Lower Grille

[ls1jt]

I have an LTZ with the front plate mount installed from the factory.

What does it take to remove the lower grille section? I can see the plate mount is riveted in, but I was wondering if it would be simple just to buy a new/unriveted lower grille and simply replace the one I have now.

No holes, no plate mount, etc. Just a thought, I found them on ebay new for like $60 and also GM Parts Direct.

If it just pulls off easily without removing the whole bumper I'm game. Thanks!

 

[sonic24740]

To remove grill you need to remove the bumper.

 

[ls1jt]

What is involved with that? Anybody have a writeup or something along those lines? Thanks!

 

[sonic24740]

What is involved with that? Anybody have a writeup or something along those lines? Thanks!

there is a write up about it. use the search to find it..

 

[River_Rat]

The diy section is usually a good place to start for things like this.

 

[ls1jt]

Thank you

 

[Black Turbo LTZ]

I've removed the bottom grill without taking off the bumper, you pull ever so slightly and it can be done..but at your own risk of course. I've done it 4 times and all the clip are intact.

 

[SouthFLSonic]

I've removed the bottom grill without taking off the bumper, you pull ever so slightly and it can be done..but at your own risk of course. I've done it 4 times and all the clip are intact.

I guess I will have to try this tonight, I have only two speeds don't break and break so wish me luck.

 

[Black Turbo LTZ]

I guess I will have to try this tonight, I have only two speeds don't break and break so wish me luck.

Luck granted...but remember the outside temp sensor on the passenger side of the grill, pull the grill off but not too far until you disconnect that

 

[Beastlick]

There are clips all the way around the grill(upper and lower) The upper also has screws but the lower is only clips. I don't know how someone would be able to get the grill out without removing the bumper. You will do far less damage by removing the 20 or so screws and body clips and removing the bumper (I've had mine off 30+ times already)

Once its off, a flat head screwdriver will unsnap each clip and slide right out. There is a DIY for bumper removal that is stickied in a thread about headlights.

Here is a pic of what the tabs look like.

 

[sonic24740]

i have removed my bumper about 4 times for painting my trim.. its takes patience
I have broke a couple of my clips..

 

[romei]

It is easy to remove the lower grille without doing damage as long as you know where the clips are located. My wife backed into my car and broke the lower grille and front badge. I got new ones online for about $40 a piece including shipping.

There are 6 clips across the top of the grille and one on each side, and some on the bottom that you don't have to worry about. Simply hold the new grill up in place and mark where the top and side clips are with some spit. Then take a butter knife and slide it in where the clips are located (between the bumper and the grille) while pulling out on the grill below the clips with the other hand. As you depress each clip you gain just a little more space. Once you get the top clips and the sides it falls right out in your lap. It was easy and I had it off in less than 3 minutes. Then she twisted the bumper up a bit with her hands so I could get to the 2 phillips screws that hold the badge. That was the hardest part. There is also double sided tape holding the badge on. The grille just pops right back in then.

 

[postman]

I can confirm the the lower grill swap is an easy job. I did it yesterday in less than 15 minutes start to finish, thanks to Black Turbo LTZ & Romei. Line up where the clips are against the new one and use the butter knife, simple and easy. Every clip was intact, and I usually butcher these type of things.

 

[dizzle]

I can confirm the the lower grill swap is an easy job. I did it yesterday in less than 15 minutes start to finish, thanks to Black Turbo LTZ & Romei. Line up where the clips are against the new one and use the butter knife, simple and easy. Every clip was intact, and I usually butcher these type of things.

Do you stick the butterknife through or do you need to wiggle it a bit till' it snaps off?

 

[ib2loud]

I replaced mine due to the front plate issue. It was very simple to remove with a butter knife. Be careful not to overextend the ambient air temp sensor while you're pulling the grille piece out.