WTT: XLT Chrome grille for black FX4 grille

tvsjr · #1 (**permalink**) 07-03-2009, 07:20 PM

I suspect I may be violating the rules posting this here, but I'm hoping the mods will let this stand for a bit, since I suspect I'll get much better results here.

I have a new (6-week old) F150 XLT with the Chrome package. This has the bright chrome 4-horizontal-bar grille. With the addition of my Ranch Hand front end replacement, which is gloss black, the grille just doesn't look right.

So, I'm looking for someone who's into chrome and has a black grille, like the one from the FX4 trucks, who would be interested in a trade. It would be a bonus if said individual lived near the Dallas/Fort Worth area so we could avoid shipping.

Please message me privately if you are interested in such a swap. Thanks.

Wes28376 · #2 (**permalink**) 07-03-2009, 09:34 PM

I think you'll have to find an FX4 that is the same color of your truck. I believe the top portion of the grille on the FX4 is color matched to the vehicle.

rbig18 · #3 (**permalink**) 07-04-2009, 12:56 AM

Can you post a pic of your ride? I have an Fx4 black in DFW area and I MIGHT be interested. I always felt the chrome looked better but I need to figure out if a chrome grill without the chrome bumbers would look right.

Thanks

Jeremy2788 · #4 (**permalink**) 07-04-2009, 07:46 PM

Id like to get a black grill also, but I think I should save enough money to buy black bumpers also so it all matches.

tvsjr · #5 (**permalink**) 07-05-2009, 01:21 AM

Sure... she's a bit dirty, but it'll work. First two are stock... third is with the Ranch Hand front end - you can see why I want a black grille!

rbig18 · #6 (**permalink**) 07-05-2009, 01:52 PM

Ok I will swap out with you for my fx4 grill assuming yours is not scratched or anything. I will take a look today and see how hard it is to remove mine. Hopefully it is not too bad to do..I would hate to scratch the hood trying to get this off. I am out of town Wednesday and Thursday this week. We could do it before or after those days.

tvsjr · #7 (**permalink**) 07-05-2009, 02:11 PM

Nah, it's had a few bug splatters but that's about it. I'll look at the removal process (anyone got any tips?) and PM you later this afternoon.

Jeremy2788 · #8 (**permalink**) 07-05-2009, 04:48 PM

How much did you pay for the Ranch Hand? Are you thinking about getting a steel bumper for the back?

tvsjr · #9 (**permalink**) 07-05-2009, 07:50 PM

I'll probably keep the regular bumper on the back, especially since the factory trailer hitch is somewhat integrated.

The Ranch Hand front end replacement runs about $1100.

rbig18 · #10 (**permalink**) 07-05-2009, 08:23 PM

Took a look and it seems pretty easy to remove the grill. About 15 bolts to remove and it should pop off. Looks like they are compression fit at the top so might have to pull a bit but all in all it looks easy

tvsjr · #11 (**permalink**) 07-06-2009, 08:05 AM

Yep, I agree. I'm going to attempt a test removal probably this evening, just to see how easy it is to do.

Drop me a private message (click on my user name) and we'll figure out a meeting spot. If it's not too bad to swap, I figure we can just remove/swap/reinstall on some parking lot convenient to both of us.

tvsjr · #12 (**permalink**) 07-11-2009, 08:21 PM

Rbig18 and I met up today, and exchanged grilles... he now has a chrome grille on his sharp-looking black FX4, and I have a much more fitting black grille behind my Ranch Hand. The removal wasn't too bad - the tabs on the top were a pain (they appear to be assembly clips - you aren't getting the grille off without breaking a few, but it doesn't appear to affect functionality at all). We did suffer a few burned fingers... black trucks, black grilles, 102-degree Texas sun... bad combination.

Thanks to Scott for the trade and to everyone for tolerating our local conversation.

Here's the new look of my truck, with his FX4 in the background...

AGORA · #13 (**permalink**) 07-12-2009, 11:30 AM

Looks like its a win win deal,i real like to se that fx4 with that chrome grill

rbig18 · #14 (**permalink**) 07-12-2009, 01:06 PM

Yep, tvsjr wrapped up the swap about bang on. We each ended up with 3 good clips and two broken ones, but since grill has a number of bolts holding it along the top ridge the clips don't see to serve any real purpose. Very happy with the look of the chrome grill on FX4.

Thanks Terry,

By the way for some reason my permissions do not allow me to post attachements. So I sent you pics to your email account...if you don't mind posting them up so folks can see them.- Thanks

tvsjr · #15 (**permalink**) 07-12-2009, 01:18 PM

Here's Scott's sharp FX4 with the new chrome grille...