Fender / Grille Fit Issue

[hyperRevue]

Hi - so I got a ‘01 sport last year that was a bit of a Frankenstein’s monster. It had been in some accidents and had aftermarket fenders and mismatched hood and grille.

So, last week I picked up all OEM salvage parts to match the tub. But something is off. I had the fenders loosely in and went to put in the grille. But to get the grill bolt holes to lineup with the fender holes, I had to hoist them up a bit, creating a gap along the tub. It’s almost as if the grille is 1/2” too high or something but I can’t figure out anyway it can be nestled in lower.

Any thoughts??

Not sure what pictures would be helpful but I attached a few.

Thank you!

 

[LONGJP2]

Are the radiator snubbers and/or the front body mount the same length as the old ones?

 

[hyperRevue]

Are the radiator snubbers and/or the front body mount the same length as the old ones?

Ugh! The rubber grille bushing things/radiator snubbers are 1/2” bigger than the old ones. Had no idea those came in sizes. Thank you!

 

[hyperRevue]

So…next question. How the hell do you get the rubber bumper out? And is there any reason I couldn’t just leave it in but slice 1/2” off?

 

[LONGJP2]

I think they just push in.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1918082690...d=link&campid=5337789113&toolid=20001&mkevt=1

 

[hyperRevue]

I think they just push in.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1918082690...d=link&campid=5337789113&toolid=20001&mkevt=1

I have the “original” grill still with the smaller isolators. I was hoping to reuse them but I don’t think there’s any easy way to pull it out. Thanks for the link though! I was struggling to find any online.