2018 front grille

[seagypsy1407u]

New front grille arrived today
Im going to replace the front grille on a 2018 custom tomorrow any hints or tips its looks bit awkward
Hopefully the original one should come off without breaking and clips.

[S60r]

My new grille (2018 model too) arrived Wednesday! I changed it it in the dark and it took 1 hour! I had to wait till the morning to see if it looked good and was gapped correctly which thankfully it was.

You are right when you say it’s awkward! Thankfully only 1 clip broke and it was on the oem grille which came off so no big deal.

Boil a kettle and let it cool or use a bucket of your hot tap water at max temp, pour it all over the surround heating up the plastic to as hot as you can without damaging it. Put hands through the bottom corners of the grille at 5 and 7 o’clock. Pull very firmly and get one corner to pop loose. As soon as one or other comes away work along the bottom to the other corner releasing as you go. I used a plastic trim pry but it didn’t really help... just keep everything warm and flexible with hot water to prevent snapping.

I undid the top plastic in the engine bay to get a look at the upper most fixings as they are the most difficult. Just a bit of patience and time and you should be good....putting the new one in is way easier. Top first and work your way around both sides and then along the bottom last. Make sure all the tabs on the body work are twisted back to their original position prior to installing new grille.

I am very happy with my new grille and it totally changes the look.

Which one you go for???

[seagypsy1407u]

Thanks for the info just off to give it ago, and ill post a picture of the new one

[longhair]

Any chance of any pictures. I've tried to get mine off a couple of times but always chicken out as it feels like it's going damage something.

[S60r]

Any chance of any pictures. I've tried to get mine off a couple of times but always chicken out as it feels like it's going damage something.

I gave up on web hosting sites years ago so I can't help with pictures I'm afraid.

Yes it certainly does make you feel as though something is going to break, the parts on the vehicle are quite pliable thankfully....... the rigid and brittle plastics are on the grille so any parts that break are likely to be on the grille. It is important that you realign the tabs on the bodywork as they deflect and bend out of shape during the removal process. If they aren't realigned they will not click home for the new grille.

[seagypsy1407u]

Now that was a mission only broke a few clips on the original grille As s60r said once the first two clips come away, just work your along the bottom.
TBH I was getting the hump and was a bit brutal with it When i put the new grille i put some clear CT1 on some of clips just to be on the safe side



20200110_140632 by Seagypsy, on Flickr

20200111_120014 by Seagypsy, on Flickr


20200111_115957 by Seagypsy, on Flickr

[Altransit]

I gave up on web hosting sites years ago so I can't help with pictures I'm afraid.

You can upload pictures directly on the forum, scroll down from the dialogue box where you type your post text and see the uploader

[S60r]

I gave up on web hosting sites years ago so I can't help with pictures I'm afraid.

You can upload pictures directly on the forum, scroll down from the dialogue box where you type your post text and see the uploader

thank you Al.... I shall try that.

[S60r]

Nice Sea Gypsy.... I have the very same grille in matte black though.... I sort of knew you were talking about that grille... they really are the best out there and really make a nice difference.
I saw an orange sport near me and he had picked the "Ford" out in the same orange... too much for me as I'm old.... but it looked great. as does yours.... good choice!

[seagypsy1407u]

Nice Sea Gypsy.... I have the very same grille in matte black though.... I sort of knew you were talking about that grille... they really are the best out there and really make a nice difference.
I saw an orange sport near me and he had picked the "Ford" out in the same orange... too much for me as I'm old.... but it looked great. as does yours.... good choice!

Im really happy with it its feels and looks well made, not seen another one yet had few looks this morning driving around
central London from a few others customs

[S60r]

I agree it is well made, certainly no worse than the oem.

Make the most of the exclusivity...... I think they will be very popular..... I had mine on back order for 6 weeks as they had sold out! I’m leaving mine black as it goes with my carbon wrapped bonnet, but the body colour coded ones look quite effective.

[dumper]

When a AC engineer had the front grill off my mk8 to check the condenser rad I assume same as custom he used a snap on 90 degree pick to lift the clips off at the back the one behind the ford badge being the most difficult it been summer when he did it putting hot water on this time of year seems a very good idea.