V6 base to GT BOSS/CS conversion done! Write up with pics
#1
V6 base to GT BOSS/CS conversion done! Write up with pics
So when I first saw the GT BOSS/CS front end I knew I had to have it on my '11 so...I went ahead and did it. I was able to do it for cheap too! Below is a write up on what parts you need, how to remove the V6 bumper, and how to install the GT bumper with the California Special lower fascia, and MCA grille (or any other grille you choose).
Here's a parts break down: TOTAL PRICE $805
GT front bumper - I was able to find OEM one on ebay for $300 shipped
GT/CS lower fascia - Ford part number BR3Z-15200-AA (BR3Z-15200-AB is the same part but without the foglights) I found this on ebay for $260 shipped
'11-'12 GT Grille Adapter surround - Ford part number BR3Z-8419-AA (this is needed if you want to use the MCA grille, or some other aftermarket V6 grilles) $99 shipped
MCA (Mustang Club of America grille) - Ford part number BR3Z-8200-AA $145.10
Tools needed:
Jack & jack stands (helps to lift the car and remove the front tires)
the following socks - 10mm, 21mm, 5/16th, and 9/32
1/2'' drive
Flat head screw driver
Here is a picture of all the parts needed:
Here is what she looked like when I started:
First step is to jack up the car and remove the front tires (lugs nuts are 21MM)
Next open the hood and remove the 8 push pin (use flat head screw driver to pry them up) and 2 5/16s bolts that hold the radiator cover in place.
Remove the 2 9/32 bolts that hold the bumper to the body in the wheel well
There are 4 9/32 bolts along the bottom of the bumper that need to be removed as well.
This next step is the most nerve racking - where the bumper meets the fender there are 3 (for lack of a better term) nipples that need to be pried loose. Grad the bumper in the wheel well and just pull. You will feel them come loose but to not pull to hard as there are still things attached to the back side of the bumper.
When the bumper is loose look down from the top of the bumper and you will see the outside temperature sensor attached right in front of the radiator. Once you get that loose, go to each side and release the pigtails attached to the turn signals.
Now the bumper will come off the car. I read somewhere that you had to change out the V6 bumper support for a GT bumper support to use the GT front bumper. THIS IS NOT TRUE. I just left my V6 bumper support on the car.
If you need to change out your bumper support the 4 push pins with arrows need to be removed. Easy as that.
If you need to swap over your turn signal lens like I had to use a 10mm deep-set socket.
Installation of the GT grille surround into the bumper is very, very simple. Wait to install the grille until the bumper is on the car.
Now re installation is fairly straight forward. Get your new bumper close to the car and dont forget to reattach the turn light pigtails, and temperature sensor (like I did), and put the bumper back on. I had to use the screw driver to pry the bumper back while pushing the wheel well splash guard in to get the bumper lip on the outside of the wheel well. Just be gentle and its not so bad.
Now its time to install the grille. Its very easy and self-explanatory. Tip:I put 3M tape on the back of the MCA grille to the front of the GT grille surround as there are nothing really holding the grille in place besides some flimsy tabs.
Then re install the radiator cover (I had to cut/sand down some of the taps on the bottom of the cover to make it sit flat. I guess the V6 and GT radiator covers are different).
Now here is the finished look:
Hope this helps anyone else thinking of doing the same swap that I did.
Matthew
Here's a parts break down: TOTAL PRICE $805
GT front bumper - I was able to find OEM one on ebay for $300 shipped
GT/CS lower fascia - Ford part number BR3Z-15200-AA (BR3Z-15200-AB is the same part but without the foglights) I found this on ebay for $260 shipped
'11-'12 GT Grille Adapter surround - Ford part number BR3Z-8419-AA (this is needed if you want to use the MCA grille, or some other aftermarket V6 grilles) $99 shipped
MCA (Mustang Club of America grille) - Ford part number BR3Z-8200-AA $145.10
Tools needed:
Jack & jack stands (helps to lift the car and remove the front tires)
the following socks - 10mm, 21mm, 5/16th, and 9/32
1/2'' drive
Flat head screw driver
Here is a picture of all the parts needed:
Here is what she looked like when I started:
First step is to jack up the car and remove the front tires (lugs nuts are 21MM)
Next open the hood and remove the 8 push pin (use flat head screw driver to pry them up) and 2 5/16s bolts that hold the radiator cover in place.
Remove the 2 9/32 bolts that hold the bumper to the body in the wheel well
There are 4 9/32 bolts along the bottom of the bumper that need to be removed as well.
This next step is the most nerve racking - where the bumper meets the fender there are 3 (for lack of a better term) nipples that need to be pried loose. Grad the bumper in the wheel well and just pull. You will feel them come loose but to not pull to hard as there are still things attached to the back side of the bumper.
When the bumper is loose look down from the top of the bumper and you will see the outside temperature sensor attached right in front of the radiator. Once you get that loose, go to each side and release the pigtails attached to the turn signals.
Now the bumper will come off the car. I read somewhere that you had to change out the V6 bumper support for a GT bumper support to use the GT front bumper. THIS IS NOT TRUE. I just left my V6 bumper support on the car.
If you need to change out your bumper support the 4 push pins with arrows need to be removed. Easy as that.
If you need to swap over your turn signal lens like I had to use a 10mm deep-set socket.
Installation of the GT grille surround into the bumper is very, very simple. Wait to install the grille until the bumper is on the car.
Now re installation is fairly straight forward. Get your new bumper close to the car and dont forget to reattach the turn light pigtails, and temperature sensor (like I did), and put the bumper back on. I had to use the screw driver to pry the bumper back while pushing the wheel well splash guard in to get the bumper lip on the outside of the wheel well. Just be gentle and its not so bad.
Now its time to install the grille. Its very easy and self-explanatory. Tip:I put 3M tape on the back of the MCA grille to the front of the GT grille surround as there are nothing really holding the grille in place besides some flimsy tabs.
Then re install the radiator cover (I had to cut/sand down some of the taps on the bottom of the cover to make it sit flat. I guess the V6 and GT radiator covers are different).
Now here is the finished look:
Hope this helps anyone else thinking of doing the same swap that I did.
Matthew
Last edited by Matt's 95 Stang; 12-29-2012 at 06:03 PM.
#9
Looks awesome. I am not a fan of the 2011-2012 V6 front ends. That's why I held out for the 13. It will look sick once you get those wheels and spoiler (don't skimp out on the springs, they totally change the look of the car).