Replacing non chrome grille with LTZ Grille?

[07TahoeLTZ]

Anyone do this - replace their stock non chrome grill with the chrome grille that comes as part of the chrome appearance package and on LTZ's? Got a quote for a white LT3 and would like to add the chrome grille that is on the LTZ's after the fact....thanks! If so, where did you get the chrome grille?

 

[Jordan23]

I think you can find them at the parts department at your Chevy dealer or try the GM GoodWrench website.

www.GMGoodwrench.com

 

[73shark]

P/N 19169494 for $240.69

 

[chinos]

What's the secret to removing the old grille? Looks like two spring clips, one on each end holding the top piece in... Do you pry these off to remove it?

 

[scotto2323]

Yes, pain in the A$$. I used a small pick with a 90degree bend on the end. Stuck it down and then twisted it and they popped off. Becareful not to scratch the headlight lens like I did.

 

[chinos]

You're right, definitely a pain in the A$$! I finally obtained a copy of the GM installation instructions. First they have you remove the headlights, then you remove the bumper fascia before removing the grille inserts.

 

[e-dub75]

You're right, definitely a pain in the A$$! I finally obtained a copy of the GM installation instructions. First they have you remove the headlights, then you remove the bumper fascia before removing the grille inserts.

I need a copy of the installation. The grille is not going to be as easy as I thought it would be and I don't want to take it to the stealership for installation.

 

[drmason1]

Check out his link......I installed the grille that looks like the LTZ grille.....looks great and took 10 minutes to install.

http://www.apsisusa.com/Mesh Grilles/Chevrolet/Suburban/Suburban Mesh Grilles.htm

 

[Rebound]

Check out his link......I installed the grille that looks like the LTZ grille.....looks great and took 10 minutes to install.

http://www.apsisusa.com/Mesh Grilles/Chevrolet/Suburban/Suburban Mesh Grilles.htm

Those are pretty nice - I can't tell, are they bolt-overs, or replacements?

 

[drmason1]

The one I installed is the LTZ looking grille.....you do not have to take out the old grille.....the new grille is actually installed over the old grille....I was a little concerned about that until the grille arrived and I installed.

I have no regrets.

 

[e-dub75]

Yeah but I actually have the LTZ grille and it is no walk in the park project. Mine did not come with the GM instructions and I was trying to see if someone had the actual instructions. I found some more helpful hints on here and another forum so wish me luck.

P.S. It will be 26 degrees around 8am when I plan to start. Guess it wouldn't be so bad if I was in Miami right now do the mods. Oh yeah if anyone does have the original GM instructions please try to scan in and post.

 

[riverst]

to remove the LTZ grille is a PITA. First remove the 6 bolts on top and then you should be able to pull the top of the grille forward a bit, then there is a 10mm bolt holding the bowtie to the grille. remove it. The honey itself is held by clips. This is the test of faith. There are two clips on either side of the grille. Get a small screw driver and remove the clips. Then work you way around the grille pushing down firmly on the clips to undo them from the grille shell. It will take a little elbow grease to remove the clips. Hope this helps. I was stress trying to remove my grille for the Racemesh version.

 

[e-dub75]

Well my goals were to swap out the low beams with HID's and the grille. I went out pulled the wheel well off which lead to me doing a lot of cussing b/c the headlight would never come off. I decided to work on the grille. The compression nuts holding the emblem would not come off with my 10mm ratchet. After spending two hours out and in 26-35degree weather I gave up.

I'm going to the stealership tomorrow and see how much they will charge me to do the grille and possibly put in my HID's. I call them the stealership b/c I went in to get my escalade roof caps painted to put on the Tahoe and they stated they would do it for $130. I come back a day later to pick them up and the price was $170! The lady was like... I know the price is higher... do you still want them? Now what if I said NO? Were they going to remove the paint off and hand me back the caps? If they try this with my grille, I'm going to give them what they told me it would cost in the first place and drive off. CALL THE COPS, hahaha.

Sorry to bamble but I am pissed. GM really made things difficult for us guys who like to work on our own stuff. If anyone is in the Richmond, VA area and has done these things themselves and wouldn't mind helping, PLEASE get intouch with me.

 

[Manny07]

DrMason1,

If you don't mind me asking what was the cost for your grille? Was it very easy to install?

Thanks!

 

[drmason1]

The grille was about $100 - 115 and took about 10 minutes to install.....no tools required.

 

[chevyhoe]

hey bud i have a ltz grill that is chrome i wasent plannig on taking it off and selling it but i have an aftermarket grille that id ike to put on. p/m me for info

 

[Manny07]

DrMason1,

I called the place for the link that you attached(Apsisusa) and they were quoting me $550.00 dollars for the LTZ grille. Are you sure that you got it from that place or from somewhere else? You mentioned that you got it for $100-115 for it. $550 is just way too much for a grille!

 

[Nnaboy]

I'll sell anybody my Chrome LTZ Grille with a black bowtie for $200 shippped if you can wait till I buy another one to replace it, a Giovanna grille?

 

[Swampfoxviper]

hey yall. I just did a replacement of my old black stock grill with a LTZ chrome grill.. I actually just got this tahoe and have no prior experience working with tahoes or chevys for that matter..

The new chrome grill cost me bout 240 bucks on ebay. OEM part.

You will need:
1. socket wrench and 10mm socket
2. your bare hands
3. tough wrists.. they will get scratched up
4. Couple beers for during and after.

Time: 45 mins

First get all the top screws out, but keep them. My new grill didn't come with new ones.

Give it a little wiggle to loosen it up a bit.

Now you're gonna have to get the 2 speed nuts off the back of the bowtie.

KEEP them for when you put the new one in.

It will look like this back there when you get the nuts off.. You won't be able to see back there, so it's kind of a b to get them off. Just reach back there with your 10mm socket and wrech. It takes some wiggling around, but it will loosen. Just twist em off after that.

Now comes the longest part.. Basically you are gonna have to get the clips off the whole bottom row of the top section grill. The clips hold it in place. Don't get discouraged. Just work your way around and do some wiggling, but be careful. The black frame that is part of the front end of the tahoe is sensitive.

Here are pics of the clips.

So now you've got the top section of the grill off. The bottom section sucks to get off, but your hands will have more room. Just work your way around and get all the clips. Just some wiggling and eventually it will all come off.. Here is pics of that process.

Now you're about home free.. When you push in the new grill sections, be careful to make sure you are including all the clips(check them), and on the top section make sure you look at all the guide pegs.. There are 3 of them on the top side of the top section and 2 of the sides of the top section, plus all the clips. ALSO!! DO NOT FORGET the three guide pegs in the back of the bowtie.

Now just give all sections a firm push and tug to make sure all clips are secure and nothing is missing.
Now push and twist the speed nuts on the back on the bowtie (kind sucks and hurts your fingers but just push em as far as you can and work them with your socket wrench).
Secure the top screws and you're all done!

Hope this helps! Grab a cold beer after and all works out.

 

[robertiniowa]

Ha thats how i did it swamp fox even before i saw this post i was going to mention it to all the others on her aswell but you did one hell of a job with the pictures and all that