All-Terrian grill swap

[Randall27]

I know some people have ordered AT grills to replace what they have but most have white, black colors that the painted grill matches. My truck is the bronze alloy metallic color and I would like to jus replace the inner grill with the AT grill and have the chrome surrounding. Is the inner grill removable? Or would I have to get whatever color painted to match my color?

[Ventilator]

Yes it is removable, but will requires some patience. I am still debating whether to put my chrome surround on mine. I was originally going to just put the AT grille into the chrome surround, but liked the looks of the painted surround when I sat it in the opening. It's been in there for almost a month now, and curiosity is killing me as to whether I would like the chrome surround better, as I have never seen even a pic of one with the chrome surround installed in a truck.

 

There are 5 pilot pins, 4 screws (7mm socket), and 16 interlocking clips holding them together. Obviously the 4 screws need to be removed first, then carefully separate the interlocking clips, starting at one side and working your way around. There is also an air shroud that screws onto the back of the 2 grille sections with 11 screws (7mm socket) that needs to be removed and replaced onto your grille setup, before reinstalling.

 

I might possibly put my chrome surround on today, if the weather stays nice. I prefer natural lighting when working on things, versus the artificial lighting in the garage. Too many dark spots.

 

There is definitely a learning curve to this swap, and it will be much easier and faster this second time around. Just so you know that bumper cover will have to be removed from the fender all the way over to the opposite side of the grille. I used a string to hold mine up while removing/replacing the grille it gets a little tricky under the headlight, there is a big post/tab sticking up under the inside corner of the headlight that requires you to push in slightly and rotate downward. This was my biggest hold up, as you cannot see it until it is out. Two screws (7mm socket) in the fender well, and plenty of tabs along the way. I also removed some screws on an interior stepped bracket that helped release the tabs at the fender.

 

There are around a dozen push/pull pins holding the cover on under the hood, then eight bolts (10mm socket) holding the grille to the truck. You will need an extension for the 4 on the bottom.

 

Here is what the All Terrain Inner Grille looks like with the Chrome Surround. Really don't know what it looks like installed into a vehicle, as I have never seen even a picture of one. Maybe later today?

 

 

 

Here is what mine looks like currently. I personalized it a little.

 

 

 

[manzano42187]

I really want to see it with chrome surround!

[Ventilator]

I popped the chrome surround off my original grille today. Still not sure I want to change it. but there is only one way to know what it looks like for sure.

 

I might swap it out sometime this week. Getting closer. I'll post pics if I decide to do it.

[Randall27]

Thanx for the whole write up! Really looks good in the chrome surrounding, I've never even got to see that much but figured it would look better than the original grill. I'll have to look into buying one now, which I'm sure I'll have to buy the whole thing and not just the insert.

[Ventilator]

Sorry the truck is dirty, but I got it done this evening. I think I like the painted surround better, but I will run with this for a while to see if it grows on me.

 

I set the original grille inside the painted surround, and I think it looks better than with the chrome surround as well. I set that configuration in the opening, but didn't bolt in in place. I'll post up a bunch of pics, so you can see the different combinations.

 

[Spurshot]

I like the painted grill bezel better. Either grill with the painted bezel looks good to me.

[Randall27]

I agree black on black looks better, Both inserts look good tho! Thanx for the pics again. Definitely helps me see what it will look like in my truck!

 

I'll have to find me an AT grill somewhere!

[manzano42187]

You're awesome ventilator! Thanks for the pictures.

[austingta]

Very nice. I have an SLT Z71 4x4, but I have blackwall (20 inch) tires. How did you get OWL? And the Z71 grille emblem...is that a GMC or Chevy part?

 

Thanks Frank in Austin

[Ventilator]

Thanks guys. You're welcome for the pics. Sorry the truck was dirty, but it is after all, a truck.

 

OWL was an option. Probably not worth it, but I'm old school. Can't help it.

 

Z71 grill badge is standard on the 2014 Chevy Z71, as they have a dedicated Z71 Grille. GMC does not have a dedicated Z71 Grille, so I made my own out of a All Terrain Grille. The GM Part # is 23432559.

[TXS Heat]

This looks great both ways! I personally prefer the color matched.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[Tim99GT]

Looks great!

I snagged one off of ebay two days ago. Should be here next week. Can't wait to install it.

[Darthmalo]

Thanks guys. You're welcome for the pics. Sorry the truck was dirty, but it is after all, a truck.

 

OWL was an option. Probably not worth it, but I'm old school. Can't help it.

 

Z71 grill badge is standard on the 2014 Chevy Z71, as they have a dedicated Z71 Grille. GMC does not have a dedicated Z71 Grille, so I made my own out of a All Terrain Grille. The GM Part # is 23432559.

 

Ventilator,

 

How you secure the Z71 emblem in the grille? Only with the 3M that comes with the emblem. The emblem has two pins. Do you put something in the pins to hold it? Please let me know. Thank you

[Ventilator]

Ventilator,

 

How you secure the Z71 emblem in the grille? Only with the 3M that comes with the emblem. The emblem has two pins. Do you put something in the pins to hold it? Please let me know. Thank you

 

 

I strategically placed the pins in the holes, used the adhesive to secure it, then put a clear all purpose adhesive in the two holes with the pins only.

 

I really think the adhesive would hold it just fine now, but I already had the grille out of the truck at the time I added the badge. So, for good measure I added the glue.

 

I know mine isn't going anywhere without a pry bar.

 

Make sure to leave the backing on the emblem, and place it in the grille until you figure out where you want to locate it. Just clean the surface with rubbing alcohol and dry before adding the emblem, and you should be fine. A small mirror and some small hands might let you get some adhesive on the pins through the openings in the grille, but I really do think it is overkill now.