how do you open the hood (billet grille)

[Explorer96xlt]

How do i open my hood when i have a billet grille installed? im thinking a screwdriver, but is that easy?

Also, what exactly do i need to remove to install a billet grille.

 

[Mbrooks420]

Yes, a screwdriver, or any thin flat thing will move the latch. The cheap ones just zip tie on, the more expensive ones I'm not sure about.

 

[Explorer96xlt]

i've heard i need to cut out my factory grille to get it screwed in there. is this true?

and which ones from ebay are the bolt on ones?

 

[FireZapper]

I put in a wire mesh to protect the grill offroad.

I took a wire and attached it to the latch.
Then made a loop to grab just when the hood is open.

 

[Mbrooks420]

You may want to do do a search on billet grill brand. You can look at the pics of the different ones, and buy the one that fits your needs.

 

[racinjason68]

welded a rod to my latch and it comes up above where the latch hooks to the hood...

 

[jimbo74]

or you can update your hood latch to the 98+ stlye.... the part to unlatch it then is under the hood above the grill


i had a billit grill on my 94, i was able to stick my middle finger in through the space in between the billet and unlatch it

 

[rob17san]

buy a grille with a Hood Latch Lever included

I bought a Grille for my 99 limited and included was a extension bar for the older 95-98 explorers. I got if off ebay from a guy. here is the link.
Rob

 

[smittyrock3]

I bought a T-Rex grille and it does not interfere with opening the hood at all. It still operates as if the factory grille was installed. I have an 05 and the latch is at a point that is accessible when the hood is popped. Not sure if this is the case with earlier trucks I also bought the more expensive grille that was a bolt on and not a zip tie or the one that requires cutting of the factory grille.The highest point on my aftermarket grille is equal if not slightly lower than the factory version. Think I might have to realign the lower grille

 

[tac40]

I had the same question - Here's what I did

Here's what I did:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showpost.php?p=3337990&postcount=5

 

[1991navajo]

Billet

I used a piece of 3/4" x 1/8" flat stock about 6" long.
Twisted it a vice a quarter turn.
Drilled a hole in one end of the work piece and a hole in the stock hood lever.
Bolted the two together twisting and adjusting until I was satisfifed then cut to fit. This was for a 1991 and it works perfect. Painted black you have to look to see the 1/8th inch that shows.