1997 F-150 XLT

I am going to add a billet grill. I'm trying to decide between a replacement style or a bolt-over style.

Where can I find directions for removing the existing honeycomb grill. I've heard it's a fairly big job to do so.

Any help will be appreciated

 

I bought a "new" stock grill on ebay as a standby. What I got was a take off that the moron had broken the plastic tabs off. It is useless. If any of you take that route through ebay, let me know and I'll look up and post his screen name here. He sells these from time to time and is a rip off artist.

 

Champion,
I replaced the grille insert on my 2002 a month ago with a HD. Took me couple hours to do & I'm far from mechanically inclined, so I'd suggest you get a replacement rather than a bolt-over - I think they look much better.

You can find instructions in this forum, just do a search. There are only 2 pain in the a*$ parts to the entire job (assuming 97-03 are the same):
1. Plastic valence which covers radiator has plastic screws, some of which will most likely not back out & require you to break them.

2. Actual grille has plastic tabs on the underside which hold it onto a gap guard between it and the bumper. 4 or 5 tabs on each side & it will take you a bit to work them out.

 

I found instructions with pictures on another F-150 fan site. Thanks for your personal tips arsenalgunner.

 

Champion
Can U cut paste those instructions on here or post a link or send an email. I am also trying to take my front off and get in there, so seeing pictures of what you found would help alot.
Thanks

 

i took my front end apart a bit, the bolts in the shroud are complicated when unscrewing them you have to go easy, i dont think their metal. apply force, they wont come out, then to get the bloack things there screwed in out use something thin & strong like a knife or lockpick. your gonna have to do that 8 times. then take off the support brace from the shroud. now after this i dont know thats as far as i got. theres bolts under the headlights that have flat tops, i have no idea how to get those out. idk if i gotta get my headlights out or not. my billet grills waiting to be put in ( as soon as i learn how to do it lmao )

 

I just repainted the honeycomp portion of my grill. Only takes 30 minutes to pull and install. Less if you have an electric drill.
1-remove top plastic valence in front of radiator. Plastic screws so be careful.
2-remove headlights and corner lights.
3-remove screws under headlights/corners, top where valence was.
4-look underneath and see the two friction brackets. The grill has tabs that slide in. It is HARD to pull them out.
5-remove front end. Lay it upside down on something soft so the paint doesn't scratch. Gently pry out the center section of grill.

That's it. All screws/bolts were #2 phillips. Reverse to install.

Fritz