V6 to GT grille conversion
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Originally posted by afixer@August 6, 2005, 4:23 PM
ok here they come i sent you about 9 files that should help
i have to go help a friend email me if you need anything else. that pick you have by the way was mine. thats how i wired my car.
ok here they come i sent you about 9 files that should help
i have to go help a friend email me if you need anything else. that pick you have by the way was mine. thats how i wired my car.
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John,
Great pics, looks nice! It looks like the fit is about the same as the one I installed on mine, but a bit better on the sides. Sounds like it was a lot easier to install though, I ended up having to make the cuts you describe but it was out of desperation after I couldn't get it in per the instrux! I've noticed the same thing you mentioned about the water not retaining, that was really annoying on the stock grille. There would be a trickle as much as an hour after washing the stock one.
Tom,
I got the PDFs, thank you!
==========
As an update, I've burned the lights quite a bit driving to and from work (35 miles one way) and have not had any issues with the way I wired it into the fuse block. I've been running the A/C, stereo, parking lights and top up/down at the same time. I have not run the fogs and headlights at the same time though, I've ready stories about GT owners doing that and having people get irate at them because they think they've got their brights on. I don't care to draw any more attention from the law than I have to
Great pics, looks nice! It looks like the fit is about the same as the one I installed on mine, but a bit better on the sides. Sounds like it was a lot easier to install though, I ended up having to make the cuts you describe but it was out of desperation after I couldn't get it in per the instrux! I've noticed the same thing you mentioned about the water not retaining, that was really annoying on the stock grille. There would be a trickle as much as an hour after washing the stock one.
Tom,
I got the PDFs, thank you!
==========
As an update, I've burned the lights quite a bit driving to and from work (35 miles one way) and have not had any issues with the way I wired it into the fuse block. I've been running the A/C, stereo, parking lights and top up/down at the same time. I have not run the fogs and headlights at the same time though, I've ready stories about GT owners doing that and having people get irate at them because they think they've got their brights on. I don't care to draw any more attention from the law than I have to
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Originally posted by Tres Wright@August 8, 2005, 1:06 PM
I've noticed the same thing you mentioned about the water not retaining, that was really annoying on the stock grille. There would be a trickle as much as an hour after washing the stock one.
I've noticed the same thing you mentioned about the water not retaining, that was really annoying on the stock grille. There would be a trickle as much as an hour after washing the stock one.
I did it to get rid of those grille imperfections on the far left and right of the bottom of it where it curves up and away from the bumper.
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Originally posted by jfrayzier@August 8, 2005, 12:25 PM
I have had my stock grille removed and installed double-sided tape between the bumper and the bottom of the grille all the way across. It wasn't for the purpose of getting rid of the water trickle, but it did manage to get rid of most of it.
I did it to get rid of those grille imperfections on the far left and right of the bottom of it where it curves up and away from the bumper.
I have had my stock grille removed and installed double-sided tape between the bumper and the bottom of the grille all the way across. It wasn't for the purpose of getting rid of the water trickle, but it did manage to get rid of most of it.
I did it to get rid of those grille imperfections on the far left and right of the bottom of it where it curves up and away from the bumper.
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Originally posted by panamajk89@August 8, 2005, 12:55 PM
I may do the same thing to knock out those minor imperfections and to hold it in place better. The screws do a good job, but I want to make sure that thing never moves. If only I could get the GT switch foglight indicator to work....
I may do the same thing to knock out those minor imperfections and to hold it in place better. The screws do a good job, but I want to make sure that thing never moves. If only I could get the GT switch foglight indicator to work....
