T-Rex Billet Grille Install by LtlDad
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03-21-2005, 07:43 PM
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Shelby Twp, Michigan
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T-Rex Billet Grille Install by LtlDad
Thanks to LtlDad for this article!!
Please Read DodgeForum.com's Disclaimer
This guide is used to assist with installing the 20473-Grille insert, as well as the 25473-Bumper overlay. As a suggestion, it may be advisable to ‘clear coat’ the grilles, prior to installation, to reduce normal wear once on the vehicle. It is also advisable to allow a minimum of 1 hour for installation and an area large enough to accommodate the front fascia once off of the vehicle. (Note: The original TRex install page is included at the end of this document.)
The following tools will be needed (possible additional, as well):
Standard Screwdriver
#40 drill bit
Phillips Screwdriver (#2)
Drill motor
9/32” socket (or 7 mm)
Channel lock pliers
11/32” socket (or 10mm)
Straight edge
¼“ socket ratchet
Xacto-type blade
¼“ socket extension
Begin by parking the vehicle in an area with available space. Open hood and locate compression tabs/fasteners immediately in front of the radiator, on either side of the hood latch:
(Note: There should be a total of 6 fasteners. 3 on right and 3 on left)
These fasteners simply separate and can easily be removed by simply prying up on one edge and removing center peg. The entire fastener should come out, although the peg could be removed first, followed by the base:
Next, remove the covers, just behind the fasteners removed. These 2 black covers simply pull away from their seated areas. Simply grab one corner and pull up, the clips should snap away freely. Take note how the covers interlock with one another. The left side fits into the right side, just under the latch release for the hood:
Here is another shot of the bottom of the cover showing the retaining clips:
Remove both sides and place in secure area with the upper fascia fasteners. The next step may not be necessary and can be ignored, although for ease, it is advised to follow. With the covers removed, there are 2 plastic screws that now need to be removed. These screws attach to the foam support (for the front bumper) and hold the factory grille to the foam support.
NOTE: If these are not removed, when the fascia is removed, this foam support will also be removed. This is not attached to the vehicle and is held in place by the fascia, which surrounds it.
The screws should be able to be removed by hand, although a ‘square’ bit is needed to properly remove. These are located directly behind the lower bottom edges of the factory grille:
(There are only 2, one on each side of the grille. These do not need to be removed, although it is advised if these are removed. The factory grille has a ‘ U ‘ shaped piece that this fastener goes through and attaches to this foam support.)
Above picture is the right hand side; next page has a picture of left hand side.
This picture below is the same as the previous, although there is a better view of the fastener and how the factory grille attached to it:
(NOTE: The ‘red’ area is a representation of the factory grille and the tab used to connect to this foam support.)
Once these 2 fasteners are removed, begin on either the left or right wheel well. There are 3 plastic rivets that will need to be drilled out and 3 fasteners like those for the top of the fascia, at the radiator:
The 3 rivets, to be drilled out, are on the outside edge of the wheel well and fascia. The other 3 fasteners are on the bottom of the wheel well and towards the engine compartment.)
The 3 rivets can be drilled out using a #40 drill bit. Simply drill through the center of the fastener and then pry the head off. It is possible to pry enough to pull the entire fastener out:
The kit supplies 6 replacement plugs (3 for each wheel well), when re-attaching fascia to vehicle.
The lower fasteners will remove the same as the radiator fasteners. The entire fastener should come out, although the peg could be removed first, followed by the base.
Once the fasteners have been removed, push the wheel well to the inside (towards the engine compartment) to expose the 11/32” (11mm) bolt.
NOTE: There are 2 bolts in this location, although ONLY the bolt closest to the edge needs to be removed. The fascia is ‘keyed’ to fit into the wheel well/quarter panel.
(Note: View is looking up into wheel well from ground. Fascia and headlight are to the left, and ceiling is in foreground.)
=This shows 2 additional views of this area.=
The following is another view of the bolt to remove, just behind the wheel well:
(View looking up from ground level, other bolt can remain and white cap is for headlight housing.)
(Side view from behind wheel well looking towards front of vehicle at wheel height)
Repeat process for opposite side. For ease, turn the steering wheel to maximize accessibility.
Once all 6 fasteners are removed from each wheel well, begin to remove the 9/32” (7mm) screws around the bottom front of the fascia. There is a centerpiece that interlocks with the 2 wheel well pieces. Be sure to take notice on how all these pieces interlock.
