2005 mustang grille

stang2005 · 05-30-2005

I just bought a new mustang coupe, actually the wife found it and wanted it, so we bought it, anyway it is a V6 (not a GT). We could find one out there at all, but back to my question, how do I remove the front grille? I want to put an aftermarket one in and I can't seem to figure it out.

Tiberius1701 · 05-30-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by stang2005

I just bought a new mustang coupe, actually the wife found it and wanted it, so we bought it, anyway it is a V6 (not a GT). We could find one out there at all, but back to my question, how do I remove the front grille? I want to put an aftermarket one in and I can't seem to figure it out.

Removing the grille requires removing the bumper cover-don't worry it is not as hard as you think, just follow these instructions

1) Remove radiator sight shield (six plastic rivets-use a pick to lift the center button up to release)

2) Remove front fender wheelhouse liners (five phillips head plastic rivets per side and three philllips screws. Note: turn wheel to full lock the same direction as the side you are working on for easiest access-or remove front wheels.)

3) Disconnect wiring harnesses to front turn and running lamps. Release tab s on connectors to unseat.

4) Remove two 10MM bolts at top near inboard side of headlamps (black in color) and two 10MM nuts at each side rear of bumper cover where it meets the fender (silver in color)

5) Slide cover foreward while rotating the cover down and away from the car, this allows the cover to clear the studs that the 10MM nuts thread onto.

To reinstall just reverse the above procedure, but be cautious when lining up the studs through the bumper cover-it helps to have a friend assist in this part.

If you have any questions-feel free to ask!

Cheers!

MrWick · 05-30-2005

You don't have to remove the bumper cover to remove the grille if I understand your question.I have taken the grille out of my V6 many times and never removed the bumper cover.It takes abot 5 minutes(at the most) to remove the grille and 10 seconds to re-install it.Don't remove the bumper cover.

MrWick · 05-30-2005

There are 9 tabs that hold the V6 grille in place.Two tabs on each side of the grille and five tabs across the bottom.Its difficult to explain but there is a small tab on the bumper cover that holds the plastic wedge tabs that are on the grille.There is a small retaining tab that if you take a small screwdriver and move the retainer part away from the grille wedge while putting pressure on the front of the grille at the location you are working on and with your hand force the wedge toward the center of the grille and then lightly pull the grille forward,this will allow the wedge to clear the tab.Reove one of the upper side taba and then the same tab on the other side of the grille.You don't have to pull the grille very far out to release the tabs but just do the side ones first and then the bottom ones.You will not need the screwdriver for the bottom tabs just the side ones.You will dee how easy it is once you get one done.Work with one.I have had 10 different grilles in my car without any problem.

shave35 · 05-30-2005

Mr Wick;
I notice in you other post that your fog lights are mounted, but no grill is in your car. How do you have them mounted?

stang2005 · 05-30-2005

Mr Wick.

Please explain how you have mounted those fog lights, without the grille being in there. It looks good, any tips on how you have them mounted?

MrWick · 05-31-2005

Mounted those lights by drilling a hole in the brace going across the front.I am going to try to fit a grill back in where it belongs by cutting a hole to match up with the lights.I normally mount the lights in the grille but wanted to try something a little dirrerent.The mouting hardware I used is what came on the lights.The lights end up being just a little lower than I would like so I may have to scrap that idea along with the other 100 I've tried.Here is one I might try if I get brave/stupid.

PHATTZZ STANG · 05-31-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrWick

Mounted those lights by drilling a hole in the brace going across the front.I am going to try to fit a grill back in where it belongs by cutting a hole to match up with the lights.I normally mount the lights in the grille but wanted to try something a little dirrerent.The mouting hardware I used is what came on the lights.The lights end up being just a little lower than I would like so I may have to scrap that idea along with the other 100 I've tried.Here is one I might try if I get brave/stupid.

NO

Andretti · 05-31-2005

MrWick, are you trying to hurt me? That's scary....

