prairiemustangs

I have removed the three speed nuts that hold the black honey comb patterned grill into a 2005 through 2009 Mustang scoop. I have tapped hard with a hammer and wooden dowel, pried rather aggressively with small screw driver and all to no avail.

I need to get this grill out so that I may paint this scoop to match. I can run a thickness gage all the way around the perimeter of the scoop between the body of the scoop and the grill

it would seem that Ford has also applied some sort of glue before it was assembled and the speed nuts were applied. I have never seen anything like this before as the three speed nuts are more than enough to secure this so I am asking myself why would any adhesive been used

anyone run into this same thing?

thanks