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I would like to replace the two bottom damaged grill bars on my F-1. Anyone likely to have a couple of grill bars they could let go of? Also, can the grill be removed without the fenders?
Thanks
F-1 Mac
I don’t think trying to remove the grill without removing the front clip is worth the effort. The front clip comes off easily, and gives you access to all the bolts. You’d be in some very awkward places trying to remove the grill by itself.
Working on a Ford is like stepping on your own *****. When the designers and factory put these trucks together I think they hung the grill out in thin air by magic and then bolted everything else around it.
It sure looks like the grill will come right out from the front....wrong! At the rear of the grill there is a small flange that sit behind the fenders, etc. At the very least you have to loosen and almost remove one fender entirely. As Bob mentioned it's almost easier to pull the clip as a whole.
Working on a Ford is like stepping on your own *****. When the designers and factory put these trucks together I think they hung the grill out in thin air by magic and then bolted everything else around it.
It sure looks like the grill will come right out from the front....wrong! At the rear of the grill there is a small flange that sit behind the fenders, etc. At the very least you have to loosen and almost remove one fender entirely. As Bob mentioned it's almost easier to pull the clip as a whole.
Plus they designed the front end so that it could be removed easily. I just removed mine for the first time and I was amazed at how easy it was. A few bolts to the running boards, one to the firewall on each side, one to the frame on each side, 2 under the radiator on springs. Disconnect the wires and radiator hoses, lift it off. My 17 year old daughter helped me lift it off.
Thank you Bob & Bobby.
Really didn't want to remove the front clip but it appears to be the best approach.
Mac
You’ll also find that the bars you’re looking to replace will need to be cut off and the new ones welded on. I simply bought a new grill from midfifty because I had damaged bars like yours, it also rust through around the headlights. I’m trying to use as many original parts as I can, but this seemed like too much work.
Cool! Your truck must have had a relatively easy life.
If you're just replacing the 2 lower bars there's a chance you could do it without removing the entire grill. It would be easier with the grill removed, but might be possible without.
The bars are spot welded to the main panel but if you pull the lower valances (8188 and 8240) there is quite a bit of room to work.
Bobby,
That had occurred to me so I appreciate that suggestion. I think I'll give that a try before I remove the entire front clip. It wasn't clear to me how the bars were attached as I initially thought that they need to be removed from the back side. If I can get them off, it's possible I can save them with a little body work.
Thanks again.
Mac
Bobby,
That had occurred to me so I appreciate that suggestion. I think I'll give that a try before I remove the entire front clip. It wasn't clear to me how the bars were attached as I initially thought that they need to be removed from the back side. If I can get them off, it's possible I can save them with a little body work.
Thanks again.
Mac
I think that 2nd from the bottom bar is too bashed in to cover up with the stainless trim.
I have a spare grill out in my pile of extras. Its a bit beat up but I can at least take some close up pics of where the bars are spot welded to the housing to give you some idea of what you are up against. I won't get back home until tomorrow afternoon so It probably wont be until tomorrow evening until I can post the pics.
Working on a Ford is like stepping on your own *****.
Classic line; must remember.
To add to “what were they thinking”, how about having to jack up the engine to remove spark plugs (e.g., Chevy Monza with V8).
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