Problem Installing Billet Grille

Chilicat · 04-10-2004, 08:35 PM

I just tried to install a grille insert, the bottom section in the bumper where the radiator is exposed. Here's the link to the part: Billet grille bumper insert.

Here's my problem: I crawl underneath, take off the skid plate and find there's no room to get my arm up there to place the marks for drilling. The drilling I could of course do from the front. Even if I did manage to mark my drill holes, there's no way I could get in there with a screw driver to tighten things up. Does anyone know if there's a part or two I could take off to make room? Am I just going about this the wrong way?

S4Titan · 04-10-2004, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chilicat

I just tried to install a grille insert, the bottom section in the bumper where the radiator is exposed. Here's the link to the part: Billet grille bumper insert.

Here's my problem: I crawl underneath, take off the skid plate and find there's no room to get my arm up there to place the marks for drilling. The drilling I could of course do from the front. Even if I did manage to mark my drill holes, there's no way I could get in there with a screw driver to tighten things up. Does anyone know if there's a part or two I could take off to make room? Am I just going about this the wrong way?

Remove the entire grille section from the truck (Its held on with snap clips) then reach down from the top of the bumper and use tye wraps to secure. With the grill removed you can also mount the smaller grille sections with tye wraps alot easier.

S4Titan-

Chilicat · 04-11-2004, 10:45 AM

Thanks for the reply. Are these snap clips the ones I can see at the top of the grill when I open the hood or can I just get ahold of the grille and pull? I looked around at the top under the hood and the clips there looked like they'd break if I tried to dislodge them.

S4Titan · 04-11-2004, 11:02 AM

Picture of locations of grille clips.

Just slide something thin, like a knife between the clip and grille to release clips. The side clips will release with a good tug.

S4Titan-

Chilicat · 04-11-2004, 07:03 PM

Thanks for the diagram! Greatly appreciated. I ended up using zip ties to secure the grille (I'll post some pics when I get the truck polished next weekend). Is anyone worried about deforming the little plastic cross pieces in the stock bumper from pulling to hard? I slightly bowed one of the middle ones.

jusris · 05-29-2004, 09:57 PM

did you guys install the bottom grille using the L-brackets that came with the Mr. Grille or did you guys just bypass them and use the straps to secure.

I am trying to install the bottom grille right now but am wondering if I could get by without using the L-brackets since there is the 2 vertical bars to attach the straps to.

Sammy Sandbag · 05-29-2004, 10:01 PM

I didn't use the L-brackets. I don't believe they are necissary at all. Mr. Grille probably just throws them in with all the kits. I did however buy extra zip-ties and used about twice as many that came with the grill.

jusris · 05-29-2004, 10:13 PM

thanks sammy.

1Titan · 05-30-2004, 03:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jusris

thanks sammy.

jusris- Brah! Bet you the only one in Nanakuli w/ a Titan! I'm from Kaneohe.

**CaliforniaTitan** · 05-30-2004, 04:03 AM

Are you Radio Battalion 1Titan? Reason I ask, my brother in law is there as well.

Chris

jusris · 05-30-2004, 05:54 AM

nope, already seen a white and silver one down here. you know how it is down this side, everyone gotta have the BIG trucks.

bestatchess · 05-30-2004, 10:52 AM

As mentioned, you need to take out the upper grill by removing the clips. I thnk that there are a total of nine of them. You need a very long flat blade screwdriver to turn the heads on the clips. A couple of them are kind of hard to find.

When you go to reassemble, you remove all of the clips from the vehicle and install on the upper grill before putting the upper grill back.

StriKing_Cobra · 09-13-2005, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sammy Sandbag

I didn't use the L-brackets. I don't believe they are necissary at all. Mr. Grille probably just throws them in with all the kits. I did however buy extra zip-ties and used about twice as many that came with the grill.

I praise you for this post!!!!

Sorry for the bump

mtbendo · 09-13-2005, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jusris

did you guys install the bottom grille using the L-brackets that came with the Mr. Grille or did you guys just bypass them and use the straps to secure.

I am trying to install the bottom grille right now but am wondering if I could get by without using the L-brackets since there is the 2 vertical bars to attach the straps to.

I originally used tie straps for the bumper insert but later changed it to the L-brackets. When I tie strapped it I could still move the insert around just slightly and the stainless steel grille insert has sharp edges compared to the billet. I didn't want it scratching up the plastic trim in the bumper if possible.

StriKing_Cobra · 09-14-2005, 08:50 AM

I just don't see how you would put the L Brackets in. I strapped the lower grill down with the tie downs and it is pretty darn tight. I can't imagine this thing ever moving with the 5 or so ties I have on it.

Result....