Tried an XLT 6 bar chrome package grille but they are one piece only and didn't want the chrome surround. Fortunately it had also come in damaged so I was able to send it back and get refunded.

So pulled the trigger for the HD grille since I knew I could transfer the center section out and keep my painted surround. I suggest anyone doing a grille transfer like this have the following:
- at least two plastic trim removers with a 45 or 90 degree (I had some I got from Hebrew Freight
- a small flat head screwdriver
- T25 Torx screwdriver
- 10mm deep socket and ratchet
- Work area of 10' x 10' or so
- blanket or equivalent to lay down to put grill on to transfer the old center grille out


Open hood:
First removed all top six 10mm nuts from top of grille
Then removed two 10 bolts from bottom of grille

 

Very carefully you will need the plastic 45 or 90 degree trim removers and starting from far end of either side gently pry between grille surround and hood. There are five of these and gently prying will keep you from breaking any tabs. Take your time here. I had two clips that stayed with the grille but was able to pull them back off and pop them back into the hood. You do get new clips with the harley grille if you choose to use them.
After this you can pull the grille away and put it on a blanket layed out being careful not to have anything on the blanket that would scratch it.
Remove the six torx screws at the bottom of grille with T25 Torx screwdriver. Remove metal bottom bar and set aside.
Remove the two nuts with 10mm deep socket and ratchet that hold the emblem on. Carefully use trim removers to pry emblem from grille. Set aiside emblem.
Now the tricky part of carefully removing all the clips that hold the center from the outside. I was careful and was able to get all apart. There is two on each side and four to six on both the top and bottom. A little patience goes a long way.

Now reverse above. Its much easier to snap the new inner HD grille into the old surround. Carefully tighten all fasteners so not strip anything out or break or crack the plastic.

I got the grille from Domenic at Tasca for $598 and was another $50 or so for shipping. Yeah, its redonkulous!

 

I have my original center FX4 grille and primed outer that is ready for paint. Please hit me up via PM if interested in it.

 

Looks great!!

Those clips at the top of the surround are a bear, I did the same thing you did with The HF tools but also put duct tape on the hood where I was prying just to make sure I didn't get a nice mar in the paint.

 

does it matter if those clips get broken off? will the bolts still hold the grille on good enough? I just bought a Harley grille online that was a take-off and most of the clips are broken.

 

Do you mean the metal clips that are "supposed" to stay in the hood? Yes, the ones from your truck now should be fine. If you're talking about the plastic "****" that go into those metal clips, well, I'd be looking at maybe breaking off some on your old grille so you can bond them on. I think it will have a bit larger gap there if you put it on with those not on. One or two maybe broken may be acceptable.

 

looks good man...

guess I am old foggie, I like my lariat grill and wood grain

 

You will never find a way to bond them back, I would get some double sided tape and find a way to get a good grip with the tape between the surround and the hood.

 

I like the looks of that alot! But holycrap on the price.

 

Thanks! Nothing wrong with Lariat stuff or wood! Some like more and some like less.