How to Install E & G Fine Mesh Upper Grille Insert - Chrome (02-05 RAM 1500) on your Dodge RAM

1. Apply masing tape to the chrome or painted grille surround to protect it from getting scratched while installing the E&G grille inserts.

2. Open the hood and remove the twelve 8mm factory fasteners to remove the factory grille surround from the hood (six 8mm hex bolts across the bottom, six 8mm hex nuts across the top, it may also be necessary to carefully cut through the black sealer between the hood and the grille) and place it onto a clean, flat work area.

3. Remove the factory plastic grille sections from the grille surround by pressing on the center of the retaining pins to release them (not shown). Make sure the retaining pins are completely removed.

4. Align the stainless steel E&G grille left and right sections into the factory grille frame.

5. Install the supplied mounting brackets and 1/4-20 x 3/8” indented hex washer slotted screws at the verticle center (as shown). Make sure that the center mounting brackets are arched enough to keep the mesh tight against the factory grille frame.

6. Install the supplied 1/4-20 x 3/4” indented hex washer slotted screws and black plastic washers across the bottom and center of the mesh section in the factory holes (see arrows). IMPORTANT: Do not overtighten the screws or you will strip out the plastic grille frame mounting holes! Trim down a plastic washer for the top outer holes and install it with a 1/4-20 x 3/4” indented hex washer slotted screw to keep the mesh tight against the grille opening.

7. For the Fine Mesh Grilles: Install the four (4) top mounting brackets with the supplied 1/4 - 20 x 3/4” indented hex washer slotted screws (where shown).

8. For the “Heavy Metal” Mesh Grilles: Install the two (2) top mounting brackets with the supplied 1/4 - 20 x 3/4” indented hex washer slotted screws (where shown).

9. Use flat or semigloss black paint to black out any bright objects that will be visible behind the grille once it is installed (not shown).

10. Reinstall the assembled grille frame back onto the hood to finish.