2014 grille possibilities & my build
 

I've searched this forum up and down and really theres a lot of good information about grill(e) changes, both custom and stock....but my questions are really very specific. The topics have been touched on but not in depth enough for me to really understand. I have scoured the internet for hours now trying to figure things out on my own because there is always that one or five scornful guys who shout search the forum when you ask a question, and have found basically no 100% specific answers. Basically what im looking at i have a 2014 f150 stx supercab, i have a painted grill(e) surround to match the truck and black center. What im looking at doing here is buying a 3 bar xlt grill(e) and pulling the center on both to swap them out. I want the 3 bar look but a painted surround without having to destroy a new grill(e) by peeling all the chrome off of its new surround. I've seen that other people have swapped centers out successfully multiple times, but the grill(e)s are always the same style. Will my idea work? Can i swap the centers out? If not, does anyone have experience with these snap on chrome plated abs 4 bar covers? I know this is beyond specific and very question filled and a tad lengthy but its a 300 dollar difference and definitely not a mistake i want to make.


Thanks in advance.
Heres a list of changes thus far.





Extang tri-fold bed cover
drop in bed liner
20" led light bar
promaxx stainless bull bar
2 hella utility flood lamps (rear)
xlt console swap
35% tint on front sides
5% tint on rear sides and back
5% tint strip on windshield

slowly but surely light housings, grill(e), wheels, wheel well inserts, and leveling kit will be added. I apologize for a windy post.

The centers are a huge pita to seperate once together. But it can be done

Hard to believe you couldn't find this answer. One of the more common questions in here.


It's year dependent. Like the center from a 2010, won't work in a 14. I know from experience.


Someone like member NASSTY will probably correct me, but I believe it goes, 09-11 grille centers are interchangeable with each other. And 13-14 are with each other.


BTW you don't have to strip down the chrome to paint. There's a specific process I've used for years now with much success.

You can only swap '14 grille inserts with '14 grille inserts. '13- are not compatible. You can, however, swap out the entire grille between '09-'14.

The one exception is a 2014 STX Sport grill will fit a 2010,2011,2012 grill surround. But it won't fit 2013-14 grill surrounds, unless it's a 2014 STX Sport grill surround.

I had my centers swapped out and installed in 10 minutes.

The part that sucks is pulling the surround off of the hood

Benefits of previously working at a Ford dealer I guess, I've never had a problem with either, lol.


Also just noticed I accidently posted under now defunct profile, custom coatings.

Thanks for the replies, guys. :thumbsup:




Custom Coatings/Mbullock, no I couldn't find the exact answer for my questions, out of all the comments I'd read thru I didn't see anywhere the specific years that would work together. I really do appreciate the help though, could have wasted money had I not asked.
This has definitely helped me make my decision, I will be purchasing the 2014 3 bar grille to swap centers with.

What about the 2012's? Can I swap my 7 bar one for a 2 bar one? You guys list 09-11 can change and 13-14 are interchangeable. I don't wanna swap out my outer portion if I don't have to, just the black center.

It pops right out with the right tool, a plastic wedge works great. Grab a set from Harbor Freight.


http://www.harborfreight.com/5-piece...set-67021.html
.