Grille insert swap help

Need ideas or insight on how to do it with out breaking the tabs. I tried using plastic pry tools and they wouldn’t budge.

 

There is some YouTube videos on how to do it,check there

 

Bring it inside the house, put it on the carpet and get comfortable. You’re going to have to start with some type of flat object like a screwdriver. I also used a razor knife and noticed a little mold slag in each of the tabs that makes it more difficult to pop each tab loose. I trimmed this little amount. Slowly work your way around the grill. Some of them will pop back into place and piss you off. I think it also helps if the plastic is a little warm. I cracked one receiver tab.
Without showing you in person it’s difficult to completely explain. Just take your time.

 

I can’t find any showing the process, there is plenty of how to remove grille from the truck but not how remove the insert from the surround

 

Just pull up at each tab with your fingers. It’s a finger buster but not difficult. Just take your time. Don’t forget about the four screws. Obviously those need to come out first.

 

I just removed the four little screws and then used a small screwdriver to aid in releasing one tab at a time. And as mentioned above place the grille on something soft. Also, the more tabs you release the flimsier the whole assembly gets.
It is a little bit of a PIA to do but it will go back together really easy.

 

Just got mine apart. What a pita

 

I just broke all of them off with my fingers.. they add a little bit of stability but once you tighten the 4 screws on the insert to the surround and the rest to the truck its tight.

 

I just just my finger and a screwdriver with a hex bit as a flat push service and didn’t break any

 

I broke 3, lol

 

Was a pita and thought I broke one but they all survived

 

Apply some heat to prevent cracking.