KECH ME · 06-03-2005

Please forgive my post here as I'm not trying to be a jerk but I just don't get all this "GT-want-to-be-itis" that's going around. It's like a virus that's spreading like crazy (Mr. Wick excluded as I consider your efforts to be more along the lines of show car customization. I certainly wouldn't mistake your grill for that of a GT's). I understand the attraction we all have for the GT front grill. I knew from the very first day I laid eyes on the 2005 Stang that 1) I had to have one and 2) it had to be a convertible and 3) it had to be a GT. But quite frankly, I think the V-6 is quite attractive and can stand alone on her own looks. I mean, if you wanted a GT - complete with all the grill fog lights and badges - why the heck then didn't you just order one in the first place? The price spread between the two isn't that far apart. Why dress up little sister to "look" like big brother only to be embarassed once you pop the hood? I see guys on this website that have spent so much $$$ on mods to their V-6 (including adding GT badges) that when you add it all up, they could have applied that $$$ to the purchase of a GT. It's like trying to convert a Firebird into a Trans Am. I just don't get it.

MrWick · 06-03-2005

I am working on another fog light location right now but don't have a picture yet.I have moved the lights to the center of the grille(no grille in car)so I have to get another grille to start getting the holes cut to match.This location will require the center pony on the grille to be removed so I am not sure how that will work out.The lights will be mounted to the car and not the grille.

RLedoux · 06-03-2005

I think for some of us it is availablilty (or lack of) of the GT. Back in March I needed to buy another vehicle and once I decided on a Mustang (although I was in the military when the '64 Mustang was announced, this is my first one.) I wanted Redfire with Parchment leather. Had enough trouble finding that combo in the V6 and nothing close in the GT. Also, even if one could find a GT in my area, expect to pay MSRP or higher. So, I bought a V6 for $1801 below MSRP on the X-Plan. Plus, since it was built in Dec 2004, the base price was $600 less than today's base price. BUT.. I still liked the GT look. Not into street racing, so I could care less about having a V8. So, thanks to EBay, I now have a GT grille (looks), GT rocker panels to match my color (looks), GT 17" Premium Wheels (looks again) and soon I will put on Magnaflow dual exhaust (sound) and a GT rear bumper cover (to accomodate dual exhaust). Don't worry though, I won't badge my V6 with any GT emblems.

All in all, saved myself a few thousand dollars, Love my Mustang, and for the first time in many years, enjoy driving again.
This is, at least, one persons reason for customizing MY ride to make it look good to ME...

Quote:

Originally Posted by KECH ME

Please forgive my post here as I'm not trying to be a jerk but I just don't get all this "GT-want-to-be-itis" that's going around. It's like a virus that's spreading like crazy (Mr. Wick excluded as I consider your efforts to be more along the lines of show car customization. I certainly wouldn't mistake your grill for that of a GT's). I understand the attraction we all have for the GT front grill. I knew from the very first day I laid eyes on the 2005 Stang that 1) I had to have one and 2) it had to be a convertible and 3) it had to be a GT. But quite frankly, I think the V-6 is quite attractive and can stand alone on her own looks. I mean, if you wanted a GT - complete with all the grill fog lights and badges - why the heck then didn't you just order one in the first place? The price spread between the two isn't that far apart. Why dress up little sister to "look" like big brother only to be embarassed once you pop the hood? I see guys on this website that have spent so much $$$ on mods to their V-6 (including adding GT badges) that when you add it all up, they could have applied that $$$ to the purchase of a GT. It's like trying to convert a Firebird into a Trans Am. I just don't get it.

Goliath · 06-03-2005

Asking a GT driver why they spend all the mods when it might be cheaper buying a vette? it's the same line of logic, there's always a bigger fish. I see nothing wrong with wanting your fish to be as mean as it can. I'm not going to put any GT badges on my car, it's not a GT, but I'm going to up the HP as much as possible. If I had more money, I'd buy something that weren't bullitt knockoffs, but right now that's the best combination I can afford :P 17" > 16"

MrWick · 06-03-2005

Here is a picture of the grille I just put together for my car.I need to finish the center of the grille between the lights as soon as I find something suitable.I mounted the lights to the cross member and then cut the holes in the grille to match.