1996 Ford Explorer Billet Grill

I have a 1996 Eddie Bauer Edition that I picked up last summer as a winter car. I bought a billet replacement grill to jazz up the front end. Well.....it ain't that simple. Has anyone here done that? Does anyone have instructions to install. Mine came with no instructions. I am handy and took a run at it today. I removed the 4 bolts that hold the plastic cover over the upper part of the headlights and the 4 screws that hold the top of the grill. All this to no avail. There are hidden connectors that I could not locate. Any help would be appreciated. From what I can see, some cutting is necessary to attach the new grill. I don't have a problem with that. I just need to get it out! $ for answers! :iceslolan

My advice would be to pick up a Chilton or Haynes manual from your local parts store. These have basic DIY instructions and would probably cover your application. Another sure bet is to get an actual Ford shop manual (usually on CD) off Ebay. I picked one up for my Explorer but have not yet received it. Those manuals cover absolutle everything. I've owned 3 Fords and I can tell you that there are a lot of hidden connectors that can be tricky to find. Many times, other parts need to be removed to access the connectors. You can do damage if you don't follow proper procedure so I recommend spending the few bucks on some good literature.

I'd check with the place where you purchased your grille from. I purchased a Billet Grille and the bumber insert (relocated the license plate below the original location so now it under the bumber) and when I started to install it, I had the same problems. There's a lot of cutting involved and the place that sold it to you can tell you the same thing. I purchased a new "shell" pre-cut from the place where I purchased the grille from. When I got it, all I had to do was remove the original grille, insert the billet grille into the new shell and put it back on the truck.

Looks great!

If you don't want to do all the cutting, I'd try calling the vendor.

Good luck!

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