How to Install Ford California Special Upper Grille (13-14 GT, V6) on your Ford Mustang

Step 1: Raise the hood. Locate and remove the 8 plastic pins which hold the radiator cover down (circled in red). This can be accomplished by gently prying up the center pin with a flathead screwdriver, then pull the center pin out with needle nose pliers. Next, pull out the tube pins beneath. Once the pins are removed, gently lift and remove the radiator cover.

Step 2: Using a Philips head screwdriver and a ratchet with an 8mm socket, remove all the plastic and steel hardware which is holding the top of the bumper cover to the frame of the front end.

Step 3: Locate and remove the three 7mm screws which hold the splash guard to the bumper cover in front of each front wheel. Next, locate and remove the three 7mm screws which hold the wind deflector to the bumper cover in front of each wheel. Finally, locate and removed each 7mm screw which holds the wind deflector to the bumper cover along the underside of the front of the bumper cover. 

Step 4: Gently pry the bumper cover away from the front fender on each side of the car. Use moderate pressure until the bumper cover snaps free of the clips which hold it in place. Next, gently pull up and outward on the top of the bumper cover above the pony emblem until the bumper cover lifts free of the bumper. At this time, if your car is equipped with fog lights, you will need to disconnect the wiring from the light housing, as well as the wiring from the front marker lights. 

Step 5: Place the bumper cover someplace protected where there is no damage of it being scratched while you are removing the factory grille. A soft, clean blanket works well for this.

Step 6: Using a flathead screwdriver, gently pry down on each of the plastic clips which hold the factory grille in place. They are found on every side of the grille, on the backside of the bumper cover. Once you have pried all clips free, gently push outward on the grille from the backside of the bumper cover, and slide it out of the bumper cover. Place your new California Special grille in the slot vacated by the factory grille, and secure it by pressing the clips on the outside of the CS grille into the slots of the bumper cover. Check all sides of the grille to make sure that it is secured into the bumper cover.

Step 7: Replace the bumper cover over the bumper of the car. Reconnect all fog and marker light wiring, then press each side of the bumper cover back into place in alignment with the clips in front of each wheel. Replace all hardware, including side screws, the wind deflector screws beneath the car, and the plastic pins and metal bolts which hold the bumper cover to the car on top. Replace the radiator cover and replace the pins which hold it down. Your install is now complete. 

Installation Instructions Written by AmericanMuscle Customer on 11/30/17.