does nothing but take away from the value of the car when it comes time to sell it. Leroy

[Leroy]

Re: Billet Grille from Mr.Grille ??

Blackshadow, I agree 100% with you, but some of this after market stuff like the wood grain inlays for the dash boards and metal trim and fender flares that glue on or have adhesive backs can ruin the original finish if you try to remove it. Classic cars hold the highest value if they're 100% original, have low miles and have all the documentation from day one. I plan on keeping my 04 totally original. The only thing I've changed on my car so far is the wipers, and I've kept the originals. Also my car wasn't ordered with a hardtop but I have one and it's an 03. If when I sell the car,the buyer doesn't want it, I'll sell it seperatly. Leroy

[Brad]

Re: Billet Grille from Mr.Grille ??

BlackShadow, yes, both headlights have to come out...if I recall 1 bolt and 2 releases...the directions for the bumper removal I used are on my post above.


I don't want to hijack this thread, but the market has shown that lately highly customized cars using non-original parts can often bring in more than untouched originals.

[EBird]

Re: Billet Grille from Mr.Grille ??

Problem may have been solved...Have the EBird at the body shop today..

I was sent back the grille with no mounting brackets and bolts.(both times)

This is why the Body Shop could not make it work.I called MrGrille, he is trying to get this bracket kit out Next Day Air to the Body Shop.

Will keep you posted.

[V8 Cat]

Re: Billet Grille from Mr.Grille ??

Blackshadow, I agree 100% with you, but some of this after market stuff like the wood grain inlays for the dash boards and metal trim and fender flares that glue on or have adhesive backs can ruin the original finish if you try to remove it. Leroy

This is one of the reasons I feel the way I do about dash kits. I think some people on TBN have noticed some damage to the finish on the center stack components when having to remove some parts of some dash kits. Suppose you have to remove the climate control or audio panel? I really believe the interior parts are going to be hard to come by if people keep these cars; especially the special editions that had a slightly different color. JMHO

[BlackShadow]

Re: Billet Grille from Mr.Grille ??

Is It installed Ed???

[EBird]

Re: Billet Grille from Mr.Grille ??

Not yet Dave..Mr.Grille was to next day air the bracket kit and have it to the body shop by Thursday or Friday.

They never showed up yet. The EBird is spending the night at the body shop for the weekend.

Just my Luck !!!