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I l also looked at several of the 2005 Mustang GT grille conversion kits mentioned, but all had the overhang and hood clearance issues. I finally found a kit on ebay by t2auction (Tops & Trends) that addresses the overhang and hood clearance issues in a sensible manner. After doing the install I can say that I was impressd with the fit and finish. They also give you several wiring and switch options to choose from and great instructions with pictures. It took me a little more than the 90 minutes they claim, however I was taking my time as not to miss anything. I have not yet taken pictures, but I will soon. I have included the link to their auction below.It's good to hear that someone else agreed with me on this kit. I hope this helps everyone who was as confused as I was regarding the V6 to grille conversion.
[/B] http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2005-Ford-M...sspagenameZWDVW
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Hey guys Im new to the forum but I saw that you were talking about the GT grill kit and thought you might want to hear about my experience with it. I got one of these a few weeks ago and it went in pretty easily and I got it to fit pretty much flush to the bumper. I had everything done in about 30 minutes. I found that to make putting the grill in a little easier if you just shave a little bit of the back of the grill off with a razor knife and sand it down you can get it to slide in alot easier. Overall I was very pleased with the kit and the way it looked. A little bit of care and thought and you can get it to look fantastic!
Tres, I also see that you didnt get your grill in all the way which is probibly why yours sticks out a little too far. the sides of the grill should not lean out at the bottom. If you get it in about 1/4 inch more it will look pretty much perfect.
Tres, I also see that you didnt get your grill in all the way which is probibly why yours sticks out a little too far. the sides of the grill should not lean out at the bottom. If you get it in about 1/4 inch more it will look pretty much perfect.
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I am going to be getting the 2006 v6 with pony package. I don't really like the grill either, but the pony package had everything else i wanted (ALB, TC and whatnot). I wonder how easy it would be to get a replacement for the pony package grill to make it look like the GT?
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From: Washington
After watching this tread and others, I finally decided to order a stock GT grille from the local Ford Dealer. The Street Scene version makes me cross-eyed, and I just found out this morning that 3D Carbon is only going to make a cover for the existing grilles. Since all of these aftermarket kits just use the stock Ford grille anyway, I would rather just fit this myself. I paid the following at my local Ford Dealer parts counter:
FMCWPT107 two Plug-ins for the fog lights = $18.67 list, $16.80 sell, $33.60 total
FMCW505974S437 eight Screws for the Fog Lights = $1.41 list, $1.27 sell, $10.16 total
FMC4R3Z15200AA Fog light for one side = $102.37 list, $92.13 sell, $92.13 total
FMC4R3Z15200AB Fog light for the other side = $102.37 list, $92.13 sell, $92.13 total
FMC5R3Z8200BAB GT Grille, $87.88 list, $79.09 sell, $79.09 total
Total without sales tax = $307.11
This Ford Parts guy was very nice to give me a discount at all on these parts, as they classify as "Crash" parts, and the insurance industry has Ford down to minimum profit margins on such parts. You can ask for the 10% discount, but I wouldn't get pushy about it. :nono:
I will still need to buy 14 gauge wire, a 15 amp fuse, a relay, and a switch to finish the job. I will wait to order those parts until after my 2006 arrives, then tap the relay off the parking light circuit to make sure I don't leave these lights on at the parking lot.
FMCWPT107 two Plug-ins for the fog lights = $18.67 list, $16.80 sell, $33.60 total
FMCW505974S437 eight Screws for the Fog Lights = $1.41 list, $1.27 sell, $10.16 total
FMC4R3Z15200AA Fog light for one side = $102.37 list, $92.13 sell, $92.13 total
FMC4R3Z15200AB Fog light for the other side = $102.37 list, $92.13 sell, $92.13 total
FMC5R3Z8200BAB GT Grille, $87.88 list, $79.09 sell, $79.09 total
Total without sales tax = $307.11
This Ford Parts guy was very nice to give me a discount at all on these parts, as they classify as "Crash" parts, and the insurance industry has Ford down to minimum profit margins on such parts. You can ask for the 10% discount, but I wouldn't get pushy about it. :nono:
I will still need to buy 14 gauge wire, a 15 amp fuse, a relay, and a switch to finish the job. I will wait to order those parts until after my 2006 arrives, then tap the relay off the parking light circuit to make sure I don't leave these lights on at the parking lot.
