Has anyone installed a Westing HDX Grille Guard? Before I get started I wanted to know if I had to trim any of the plastic to install the supports. It is cold here so will have to plan. Any other tips would be appreciated.

2005 F-150 STX SCAB 4X4 4.6L

 

I have one on my truck and no trimming is needed to install it.

 

Thanks, any helpful hints? Did you happen to find any better install instructions? I am confused by the upper support, it says you have to remove the factory hardware and use a support plate. Pics do not show much for those steps.

 

I didn't install it myself so I'm not exactly sure how the brackets go on. I hit a deer with my truck a few months ago and I had the body shop install it when they fixed the truck. I can get you some better pics of how they go on if that would help.

 

I also have the westin on my '07 and it was easy to install, I have the tow hooks on mine from the factory so I didn't need to cut but even if yours didn't I don't think you will need to. The brackets run just over the front bumper and bolt to the inside of the frame in front of the radiator, only takes about 30-45 minutes or so.

 

Thanks for the input guys, now if I can get a break in the weather I may get it on before Christmas, lol. I do have the tow hooks and like that you can keep them with this guard.

 

How did you get the nut plate into the frame channel after the tow hooks are removed? And how did you get the factory nut plate out? The only large opening I have is covered up by the bumper and I don't think I can take that off easily. Did you force it through a small opening. It does look like I will have to trim some plastic to get the upper support brackets in, probably different trim packages, mine is an '05 STX and the grill is black and has black plastic trim/grate right in front of where the upper support bracket goes.
Update: I could take the plastic inserts out so did not have to cut anything. They just pop off and I don't think I will need to or be able to put them back on after install.

 

I used the factory nut plate



Here are some pics of the upper brackets on mine, the white spot is 3m foam tape to prevent my grill from rubbing the bracket since its a tight fit

 

I guess mine is the sportsman not the hdx, but I'm sure they mount the same

 

Thanks for the pics. I think I have a good idea of how to get it done. The nut plate will be the challenge, I contacted Westin and customer service is checking with the engineers. Since they furnished heavier hardware there should be a way to use it and I really don't want the old nut plate rattling around in the frame channel so we will see.

 

Here are some pics of how the brackets go on. The little honeycomb pieces in the lower grill opening do have to be removed for the upper brackets to go on, I never noticed them missing until today.

 

Thanks for the pics. Finally got it on, looks great and very stout compared to some I have seen. It was not as easy as the directions. The lower brackets were a breeze but the upper bracket holes did not line up. It said for my year I should use the top and middle holes but no way, I had to use the top and lower and I had to enlarge the lower hole. It was a fraction off but with 1/4" hardened steel a fraction takes some work and a dremel is not meant for that kind of work but was the only thing that would fit. Then the upper support bracket did not mount to the guard the way it showed, very hard/awkward to hold the nut and get it torqued to 55#. The rubber was too long on one side and I had to trim it, a better job for the dremel and that is some tough rubber. If everything had lined up it would have been a few hours project but with the grinding and repainting it was a pain but worth it, especially if I have the occasion to use it. At least I got it done by Christmas, my present from my wife. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all.