How To Remove & Install 2001-04 Ford Lightning Lower Grille

It is hard to believe that the Ford Lightning is over 20 years old. It seems like just yesterday that this high-horsepower F-150 was making headlines across the industry. With many of these trucks seeing the sun and other elements for the majority of their life, it is expected that exterior plastic pieces will need to be replaced over time.

One of the most commonly faded and damaged components is the lower grille. Due to it's location, the lower grille on SVT Lightnings tends to take quite a bit of abuse to the point where replacing it is your best option. At LMR.com we are proud to offer a direct replacement 2001-2004 style SVT Lightning lower grille. Let's walk through the process of painting and installing this new grille in your truck.

Product Links

01-04 Style Lower Grille
01-04 Style Upper Grille
01-04 Grille Paint Kit
Lightning Grille Parts

Tool List

• Microfiber Towels & Waterless Wash
• Dish Washing Detergent
• Grey Scuff Pad
• Bucket
• Plastic Safe Prep Spray
• Nitrile Gloves
• Respirator
• Phillips Head Screwdriver
• 7mm Nut Driver or Socket & Ratchet
• Push Pin Removal Tool Set

Step 1: Preparing the Lower Grille Surface

• Use a gray scuff pad with warm water and a few drops of dish soap to thoroughly scuff all the areas on the grill that will be painted.

• Wipe off the residue using a microfiber towel.

• Wear nitrile gloves to prevent transferring oils from your hands back onto the prep surface.

• Wipe any area that will be painted with a plastic-safe prep spray and a new microfiber towel to remove any leftover residues and oils.

• Allow the grill to air dry for a few minutes before painting.

• Ensure you're working in a well-lit and well-ventilated area.
  
  

Step 2: Applying Adhesive Promoter and Paint

• Shake the can of paint for approximately one minute.

• Start by painting the back area of the grill first. Spray a medium wet coat of the sand-free Adhesive Promoter onto the grill.

• While the adhesion promoter is still wet, apply a light coat of paint. The adhesion promoter will draw the paint into the surface, ensuring good adhesion.

• Allow the first light coat to flash for three to five minutes.

• Apply a second medium wet coat and allow the same flash time.

• Stand the grille up and dust some paint into the small vertical sections on the grill.

• Flip it 180 degrees and repeat the process from this direction.

• Inspect the coverage and apply additional paint to the front section, along with any sections that may need additional paint.

• Let the paint fully cure for about 24 hours before proceeding.
  
  

Step 3: Removing the Existing Grille

• Safely support the front of the truck if necessary.

• If the lower air deflector is installed, either fully remove it or swing it out of your way.

• If you have an aftermarket heat exchanger, remove the retaining hardware and position it out of the way.

• Remove all nine screws securing the lower grille. When removing the last one, hold the grille with your free hand to prevent it from falling.
  
  

Step 4: Installing the New Grille

• Clean up the front bumper that was covered by the old grille if it's dirty.

• Thread the provided screws into the holes on the new grille without fully tightening them.

• Position the new grille into place, aligning the two lower tabs on the grille with the slots in the bumper.

• Install one screw loosely to hold the grille in place.

• Install the remaining screws and snug them down, being careful not to over-tighten and strip the holes.

• Reinstall the heat exchanger if it was removed and reposition the lower air deflector.

• Lower the truck to the ground.
  
  

That's It! Now enjoy your newly restored Ford Lightning!