Hello, I'm sure this has been covered here before somewhere but I can't find it. My 96 E350's grill is worn out looking. Has holes from a previous bug deflector, and it's very dull and old looking. I want to swap it out for something chrome, or billet, or whatever. I know they changed it in 97 but I'm wondering what years are a direct bolt on for mine? Thanks! By the way it made trips to Kansas City and Memphis in the last month with no issues, I love my dang van.

 

I've considered the same project, put the "super duty" 2003+ style grille in my '95.


Here's a write-up here, but the pictures are gone. It's a direct swap except the lower mounting clips on the newer grille require slots in the '95 radiator cradle, that would have to be drilled/slotted.


Also the newer grille has the ford emblem in the grille, the newer hoods don't so you end up with two ford emblems on the front. (the poster below also changed hoods on his white van.


2003-07 Grille and Hood on 1992-96 Van Writeup - Diesel Forum - TheDieselStop.com


I also saw someone else that just zip tied the bottom of the grille to the existing cradle. I've haven't done either, I found a good '95-96 grille at my junkyard.


Good Luck

 

Thanks! I can't see the pictures in that thread, but the dual emblems is a bit of a problem. I can't swap the hoods because of the conversion paint so I'll have to look into something that doesn't have the emblem in it. Are there any billet inserts that anyone has tried, wonder how that would look...

 

Why not just buy a same-year grille in chrome? Looks like $42 from Ebay...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/F2UZ8200A-FO1200180-Chrome-shell-argent-insert-New-Grille-Assembly-Ford-E150-Van-/231368184593?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item35de9e5311&vxp=mtr

 

Geez, I didn't realize they were that readily available. That's a fine option. Guess that's what the intertubes is for, eh? Thanks for the suggestion.

 

You're very welcome. It might not be OEM Ford, but it's just a plastic and chromed plastic grille and the price is sure right if it fits... It would definitely freshen up the front of your van and should not require adaptation.

Good luck,
George

 

LMC Truck sells them too....

 

heres my 94 with an 03+ grille


just made a custom sticker for the 2nd emblem hole lol