RGS

These grilles are another level of force required to remove compared to the 981 side intake trim pieces. @Larry Cable can you help here? I know you had some struggles but were able to complete the trim removal.

Der Tgr

To get the trim tool inserted at the start, I found it helpful to put a hand inside the trim piece and gently pull it outwards to create a small gap between the trim and the paint. Then I could relatively easily get the trim tool inserted without harming paint. Also, look at the photos I posted above and note the locations of the tabs - particularly the ones on top and bottom. These buggers were the worst part for me as I believe they had an small dab of adhesive on them (shown in white on my photos). I had to "wiggle" the trim piece once the first three clips along the front edge were popped out of their holes in order to break the adhesion. All the perimeter tabs are smaller than the clips along the front edge, and they also have a little lip to hold them in place, just like the larger 3 clips. Probably not explaining that very well, but once you get the piece out, it'll make sense to you.

Be careful and take your time as you stated. Even though I did the same, I did break a tab on one side, but upon reinsertion of the trim piece, it still "popped" back in and feels tight. If it tends to loosen over time, I'll just replace the black trim piece. I think that had I expected the perimeter tabs to be attached with some sort of adhesive, I likely wouldn't have broken that one tab.

Bob Z.

One can also use a small piece of 3M tape or two to help hold them in if a tab breaks, which works well...I know from experience!

AdamIsAdam

Let me ask you all this: is the object to get the trim tool right on the clip which would move the tab/clip out of the locking position? (sort of like a wire harness clip)? Or is the goal to get the trim tool above/below the tab and pop it out by leverage/pulling?

Larry Cable

@slilley UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES USE ANY METAL TOOL!

I had the same "challenge" as you did, but I persevered, I used a slightly stronger plastic trim tool

- start at the bottom "front" edge of the vent, insert the tool, then slide it slow up the leading edge of the vent, you will feel the location of the 1st tab
- push the trim tool in towards the tab, then lever it in order to free the tab, you will hear it release
- slide the tool up to just above the mid way split in the vent, you will feel the location of the 2nd tab, repeat
- finally repeat with the 3rd and last tab above

now all that is actually hold the vent piece in are the (new) top and bottom tabs (the tab on the trailing edge of the vent will release easily otherwise)

you may have to use a small tool to release those top and bottom tabs, however I simply pulled at the lead edge corners top and bottom and it came out

but it requires some force to do so!

good luck
now only the

Larry Cable

I would say its the former, as I mentioned above I maneuvered the tool to the location of the tab then levered the tool such that it would depress the tab and unlock it.

the "fly in the ointment" is the presence of the (new) tabs top and bottom of the vent ...

Larry Cable

this video is pretty informative, although I dont think that it has the (new) top and bottom tabs that the Spyder does!

hmintz

I have a question. The instructions from Radiator Grill require side panel removal (not just the grill) for GT4 installations. The above examples, as challenging as they were, only required grill removal. Is that because they are all GTS 4.0's and Spyder's, or does the GT4 not require side panel removal? Thanks.

Howard

Larry Cable

its just the GT4 I believe because the scoops on the GT4 are screwed into the vent and side panel; since neither the GTS nor the Spyder have those scoops side panel removal is not required.

RoadrunnerGTS

The GTS/Spyder have slightly different black intake inserts to the GT4. The scoop actually clips into the black intake. With the GT4 scoops you can no longer access the black intake inserts with a pry tool, hence you need to remove the side panel.

Here is the scoop setup for the GT4. It clips onto the black intake.

SpeedySpidey

I used metal, no harm to report if you take the proper precautions.

SpeedySpidey

From today’s ride… the beer koozie isn’t the only functional thing!

Larry Cable

why risk it?

Larry Cable

not the best photo ... however look'in good.

confused66

So I'm confused by these chats. I assume all the incoming air from either intake grill is going to pass through the air filter so nothing bad is going to make its way to the engine anyway so why would I need them? Seems like an expense I can do without.
Am I missing something?