How to swap out grille inserts

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GoMangoMan

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Before I started this project, there was some confusion (mostly on my part) as to how to remove and reuse the retaining pins. Since I just finished this mod and it's fresh in my mind, here are some step by step photos.

You will need a 5/16" deep socket, a 1/16' punch and a small hammer.

1. Remove the the 12 bolts holding your grille assembly from the hood bracket. You will have a sealant/gasket holding the top of the grille to the hood, carefully pull grille away from hood.

2. Place the grille assembly on some towels or blanket on a workbench or saw horses to prevent scratching.

3. There will be 22 (11 each side) retaining pins to remove. Carefully place the 1/16" punch in the center of each pin and lightly hammer the center male pin out. Keep this pin for reassembly. Pull out the female retaining pin and set aside. Repeat this procedure 21 more times.

4. Lift grille inserts out of shell. Replace the new inserts (maintaining LH and RH side in proper place)

5. Replace female retaining pin in each empty hole. Carefully slide male pin into the female and lightly tap it in so that it is flush. After you have replaced all retaining pins, you are ready to mount the grille shell onto the hood bracket.
 

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OklaHemi

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sweet write up do you have any pics of the aftermath?
 

HemiBabe

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Thank you for doin this write-up I wanna paint my grille black and had no clue how to get those off! You rock!
 

OklaHemi

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Its pretty easy once you get the first one out after that it all makes sense
 

RubberFrog

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Rob, thank you for taking the time to write this up and post pics. We really appreciate members like you stepping up and giving back to the community!
 
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GoMangoMan

GoMangoMan

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Rob, thank you for taking the time to write this up and post pics. We really appreciate members like you stepping up and giving back to the community!

Yeah well it seems so easy to some people and it was stupidity on my part that I didn't get what Butch was trying to tell me. In all honesty, it shouldn't take more than 60 minutes to do this mod. I was hacking away for awhile until I came to the 4th pin and the male part was sticking up...I took the punch and tapped it through and I just shook my head muttering "DUHHH".
As much help as I get from everyone here, I wanted to give back!

Here's the before and after (ignore the winter wheels):
 

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GoMangoMan

GoMangoMan

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The pin only punches out by 1/8" and stays inside the female portion as this unlocks the pin. The pin resets itself when placed back into the hole and the male pin is pushed back in. Photo #4 shows how they work. Once you get into it, you'll see how they work!
 

atc06jh

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Thank you for this post! I'm looking into getting the billet inserts myself for my 04 1500 Hemi. Do you have any suggestions on a brand and where to order from? I know carid.com has them for $170 but then ebay has plenty for around $50. I don't know if it's one of those "you get what you pay for" parts or if all polished aircraft aluminum is the same. Thanks!
 

jbmn67

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Thanks so much for explaining this,
Definitely going to be painting my inserts soon!
 

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