How To Install SVE Mach 1 Mustang Grille Delete Kit | 1999-2004

In this article, we're going to be taking a closer look at SVE's Mach 1 grille delete kit and how this kit can be a great upgrade for 1999 to 2004 V6 and GT Mustangs or a perfect restoration item for 2003 and 2004 Mach 1s. The 2003 and 2004 Mach 1 Mustang had several unique components, one of which was the grille delete. Throughout the years, the Mach 1 grille delete has been a very popular upgrade for V6 and GT Mustang owners as it adds great aesthetics and omits the factory honeycomb grille from those cars.

The Mach 1 style grille delete kit we have here today is from SVE. This kit is a great upgrade for 99 to 04 V6 and GT models, as well as a perfect restoration kit for someone restoring a tired and neglected 03/04 Mach 1. This kit features a high-quality grille delete panel made from OE-grade plastic which includes two push pins to retain the panel to the bumper pillars and four push-lock retainers to secure it to the bumper.

This panel features factory-style grain and texture. Along with the delete panel will be the correct filler panel that fills the void between the bumper and header panel, which completes the look of the grille delete. This piece features the correct textured black plastic and is molded from Ford's original tooling.

Depending on the kit you choose, you can currently purchase this grille delete kit with either a chrome or black running pony emblem. Of course, the chrome running pony is factory correct, but the black pony will add some great looks depending on the theme of your car. Each emblem includes the correct Torx screws to secure the emblem in place.

What's Included?

• (1) Delete Panel
• (1) Filler Panel
• (1) Running pony emblem
• Associated hardware to properly secure the included components

This kit will fit 1999 to 2004 V6 and GT Mustangs and 2003 and 2004 Mach 1 Mustangs with the factory-style front bumper equipped on the V6, GT, and Mach 1 trim levels. This Mach 1 style grille delete kit will not fit 99/01 or 03/04 Cobra front bumpers.

Before we jump into the Mach 1 Grille Delete install steps, we would like to point out a few things we've seen over the years when installing this kit.

The first one is the foam impact absorber. Depending on the car's history, this may or may not be intact. If it isn't, we recommend you get one, but if it isn't on the car, installation is pretty easy because all you have to do is reach up underneath the bumper to access the delete panel hardware.

If the impact absorber is in place, we recommend that you spend about 15 minutes and remove the front bumper from the car to do this the right way. Plus, it will give the ability to look over everything behind the front bumper, and if you're like us, go crazy about cleaning and wiping things down.

We do have a dedicated video for a front bumper removal on New Edge Mustangs, so check that one out if needed.

The other topic for discussion is the screw holes in the header panel. Again, depending on the car's history could dictate the condition of the screw holes for the emblem. We've seen where these holes have been enlarged from improper hardware, so if you find yourself in that situation, you'll have to either reuse the removed hardware or source some hardware that works.

While you're at it, pick up a Mach 1 Chin spoiler to add another great upgrade.

Alright, of enough us talking; let's move on to the installation procedure.

1. Start by doing the obvious; pop your hood and support it via the prop rod.

1. Loosen the (6) Phillips head retainers securing the bumper pillars and grille to the header panel. These can be a little tricky. It may help if you hold the base of the retainer while loosening the plastic screw.

1. Once loosened, remove the push pins and set them aside.

1. Removing the headlights helps out tremendously with this install. Simply pull up to remove (2) two metal headlight retainers.

1. Carefully pull the light forward, disconnect the electrical connections, and set the light aside. Do the same for the other side.

1. If you don't want to remove the front bumper fully, carefully rotate the bumper forward to expose the (4) 7mm screws securing the grille to the bumper. Loosen and remove all (4) screws. Now you can remove the factory grille from the car. Take this time to clean the area thoroughly.

1. To remove the filler panel, dislodge the (2) push pins on each side. Remove them from the car and wipe down the area.

1. Install a push pin into each hole on the filler panel.

1. Position the new panel into place and secure it to the header panel. Install the provided Phillips-head push pins.

1. Align the (4) tabs on the grille delete panel with the holes in the bumper.

1. If the impact absorber is on the car and you didn't remove the bumper, carefully rotate the bumper forward and press on the retainers. And if you removed the bumper, well, you have all the room you need to install the push-lock retainers. Finally, if the foam impact absorber is not on the car, press on the push-lock retainers from underneath the car or through the opening in the bumper. Whichever method you choose, use an appropriate sized socket to fully seat the retainers and secure the delete panel to the bumper.

1. Reinstall the front bumper and the headlights if they were removed for installation.

1. Align the holes with the bumper pillar and header panel. Install the included Phillip’s head push pins.

1. Now, using the provided Torx screws, secure the emblem to the header panel.

1. Close the hood, and you're good to go!

Overall, these SVE Mach 1 grille delete kits are a great first mod for anyone that has just picked up a New Edge; or for someone looking to refresh what they already have on the car. As always, for the most up-to-date product information, pricing, or availability on anything in the video, please reference LMR.com.