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C6 Corvette: How to Remove Grill

This easy modification can be a cheap and quick way to give any C6+ Corvette a new attitude.

By Tom Cavanagh - February 4, 2015

This article applies to C6 Corvettes (2005-2013).

The intake grill on a C6 Corvette keeps unwanted stuff from being sucked into the engine bay and it looks good doing it. Changing the grill can give a Corvette an entirely new visual attitude.

There are two ways to upgrade the grill on your Corvette. There's an easy way and a more complex way. Mesh grills are fairly easy to install. They simply mount over the existing OEM grill. Changing out a damaged intake grill will take a little more time and effort. This article will discuss both ways to install a grill. Either way, it is a fairly easy DIY procedure. Either of them will cost you from $50 to $700.

Materials Needed

  • 7mm screwdriver
  • Torx t15 screwdriver
  • 10mm wrench
  • Jack supports
  • Masking tape
  • Dirt or grease cleaner

Installing A Mesh Grill

A number of manufacturers make mesh screens to fit over the grill of your C6 Corvette. Make sure you purchase the right one for your model. Some grills will not fit Z06, ZR1, or Grand Sport models. Figure 1 are some examples of RaceMesh™ Grilles.

Figure 1. Stainless steel mesh grill types.

These are inserts that fit over the current intake grill. There's no need to remove the entire front fascia to install them, but it is suggested masking all surrounding parts with tape to avoid scratches during installation. Masking tape and dirt or grease cleaner are the only things you'll need. It should take you less than half an hour to complete. This short video will show you how to install a mesh insert onto your grill.

Featured Video: How to Install a Mesh Grill

Replacing The Factory Grill

The front end of a Corvette—up to the hood seam—is functionally one part. To remove the grill, the front end of the vehicle will have to come off. If that sounds intimidating, don't worry. You'll need a 7mm screwdriver, a Torx t15 screwdriver, a 10mm wrench, hydraulic jacks and jack stands.

Step 1 – Remove the front bumper cover

Lift the car to remove the front wheels. This will give you access to the retaining screws in the wheel wells. Also, lift the hood to give you access to more screws holding the fascia on. The Z06 and base C6 models might be plastic push pins. These pictures will show you where they are located. Remove the 10mm nuts and the 7mm screws on the fascia underside. Carefully unhook the fog lamp and turn signal harnesses. Once this is done, give the upper corners of the front fascia a gentle tug until the clip pops.

  • Figure 2. Remove bolts securing front bumper.
  • Figure 3. Remove the bumper cover.

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Step 2 – Replace the grill

Once the fascia is off, place it in a position that you can access the back of it. Two rubber flaps extend out from the grill piece. Use a 7mm screwdriver (or remove the pushpins if so equipped) to remove the the flaps. Unscrew the old grill. Place the new grill over the holes and attach it. Reattach the flaps. Carefully place the fascia back onto the frame of the car, and reverse the steps you took to remove it.

Figure 4. After replacing the grill, carefully attach the fascia back on.

Pro Tips

  • Use masking tape to protect painted body parts.
  • The old grill is easy to remove if you have a large soft area to place and remove the fascia.

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