LSE Chrome Grille Conversion (How To)

**GrayGhost1** · July 23rd, 2005, 05:19 PM

Well here it is. The long awaited tech article to convert the Lincoln LS grille into an all chrome grille. If you follow this guide you should not have any issues with your grille. The first one I did took about 45 minutes. The second one was even less so it's not a difficult project.

You will need these items to successfully convert a Lincoln LS grille into a fully chromed version:

- 2004 and up Lincoln LSE Grille (color doesn't really matter)
- 2003 and up Lincoln LS Grille (has to be a 2 piece version)
- Epoxy for ABS Plastic (I used clear but black can do)
- Dremel
- Flat Head Screw Driver

The most difficult part of this conversion is locating a 2 piece 2003 and up Lincoln LS Grille. They are out there but there is no guarantee you'll get one if you order one from LS Koncepts or the dealer. It's the luck of the draw. I had to purchse three before I got one so good luck! Once you have your grilles they should look something like what is below and one photo lets you know how to identify a 2 piece grille.

First thing to do is remove the four (4) mounting screws from the top of each grille. Next you can start to Dremel out the plastic mounting studs. There are ten (10) on each grille. It doesn't take much to Dremel them out so don't grind it all the way down. You want to just Dremel it enough to to release it from the grille.

**GrayGhost1** · July 23rd, 2005, 05:24 PM

Next you will have to Dremel out all of the glue from the center piece. This may be a difficult job but take your time and do not break the grille. I have noticed on the last few LSE grilles I have gotten that they do not have this section glued anymore. If that's the case just remove the metal nut on the stud and pry the snaps apart. If yours has the glue then here's where to Dremel it out:

After you have separated the two pieces by Dremeling out the plastic studs and the glued center piece release the tabs shown below with a flat head screw driver. There are two on each grille.

Once you've done that the two pieces separate easily. Repeat these steps above for the other grille and you'll be ready to marry the two chrome pieces together.

Mix up your epoxy so you can put the two chrome pieces together. First put a nice layer of epoxy in the center piece of the chrome water fall shown below:

Next marry the two chrome pieces together by snapping it together. I suggest that you press very hard on the center piece and allow the epoxy to set up before starting on the studs. This way you know you have a good strong bond between the two pieces. After that you can epoxy the 10 studs to the center piece.

Once the epoxy has set up you can put the four (4) mounting screws back on the grille and you should have a grille ready to go. It should look like this below:

Just be careful not to get epoxy on any chromed surfaces. It will stain it and it will not look good.

gt95coupe · July 24th, 2005, 01:00 AM

will you be selling these? if so what will the cost be?

**GrayGhost1** · July 24th, 2005, 01:40 PM

I won't be modifying any of the grilles. However, I do sell the regular LS and LSE grille though. It's not a difficult project just a little luck finding the two piece regular LS grille.

tylers65 · July 24th, 2005, 05:56 PM

Are most of the LSE grills 2 piece?

It would make it easier to do this type of project on a car that alreay has the 2 piece grill, then all you would have to purchase is an LSE grill.

Thanks for the write up!!! YOU RULE!!!!!!!!!!

LennDawg · July 24th, 2005, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tylers65

Are most of the LSE grills 2 piece?

It would make it easier to do this type of project on a car that alreay has the 2 piece grill, then all you would have to purchase is an LSE grill.

Thanks for the write up!!! YOU RULE!!!!!!!!!!

they used to all be 2 pieces but ford stopped doing them 2 pieces and started doing them all one piece... its just the luck of the draw if you get a 2 piece one or not, trust me i kno this because it took me a few months to actually come across a 2 piece one and i cant wait til it gets shipped so i can make my all chrome grill!! Thanks Ken!!

**GrayGhost1** · July 24th, 2005, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tylers65

Are most of the LSE grills 2 piece?

It would make it easier to do this type of project on a car that alreay has the 2 piece grill, then all you would have to purchase is an LSE grill.

Thanks for the write up!!! YOU RULE!!!!!!!!!!

