nick731

so you mean you would like the entire grill(surround, mesh, inserts, etc) all to be PTM to your truck?

P Funk

Yes, that is correct. I understand that the mesh may be difficult to do, but, whatever you can come up with is appreciated. Thank you once again!

nick731

i tried playing with it some. i didint get to a complete mockup but i got far enough where i would advice you to not do it. but that's just my opinion. do what ever you think will be best! and post up some pics so we can admire. -Nick

P Funk

Ok, thanks for playing around with it to see what it may look like. So, you're thinking I should just do a PTM with the surround only, correct?

I do have to say that I like how it looks with just the surround in black that you did the other day for me.

nick731

your welcome! yes i would just do the PTM surround and leave the rest. -Nick

rohada

Go to my profile and click on my album, if you like. You can see what the PTM surround will look like. No smoked headlights.

Aggie-150

super fast chop

P Funk

Thanks for the info and the opportunity to check out your truck with the PTM surround. Your truck looks very nice and I love how it sets off the truck and tones down on the chrome in front. Did you find a surround that was able to be PTM'd, or, did you use the existing surround and work some magic with that? Curious to know if you don't mind, thanks.

P Funk

Thank you for the mock up on the lights, I appreciate it.

rohada

I bought one like this one, from the same seller for $199 at the time.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2009-2013-FORD-F-150-F150-XL-STX-FX2-FX4-NEW-FACTORY-FORD-GRILL-GRILLE-TUXEDO-/141182163351?pt=Motors_Manuals_Literature&hash=item20df1cd997&vxp=mtr
I separated the insert from the surround on the original grill and did the same thing with the assembly in the link. I swapped them out so the chrome insert is attached to the PTM surround. You could go a step further and separate the C-clamp portion and plastidip the grill and then reattach. If I had a different color on my truck, I may have done that, but I liked the contrast against the Tuxedo Black.

There may be various ways to separate the insert from the surround, but I have found a way that was easy to do and I didn't break any tabs. For removing the whole grill assembly, I'd recommend going on eBay and grabbing some nylon trim removal tools. There is no shortage of them. They will be helpful. Also, visit youtube and look up F150 grill removal and you'll find a nice, simple video demonstrating the best way to remove it. If you pry a little at a time all the way across, you can remove the assembly without breaking any tabs.

If you'd like for me to share my method for separating the insert from the surround, just let me know via a PM. It would be much easier to tell you over the phone as step by step with accuracy would take too long to type out.

Like you, I thought the chrome surround was just too much and, for me, made the front of the truck appear disproportionally large. The PTM surround really cuts the visual mass and, I believe, enhances the overall appearance. In addition to the XLT Chrome Package, I have OEM chrome mirror caps and tow hooks. Since these are all small chrome pieces they tend to complement the Tuxedo Black without them teaming up with the gargantuan chrome grill surround to make it look like a blingmobile. But, that's just me.