Putco Virtual grille install help
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Junior User
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Putco Virtual grille install help
I bought the grille insert (see title) and have tried to install it on my stock grill but am having problems mounting it as the hardware does not quite fit the application (my stock grille), I think...
The flat backing mounts are too short to really hold the insert against the stock grille crosspieces and when I tighten them they canteliever off to a sharp angle and actually then slip off where it seems the should be holding! In addition, the mounting pieces when held in place from the back of the stock grille where they would be mounted are too obvious from the front view to do anything but deter from the clean, shiny look the aftermarket grille is supposed to add.
Should a Putco Virtual grille insert have short mounting plates (about 3 1/4 inches long) or should it have one longer piece to fit across the back of the stock grill?
Truck is a 2002 F350 V10.
Thanks for any help.
Dan
The flat backing mounts are too short to really hold the insert against the stock grille crosspieces and when I tighten them they canteliever off to a sharp angle and actually then slip off where it seems the should be holding! In addition, the mounting pieces when held in place from the back of the stock grille where they would be mounted are too obvious from the front view to do anything but deter from the clean, shiny look the aftermarket grille is supposed to add.
Should a Putco Virtual grille insert have short mounting plates (about 3 1/4 inches long) or should it have one longer piece to fit across the back of the stock grill?
Truck is a 2002 F350 V10.
Thanks for any help.
Dan
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 818
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From: houston
Mine on my 01 seemed a little short too. One worked out fine the other side barely caught. I just used some locktite and it stayed in place for years. I sold the truck and now I am looking to buy another Putco grill.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Mount Airy, MD
Originally Posted by dansV10
I bought the grille insert (see title) and have tried to install it on my stock grill but am having problems mounting it as the hardware does not quite fit the application (my stock grille), I think...
Mine mounted super easy. The back of the insert has two threaded rods on each end that go through the factory grill. Once you place the insert on the factory grill there is a flat piece of metal about a foot long or so that slides on over the threaded rods. Once you do that you put the nuts on and your done, at least thats how mine mounts.
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The grille I am referring to has the flatter horizontal bars like this one http://www.putco.com/shadow.shtml (bottom right).
With the mounting hardware they sent, there is no way to securely install this insert. Also the bolt mounts do not line up with the stock grille cross bars so I could drill through them for a solid mount either.
I am thinking they simply sent the wrong hardware?
Dan
With the mounting hardware they sent, there is no way to securely install this insert. Also the bolt mounts do not line up with the stock grille cross bars so I could drill through them for a solid mount either.
I am thinking they simply sent the wrong hardware?
Dan
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 772
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From: Mount Airy, MD
If I were you I wouldn't even try messing with it until you give them a call and tell them the problems you are having. You pay for something that is suppose to be a bolt on installation that is what you should get, something sounds messed up.
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After a couple days the shop I bought the grille from had not been able to get ahold of the Putco customer service nor had Putco's customer service returned their calls.
The shop then told me that in conferencing with one of their installers that he said he had been slightly modifying the install kits (like mine) that came with the grille because the install kits were not working for him either.
I simply returned the grille for a full refund. I am not going to mess with something that is not what was advertised nor with a company that cannot seem to offer an explanation of any kind to one of their dealers.
I have been looking at the Stull and Carriage Works grilles instead. They have some great looking grilles. I am sure I will find something I like...
Dan
The shop then told me that in conferencing with one of their installers that he said he had been slightly modifying the install kits (like mine) that came with the grille because the install kits were not working for him either.
I simply returned the grille for a full refund. I am not going to mess with something that is not what was advertised nor with a company that cannot seem to offer an explanation of any kind to one of their dealers.
I have been looking at the Stull and Carriage Works grilles instead. They have some great looking grilles. I am sure I will find something I like...
Dan
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