Let's remove/install the Kidney Grills

[KellyK]

thanks so much ! just installed my gloss black ones. ended up having to take the scoops out to get my hand in there and pry them out... end result looks great !

[m3nt0s]

Originally Posted by e82n54

Thanks for the DIY instructions!

I was able to pop out the bottom clips with my hand so it was very fast.

Bottom and side clips I could get with my hands. Used a flat screw driver for the tops, came right out. If you're an absolute idiot with doing this sort of stuff like I am, the most important tool is patience.

[kb135]

Just a heads up to anyone removing/replacing the kidney grills. This writeup was great first of all! But there is one thing I encountered which anyone should look out for, that is, when pulling the kidney grill out, if you pull the bottom half out first at a bit of an angle, you risk scraping paint off the top left and right corners of the bumper where the top of the kidney grill is, since the edges of the kidney grill tend to gouge it out... see pic below...

Luckily I had touch up paint and you can't tell what happened unless you knew where to look.... but to avoid this just try not to pull the bottom half out too much before starting to remove the top half.i.e. don't create too much of an angle when removing the kidney grill. try to pull out as straight as possible.

[Da _Grk_Tuner]

Originally Posted by AndyM

Tools Required
T-30 Torx Driver
Right Angle Tool
Flashlight
Flat Blade Screwdriver

Removing the Kidney Grills

With the hood open, begin by removing the 4 T-30 Screws above the kidney grills and set them aside.




You will also want to lift the strip of insulation at the front of the hood off of it’s sleeve. You remove it by pulling up.


The Kidney Grills are held in with 6 clips. There are three along the top edge, one along the side toward the light and two along the bottom. If you are replacing the Kidney Grills, look at the new Grills: you will see the locations of the clips. To remove the kidney grills, you need to lift the two clips along the bottom of the grills. The easiest way to do this is with a right angle tool. They are available from Sears and are a handy tool to have. Sears part number: 00999802000 ($12.99). Sears carries a few different varieties.




You will want to begin by undocking the two lower clips. You will be able to see them in between the slats in the grill. You may need a flashlight to help you locate them. Once you have located them, insert the right angle tool to lift the center section of the clip and lift up. You will want to use your free hand to gently pull the grill toward you. You will want to prevent the grill from re-docking itself so once you have one side unclipped, keep enough pressure outward so it does not go back in.








With the lower clips undocked, you can begin working on the upper clips. In order to access the clips, you want to pull up on the bumper trim and if you look in from the engine compartment, you will see the three clips. Use a flat blade screwdriver or the pointed end of the pick to push the clips down.






As you did with the lower clips, gently pull the grill toward you to keep the clips from re-engaging. Once you have the 3 upper clips undocked, you can pull the grills out.


Installing the new Kidney Grills

To install the new grills, simply line them up and push them in until you hear the clips engage. Once you have both grills installed, replace the 4 T-30 Screws and tighten them down. Re-install the strip of insulation.





If you follow this DIY , please post a thank you.

I did this without taking the screws off the top of the kidney grills and with just a thin flat screw in 8min

[Old_Guy]

A sharp controlled pull at each edge worked fine for me.

Which to choose?


Went with gloss black performance surround, stock chrome inner:

[Tee-Dub]

this job is way easier if you remove the two scoops for the cold air intake. You can then get your hands in there to release the clips. FWIW, I pulled mine and painted them with black Plasti-dip paint for about $8. They look just like the matte black ones you pay almost $100 for.

[andnkuhn]

Originally Posted by Old_Guy

A sharp controlled pull at each edge worked fine for me.

Which to choose?
Attachment 779440

Went with gloss black performance surround, stock chrome inner:
Attachment 779441

this is exactly what i the most also. great choice.

[Dackelone]

Originally Posted by andnkuhn

this is exactly what i the most also. great choice.

^+1. Yup me too. I started at the top and worked my way down. For the bottom half you just have to tug/pull real hard.

[Ratcliffe33]

great walk through ! very helpful !

[135ivert]

Any pics of full matte black grilles on Jet Black/BSM? I'm debating on matte vs. gloss.

[Dave ABP]

Originally Posted by 135ivert

Any pics of full matte black grilles on Jet Black/BSM? I'm debating on matte vs. gloss.

I think on a black car the gloss black will blend in nicer.

I have always liked matt black grills on white ones though even though i have gloss black on my white one and they do look good.

[135ivert]

Originally Posted by Dave ABP

I think on a black car the gloss black will blend in nicer.

You're probably right. I think I was just looking at ways to make it "mine".

Also, should I be worried about the grilles fading at a different rate than the paint? The sun's pretty intense here in CO, but I garage at night.