Replacing the grille insert

[GoMangoMan]

So I'm trying to pull out the little black tabs (that cost $5.00 ea through the stealership) so that I can reuse them and I keep snapping off the heads! I cannot push them out from behind nor pull them out because that breaks the head off. HELP! How did everyone else do it?

 

[Ms.MagnumSLT]

My Billet grill was bolt over the honeycomb grille.

 

[quietpeen]

Rob those or basically plasic rivets, you cant just pull them out...first you have to push the plastic pin/rod out of the center then it will come right out without breaking/ ripping the head off

 

[Redtruck-VA]

Replacement rivets can be gotten at Lowe's or the Saturn dealer.

 

[sullivan]

Autozone carries every rivet or plastic insert you ever need. They even have nylon screws.

 

[0212353]

are there Saturn dealers still around?

 

[03MopaRamman]

Just so happens too, I Changed Mine back Yesterday From aftermarket "Chrome Sport" to Honey-comb. Just drilled them out and used appropriate push-pin plastic inserts I had in my stash as I didn't have any rivets small enough. IMO Would cost approx 60 cents x 22 to replace what I used. Tricky part is deciding what to get (You could use a drill bit to size the hole requirement or take the grille to the parts counter...LOL.

 

[GoMangoMan]

That's pretty good advice. I went to the dealership and purchased two OEM pins so I could see exactly what they look like. I was able to get one out by pushing from behind then pulling it out. It stayed compressed and did not look like the new pins. I took the new pins and the removed pin and went to Autozone and Pep-boys and they had something close but not exact replacement. I will try these later this morning when it warms up a little more outside (it's 45 degrees now in Eastern Pa.). If all else fails, drill'em and fill'em! Thanks guys!!

 

[Bluesmoke91]

guess im not the only who struggled with something as easy as swapping the grille...i swapped the entire grille shell and inserts and it was a serious pain in the ass

 

[RubberFrog]

It's worse on an 07!

 

[Redtruck-VA]

Being cold probably doesn't help.

 

[KGBIGCOUNTRY]

Get the part number and google it. I wish I had my recipt from where I ordered a dozen online for the wifes when we swaped her inserts. Dealer wanted 3.50 with my discount, online I think I got them for under a buck a peice.

 

[GoMangoMan]

OK so I did the swap today. Butch was right on the money whereas you need to push the pin out. I will start a how-to thread since I took photos during the process. It really was quite simple after removing the grill shell and working on it in the garage on saw horses.

Here's some before and after photos. Don't pay attention to my stock wheels as I run those during the winter and I don't think we are out of the winter storm season as of yet here in Eastern Pa.

 

[GoMangoMan]

One more shot straight on.

 

[quietpeen]

Good deal Rob. the black flows much better

 

[RubberFrog]

That's tight brother.

 

[Trupiano]

Looks awesome Rob! Well done man!

 

[0212353]

looks great!

 

[GoMangoMan]

To the guys that change over to the honeycomb: do you put anything behind the grill like a screen or anything? It seems awfully open.

 

[RubberFrog]

I think most guys just leave it the way it is. It might help to spray everything behind the grill flat black.