How To Remove A Grille From A 3rd Generation Chevy Silverado
When you want to upgrade your grille, you have to remove the old one first. If you own a 3rd generation Chevy Silverado, you may benefit from one of the tutorials we’ve outlined below. We have a set of steps on removing the grille on the following Silverados:
- 2014-2015 Silverado 1500
- 2016-2019 Silverado 1500
- 2015-2019 Silverado HD 2500/3500
A couple of things to note: Both third and fourth generation Silverados were produced in the 2019 model year, and their production actually overlapped. So if you have a fourth-gen Silverado, this tutorial is not for you. If you own a 2015-2019 GMC Sierra, you may want to find a model-specific tutorial elsewhere. Even though Sierras and Silverados are designed very similarly, the grille removal processes are too different from each other to cover in one tutorial.
How To Remove The Grille On A 2014-2015 Silverado 1500
Follow these simple steps to remove the grille on your 2014-2015 Chevy Silverado 1500. If you have a 2016-2019 third gen Silverado, skip down to next section.
Remove The Radiator Cover
When you open the hood, you’ll see a big plastic piece near the front of the hood. That’s the upper radiator shield. With a pin removal tool or a slotted screwdriver, carefully remove the 12 plastic push pins. Next, pull the upper radiator shield off.
Image Credit: Auto Wizard
Remove The Grille Mounting Bolts
With a 3/8 impact gun or a socket wrench, remove the four 10 mm bolts located right above the grille. These bolts attach the grille to the radiator support beam. You will have to go under the truck to get at the four 10mm bolts that attach the lower part of the grille. Two of them are somewhat hidden.
This truck has a thin flexible trim strip attached to the bottom of the grille. It will stay attached to the grille when you remove it. There are 2 7mm bolts at each end of the trim piece to remove. You will find them at the bottom edge of the fender well. After you remove these four bolts, there are still some clips to deal with. Pull each end of the trim piece outward and forward to release the trim clips.
Image Credit: The Sundae Drive
Pull Off The Grille
Lift the grille up slightly, and pull the grille forward. Do not use a pry bar. The safest way to do it is with your hands. The grille will come right off.
How To Remove The Grille On A 2016-2019 Silverado 1500
The grille on a 2016-2019 Silverado is different than the 2014-2015 trucks. The key differences are:
- There is no trim strip attached to the bottom of the grille.
- There are only four 10mm bolts to remove.
- There are tabs to release.
Here are the steps to remove a grille from a 2016-2019 Silverado 1500:
Remove The Radiator Cover
This is same as the 2014-2015 truck.
Remove The Grille Mounting Bolts
There are only four 10 mm bolts to remove from the top of the grille. They are easily accessible.
Release The Three Tabs On The Top Of The Grille
There are three guide clips to release before you can remove the grille. They are located at the top of the grill, near the four bolts. They will reset themselves unless you leave your pry tool in place, so you need three pry tools. Once you locate the guide clips, use a pry tool to release the clips from the rear.
Image Credit: Auto Wizard
Remove The Grille
Once the three clips are released, use your hands and grab the bottom of the grille. Pull it firmly forward.
How To Remove The Grille On A Silverado HD 2500/3500
Removing the 2015-2019 Chevy Silverado HD 2500/3500 grille is much simpler than it is for the 1500. Here’s how you can remove the grille from this truck:
Remove The Radiator Cover
When you open the hood, you’ll see a big plastic piece near the front of the hood. That’s the upper radiator shield. With a pin removal tool, carefully remove the 12 plastic push pins. Next, pull the upper radiator shield off.
Remove The Bolts From The Radiator Support Beam
With a 3/8 impact gun, remove the 10 mm bolts located right above the grille. These bolts are attached to the radiator support beam, and removing them will loosen up the grille and make it easier to remove.
There may be two bolts inside the grille. Remove them, too.
Pull Off The Grille
With your hands, pull the grille off. Never use a pry bar.
Drive A Different Truck And Want Grille Removal Instructions? Take A Look At One Of These Other Tutorials.
How To Remove A Grille From A 2007-2013 Chevy Silverado And GMC Sierra