Replacing 72 outer grill, What kinda project?
 

Would I have to remove/loosen the fenders? I'm not a body man but would sure like to give my truck a new outer grill without taking to a body shop. I'm leary of messing up the lines on my truck if I have to mess with the fenders.

Re: Replacing 72 outer grill, What kinda project?
 

shouldnt have to i think u need to get the front bumper off though good luck

Re: Replacing 72 outer grill, What kinda project?
 

It will be a lot easier to do with the bumper off. That said, those bumper bolts will likely not want to come off unless you've recently had it off. Just remember when putting the bumper back on with the new bolts that never-seize is your friend!

Re: Replacing 72 outer grill, What kinda project?
 

I'm interested in this too. I have a good used complete inner/outer grill that I want to swap on the 72 I'm working on. It appears to me that there are 4 bolts to the fenders on each side, and a couple through the hood latch, and a couple screws to the hood latch brace. I figured I could pull out the old grill and then replace with the complete unit, without removing the bumper or loosening the fenders.

Can this be done without removing the bumper?

Re: Replacing 72 outer grill, What kinda project?
 

A grille can be replaced with the bumper on. But,it's hard to do without scratching some paint on the fenders. With good original paint I never have a problem,but most repaints scratch 10x easier.

Re: Replacing 72 outer grill, What kinda project?
 

If it's an original grill in the truck, it will have 4 rivets that need to be drilled out (2 on each side) on the bottom if the grill brackets are being left on the truck. There are also rivets to drill out on top by the hood bumpers which also have to be removed, and the face of the grill. The hood latch will have to be loosened for the shell to slide out and then back in. Much easier with bumper off. Use blue tape along fronts of fenders (edges) and fender cups (for when you remove and re-install the bumper). If your inner grill hardware (screws, metal rectangular washers, and plastic inserts) aren't in good shape, you might want to buy a new inner grill install kit for re-installing inner to your new outer.

Re: Replacing 72 outer grill, What kinda project?
 

My used replacement grill unit is complete with the grill brackets and hood bumpers. I won't have to drill out any rivets, just un-bolt. Removing the bumper would be a deal breaker.

Re: Replacing 72 outer grill, What kinda project?
 

The only problem I had was getting to the two nuts on the trim pieces that mount to the front edge of the fenders, I think they are 3/8" nuts. I finally used a deep socket and a u joint to get them off. The rest of the R&R was easy.
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