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Front grill replacement?

Nick Taylor

By Nick Taylor
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Nick Taylor Enthusiast

Nick Taylor

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Thinking about trying to replace the chrome grill / bumper on my 2021 Denali 3500 with the AT4 version. Anyone attempt this? Doable or major truck surgery?

BuckWallace Enthusiast

BuckWallace

Posted
Posted (edited)

Take a look at this:

 

 

Doesn't look super easy, but it also seems doable. I was trying to replace the AT4 badge on my 2024 AT4 grille and decided against it (the badge is really tucked in there), but if I was replacing the whole grille I'd definitely give it a shot myself.

 

Not sure how much more work the bumper is, but I'd imagine once you get all that trim off it's probably not too difficult.

 

 

Edited by BuckWallace
Nick Taylor Enthusiast

Nick Taylor

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Wow @BuckWallace, thanks for sharing. I think the chances of me doing that without breaking one of those little clips isn't very good. All the same, I have a camera I need to replace (the front camera on my 2021 Denali is cracked) so I may have to at least lean the grill back. Was wondering how hard it would be to completely remove and swap it out.  This video helps alot!

KTDanforth Enthusiast

KTDanforth

Posted
Posted

I think the Video, is making it look harder than it is.  I have Chevy and Not the GMC but I suspect they set them up the same way.   I can drop my grille and bumper in about 30 minutes.

 

GMC guys correct me If I am wrong here.   On the chevy the left and right side trim under the head lights can be popped out from the center and left alone not detaching from the left and right wheel wells.  I am assuming this is the case with the GMC.

 

If this is case all you have to do is follow the grille detachment instructions and leave the lower trims attached but pull them back so you can get to the lower bolts on the grille.

 

As far as the bumper goes.  it is held on by 4 bolts on the top and to on the bottom.   just be sure to unplug the electrical first.

 

Good Luck, it is not as hard as it looks.

 

Kjduvall Enthusiast

Kjduvall

Posted
Posted

its really not that hard, the side moldings are the trickiest part ust take your time. i did it and the hood piece cause they wouldnt make a reg cab at4, so i made my own.20230722_131831.thumb.jpg.a1340c38e7d2ea0d9ad493acf03a867c.jpg

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Nick Taylor Enthusiast

Nick Taylor

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@Kjduvall that looks really sharp. Where did you get your parts? Straight from dealer, or did you find take-offs from an AT4? Wondering how much of an investment this is, and how hard it is to get the parts (mostly interested in grill and front bumper treatments).

 

For some reason I don't have the option to like or reply to posts...perhaps because I just joined?

Kjduvall Enthusiast

Kjduvall

Posted
Posted

yep dealership parts the grill was just under 800 and the nose piece was under 200 bucks, the bumper (stock chrome) was sand blasted and powdercoated black (my buddy owns a powdercoat place so it was free). but i dont recomend doing that, one small hit in a lowes parking lot and it chiped rather easily. when i do the bumper "skin" again im going to look for a non chrome bumper and have it painted with oem paint i think itll hold up better.

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