Grille removal

[nadams]

I want to remove the grille so I can straighten it out a bit and paint it but I have no idea how to get it off. I know I will have to remove the headlight doors but what's next?

[sargentrs]

I'm pulled mine off twice and at least one other and, funny, I can't even remember where all the bolts are. Not sure what year you're talking about but this diagram is pretty good for mine http://www.fordification.com/tech/image ... e-7172.jpg and this one covers 64-69 http://www.fordification.com/tech/image ... e-6769.jpg I believe there's some screws that hold the headlight buckets in that go through it too, behind the bezels once you remove them. The bolts that always irritate me are the one's inside the fenders, in the very front at the tip top. Kinda go in at a downward angle and are a PITA to get a socket on.

[flyboy2610]

The bolts that always irritate me are the one's inside the fenders, in the very front at the tip top. Kinda go in at a downward angle and are a PITA to get a socket on.

Unless you absolutely have to remove those, it's much easier to remove the upper valance with the grill.

[fordman]

the botls are up behind the fenders. and they arent fun to remove.

[flyboy2610]

the botls are up behind the fenders. and they arent fun to remove.

Use a 1/2" deep socket with a long extension on it. a nice long 'persuader' helps, too. It helps if you can remove the tires first. More room to work that way.

[rltvader]

The fender ones aren't fun, and be careful taking the bolts off the grill and upper valence, I scratched my hand up trying to get it off, and go slow on putting it back on.

[dolinick]

The fender ones aren't fun, and be careful taking the bolts off the grill and upper valence, I scratched my hand up trying to get it off, and go slow on putting it back on.

Yeah, I had one rusty stubborn bolt on mine and not only did I bend the grille near the bolt I cut my hand up when the wrench slipped. I didn't want to pay for the valence AND the grille at the boneyard. They didn't know the difference. I ended up buying the grille with the upper valence still attached.

[chicof100]

As stated earlier, it is a lot easier to remove grille with upper valance. Seeing how this is "your" grille PB-blast all the bolts you can get to. After removing headlight doors, (67 68 69) remove headlights. Remove bolt from upper corner. If this bolt just spins you'll need to put a 1/2" wrench on the backside. Turn wheel one way to get to bolts in the inside fender area. Remove bolt from bracket closest to frame. Using a 1/2" socket with long extension loosen the bolts on inner fender, should be three. Do this slow, loosen a little then tighten, loosen the tighten until bolt comes out. Do not force these bolts out or damge to the grille will surely happen. Repeat for other side. Remove the three bolts on each side. (Top) Spray as much PB-blaster as needed. These bolts you do not want to break the spot weld on the nuts. If you do you'll need to call a buddy to help you get at these nuts unless you have three elbows on each arm. One more bolt on upper valance between fender and center part of grille. Repeat for other side. Now remove two upper bolts in center and one bolt center bottom. The grille is now free to come out. A slight yank will free it up but don't pull to hard. Remember how the upper valance is positioned so you can put back the same way. Once grille is free to move forward you'll need to remove the ground wire from core support. Each side should have one.
This process should take 15 minutes to an hour depending on experience.
Soak all bolts in oil before re-assembly dry off before installing.
I hope this helps.

[fordman]

i've had the j nuts break on me sometimes. the last one that did that to me i just cut the botls with a sawzall between the fender and grille. another time i just cut the front of the fender off because it was all rusted out anyway. then i could get in there with some vise grips to hold the j nuts from turning. i have also had the j nuts spin and tear out the grille mounting tabs. thats not fun.

[nadams]

I should have read fordman's post before I took the grille off! The last 2 bolts I took off tore the mounting tabs off the lower drivers corner. I am thinking I can use some washers to remount it or does someone have a better idea.