Front plate delete, discoloring leftover

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Any info on how exactly to get it out? I'd like to redo mine but it would be alot easier with it off the car. I think what Marcus is saying is he sprayed the paint into the plastic cups and brushed it on that way rather than spraying the grille.

Thanks....Barry

That's correct. I sprayed the paint into the cups and then applied the paint with a sponge brush. It took a little while, but it came out well.

[Tampa330i]

Alpha - do you know how to get the grille out of the bumper?

[Alphatek45]

I used a pocket knife. At the seams, they spread pretty easy. Then just dig your finger in and pull. It takes more force to get them out and back on than you would think. Obviously you don't want to pry at any points between the trim and the body.

Hope this helps.

[Tampa330i]

Do you have to take the bumper off, or can it still be attached? Also, does the grille come out through the front or back of the bumper?

[Alphatek45]

Ah. Old thread with a title of front plate delete. Which I have done. I haven't removed my grill but I can tell you that mine was loose. It has several simple "tabs" that I had to snap into place to tighten it up.
Looks like if I were to undo them all, it would have popped right out, from the back, without touching the bumper. May have to weasel it out carefully, but you wont have to pull the bumper.

[Alphatek45]

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=750316

One guy pulled his bumper. One didn't. I wouldnt....

[Mtnman]

i pulled out my mesh grill insert without removing the bumper. I did it to repaint the thing black, cause mine looked grey like my car. It take some force, but it you start at one end, and push firmly, but quickly, it will pop out. Once you pop part of it, you will be more comfortable with it. It is held on by about 8 snaps. Its a pain to get out and in, but much easier than removing the bumper. First time took me about 10 minutes to get it out. Second time, because i knew i wasnt going to break it, it only took about 5 mins. Firm, even force is key, but i would not start lightly and slowly bring up pressure, but rather "pop" it if that makes sense.
David

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Like pulling off a bandaid.

[pyreguy]

Your front bumper is hairy too?

[Tampa330i]

Sounds good, I'll have to try this out soon. Pyre - do you have any more pics of your car? I was thinking of doing the tails and corners clear but wasn't sure how it'd look on black. It looks pretty good to me on yours.