Lightning Grill damage - fix / replacement?

[nickx522]

Not sure how to even address this grill damage without replacing the whole thing. The replacement part alone is over $1,000

What’s weird is there’s no other damage around it—everything else is clean—so I have no idea how it even happened.

Ford really went with some cheap plastic here. I’ve been looking for aftermarket options, but everything I’m finding is for Lightning Pros, not the Flash (mine’s a 2024 Lightning Flash).

Anyone run into this or find a solid fix that doesn’t mean a full OE replacement?

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[chriserx]

Not sure how to even address this grill damage without replacing the whole thing. The replacement part alone is over $1,000

What’s weird is there’s no other damage around it—everything else is clean—so I have no idea how it even happened.

Ford really went with some cheap plastic here. I’ve been looking for aftermarket options, but everything I’m finding is for Lightning Pros, not the Flash (mine’s a 2024 Lightning Flash).

Anyone run into this or find a solid fix that doesn’t mean a full OE replacement?

Bondo and try that color matched foil someone recently posted maybe?

Edit: Here- https://www.f150lightningforum.com/forum/threads/little-less-black-at-the-front.35859/

 

[Blochead21]

Plenty of replacement options on eBay now.

https://ebay.us/m/rU5LrN

 

[nickx522]

Bondo and try that color matched foil someone recently posted maybe?

Edit: Here- https://www.f150lightningforum.com/forum/threads/little-less-black-at-the-front.35859/

Thank you, I just don’t have any experience with bondo.

 

[nickx522]

Plenty of replacement options on eBay now.

https://ebay.us/m/rU5LrN

all the ones I saw were for “pro” not flash. Reaching out to them to see if it will still fit

 

[DoyouLightning]

I'm not sure if it will fit but I would suggest looking at the Lariat grill instead. The pro black looks flat and cheap imo. And the platnimum version is super shiny and shows damage too easily. Just my 2 cents!

 

[Dan C]

Bondo wont work. 3m panel epoxy might. Buy a grill

 

[mylightningbeetle]

Find a used grill. Great idea. Easier. Won't look bad. Lots of them from wrecked trucks.

 

[Blochead21]

all the ones I saw were for “pro” not flash. Reaching out to them to see if it will still fit

I think it’s just the wording they used. It has a drop down for the different trim levels.

 

[chl]

Assuming it is just cosmetic...

I'll be the outlier here probably but if it were mine, I'd either just live with it like it is or:

1) find some dark grey Gorilla tape to cover the chipped tooth look, or

2) get some body putty and form a piece that would fill the gap, sand it so it blends smoothly with the contours of the rest of the grill, and paint it to match with the ridiculously expensive matching paint you can get from Ford.

As for how it happened, could be some rock or other road debris bounced up and cracked it, or worst case someone thought they could pry it open with a crow bar and cracked it trying. But if the latter, I imagine you'd have found the missing plastic piece on the ground somewhere nearby.

 

[nickx522]

Plenty of replacement options on eBay now.

https://ebay.us/m/rU5LrN

all the ones I saw were for “pro” not flash. Reaching out to them to see if it will

Find a used grill. Great idea. Easier. Won't look bad. Lots of them from wrecked trucks.

I haven’t seen one for less than new. If you know of used listings please let me know

 

[nickx522]

Assuming it is just cosmetic...

I'll be the outlier here probably but if it were mine, I'd either just live with it like it is or:

1) find some dark grey Gorilla tape to cover the chipped tooth look, or

2) get some body putty and form a piece that would fill the gap, sand it so it blends smoothly with the contours of the rest of the grill, and paint it to match with the ridiculously expensive matching paint you can get from Ford.

As for how it happened, could be some rock or other road debris bounced up and cracked it, or worst case someone thought they could pry it open with a crow bar and cracked it trying. But if the latter, I imagine you'd have found the missing plastic piece on the ground somewhere nearby.

I’m trying to see if I can live with it. I just don’t want to do further damage if water gets in (car wash, rain etc.) ideally I would want to replace but no way am I paying $1200 for a piece of cheap plastic.

Currently chatting with eBay seller that may offer a replacement for $200.

 

[chl]

I’m trying to see if I can live with it. I just don’t want to do further damage if water gets in (car wash, rain etc.) ideally I would want to replace but no way am I paying $1200 for a piece of cheap plastic.

Currently chatting with eBay seller that may offer a replacement for $200.

Yes, $1200 is some expensive plastic...that could break again all too easily!

I have a $500 deductible on my insurance so if a small chip like that ever happened to me, and there was no risk of water intrusion (check with a hose maybe?), then I'd just live with it.

 

[mylightningbeetle]

all the ones I saw were for “pro” not flash. Reaching out to them to see if it will



I haven’t seen one for less than new. If you know of used listings please let me know

I haven't actually looked . This explains why a truck I looked at had a vinyl wrap on the grill. Maybe I'll do the same.

 

[chl]

I haven't actually looked . This explains why a truck I looked at had a vinyl wrap on the grill. Maybe I'll do the same.

That'd be a good solution!

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