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How To Install 2010-12 Mustang SVE X281 Grille

Follow Late Model Restoration's installation steps to transform the exterior of your 2010-2012 Mustang GT with an X281 Grille from SVE!

Viewing this install and using the information shared is subject to the terms set forth here - View the LMR Install Instructions Disclaimer.
How To Install 2010-12 Mustang SVE X281 Grille - How To Install 2010-12 Mustang SVE X281 Grille

Please note that this grille will ONLY fit 2010-2012 Mustang GTs. This means V6 and GT500 bumper are a no-go. This grille will also include the (8) needed fasteners. In this video, we will be installing our SVE X281 grille into our 2011 Mustang GT. We will be removing the front bumper for this install. This isn't necessary, but we want to show a clear picture on how the old grille comes out and the new grille goes in. Check out our front bumper removal if needed!


Removal/Installation | X281 Grille


  1. With the front bumper removed from the car, locate the (10) tabs that pass through the bumper. Depress each tab with your thumb or a plastic pry tool while pulling out on the grille. Work your way around the back side of the bumper until all the tabs are released.
  2. How To Install 2010-12 Mustang SVE X281 Grille - How To Install 2010-12 Mustang SVE X281 Grille


  3. Now you can remove the factory grille from the car.
  4. How To Install 2010-12 Mustang SVE X281 Grille - How To Install 2010-12 Mustang SVE X281 Grille


  5. Take this time to wipe down the area.
  6. How To Install 2010-12 Mustang SVE X281 Grille - How To Install 2010-12 Mustang SVE X281 Grille


  7. Align the X281 grille and slide into place.
  8. How To Install 2010-12 Mustang SVE X281 Grille - How To Install 2010-12 Mustang SVE X281 Grille


  9. Use the smaller retainers for the outside tabs. Position the retainer over the tab and firmly press to fully seat it.
  10. How To Install 2010-12 Mustang SVE X281 Grille - How To Install 2010-12 Mustang SVE X281 Grille


  11. Use the larger retainers for the (4) lower tabs.
  12. How To Install 2010-12 Mustang SVE X281 Grille - How To Install 2010-12 Mustang SVE X281 Grille


  13. Before reinstalling the front bumper, ensure that the fog light connections are properly secured and tucked out of the way.
  14. How To Install 2010-12 Mustang SVE X281 Grille - How To Install 2010-12 Mustang SVE X281 Grille


  15. Double check your clips and reposition the front bumper back onto the car if removed.
  16. How To Install 2010-12 Mustang SVE X281 Grille - How To Install 2010-12 Mustang SVE X281 Grille


  17. Reconnect the sidemarker connections.
  18. How To Install 2010-12 Mustang SVE X281 Grille - How To Install 2010-12 Mustang SVE X281 Grille


  19. Align all of the screw holes and reinstall of the screws.
  20. How To Install 2010-12 Mustang SVE X281 Grille - How To Install 2010-12 Mustang SVE X281 Grille


  21. Reinstall the radiator cover and push pins.
  22. How To Install 2010-12 Mustang SVE X281 Grille - How To Install 2010-12 Mustang SVE X281 Grille


  23. Tighten the (2) bumper to headlight retaining screws and you're all done!
  24. How To Install 2010-12 Mustang SVE X281 Grille - How To Install 2010-12 Mustang SVE X281 Grille

2010-12 Mustang GT | SVE X281 Grille


About the Video

2010-2012 Mustang X281 Grille - Install & Review

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Published on 2018-05-29
X281 Grille.
Transform the exterior of your 2010-2012 Mustang GT with an X281 Grille from SVE! This Saleen style grille replaces your plain stock grille to add a sleek performance look on the front of your S197. With a more open design than your stock one, this grille allows more air flow to the radiator for a slight boost in performance! Retaining clips are included to ensure a direct and easy installation. Formed from high-quality flexible ABS plastic and finished off in a factory texture black, this grille ensures a quality look that is intended to last!

High-Quality Construction.
This SVE grille is designed to be a direct replacement for your factory grille. The grille features a high-quality ABS plastic construction that is built to handle the exterior elements. The Saleen style grille features a black textured finish for a factory look.

Fitment Note:
- Will not fit V6 or GT500 bumper

Application: 2010-2012 Mustang GT

Item # SVE-8200S
Transcript
What’s up everyone? Landan with LMR.com! In this video I’ll be taking an in depth look at SVE’s X281 upper grille as well as showing the steps needed to install one into your 2010 to 2012 Mustang.

Here in front of me is SVE’s X281 grille for the 2010 to 2012 Mustang GTs.

This grille is going to be for the S197 enthusiast out there wanting to change up the look of their front end while adding a touch of Saleen-styling.

The X281 grille is molded from high-quality, black ABS plastic that incorporates a factory-like texture and grain.

The ABS plastic itself is very durable and is also flexible which is going to ensure a high-end look that will last a very long time.

This grille will delete the fog lights, but will allow more air flow into the condenser and radiator.

Taking a closer look at the grille, you’ll see that it has 4 horizontal bars that run the entire length of the grille.

Offset of the center will be 2 angled vertical bars that are slightly set back behind the horizontal bars for added aesthetics.

At the top of the grille will be 4 accurately places holes so that you can retain this grille to the upper radiator cover.

There really isn’t much happening on the back of the grille, other than you will find the 8 tabs that will pass through the bumper.

As far as fitment is concerned with this grille, it will only work with 2010 to 2012 Mustang GT bumpers.

That means v6 and GT500 front bumpers are a no go for this grille.

In the box will be one X281 grille and 8 fasteners.

Today we’ll be installing this grille into our 2011 Mustang GT road race car.

We’ll be removing the front bumper for this particular install.

You don’t have to remove the front bumper, but we’re going to do it so that we can clearly show how the upper grille being removed.

If you would like to see how that is done, check out the link in the video description.

With the front bumper removed from the car, locate the 10 tabs that pass through the bumper.

Depress each tab with your thumb or a plastic pry tool while pulling out on the grille.

Work your way around the backside of the bumper until all of the tabs are released.

Remove the grille from the car.

Take this time to wipe down the area.

Align the X281 grille and then slide it into place.

Use the smaller retainers for the outside tabs.

Position one onto the tab, and then firmly press to fully seat it.

Use the larger retainers for the 4 lower tabs.

Position each tab and then firmly press to fully seat it.

Before reinstalling the front bumper, ensure that the fog light connections are properly secured.

Double check your clips and then reposition the front bumper back onto the car if you removed yours.

Reconnect the side marker connections.

Align all of the screw holes up and reinstall all of the screws.

Reinstall the radiator cover and reinstall the push pins.
Finally, tighten the two bumper to headlight retaining screws.

Shut the hood and then you’re all finished.

Alright guys, a few things to make note of after installing this X281 grille.

For one, it looks badass installed onto our 2011 GT!

The other very small thing is the small gap between the bottom of the grille and top of the bumper.

It was designed this way to allow water easily drain whenever it rains or when you wash your car.

Other than that, I really like this X281 grille and would recommend it to anyone with a 2010 to 2012 Mustang!

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