Like many of us on the forum we really liked the look of teh matte black painted grille insert from a 2009 FXT.
Well, I will outline the steps needed to get the grille insert off so it can be painted WITHOUT taping.
First step:
Remove bumper.
http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/f80/how-remove-bumper-2009-lots-pics-61344/
Step 2:
Remove complete grille. 2 screws located at the bottom of grille.
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Step 3:
Remove 10 small black phillip screws.
Step 4:
Gently use a small flathead screwdriver and pry the tab on the very top right or left of the back of the grille. As you begin to separate the 2 pieces it should continue to allow you to separate the entire thing in one movement. Be slow and gentle.
Step 5:
You should now be holding 2 pieces. One shiny chromo and the other is the insert.
Step 6:
Clean the insert
Step 7:
repeat step 6. You cannot paint anything if it is dirty. Period. Do a half donkey job cleaning will give you a half donkey result.
Step 8:
Prepare insert for paint. I built a support for the insert that will allow it to hang securely without moving. I did this so I can easily apply many light coats of paint.
step 9:
patience. Prep work in painting is everything.
backside of chrome piece after insert removal
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The 4 screws help hold the insert when painting
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I hope this helps and give you the results you want. As always, TAKE YOUR TIME.
before
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After
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Well, I will outline the steps needed to get the grille insert off so it can be painted WITHOUT taping.
First step:
Remove bumper.
http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/f80/how-remove-bumper-2009-lots-pics-61344/
Step 2:
Remove complete grille. 2 screws located at the bottom of grille.
Step 3:
Remove 10 small black phillip screws.
Step 4:
Gently use a small flathead screwdriver and pry the tab on the very top right or left of the back of the grille. As you begin to separate the 2 pieces it should continue to allow you to separate the entire thing in one movement. Be slow and gentle.
Step 5:
You should now be holding 2 pieces. One shiny chromo and the other is the insert.
Step 6:
Clean the insert
Step 7:
repeat step 6. You cannot paint anything if it is dirty. Period. Do a half donkey job cleaning will give you a half donkey result.
Step 8:
Prepare insert for paint. I built a support for the insert that will allow it to hang securely without moving. I did this so I can easily apply many light coats of paint.
step 9:
patience. Prep work in painting is everything.
backside of chrome piece after insert removal
The 4 screws help hold the insert when painting
I hope this helps and give you the results you want. As always, TAKE YOUR TIME.
before
After
