Problem installing Grill

[aetatis]

Okay

Going up to a meet in ATL and I wanted to put on a grill
that DJ motorsports sent me. Not the one I ordered but
one that I got by mistake. Still waiting for the right one..

Anyway took off the plasitc bolts on fan shroud. Took off
the headlights. Took off the clip attaching the chrome power
bar to the metal piece. So there I am with part of the grill
hanging on there. I could not for the life of me figure out how
to get the bottom clips off.

I saw that there are two clips under the where the headlight
assembly is. The problem is I can't move them. Usually you can
squeeze plastic clips like this with a pair of pliers but alas.
I know also from reading past posts that there are two other clips I guess directly under the grill. So I have four clips in total holding
my grill on at this point and I don't know how to get the stupid
thing off.

I read to bend it outwards and not sideways. Is this recommended? I am really contiencious to not break these clips.
(As I have done that before on past vehicles. ) What is the best way to get these clips off?

I have searched and searched on the forum for stuff like this but
could only find one post in which they kinda quickly discuss it
(Thats where I got the above method)

Geez the silverado had a much easier access to the grill. I just had to take off the top fan shroud and boom access to the grill. Granted it was a bit painful to contort my hand to get the grill
in on that truck but at least I had something to show for it at
the end of 20 minutes.

Any ideas?

Aetatis.

Thanks!

 

[02-Z66]

on a cladded model all you need to do is remove the screws that hold the fan shroud on. then there are two clips, one on each side, at the left and right lower corner of the grille. look for where the grille and fenders meet. use a towel to protect the paint as you use a small screwdriver to "pop" the clips loose.
then, at the edges of the chrome bar pull it from the fender on both sides. grab the grille with your fingers through the mesh, and around the chrome bar. as far to the edge of each side in the middle of the grille opening as possible. pull straight out firmly on each side. this should disengage the remaining clips.
do not pull the power without completely wrapping your fingers through the mesh behind the grille where that the chrome bar is attached to. failure to do so will result in pulling chrome bar from the rest of grille assembly. it is only held in place by melted plastic tabs that will break. so grab behind/ inside grille assembly, and not just under the bar it self. trust me. the '02 was the test bed.
you do not have to remove the headlights to do this task. goodluck. feel free to PM me with any questions you may have.

 

[02-Z66]

just noticed you are in Atlanta. i will be in your area in a few weeks.