All 2004 and up LSE grilles are two piece. It's hit or miss on the regular LS grille.

stateproperty3423 · July 24th, 2005, 06:35 PM

can i tell if my grille is a 2 piece w/o taking it off the car

itsnotmydaddys · July 24th, 2005, 06:36 PM

W/ SMokers Package? whats that

stateproperty3423 · July 24th, 2005, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by itsnotmydaddys

W/ SMokers Package? whats that

that what the dealer told me when i bought my car...what i think is that in the 03+ ls's they took out the cig lighter and ash trays but my car has em

LennDawg · July 24th, 2005, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stateproperty3423

that what the dealer told me when i bought my car...what i think is that in the 03+ ls's they took out the cig lighter and ash trays but my car has em

haha for real? what did they put in place of the lighter and ash tray? just a bigger tray for like change or something?

stateproperty3423 · July 24th, 2005, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LennDawg

haha for real? what did they put in place of the lighter and ash tray? just a bigger tray for like change or something?

theres still the outlet for a cell phone charger or something..but not the the piece that lights the cig.....i think

stateproperty3423 · July 24th, 2005, 07:00 PM

hey itsnotmydaddy im trying to im brad to see if i can get a deal on rims but he hasent been online all day is that cause its sunday..I thought you said hes always online

itsnotmydaddys · July 24th, 2005, 07:04 PM

yeah he usua;;y is online, it may bevause its sunday, i know for a fact hell be on tomorrow. what do u need to know? u getting some 20s

stateproperty3423 · July 24th, 2005, 07:08 PM

yeah finally got the money for some dubs i want to get the mega 907's how much you think he will want for them wrapped in some nittos shipped?

itsnotmydaddys · July 24th, 2005, 07:16 PM

those are the ones i wanted in black but theyre on a 2 month backorder for the black, i think he said maybe 1495 shipped with nitto tires mounted and balanced, with locks and lugs, btu dont quote me on that

stateproperty3423 · July 24th, 2005, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by itsnotmydaddys

those are the ones i wanted in black but theyre on a 2 month backorder for the black, i think he said maybe 1495 shipped with nitto tires mounted and balanced, with locks and lugs, btu dont quote me on that

do you think i can haggle

itsnotmydaddys · July 24th, 2005, 07:25 PM

maybe a little, hes a real cool guy and real laid back so im not sure. his prices are better than any other site or place if found. it wont hurt to haggle a little i got 50 out of it soo.....

tylers65 · July 24th, 2005, 11:08 PM

Not to be rude....

But it seams a bit rude to hijack a thread with Cigarette lighters and wheels when someone took the time and go through all the trouble to do a full write up.

What happened? Did the "New Thread" button disappear?

StinkinLincolnOne · November 6th, 2005, 07:23 PM

Does anyone know were I can get a McLaren Grille. I've been looking for over 3 months and have had no luck. LS Koncepts is still out of stock.

SilverLS · November 11th, 2005, 09:45 AM

hey Ken I just pulled mine apart yesterday and it looks nothing like that I had a plastic clip (4 across the top) and that was it....it was seperated....I have an 02.... Is there 3 types out there....

JaredLS · November 11th, 2005, 10:59 AM

pretty crazy, that's a lot of chrome. If the sun hits that thing just right, your going to cause people to go blind and cause accidents. lol, j/k looks good. Are you going to put that on your car? or are you planning to sell it?

**GrayGhost1** · November 11th, 2005, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SilverLS

hey Ken I just pulled mine apart yesterday and it looks nothing like that I had a plastic clip (4 across the top) and that was it....it was seperated....I have an 02.... Is there 3 types out there....

The 00-02 LS grilles are put together differently than the 03 and up grilles. This ONLY applies to the 03 and up grilles.

SilverLS · November 11th, 2005, 12:23 PM

ooo ok np

TexasLS · November 11th, 2005, 02:18 PM

Do you know if the 2005 Lincoln LS chrome grille will fit on a 2000 Lincoln LS? How about the license plate holder. I'd like to get it painted so it can have the upgraded 2005 look. Please advise.

KenRosier · November 15th, 2005, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TexasLS

Do you know if the 2005 Lincoln LS chrome grille will fit on a 2000 Lincoln LS? How about the license plate holder. I'd like to get it painted so it can have the upgraded 2005 look. Please advise.

I'm a little confused on the grille compatibility issue. Will the 2003-2005 stock LS grills fit on my 2002 LS? Also, are the LSE grilles different then the LS grilles?

**GrayGhost1** · November 15th, 2005, 10:12 AM

All Lincoln LS grilles will interchange with ALL years. The differences in the LS and LSE grille is that one has a chrome surround and black water fall and the other has a painted surround and chrome water fall.

KenRosier · January 15th, 2006, 03:35 PM

What type of epoxy are you guys using on these and where can it be purchased? Do you recomend a two part epoxy? Thanks

**GrayGhost1** · January 19th, 2006, 05:53 PM

I have a 2 piece regular LS grille for this all chrome grille conversion if someone wants it. Go to this link:

http://www.lincolnvscadillac.com/showthread.php?t=17777

mholhut · January 25th, 2006, 03:56 PM

Ken, what do you do with the remaining two pieces from the all-chrome conversion? You're left with a painted surround and the grey-ish insert? I gots an idea! If you have a black grille, I'd take it. Lemme know!