2011-2014 Lower Chrome Grille Replacement

[TrevDehm]

Has anyone changed out the lower chrome grille? I recently purchased a 2012 and the bottom grille had some chrome flaking and a license plate bracket (which isn't needed in TN).

 

Am I able replace without removing the front bumper. I just replaced the Ford emblem and noticed the tabs from the rest of the grille, just not sure about the bottom.

 

Thanks for your input.

[enigma-2]

Given any thought to plastic diping it? (Same color as car). Cheaper and easier.

[Redbow]

I Plasti dipped mine about a year ago and it still look like the day it was done. Cost about an hour and $15.00. I just didn't like that excessive chrome.

Burke

Edited June 30, 2016 by Redbow

[TrevDehm]

Plasti dipped looks good. Just trying to keep it clean with a stock look, especially since it's the wife's. I own the 2015 fusion in the background.

 

If I can remove the bottom chrome grille to replace that would be preferred. $140 for a brand new, non license plate front end would be great.

[enigma-2]

Here's a video on how to remove the bumper (with grill).

 

[candurin]

I replaced mine with the black primed version years ago (looks great with my tux black paint, no need to actually paint it - still looks brand new). Yes, you will need to remove the entire bumper (very easy to do) and be careful of the clips when removing the grille "ribs".

 

Should take no more than an hour.

[chefduane]

Candurin, do you happen to have a Part Number for the grille? I just purchased an '11 Limited AWD in Tuxedo Black and am also interested in replacing the chrome grille with the black. I wasn't sure how a simple 'primed' grille would look but yours looks great in the vid! I think I'll do it.

Thanks!

[pedro2u]

BT4Z-8200-AA

[chefduane]

Thanks very much!! Will order today!!

[cmurra6745]

pics of the primed grill in black edge anywhere?\

[chefduane]

Enigma-2's video has a view of it at the end. Also, just google 'ford edge with black grille' with the request set to 'images.' All kinds of pix come up.

[candurin]

Heres a few pics (you'll have to look through the threads)

 

http://www.fordedgeforum.com/topic/13791-replacing-front-grill-paint-or-no-paint/

 

And mine:

 

http://www.fordedgeforum.com/topic/13030-plasti-dipped-wheels/

[chefduane]

I have the primered matte black grille on order and think it will look great on the Edge. Has anyone just done a clear coat on it? Like with a gloss sealant? I wonder how that would change the look and hold up to sun and weather.

[pedro2u]

I posted my pics here:

 

http://www.fordedgeforum.com/topic/21101-ebay-black-ford-edge-grill-installation/

[chefduane]

Just received the already primered grille parts from Ford. A local shop here in the Dallas area wants $340 to paint them Ford Tuxedo Black and then clear coat them.

I think that's a little steep, but I've never dealt with a body/paint shop before. Does that sound about right or not? Any feedback would be much appreciated. Thanks!

[chefduane]

This is a great vid and much appreciated!! But after the bumper assembly is off, how do you remove the grille parts? Or do they just snap off from behind? Are they screwed on?

Thanks for any feedback!

Chef Duane

[candurin]

There's clips that hold the "ribs" in place on the top and bottom of the black honeycomb plastic.

 

It will make sense once you see it. Just be careful with the the clips, they are surprisingly easy to break.

[pedro2u]

a thin bladed screw driver inserted in the slot with a light twist while pushing out worked for me. Having a pair of hands on the other side pulling helps too

[chefduane]

I've ordered a kit from a vendor that is color matched to code UH - Tuxedo Black. The kit includes a surface prep solution, color coat, and clear coat. I plan to scuff the already primered grille parts, use a tack cloth, then do the prep solution. A couple of color coats, then clear coat or two should do it. I'll try to post pix when I have the project done. Should have all color matched grille parts painted and installed for under $200. Not bad.

[chefduane]

I got the grille parts color matched painted and clear coated. Total for the paint and clear coat was $41 including a bottle of primer prep. I must say that the color match is remarkable! After I got them painted and mounted they really look like they are factory. I'll try to get a few pics and post them tomorrow.