Removing the Upper Grill "Smile"

Several times on several threads, posters --including me -- have asked how
to remove the "smile" in the upper grill. To my knowledge, the questions
went unanswered... until now.

This process isn't particularly difficult, allow about an hour for disassembly,
then reassembly. Along the way there are 15 fasteners of four kinds to be
dealt with. Necessary tools are:
* Flat bladed screw driver
* Phillips head screwdriver
* Small ratchet with socket to hold a standard short Phillips head bit

Notes:
Do this in warmish weather, I would guess 60+ deg F.
If you've replaced the OEM horns, much of this will be familiar

First, remove the flatish black plastic radiator shroud. There are 6 plastic
fasteners that require a quarter turn with the Phillips screw driver. Note:
Just below the windshield wipers, there is a convenient tray to hold all the
fasterers as they are removed.

Next, remove the five fasteners that secure the upper edge of the plastic
front bumper cover. Three of the fasteners pop up using the flat bladed
screwdriver. The other two secure two hood cushions and require the Phillips
head screwdriver.

Here things look scary, but its not at all that bad. So, with heart in mouth,
lift and bend the upper edge of the bumper cover forward near the center.
Peer in and you'll see the "smile" is retained with four Phillips head sheet
metal screws. Two of the screws are about 6 inches off center on either
side. Two of the screws are about 2 inches in from the ends, and are
obstructed by some metal brackets.

There isn't much room to work, Here's where you need the ratchet cum
socket and Phillips bit. The end screws are the more difficult, start there to
ensure that your ratchet tool will work. On the drivers side end, reach down
inside the bumper cover with your left hand, grab the smile/grill, and pull
up and towards you to get at the screw. You have to exert considerable
force. You'll be surprised how much the bumper cover will bend, then return
unscathed to its original shape. Work the screw out, in 1/6 - 1/8 turn
increments. The screws near the center are much easier to remove.

Repeat for the center and passenger side end. The "smile" is still retained by
two plastic flat flanges positioned about 6 inches off center on both sides.
Work one end of the "smile" free. Then pull and wiggle it towards you. It will
eventually free itself. Voila!

Do what ever needs be done and remount or replace with a new "smile" as
appropriate. STOP -- If you are mounting a new "smile," you can make the
job easier by using the sheet metal screws to pre-thread the mounting holes
before you installl the "smile."

Begin the reassembly by getting the plastic flanges in their slots. Push the
"smile" on snugly. Mount permanently with the screws, again it will probably
require 1/6 - 1/8 turn increments on the ends. The driver side end screw
may be some what difficult. Resecure the upper edge of the bumper cover
and the radiator shroud.

Now, that wasn't so hard, was it?

 

Once I got up the resolve just to begin, the process was straight forward and,
well, linear. No real complications, except perhaps the ratchet/socket/Phillips
bit work-around. Pictures didn't seem necessary.

I guess that I was mistaken.