(View looking from bottom of vehicle looking aft (towards back hatch). Each number represents different piece that interlocks with each other.)
Once all of these screws are removed, the front fascia should easily pull away from the vehicle. Since each side of the fascia, just below the headlight housing, is keyed to lock into the wheel well, a small amount of force may be necessary to pull the fascia away.
NOTE: No picture available of the fascia where it is keyed (locks into the wheel well.)
Once fascia is removed, the factory grille can now be removed. The grille is held in with a series of clips and 2 Phillips screws, per side. Begin by removing the 2 Phillips screws on the bottom of the grille:
(Factory grille must be removed from inside of fascia. Grille is seated from the back.)
Once the screws are removed, there are 6 tabs that will need to be maneuvered to release the grille from the fascia. There are 4 in the center cross member and 2 on the top edge of the grille. Simply use a standard screwdriver to pry the grille away from each tab.
=This shows area where factory grille was installed. Take note to where the Phillips screws and cross member tabs are located. The picture only shows the 2 upper tabs on the cross member, there are 2 lower tabs, as well.=
Take note of the tabs in the center cross member. The 4 outside tabs (upper and lower) on the cross member will need to be cut flush with the cross member. The TRex grille does not allow for clearance of these tabs. The 4 inside tabs, on the cross member can remain and do not interfere with the TRex grille. (The inside tabs can also be removed, although these can remain without any installation issues).
(Four outside tabs on cross member (upper and lower) need to be cut off to allow clearance for TRex grille)
=This shows the TRex grille installed with the tabs removed. Take note to the 2 tabs that remain, as the grille does not interfere with the inside tabs.=
NOTE: Be sure to remove the correct tabs and only those connected to the outer edge of the center cross member. The lower tabs remain as a mounting point for both the factory and TRex grilles.
Take note to the tabs on the cross member, once the TRex grille is installed. The 2 tabs towards the center remain, having enough clearance and do not interfere, although the 2 outside tabs must be removed for the installation to seat correctly.
(Inside view of fascia looking outward. Note tabs remaining as well as lower mounts. These align with factory mounting point.)
A razor blade can be used to cut through the plastic tab to remove it. Any straight edge can be used to ensure a clean cut.
Once the outside center cross member tabs are cut, the TRex grille can be installed. To help with the installation, the factory compression nuts are removed and installed over the lower tabs (The TRex grille is screwed into the factory locations on the top and bottom only.)
(Close up of factory grille with compression nut partially removed. This nut will simply slide out of the grille housing.)
(Close up of compression nut placed on lower factory mount on fascia. The TRex grille comes with screws, although the factory screws will work the same.)
Now simply align the TRex grille into the opening and screw into place. It is advised to temporarily install all 4 mounting screws, first, to check for alignment, prior to permanently tightening.
The 2 top mounting screws and flat nuts are supplied in the TRex install kit and it is advised to do these top 2 screws FIRST. Once installed, the bottom 2 screws can be attached and may require gentle force to align.
=This shows the top 2 screws installed.=
It is suggested to install the 2 upper screws and flat nuts, FIRST, prior to installing lower screws. The factory tabs are used as a ‘pass through’ for the screw on the TRex grille:
(Installation screws and flat nuts are supplied in TRex install kit.)
Once the upper screws are installed, align lower mounts and screw into place:
(The TRex grille has ‘stand offs’ that sit above the factory mounting tabs.)
Simply repeat on left side of fascia and all is complete. Simply reverse steps to reinstall fascia to front of vehicle.
NOTE: If installing the 25473 – Bumper Overly, it is best if this is completed, now, as the grille pieces are installed with long screws that attach through the grille and fascia and connect with a bracket on the back of the fascia (similar to a toggle bolt.)
The following 2 pictures are the only 2 available. One is of the grille installed into the fascia and the other is of the fastener:
(Lower bumper grille installed. Showing bracket behind grille and fascia.)
=This shows the picture of fastener not installed. The mounting bracket is loose and is adjustable to fit snug against the inside of the fascia.=
This is the TRex bumper fastener used to mount the 25473 grille. There are 2 sections to fill the 2 areas in the bumper fascia. There is NO cutting required, as these 2 sections are overlays onto the fascia.
(Fastener used to attach 25473 TRex grille to fascia. Similar to toggle bolt.)
Again, it is advisable to install these grille pieces when the fascia is removed from the vehicle. These can be installed first prior to installing the 20473 TRex Grille insert, although it is not necessary to install one prior to the other.
