2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Chrome SLT Grille to painted Sport...Dealer says it CAN'T be done

[VicR]

When I went to my favorite parts counter, the rep told me that even though the chrome SLT grilles look like they would interchange with 98 and earlier sport grills, they really don't. He said the mounts are different and it just won't fit. I have bought quite a bit from him and he is usually right on, but I wanted to get a second opinion. Has anyone done this swap? I know the 99 and up sports are different, but I sure thought the 98 sports and SLT were the same.



Thanks,



-Vic

 

[Whitmore]

Vic

seams like I heard the same thing before but I cannot varrify it

 

[MJawsman]

Not so sure about the OE unit, but Summit Racing has a piece from Stull in ready to pain primer for $200 or chrome for $220... part # STU-6030 or STU-6030C. The description says it's made from billet. Hope this helps.



Mark

 

[Mopar Man]

Painted Grill

I liked the look of the sport grill, but as I bought my 1997 SLT used , I had to take what I found. About two years ago, I decided to get the "chrome" painted. The first shop said "no way" as it would peal off. Two more said "no problem" and I got it painted ( $100. I took it off and put it back on) Still looks good and no chips, peel, etc. So, is my truck with the chrome bumpers, but a painted grill, a "semi-sport"???

 

[Mopar Man]

Painted Grill

I liked the look of the sport grill, but as I bought my 1997 SLT used , I had to take what I found. About two years ago, I decided to get the "chrome" painted. The first shop said "no way" as it would peal off. Two more said "no problem" and I got it painted ( $100. I took it off and put it back on) Still looks good and no chips, peel, etc. So, is my truck with the chrome bumpers, but a painted grill, a "semi-sport"???

 

[Thomas]

Vic,



FWIW, here are some numbers for model year 2000 Rams. It looks to me as though either bracket will fit all trucks.







BRACKET, Radiator Grille



P/N 55076 476AB with Chrome Grille

P/N 55076 867AB with Body Color Grille





GRILLE, Radiator



P/N QR33 DX8AD Black

P/N QR33 GW7AD White

P/N QR33 PR4AD Red

P/N QR33 SG8AD Green

P/N QR33 VB3AD Blue

P/N QR33 VYHAD Yellow

P/N 55076 550AB Chrome

 

[MikeR]

Vic,



TDR member, John, did the exact opposite with his 98. He put a 99+ sport grille on his 98, but he had to install the grill bracket with it. So, at worst, you'd need to buy a grille bracket too.



Why not just go to a bodyshop and have them order you an aftermarket-direct replacement (Dynacorn) unpainted 99 grille, and have it painted white. It would proably be cheaper than buying the dodge sport grille and grille bracket.









-Mike

 

[Taz]

So someone does make a whole aftermarket front grill and not just the honecomb replacement? I went to put a new bug shield on mine and found that half the mounting points on the plastic grill are broken. Then I looked up the price of the replacement from Dodge and didn't like that at all! Any information on these grills? links? pictures? I went to Summit, no picture of those on their website as usual.

 

[MJawsman]

Try this:



www.stullindustries.com



Mark

 

[Taz]

Originally posted by MJawsman

Try this:



www.stullindustries.com



Mark

So what I would need is a grille Shell

 

[MikeR]

Taz,



There are a couple of aftermarket overseas companies that make lots of original looking replacement parts for just about any vehicle. You can get bumpers, hoods, doors, fenders headlights and taillights and grilles. But because these items are usually made in places like Tiwan and such, sometimes the fit and quality can be questionable. Any bodyshop can order this stuff for you.



-Mike