Aftermarket Grill Installation
New User
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 8
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Aftermarket Grill Installation
Has anybody taken it upon themselves to install an aftermarket Grill? I bought the Stull for my 2000 F350 Crew Cab and the instructions that came with it seem to contradict themselves on where to cut out the old grill.
Also, I've heard that most use a hacksaw to make the cuts. I'm thinking that my Dremel tool with the right bit will allow me to make a more controlled cut. I don't want to mess up the chrome part of the original grill while I'm attempting this cuz I'm sure that costs a pretty penny. Any suggestions are appreciated.
Dave
2000 F350 V10 Crew Cab, 4 inch lift w/ 35's
Also, I've heard that most use a hacksaw to make the cuts. I'm thinking that my Dremel tool with the right bit will allow me to make a more controlled cut. I don't want to mess up the chrome part of the original grill while I'm attempting this cuz I'm sure that costs a pretty penny. Any suggestions are appreciated.
Dave
2000 F350 V10 Crew Cab, 4 inch lift w/ 35's
New User
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 19
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Aftermarket Grill Installation
I had mine done by the shop but I watched as they did it. make sure you leave enough space when you cut it out, their is some crome under the grey part of the grill and if you cut into it the crome can start peeling later on down the road. They use a small air sawz-all and it isn't really cutting you basically melt your way through the grill and then break the piece out. He cleaned everything up with the dremmal using a leafed sandpaper wheel. This guy did a real good job. hope this helps.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 178
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Aftermarket Grill Installation
Ive done 2
I wont do another unless its for $$$$
the 99 grey grill was pretty easy , cut with a utity knife , snapped the pieces out and the sanded it nicely,
the 00 chrome grill, gut with hacksaw fairly close to chrome , used utility knife to get right to edge of chrome , only to find out that you have to remove a little chrome, had to use dremel too to go areound whole thing again wore out 1 cutter wheel by the time i was done
it is a time consuming project but worth it in every aspect,
I had the first and one of the only ones around here in my 99 ,.
the one in my 00 is only like 1 of 2 or 3 ive seen,
if needed I can take some detailed shots of the line to cut
lmk
Nick
I wont do another unless its for $$$$
the 99 grey grill was pretty easy , cut with a utity knife , snapped the pieces out and the sanded it nicely,
the 00 chrome grill, gut with hacksaw fairly close to chrome , used utility knife to get right to edge of chrome , only to find out that you have to remove a little chrome, had to use dremel too to go areound whole thing again wore out 1 cutter wheel by the time i was done
it is a time consuming project but worth it in every aspect,
I had the first and one of the only ones around here in my 99 ,.
the one in my 00 is only like 1 of 2 or 3 ive seen,
if needed I can take some detailed shots of the line to cut
lmk
Nick
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 97
Likes: 0
From: Reno, NV USA
Aftermarket Grill Installation
You're right about Stull's instructions. If you follow where they want you to cut, you get to do it twice because more should be removed. It is a PITA. I used a right-angle air grinder with a cut-off wheel and like the other member pointed out, it basically melts through it, and not very precisely at that. I cleaned it up with a sanding disc and the same tool. A body shop type air saw would probably work much better if it can be controlled well. It's well worth the effort as the Stull grill insert is a great addition to any truck.
Bill McCall
'01 F250 Super Duty 4x4 Crew Cab Shorty V10 Auto 4.30ls
Fabtech 5.5" lift-all spring!, Weld Sidewinders,35" BFG MT's, RS 9000's, Velvet Rides
[link:albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=1458111&a=10957692|WLDS V10 PICS]
Bill McCall
'01 F250 Super Duty 4x4 Crew Cab Shorty V10 Auto 4.30ls
Fabtech 5.5" lift-all spring!, Weld Sidewinders,35" BFG MT's, RS 9000's, Velvet Rides
[link:albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=1458111&a=10957692|WLDS V10 PICS]
