Grill replacement

[scott4.0]

I'm bringing back my explorer to life. I went around and used my flex system to try and restore it as much as possible. During the process, I knocked off some paint in the front grill. Is there a simple grill replacement kit for a 98 explorer? Has anyone done that? While I'm there, I'd like to modify it a little, flat black, etc.

 

[deweyville65]

Grills available from a number of different companies, both new and used. But if you are going to paint the replacement, why not do the one you have? Explain a bit more about what you have, and what you want to achieve so you can be better helped.

 

[scott4.0]

here's a picture. I suppose I could paint it, but I was wondering if I could get a little different style.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/31117372@N03/7559042856

 

[deweyville65]

Have you looked at LMC parts. Look them up on the 'net. Their catalog is free, and good to do business with. I have to dig out my catalog, but I think they have inserts for the Ex. If you want chrome, go to your local wrecking yard. Hope this helps you.

 

[scott4.0]

Have you looked at LMC parts. Look them up on the 'net. Their catalog is free, and good to do business with. I have to dig out my catalog, but I think they have inserts for the Ex. If you want chrome, go to your local wrecking yard. Hope this helps you.

Thanks for the help. They have a ton of stuff.

 

[koda2000]

i don't know about for a '98, but i was amazed at rockauto's price for a replacement grille for my '01. i think it was something like $57 and it included the ends. i've always found LMC prices to be high, but they do have a bunch of stuff.

I just checked and the more expensive one rockauto sells for the '01 is only $39.79. The cheapest grille they offer for the '98 is only $19.83!

 

[scott4.0]

i don't know about for a '98, but i was amazed at rockauto's price for a replacement grille for my '01. i think it was something like $57 and it included the ends. i've always found LMC prices to be high, but they do have a bunch of stuff.

I just checked and the more expensive one rockauto sells for the '01 is only $39.79. The cheapest grille they offer for the '98 is only $19.83!

Wow. Sweet!

 

[AndyDrew]

Wow. Sweet!

Looking to paint my flaking chrome grill on my 1995 XLT... rockauto.com has 2 for my year, but I will just paint mine. It's all about the prep.

 

[koda2000]

Looking to paint my flaking chrome grill on my 1995 XLT... rockauto.com has 2 for my year, but I will just paint mine. It's all about the prep.

well, to get a really good result you're gonna need to chip off all the plastic-chrome (not easily accomplished). it's your time if you want to try doing this, but to me it's not worth the amount of effort it will require (especially as the results are not guarantied). i spent about 4 hours scraping the paint off my Mountaineer's roof rack with a razor blade. i then sprayed it with adhesion promoter and then with VHT low-gloss black. it came out looking like new. was it worth the effort? probably not, but i had nothing better to do and a new one was not available for $20-$40. jmho.