Removing stock grille

[5ugnst1]

I have a 2001 ford explorer sport 2 door, and I'm interested in buying a new custom grille. I've read on the forums that it's difficult to remove the stock one, and I've also read that it's pretty simple. Is it a D.I.Y. job?
Thanks

 

[shadowless127]

iirc 01+ Sports' grilles are part of the front bumper. Or are you referring to a grille insert?

 

[5ugnst1]

iirc 01+ Sports' grilles are part of the front bumper. Or are you referring to a grille insert?

I'm talkin about the insert, or at least I think.
yeah the insert.

 

[Mike Deege]

The hardest part is getting the emblem off, it holds the insert. I broke the nut but put the emblem back with some 3m tape(2 years so far). You will also have to dremmel off some plastic nibs, then hit it with some touch up. I used a T-Rex grill, they are a little more expensive, but a higher quality than some of the e-bay stuff that's out there. Fairly simple task, about an hour if you take your time. Good luck, Mike

 

[5ugnst1]

Do they come with any sort of instructions?

 

[Mike Deege]

Wow, 2+ years ago. I'm sure it did, it was my first mod and I would have freaked if there were'nt any. If I remember correctly, the bottom screws were hard to get to, so i used some small plastic rivits to hold it, but once the top was secured it was'nt going anywhere, securing the bottom was for piece of mind. I also installed the bumper grill. http://www.automotiveconcepts.net/store/search_Ford+Explorer+grill.html

 

[5ugnst1]

I'm sure I could install it at home. Do you have this one http://www.automotiveconcepts.net/store/make-model_product_15292.html or this one http://www.automotiveconcepts.net/store/make-model_product_15291.html ?

 

[Mike Deege]

I have them both, the main grill I got from Stylin Concepts and the bumper grill from automotive concepts. Actually my sport is black like the picture except I painted my cladding, bumper, and nerfs black. I'd post some pics but my camera SUCKS. Gettin one soon. I also just got done painting a mustang hood scoop and I'm incorporating a grill into that as well.

 

[5ugnst1]

Yeah i think if I get both grilles and clear corners, my X will look clean. My bumpers are painted black aswell. And the side steps have been taken off. I got a pic right here
http://i38.tinypic.com/2090kd4.jpg

 

[Mike Deege]

I have the clear corners, you'll love the look. Nice ride, similar to mine. I have different rims(TSW caldwells on 275/55/18's), the nerfs, I also have an EE air dam, Rear windflector,debadged, and a 21" biilet antenna, and I removed the roof racks,otherwise it looks just like mine. ha ha... I know it's all useless without pics... :/

 

[5ugnst1]

Yeah man hook it up with a picture. I wanna see the clear corners and the grille, and the roof rack gone to see if it looks clean. Im eventually gonna get new rims and tires, but thats $$$$$$$$