removing front grill/bumper

[jdamion]

can i get some help?
i want to remove the stock grille and the chrome assembly so i can do some paintin!

i'll give cred and pm the pic when i'm done for who ever helps me out. i dont want to consult mazda.

[autoxes]

you sir, are in for an adventure...

actually not, it's really easy, so here are the steps...

1.) open hood
2.) at each end of the grille, there is a screw, take these two out.
3.) looking at the front of the grill, there are 4 body clips, take these out. this can be done by getting a small screwdriver and prying gently under the button. ( I HATE THESE BODY CLIPS. They have a habit of breaking, often. Keep NAPA auto parts on the speed dial for these. I am sure there is a proper method for removing them, but I always seem to break them )
2.) remove corner turn signal lights by taking out the one screw that is holding each one in.
3.) remove the clip from each side (the one you exposed by taking out the corner lights)
4.) In each of the wheel wells there are more of these body clips (4 on each side I think)
5.) unscrew all of the screws that are on the perimeter of the bumper, on the bottom.
6.) take out the two bolts that are in the center of the bumper, under the car.
7.) this is a little tough : GENTLY pulling the splash guard in each wheel well, you will be able to see a screw on each side. remove this.
8.) Right in the dead center, inside the top of the airdam, there is another body clip thing. take this out. (I broke mine a long time ago, I never replaced it, and it has never given me any problems)
9.) by now, your bumper SHOULD be free. get in front of it and gently pull towards you, it should come off of the car. If it doesn't, try to find the source of resistance. And NEVER force it.

The grill is held to the bumper with three (I think) body clip things.

Good luck mate.