And here are the final Before and After Pictures.........
Magnum, MagnumSRT-8
Please Read DodgeForum.com's Disclaimer
This guide is used to assist with installing the 20473-Grille insert, as well as the 25473-Bumper overlay. As a suggestion, it may be advisable to ‘clear coat’ the grilles, prior to installation, to reduce normal wear once on the vehicle. It is also advisable to allow a minimum of 1 hour for installation and an area large enough to accommodate the front fascia once off of the vehicle. (Note: The original TRex install page is included at the end of this document.)
The following tools will be needed (possible additional, as well):
Standard Screwdriver
#40 drill bit
Phillips Screwdriver (#2)
Drill motor
9/32” socket (or 7 mm)
Channel lock pliers
11/32” socket (or 10mm)
Straight edge
¼“ socket ratchet
Xacto-type blade
¼“ socket extension
Begin by parking the vehicle in an area with available space. Open hood and locate compression tabs/fasteners immediately in front of the radiator, on either side of the hood latch:
(Note: There should be a total of 6 fasteners. 3 on right and 3 on left)
These fasteners simply separate and can easily be removed by simply prying up on one edge and removing center peg. The entire fastener should come out, although the peg could be removed first, followed by the base:
Next, remove the covers, just behind the fasteners removed. These 2 black covers simply pull away from their seated areas. Simply grab one corner and pull up, the clips should snap away freely. Take note how the covers interlock with one another. The left side fits into the right side, just under the latch release for the hood:
Here is another shot of the bottom of the cover showing the retaining clips:
Remove both sides and place in secure area with the upper fascia fasteners. The next step may not be necessary and can be ignored, although for ease, it is advised to follow. With the covers removed, there are 2 plastic screws that now need to be removed. These screws attach to the foam support (for the front bumper) and hold the factory grille to the foam support.
NOTE: If these are not removed, when the fascia is removed, this foam support will also be removed. This is not attached to the vehicle and is held in place by the fascia, which surrounds it.
The screws should be able to be removed by hand, although a ‘square’ bit is needed to properly remove. These are located directly behind the lower bottom edges of the factory grille:
(There are only 2, one on each side of the grille. These do not need to be removed, although it is advised if these are removed. The factory grille has a ‘ U ‘ shaped piece that this fastener goes through and attaches to this foam support.)
Above picture is the right hand side; next page has a picture of left hand side.
This picture below is the same as the previous, although there is a better view of the fastener and how the factory grille attached to it:
(NOTE: The ‘red’ area is a representation of the factory grille and the tab used to connect to this foam support.)
Once these 2 fasteners are removed, begin on either the left or right wheel well. There are 3 plastic rivets that will need to be drilled out and 3 fasteners like those for the top of the fascia, at the radiator:
The 3 rivets, to be drilled out, are on the outside edge of the wheel well and fascia. The other 3 fasteners are on the bottom of the wheel well and towards the engine compartment.)
The 3 rivets can be drilled out using a #40 drill bit. Simply drill through the center of the fastener and then pry the head off. It is possible to pry enough to pull the entire fastener out:
The kit supplies 6 replacement plugs (3 for each wheel well), when re-attaching fascia to vehicle.
The lower fasteners will remove the same as the radiator fasteners. The entire fastener should come out, although the peg could be removed first, followed by the base.
Once the fasteners have been removed, push the wheel well to the inside (towards the engine compartment) to expose the 11/32” (11mm) bolt.
NOTE: There are 2 bolts in this location, although ONLY the bolt closest to the edge needs to be removed. The fascia is ‘keyed’ to fit into the wheel well/quarter panel.
(Note: View is looking up into wheel well from ground. Fascia and headlight are to the left, and ceiling is in foreground.)
=This shows 2 additional views of this area.=
The following is another view of the bolt to remove, just behind the wheel well:
(View looking up from ground level, other bolt can remain and white cap is for headlight housing.)
(Side view from behind wheel well looking towards front of vehicle at wheel height)
Repeat process for opposite side. For ease, turn the steering wheel to maximize accessibility.
Once all 6 fasteners are removed from each wheel well, begin to remove the 9/32” (7mm) screws around the bottom front of the fascia. There is a centerpiece that interlocks with the 2 wheel well pieces. Be sure to take notice on how all these pieces interlock.
(View looking from bottom of vehicle looking aft (towards back hatch). Each number represents different piece that interlocks with each other.)