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Originally posted by NuImage@August 11, 2005, 12:39 PM
Hey guys Im new to the forum but I saw that you were talking about the GT grill kit and thought you might want to hear about my experience with it. I got one of these a few weeks ago and it went in pretty easily and I got it to fit pretty much flush to the bumper. I had everything done in about 30 minutes. I found that to make putting the grill in a little easier if you just shave a little bit of the back of the grill off with a razor knife and sand it down you can get it to slide in alot easier. Overall I was very pleased with the kit and the way it looked. A little bit of care and thought and you can get it to look fantastic!
Tres, I also see that you didnt get your grill in all the way which is probibly why yours sticks out a little too far. the sides of the grill should not lean out at the bottom. If you get it in about 1/4 inch more it will look pretty much perfect.
Hey guys Im new to the forum but I saw that you were talking about the GT grill kit and thought you might want to hear about my experience with it. I got one of these a few weeks ago and it went in pretty easily and I got it to fit pretty much flush to the bumper. I had everything done in about 30 minutes. I found that to make putting the grill in a little easier if you just shave a little bit of the back of the grill off with a razor knife and sand it down you can get it to slide in alot easier. Overall I was very pleased with the kit and the way it looked. A little bit of care and thought and you can get it to look fantastic!
Tres, I also see that you didnt get your grill in all the way which is probibly why yours sticks out a little too far. the sides of the grill should not lean out at the bottom. If you get it in about 1/4 inch more it will look pretty much perfect.
You said you got it flush to the bumper? No gap underneath the grille? I'd be interested in seeing your pics. I have it flush on the sides, but I'm very curious in how you got yours to look. Please post! :scratch:
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==Tres, I also see that you didnt get your grill in all the way which is probibly why yours sticks out a little too far.==
It could go back about 1/8" further, but there would still be some overhang on the front. I worked on the relief cuts quite a while, but never could get it to seat that last 1/8".
There's no way to completely eliminate the front overhang w/o some major surgery, the GT grille is deeper than the V6 recess. At least it is on mine, sounds like different cars have slightly different front end fit.
==I am going to be getting the 2006 v6 with pony package. I don't really like the grill either, but the pony package had everything else i wanted (ALB, TC and whatnot). I wonder how easy it would be to get a replacement for the pony package grill to make it look like the GT? ==
Kevin at Clevenger has posted a bunch of info on the Pony Package grille. It is a bolt-in swap for '05's and '06's. So all of the comments in this thread (and other threads) about the grille conversion would directly apply to your car as well. If I were you I'd leave it stock for a while and see if it grows on you
I really like everything about the Pony Package front end except for the giant honeycomb grille. The corral, spears & lights look cool!
It could go back about 1/8" further, but there would still be some overhang on the front. I worked on the relief cuts quite a while, but never could get it to seat that last 1/8".
There's no way to completely eliminate the front overhang w/o some major surgery, the GT grille is deeper than the V6 recess. At least it is on mine, sounds like different cars have slightly different front end fit.
==I am going to be getting the 2006 v6 with pony package. I don't really like the grill either, but the pony package had everything else i wanted (ALB, TC and whatnot). I wonder how easy it would be to get a replacement for the pony package grill to make it look like the GT? ==
Kevin at Clevenger has posted a bunch of info on the Pony Package grille. It is a bolt-in swap for '05's and '06's. So all of the comments in this thread (and other threads) about the grille conversion would directly apply to your car as well. If I were you I'd leave it stock for a while and see if it grows on you
I really like everything about the Pony Package front end except for the giant honeycomb grille. The corral, spears & lights look cool!
