I want to install a billet grille on my 97 F150. I have the 2wd with the chrome surround. Can anyone give me an idea as to what I'm getting into here? It looks like I'm going to have to cut my stock grill to pieces (ouch) and no going back if I make a mistake. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.



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Steve-O, 1997 F150XLT,Two Tone Moonlight Blue & Silver,3.55 LS,Class III Tow Package, 4.6L Auto, STD Cab Styleside, Alpine CD, Soundstream Rubicon, Kicker Solobaric Sub, Boston Pro Separates,Tinted Windows, Gibson Exhaust, K&N Filter, Superchipped

 

SteveE55, what kind you got? Stull,Steel Horse, Trenz?
I installed the Trenz on mine and the best tool to do it is the Dremel tool with the fiberglass cutting disc. Just take your time and steady hands and you'll come out with a real pro finish job. It took me about 2 hours.steve

[This message has been edited by MIF-150 (edited 09-14-1999).]

 

SteveE55,
I have to agree with MIF-150. Just take your time, and you'll do alright.

I did my truck, and it looks like it was professionally installed.

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99 F-150,XLT, Silver, 2WD, 4.2L, 5spd, RegCab, Shrt WB, Styleside.
Current Mods:Billet grille, Line-X bedliner, 5%window tint all the way around, Alpine CD w/2 MTX Subs & Rockford Fosgate 250w amp. K&N Airfilter. Glasspac w/dual exhaust exits out the back.
Future Mods: Superchip, driving lights, & a custom paint job

 

I havn't bought the grille yet, I'm choosing between the Stull and Trenz. Does either one install better than the other? Or are they about the same and it just comes down to price. They both seem like high quality units. (They would have to be to be installed on my baby). Thanks for the info

 

I guess both are top quality grilles. I brought the Trenz grille because Stull was harder to get and I cannot wait 2 weeks or more to have it order, especially when you have the dough at the time you want the merchandise at the same time. I find no difference between Stull and Trenz, plus Trenz is 20.00 cheaper.
Fordman99, I found a way to clean the grille easily. just buy a stiff nylon table brush or one of those pool table brush and run it across the grille. I since had never had to scrub or polish it again. Bugs comes off easily too and leave the grille shiny with no polishing.steve

 

I was in no hurry to get the grille and to have it put in the truck. I waited about two weeks for it. Once I got it, it only took about 45min to 1 hr to install.

As far a cleaning it, I haven't tried the nylon brush, but I have used a soft sponge with a mess netting around it. It removes the bugs with no problem, and it leaves a nice shine to it.

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99 F-150,XLT, Silver, 2WD, 4.2L, 5spd, RegCab, Shrt WB, Styleside.
Current Mods:Billet grille, Line-X bedliner, 5%window tint all the way around, Alpine CD w/2 MTX Subs & Rockford Fosgate 250w amp. K&N Airfilter. Glasspac w/dual exhaust exits out the back.
Future Mods: Superchip, driving lights, & a custom paint job

 

Thanks guys for the info. I placed an order for my grille today, and it should arrive next week I can hardly wait to see it mounted up! This web site is a great resource for F150 owners.

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Steve-O, 1997 F150XLT,Two Tone Moonlight Blue & Silver,3.55 LS,Class III Tow Package, 4.6L Auto, STD Cab Styleside, Alpine CD, Soundstream Rubicon, Kicker Solobaric Sub, Boston Pro Separates,Tinted Windows, Gibson Exhaust, K&N Filter, Superchipped