Looking to upgrade the look of your Ford Transit van? If you’re a fan of the aggressive, off-road styling of the Ford Raptor, you’ll love this mod: a Ford Raptor-style grille installed on a 2019 Ford Transit.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how I installed a Raptor-style grille on my Transit van, including where to buy it (even in the U.S.), what tools you’ll need, installation tips, and common issues to avoid.
Can You Put a Raptor-Style Grille on a Ford Transit?
Yes, you can. While this grille isn’t available directly in the U.S., I found a Ford Raptor-style grille being sold in the U.K. Using a third-party service called Planet Express, I ordered the part from eBay UK and had it shipped to my door.
Pro tip: Planet Express purchases the item on your behalf, ships it to their warehouse, and then sends it to you in the U.S. It’s a reliable option for international mods.
Why Install a Raptor-Style Grille?
- Adds a rugged, aggressive aesthetic to your van
- The build quality is surprisingly high for an aftermarket part
- Offers a bold, unique look that stands out on the road
Tools & Supplies You’ll Need
- Bent-tip screwdriver or a J-shaped tool (perfect for clip removal)
- Flathead screwdriver
- Trim removal tools
- Painter’s tape
- Oscillating multi-tool
- Safety glasses
- Cable clamps (3/8″)
- 12 x 1″ stainless steel sheet metal screws
- Zip ties (optional)
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
1. Remove the Factory Grille
Start by taking off the black plastic caps on top of the OEM grille. Unscrew the three bolts along the top. Use your bent-tip tool to carefully release the plastic clips holding the grille in place. Be patient here — these clips are easy to break.
On the bottom, you’ll find about eight additional clips that need to be removed. If you happen to break a few, most auto parts stores sell assorted clip kits.
2. Test Fit the New Grille and Identify Trouble Spots
Once the stock grille is out, test-fit your new Raptor-style grille. Use painter’s tape to mark any contact points. This protects your paint and helps you visualize where modifications are needed.
Most likely, you’ll need to trim a few plastic tabs from the new grille to help it fit flush — especially along the bottom edge and near the air duct area.
3. Trim Tabs and Fitment Adjustments
Use an oscillating multi-tool to trim down the interfering plastic tabs. Be careful not to cut into your radiator or oil cooler. I had to remove three plastic tabs behind the grille that were preventing it from seating properly.
Trim conservatively and check fitment often. On my install, I had to shave off some nibs near the bottom and slightly modify the shape of a few tabs to get it to sit flush.
4. Install the New Grille
Once trimmed, gently press the grille into place. Reinstall the top three screws to secure the grille. If some clips don’t seat properly (especially in the corners), don’t worry — aftermarket grilles like this aren’t always a perfect fit.
You can use zip ties or my favorite method: stainless steel cable clamps and sheet metal screws. This hack keeps the grille secure without drilling directly into the van.
Bonus: Cable Clamp Hack for Extra Support
If you’re having trouble getting the grille to fully click into place (like I did), here’s a workaround:
How to Use Cable Clamps:
- Loop a 3/8″ cable clamp behind the grille tab
- Insert a stainless screw and bite it gently into the plastic
- Avoid overtightening to prevent cracks
- Use this method in the top corners and bottom edge for a flush, clean finish
This method helps compensate for the minor curve difference between the Transit’s hood and the new grille.
Final Fitment Notes
The Raptor-style grille is mostly straight, while the Ford Transit hood has more curve. As a result, the top corners might not click in perfectly. Use a couple of zip ties or clamps behind the grille to pull it into place.
The final look is aggressive and unique — and totally transforms the front end of your Transit.
Can You Still Open the Hood?
Yes. In the UK, this grille includes a cutout for a locking mechanism, but U.S. models don’t use it. You’ll still be able to open the hood normally. You could even use this space for a front camera mod if you wanted.
Conclusion
Installing a Ford Raptor-style grille on your Transit van is a rewarding weekend project that takes your build to the next level. It’s not a perfect plug-and-play, but with a few simple tools and careful trimming, it fits great and looks even better.
If you have any questions about the install or want help finding the grille, feel free to leave a comment. I’ll include all product and tool links in the description below.