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Originally posted by Tres Wright@August 11, 2005, 9:30 PM
==Tres, I also see that you didnt get your grill in all the way which is probibly why yours sticks out a little too far.==
It could go back about 1/8" further, but there would still be some overhang on the front. I worked on the relief cuts quite a while, but never could get it to seat that last 1/8".
There's no way to completely eliminate the front overhang w/o some major surgery, the GT grille is deeper than the V6 recess. At least it is on mine, sounds like different cars have slightly different front end fit.
==I am going to be getting the 2006 v6 with pony package. I don't really like the grill either, but the pony package had everything else i wanted (ALB, TC and whatnot). I wonder how easy it would be to get a replacement for the pony package grill to make it look like the GT? ==
Kevin at Clevenger has posted a bunch of info on the Pony Package grille. It is a bolt-in swap for '05's and '06's. So all of the comments in this thread (and other threads) about the grille conversion would directly apply to your car as well. If I were you I'd leave it stock for a while and see if it grows on you I really like everything about the Pony Package front end except for the giant honeycomb grille. The corral, spears & lights look cool!
==Tres, I also see that you didnt get your grill in all the way which is probibly why yours sticks out a little too far.==
It could go back about 1/8" further, but there would still be some overhang on the front. I worked on the relief cuts quite a while, but never could get it to seat that last 1/8".
There's no way to completely eliminate the front overhang w/o some major surgery, the GT grille is deeper than the V6 recess. At least it is on mine, sounds like different cars have slightly different front end fit.
==I am going to be getting the 2006 v6 with pony package. I don't really like the grill either, but the pony package had everything else i wanted (ALB, TC and whatnot). I wonder how easy it would be to get a replacement for the pony package grill to make it look like the GT? ==
Kevin at Clevenger has posted a bunch of info on the Pony Package grille. It is a bolt-in swap for '05's and '06's. So all of the comments in this thread (and other threads) about the grille conversion would directly apply to your car as well. If I were you I'd leave it stock for a while and see if it grows on you
I really like everything about the Pony Package front end except for the giant honeycomb grille. The corral, spears & lights look cool!
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You're quite right John, with the goofy connectors and snaps Ford uses for everything on these cars there's no way to get a perfect fit even with the stock parts!! I've done a few things to my car that required removing trunk panels, interior panels & console, and the grille stuff too, and I can't believe the way things are joined together on the car. It's not like the old days when everything was bolted or screwed on.
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Tres,
Charlie here from West Coast Performance Parts. Just got an e-mail from a customer of the T2 grille kit that I thought all might be interested in. It is as follows:
Charlie.
I recently purchased a conversion kit from a competitor of yours. Mainly because of the switch you were offering on ebay (square) and the description you gave of the installation process. The final cost was about the same as yours. I could not be more unhappy with what I had to do to my bumper cover in order to make it look good and fit good. Cutting into the bumper cover and doing such radical surgery was terrible. I have a car audio installation shop that I work weekends, etc. I want to start offering this conversion option to mustang owners and dealers in the area, but I will not continue to butcher the cars as I did mine. Your idea of the GT switch is great and I wish it was possible on my car, but it's too late now for me. I know your kit, if it is as described would be an instant success in this area.
Bob Renton (R.G. Renton LLC)
rgr4092@hotmail.com
I am going to send you one of our installation video for your review.
And lastly, We now have a 50 state legal Foglight system. Foglights go off when the high beams are activated and Fog lights if left on will be automatically turned off by the smart junction box so your battery is not drained. I think everyone knows that our kit now includes the GT Dash switch so that the Foglights operate with the GT Dash switch.
Charlie here from West Coast Performance Parts. Just got an e-mail from a customer of the T2 grille kit that I thought all might be interested in. It is as follows:
Charlie.
