Convert 5.0L open lower grill w/block heater to closed grill w/integrated plug

[apMechorse]

I'm in the process of swapping out my open (think EcoBoost style) front center cover panel that was included on my 5.0L Lariat (due to ordering it with a block heater) for the closed style cover panel that the V8 is normally shipped with. However it appears that the license plate brackets are not interchangeable as the attaching methods are different. It also appears that bumper trim related pieces are currently on indefinite back order due to continuing supply shortages.

I've found someone who is willing to trade center panels with me, however they are in a state that does not require front plates and therefore a bracket was not included when purchased.

That leads me here. I'm looking for someone who no longer has a need for their factory license plate bracket that attaches to the closed style front panel.

Pictures for reference:

Open (EcoBoost) style center cover panel and license plate bracket:

Closed style center cover panel:

So if you have front license plate bracket that you no longer need let me know what you'd like for it and I'll gladly take it off your hands!

 

[JG601A]

I'm in the process of swapping out my open (think EcoBoost style) front center cover panel that was included on my 5.0L Lariat (due to ordering it with a block heater) for the closed style cover panel that the V8 is normally shipped with. However it appears that the license plate brackets are not interchangeable as the attaching methods are different. It also appears that bumper trim related pieces are currently on indefinite back order due to continuing supply shortages.

I've found someone who is willing to trade center panels with me, however they are in a state that does not require front plates and therefore a bracket was not included when purchased.

That leads me here. I'm looking for someone who no longer has a need for their factory license plate bracket that attaches to the closed style front panel.

Pictures for reference:

Open (EcoBoost) style center cover panel and license plate bracket:

Closed style center cover panel:

So if you have front license plate bracket that you no longer need let me know what you'd like for it and I'll gladly take it off your hands!

I have an extra license plate bracket for V8. Dealer had to order me one and said it was back ordered and would take 6 weeks. I waited until my plates came in a few weeks later and got impatient. Found one at a local dealership and bought it ($34 and some change). Of course the one from the other dealership showed up a few days later. It’s new and in the box. Pics of it and my front end for verification. Let me know if it’s the right one for you and interested. $30 plus shipping.

 

[Andyc]

I'm in the process of swapping out my open (think EcoBoost style) front center cover panel that was included on my 5.0L Lariat (due to ordering it with a block heater) for the closed style cover panel that the V8 is normally shipped with.

I am one of the waiting since last year for mine to be manufactured group. To help while the time away have you any idea what is the reason for including the open grill on the block heater models. Is it just to allow for hooking up the plug. Interested as have ordered a 5.0 with block heater(not needed but ordered through Canada so comes standard) and thinking of putting a light bar in there. If filled in on the 5.0, I assume there is no problem with air flow restriction. Seeing you have removed yours to change to filled in plate. From your opinion assuming it is plastic, do you think cutting the two vertical bars would compromise its strength much to install a light bar.

 

[apMechorse]

I have an extra license plate bracket for V8. Dealer had to order me one and said it was back ordered and would take 6 weeks. I waited until my plates came in a few weeks later and got impatient. Found one at a local dealership and bought it ($34 and some change). Of course the one from the other dealership showed up a few days later. It’s new and in the box. Pics of it and my front end for verification. Let me know if it’s the right one for you and interested. $30 plus shipping.

Yup! That's it! I'll send you a direct message and we can arrange payment and shipping!

Thanks!

 

[apMechorse]

I am one of the waiting since last year for mine to be manufactured group. To help while the time away have you any idea what is the reason for including the open grill on the block heater models. Is it just to allow for hooking up the plug. Interested as have ordered a 5.0 with block heater(not needed but ordered through Canada so comes standard) and thinking of putting a light bar in there. If filled in on the 5.0, I assume there is no problem with air flow restriction. Seeing you have removed yours to change to filled in plate. From your opinion assuming it is plastic, do you think cutting the two vertical bars would compromise its strength much to install a light bar.

Yeah, the opening is so the plug in for the heater can be accessed. I plan on installing a flush-mount plug-in onto the plate so that my truck has the closed off look it was supposed to have while still being able to use the heater.

The piece I pulled off is quite rugged. I would assume that cutting out the vertical bars and installing lights in there would work just fine. In fact, that's what the person I'm trading front pieces with is planning on doing with the one I'm sending him.

 

[Andyc]

Yeah, the opening is so the plug in for the heater can be accessed. I plan on installing a flush-mount plug-in onto the plate so that my truck has the closed off look it was supposed to have while still being able to use the heater.

The piece I pulled off is quite rugged. I would assume that cutting out the vertical bars and installing lights in there would work just fine. In fact, that's what the person I'm trading front pieces with is planning on doing with the one I'm sending him.

Thanks for the info. An easy(read cheap) option for Ford, rather than doing your much nicer finish option. Have you an idea of the size of that centre hole. Was hoping to get a 20" light bar in there, possibly double if height is enough.

