So after plastidipping my front headlight trim, I decided to try for the front grille.

After reading about it, I took off the grille fairly easily, but ran into serious trouble when trying to take off the chrome trim off the grille. I even tried the toothpick method to keep the chrome tabs from their respective clips (and broke a lot of toothpicks in the process!). Where I really got stuck was the top part of the grille, where its harder to reach those stubby wider clips..Does anyone have advice on how to easily approach this?

After trying for an hour, and realizing that I have to drive the car tmrw morning, I gave up and attempted to put the grille back on the car. Ran into another problem where the bottom grille tabs (not the grille clips) couldn't properly align itself into the bumper. Doing my best to keep the grille parallel to the ground, I used a flashlight to inspect it, but the tabs simply weren't getting themselves in their slots! They keep sitting on top! Whatever. At this point, I'm thoroughly frustrated about wasting all this time, so I just screwed it back on, knowing the tabs weren't set correctly. The grille clips, however, are set in place, so I called it a night.

Anyone have any tips on how to remove the top part of the chrome from the grille, and to properly put the grille back onto the bumper?

 

I'm gonna take another stab at this later this week. Can anyone offer a tip of advice on how to remove the chrome?

 

Haven't done it, but toothpicks seem so wrong. How about looking for a set of plastic body tools at auto parts store or harbor freight. Sometimes using the right tool makes things move along easily.

 

I've had my grille out several times. Even though it looks like it should, the chrome does not separate from the rest of the grille. You'll need to mask it off.

 

I think it can be done. Here was the thread I was referencing with the toothpicks and the chrome removal:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-s-grille.html

 

You certainly can remove the chrome trim from the grill, I just did it last week. I used some washers instead of toothpicks (I had a bag next to me in the garage) and a small hook pick set like this one from Harbor Freight. I'm wondering if toothpicks are just too soft and brittle to hold it apart while you're getting started? Once you get one side out (start on the ends) and over to the middle it should want to stay separated. Just remember to stay patient and go slowly, I was able to not break a single tab.

As far as reinstalling the grill, I had the same issues as you. I found the best method to reattach the it was to start at one end again, put my hand through the lower openings in the grill and push down whie trying to push the bumper skin up, and when they lined up pushing in on the grill while still pushing down. Once again, a little patience goes a long way here.

I hope that helps. Honestly, having some of those picks are will make this easier and you will find yourself using them for everything.