I recently purchased a conversion kit from a competitor of yours. Mainly because of the switch you were offering on ebay (square) and the description you gave of the installation process. The final cost was about the same as yours. I could not be more unhappy with what I had to do to my bumper cover in order to make it look good and fit good. Cutting into the bumper cover and doing such radical surgery was terrible. I have a car audio installation shop that I work weekends, etc. I want to start offering this conversion option to mustang owners and dealers in the area, but I will not continue to butcher the cars as I did mine. Your idea of the GT switch is great and I wish it was possible on my car, but it's too late now for me. I know your kit, if it is as described would be an instant success in this area.
Bob Renton (R.G. Renton LLC)
rgr4092@hotmail.com
I am going to send you one of our installation video for your review.
And lastly, We now have a 50 state legal Foglight system. Foglights go off when the high beams are activated and Fog lights if left on will be automatically turned off by the smart junction box so your battery is not drained. I think everyone knows that our kit now includes the GT Dash switch so that the Foglights operate with the GT Dash switch.
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Hey guys...
I noticed on the T2 grille kit there is an option for the GT switch with a "plug and play" custom wiring harness.
Does anyone actually have that kit.. its listed as switch option 3 on the Ebay auction. How does it look?
Im thinking about getting the pony grille and im trying to figure out if the GT switch's can be used to operate the pony lights.
hrmm... anyone?
I noticed on the T2 grille kit there is an option for the GT switch with a "plug and play" custom wiring harness.
Does anyone actually have that kit.. its listed as switch option 3 on the Ebay auction. How does it look?
Im thinking about getting the pony grille and im trying to figure out if the GT switch's can be used to operate the pony lights.
hrmm... anyone?
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Originally posted by Fesig@August 15, 2005, 4:32 PM
Hey guys...
I noticed on the T2 grille kit there is an option for the GT switch with a "plug and play" custom wiring harness.
Does anyone actually have that kit.. its listed as switch option 3 on the Ebay auction. How does it look?
Im thinking about getting the pony grille and im trying to figure out if the GT switch's can be used to operate the pony lights.
hrmm... anyone?
Hey guys...
I noticed on the T2 grille kit there is an option for the GT switch with a "plug and play" custom wiring harness.
Does anyone actually have that kit.. its listed as switch option 3 on the Ebay auction. How does it look?
Im thinking about getting the pony grille and im trying to figure out if the GT switch's can be used to operate the pony lights.
hrmm... anyone?
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I just finished installing this, its very easy. The light switch just pops out with little effort, and the GT switch snaps right in. The harness conects directly to the battery, plugs go to the fog lights and a single orange wire is connected to the GT switch and your done. The orange wire goes thru the firewall , there is a hole for this right by the steering colum, its covered with a piece of insulation that u just move aside. Any questions just pm me , I will be glad to help. Everything looks stock , great kit.
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Hey guys,
I haven't posted here in ages, but over the last 2 weeks I've had 3 people contact me saying they saw this thread and that they too were having problems with the grille installation and they wanted to know how I got mine in. Attached is a picture, the yellow lines indicate the H-shaped cut I made to the inner part of the bumper fascia (on each side) in order to get the grille in. Basically these cuts allows the grille corners to slide into the opening farther. Before I did this, I could cram the grille into the opening (barely) but the tabs would not all snap in. After making this cut to each side, it was still difficult but I was able to push it in a little farther and the tabs all snapped into place. Also I used dishwashing liquid to lube the fascia to help slide the grille in.
Good luck!
I haven't posted here in ages, but over the last 2 weeks I've had 3 people contact me saying they saw this thread and that they too were having problems with the grille installation and they wanted to know how I got mine in. Attached is a picture, the yellow lines indicate the H-shaped cut I made to the inner part of the bumper fascia (on each side) in order to get the grille in. Basically these cuts allows the grille corners to slide into the opening farther. Before I did this, I could cram the grille into the opening (barely) but the tabs would not all snap in. After making this cut to each side, it was still difficult but I was able to push it in a little farther and the tabs all snapped into place. Also I used dishwashing liquid to lube the fascia to help slide the grille in.
Good luck!