i have a 1996 f150 XL with the painted grill and headlight trim, just recently i bought a chrome set up with headlights and back panel thing from a swap meet. (as pictured below). I started to try to swap the pieces out but its giving me a lot of problems. How on earth do you remove the headlights / trim? it doesnt seem like any of the hardwear is accesible. I dont even know where to start. Any kind of directions or step by step suggestions would be appreciated.

 

it is a pain in the ***, but far from impossible. Start by removing the battery and washer tank. You can then access the bolts below the headlights that hold on the chrome trim around the lights. You can then remove the two screws from the trim above the lights. Remove the grill as well. Since you are lucky enough to have the complete assembly to look at, it will help you see these bolts. Once you have the headlight trim and grill off, you can then remove the bolts that hold the headlight filler panel ( that black thing )to the grill support and remove the headlights and support as a unit. you can then install the new support in reverse order, followed by the chrome trim and grill. I have done this on several of these trucks and while not a great design, once you have done it, it is not difficult at all. Should look great once you are finished.

 

Wow, thanks this is just the advice i was looking for, ill try it tomorow

 

not a problem, just post some pics when you are finished.