Grill removal

[LorbeerTLC]

I am beginning to think this is the way the French are paying us back for going into Iraq.

I got the chrome kit and found… no instructions. The mirrors and back chrome strip seemed self explanatory as they contained self-adhesive strips and rubbing alcohol to apply to the contact area. But then came the front grill or chrome “smile” replacement.
I can see them laughing in France with tears streaming down their eyes. Especially when MB didn’t allow a workshop manual to be published for use to the general public.
Went to my local dealer at smart center Seattle. BJ really came to my rescue (“Three Cheers!”). Had to have the entire fenders/front end removed for this job. Too bad there wasn’t any guidance in the box it came in, like- dealer assembly required.
Oh well… it’s done and it really looks nice.
Thanks BJ!

-Tom L.

[2SmartNM]

I went to see the tech at the local smart center, he claims that using a putty knife you can remove the standard grille and replace it with the chrome grille. There are five tabs on the top and four on the bottom.

[jonnysan]

Originally Posted by RussBarnes

Be Smart - it was on eBay and I messaged him to see if they fit the 451, but no.

JonnySan - for sure dude. But these screens were coarse enough to catch the bugs that dent condenser fins, but not so fine as to plug from gnats. And P.S. I have a temperature gauge, it is called a ScanGauge, so watch who you challenge. My smart cycles between 173 and 189 on a 65 degree day. What I don't like is the air inlet temperature because on that same day it is in the low 100's that reduces power - Jonny San, what is your air inlet temperature????

There are some on here that absolutely would not even think of airflow impedance due to a fine screen...yes, I do have a scanguage as well but the outside temps here in Albany haven't gotten up too high just yet. Today they will be in the 60's and the day will be grand one.....first day like this since last Fall, I think.
Last time I happened to check the degreeF IA it was 45...see what i mean...but I do watch that. How's you mount your scangauge, Russ. Did you see the mount I am making and selling? It works well and puts the instrument where it should be for easy reading and button pushing.

john

[RussBarnes]

John, I agree that a lack of experience or knowledge an owner could end up with an untested, installed fine screen and could cause damage. I guess that I jumped a little hard on you, sorry. My big toy (Kenworth T-2000) has a factory screen behind the grille. I was surprised how fine it is, but it also was installed by the factory and engineers did all sorts of tests before release - not an aftermarket.

I saw your mount and it looks good. I also saw someone who had modified an old license plate into one that would mount on the left above the tray. I held the gauge both places and I prefer the left side so I wanted to mount it there. I have a sheet metal manufacturing plant and equipment at my disposal, but instead chose to put three layers of 3M tape - why three, because there is a screw head that sticks down and one would have reduced the surface area, but three raises it enough to clear. There is a flat area of plastic under there and no fabric material. No way would I use the velcro tape that comes with the gauge, bad experience with that stuff in the past. But I have had good results with 3M.

It only works because of my height, and probably build, it wouldn't work for someone taller or shorter so your bracket is much more universal.

[bradgarbus]

I am in a similar situation. I want to put in the an air horn when the car arrives. The dealer won't touch it because it is non-OEM. I have seen the suggestions for the install of the horn, but I don't want to break anything and fear I might get started and not have a tool I may need. I have never done anything like this before. The last horn I installed was accessable when you opened the hood, it took seconds to swap out. The smart appears it will be a challenge since the dealer refuses to help me. I wish there was a "how to" guide to remove the panels, you think they would provide one since they tout the removal in almost everything they market on the smart. It almost seems they intentionally want us to try and break something. Gerrr....

[rawlus®]

panel removal guide

[JIM VINYARD]

Screen suggestion: Use house screen from the hardware store and trim to any size you choose. You can buy aluminum screen or a fabric screen, and i prefer using the fabric material because it withstands heat more. The screen can be attached in the area of the radiator using nylon ties or velcro. I've used this screen setup in the passed on several vehicles and works out quite well.

[Smarttex]

Just replaced the original silver grill with the chrome one. Like Smart I Am - I did not remove the entire set of front panels. Remove the three Torx and the two fasteners under the headlights, and you can then pull the body panel out a bit. Use a small flatblade screwdriver to push down on the outside upper tabs (as you can now see them from above) and this starts the grill on it's way out. You can use a 1 inch putty knife on the three center/upper tabs and the whole thing pulls out (finally!) on the top side. Then you can remove the smaller black grill from its tabs and work it out. This leaves a opening to see the lower grill tabs more clearly. I used the putty knife on one of them and then realized that you could reach the tabs from the back with the small flatblade after a bit of searching. Pull out on the grill and push up on the tab with the scredriver from the rear and eventually the tabs come loose. I certainly agree that it is not an easy job and requires some pulling and body taping to make sure you don't scratch the body. Took about an hour for me. Snapping the new grill in place in 5 seconds makes it all seem worth it in the long run and the chrome really does dress up the car. Still if you aren't patient and somewhat mechanically inclined - you should have the dealer do it!

[Smart Car Geek]

Originally Posted by smart i am

Am I the only one trying to put on a chrome grill?

I think our car comes with a chrome grill and we are going to exchange it for a black one because anything chrome on the front of your car helps LIDAR to pick up your car easier ;)

[curtis]

Glad I went with SmartBillet's polished billet grill, just 1 screw over the original grill and BLING BLING!