Once all of these screws are removed, the front fascia should easily pull away from the vehicle. Since each side of the fascia, just below the headlight housing, is keyed to lock into the wheel well, a small amount of force may be necessary to pull the fascia away.
NOTE: No picture available of the fascia where it is keyed (locks into the wheel well.)
Once fascia is removed, the factory grille can now be removed. The grille is held in with a series of clips and 2 Phillips screws, per side. Begin by removing the 2 Phillips screws on the bottom of the grille:
(Factory grille must be removed from inside of fascia. Grille is seated from the back.)
Once the screws are removed, there are 6 tabs that will need to be maneuvered to release the grille from the fascia. There are 4 in the center cross member and 2 on the top edge of the grille. Simply use a standard screwdriver to pry the grille away from each tab.
=This shows area where factory grille was installed. Take note to where the Phillips screws and cross member tabs are located. The picture only shows the 2 upper tabs on the cross member, there are 2 lower tabs, as well.=
Take note of the tabs in the center cross member. The 4 outside tabs (upper and lower) on the cross member will need to be cut flush with the cross member. The TRex grille does not allow for clearance of these tabs. The 4 inside tabs, on the cross member can remain and do not interfere with the TRex grille. (The inside tabs can also be removed, although these can remain without any installation issues).
(Four outside tabs on cross member (upper and lower) need to be cut off to allow clearance for TRex grille)
=This shows the TRex grille installed with the tabs removed. Take note to the 2 tabs that remain, as the grille does not interfere with the inside tabs.=
NOTE: Be sure to remove the correct tabs and only those connected to the outer edge of the center cross member. The lower tabs remain as a mounting point for both the factory and TRex grilles.
Take note to the tabs on the cross member, once the TRex grille is installed. The 2 tabs towards the center remain, having enough clearance and do not interfere, although the 2 outside tabs must be removed for the installation to seat correctly.
(Inside view of fascia looking outward. Note tabs remaining as well as lower mounts. These align with factory mounting point.)
A razor blade can be used to cut through the plastic tab to remove it. Any straight edge can be used to ensure a clean cut.
Once the outside center cross member tabs are cut, the TRex grille can be installed. To help with the installation, the factory compression nuts are removed and installed over the lower tabs (The TRex grille is screwed into the factory locations on the top and bottom only.)
(Close up of factory grille with compression nut partially removed. This nut will simply slide out of the grille housing.)
(Close up of compression nut placed on lower factory mount on fascia. The TRex grille comes with screws, although the factory screws will work the same.)
Now simply align the TRex grille into the opening and screw into place. It is advised to temporarily install all 4 mounting screws, first, to check for alignment, prior to permanently tightening.
The 2 top mounting screws and flat nuts are supplied in the TRex install kit and it is advised to do these top 2 screws FIRST. Once installed, the bottom 2 screws can be attached and may require gentle force to align.
=This shows the top 2 screws installed.=
It is suggested to install the 2 upper screws and flat nuts, FIRST, prior to installing lower screws. The factory tabs are used as a ‘pass through’ for the screw on the TRex grille:
(Installation screws and flat nuts are supplied in TRex install kit.)
Once the upper screws are installed, align lower mounts and screw into place:
(The TRex grille has ‘stand offs’ that sit above the factory mounting tabs.)
Simply repeat on left side of fascia and all is complete. Simply reverse steps to reinstall fascia to front of vehicle.
NOTE: If installing the 25473 – Bumper Overly, it is best if this is completed, now, as the grille pieces are installed with long screws that attach through the grille and fascia and connect with a bracket on the back of the fascia (similar to a toggle bolt.)
The following 2 pictures are the only 2 available. One is of the grille installed into the fascia and the other is of the fastener:
(Lower bumper grille installed. Showing bracket behind grille and fascia.)
=This shows the picture of fastener not installed. The mounting bracket is loose and is adjustable to fit snug against the inside of the fascia.=
This is the TRex bumper fastener used to mount the 25473 grille. There are 2 sections to fill the 2 areas in the bumper fascia. There is NO cutting required, as these 2 sections are overlays onto the fascia.
(Fastener used to attach 25473 TRex grille to fascia. Similar to toggle bolt.)
Again, it is advisable to install these grille pieces when the fascia is removed from the vehicle. These can be installed first prior to installing the 20473 TRex Grille insert, although it is not necessary to install one prior to the other.
And here are the final Before and After Pictures.........
Magnum, MagnumSRT-8