 

[apMechorse]

Thanks for the info. An easy(read cheap) option for Ford, rather than doing your much nicer finish option. Have you an idea of the size of that centre hole. Was hoping to get a 20" light bar in there, possibly double if height is enough.

It's exactly 20 3/8 inches wide, inside to inside, both top and bottom...

and 3 15/16" tall at the very ends...

and 4 5/16" tall about 1 inch in from the ends.

 

[Andyc]

It's exactly 20 3/8 inches wide, inside to inside, both top and bottom...

and 3 15/16" tall at the very ends...

and 4 5/16" tall about 1 inch in from the ends.

Appreciate your time taken to measure and photo for me. Not something I can pop down the local dealers and check. One has made it to the UK but if still at the import dealers, that is 2 hrs away. Waiting on a Velocity Blue Lariat 5.0. When ordered told about 3-4 months. Now will be pleased to see before the Autumn. Starting to get a pile of bits together in anticipation as some parts seem to be on lengthy backorder. With your great pictures it has shown me cutting out the uprights will not be possible as it would appear part of them is the mounting clip. May have to look out for 3 rectangular lights to take the spaces.

 

[apMechorse]

Appreciate your time taken to measure and photo for me. Not something I can pop down the local dealers and check. One has made it to the UK but if still at the import dealers, that is 2 hrs away. Waiting on a Velocity Blue Lariat 5.0. When ordered told about 3-4 months. Now will be pleased to see before the Autumn. Starting to get a pile of bits together in anticipation as some parts seem to be on lengthy backorder. With your great pictures will be able to order in light bar to add to the pile.

Glad to be of help. Hopefully you're not stuck waiting for too long. Once the world starts opening up again things should pick up pretty quickly...

Hopefully. ?

 

[apMechorse]

OK, well... after a few adjustments to my original plan. Namely moving the plug location from the drivers side of the license plate bracket on the center trim piece to the passenger side piece due to my not realizing that the ridges on the center piece were significantly taller than I'd first assumed. On the plus side the plastic on the side pieces is quite sturdy so I am no longer concerned about the screw holes potentially cracking out after repeated use.

After much much MUCH measuring, I used a 2" hole saw to cut out the hole for the plug and drilled holes for the screws.

Rather than using the self-tapping screws that the plug came with I opted for three AN525-10R10 screws, a washer, and nut for attachment. I will likely go back and paint the screw heads later this summer.

I had to rotate the receptacle 120 degrees from how I would have liked to mount it (ground pin up) due to clearance issues behind the panel.

I'll do final assembly tomorrow as the solid center piece hasn't arrived yet but is currently out for delivery. In the mean time, this is the modified panel with my new block heater plug:

 

[apMechorse]

Final assy complete.

Before:

After - the way a NORMAL V8/5.0L looks + Heater plug:

A HUGE thanks to @Pinero for the replacement center trim piece. I hope that the replacement you have fits the light mods you are planning and I definitely want to see pictures of it once you are done. And to @JG601A for the replacement license plate bracket. With the nationwide parts shortage right now I can honestly say this would not have been possible without help from both of you... at least not until the 2022s come out in 2025. ? Thank you.

I know this wasn't nearly as big a modification as some of the ones on here, but ever since I picked up the truck that wide open gaping hole in the front has bugged me more than any other issue I've had with it. My mind is now at peace.

Until the next project.

 

[Pinero]

I like the bulkhead solution for the block heater. That looks much cleaner and easier to use.

I don’t have the light brackets in yet, but here’s how It looks now. I have six Rigid DXL lights that will be split between the a-pillar and bumper opening. Thanks again for the swap!

 

[apMechorse]

I like the bulkhead solution for the block heater. That looks much cleaner and easier to use.

I don’t have the light brackets in yet, but here’s how It looks now. I have six Rigid DXL lights that will be split between the a-pillar and bumper opening. Thanks again for the swap!

Nice! And is that yellow fog light tinting I see as well? ?

Honestly that center piece looks good on your truck. I wonder if it has to do with the difference in paint color, or the fact that it matches your grille. Either way it looks much better on your truck than it ever did on mine, even without the lights in it yet!

 

[SFD9]

Final assy complete.

Before:

After - the way a NORMAL V8/5.0L looks + Heater plug:

A HUGE thanks to @Pinero for the replacement center trim piece. I hope that the replacement you have fits the light mods you are planning and I definitely want to see pictures of it once you are done. And to @JG601A for the replacement license plate bracket. With the nationwide parts shortage right now I can honestly say this would not have been possible without help from both of you... at least not until the 2022s come out in 2025. ? Thank you.

I know this wasn't nearly as big a modification as some of the ones on here, but ever since I picked up the truck that wide open gaping hole in the front has bugged me more than any other issue I've had with it. My mind is now at peace.

Until the next project.

Love the look of this plug. Got one coming for the parts pile. ??

 

[apMechorse]

Love the look of this plug. Got one coming for the parts pile. ??

As well as it worked out, positioning and the length of the cord, it was almost as if it was designed specifically for this application. I'm really happy with how it turned out. Hopefully you will be too. ?

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