American Car Craft Mustang Front Header Plate Perforated V8 & GT 5.0 2011-2012 - Manual (Page 2)

Introduction: These all new panels have been designed to replace the factory black plastic radiator and
header cover.
Although these two panels are sold separately they have been designed to work together to customize the
entire front section of your mustang.
Liner Information: Your new accessories will come to you with a protective surface liner. Leave this liner in
place until the installation is complete to prevent finger prints and or possible scratches during installation.
1. The first step to install these panels will be to remove the factory prop bar (NOTE: This prop bar will
not be reused). The factory panel will be secured in place via several plastic retainers. These retainers
are a two part system. Simply pull the center section out of the base of each retainer to release the
entire cover.
2. The next step will be to re-route the factory hood release cable under the radiator support rail. To do
this completely unbolt the release mechanism from the support rail and detach the cable from the
unit. Detach the cable from the radiator support and remove the retainers from the cable itself.
Redirect the cable through any available avenue under the radiator support making sure that you have
not created any severe or sharp bends in the cable as this will cause poor operation once reinstalled.
Once you have successfully rerouted the cable simply reconnect the cable and then reposition the
hood mechanism back to its original location and securely tighten.
3. You will notice two large silver looking support brackets securing the radiator to the support rail. If you
look closely at these brackets you will notice two very small tabs protruding straight upwards on each
bracket. These tabs will need to be filed off or flush to eliminate any possibility of dimpling the new
panel causing an unsightly imperfection in the panel. The tabs can be snipped, filed, and grinded or
even sanded flush and should be very easy to accomplish with common tools.
4. At this point you will need to look at the overall area to determine if any wire harnesses need to be
relocated to achieve a nice level surface area for the new covers. You will notice two outer fender bolts
and two additional bolts securing the headlight. Remove all four of these bolts and then replace them
with the four 6MM X ¾ threaded bolts supplied with your radiator support cover hardware packet.
When you install these four bolts be care full not to over tighten them as this will cause them to snap
as they are hollow. You will only need to gently snug them in place.
5. This next step is very important. It is critical that you replace the two upper hood catch bar bolts with
the two 6MM x ¾ flat head bolt provided in your packet. This will create a much needed clearance
between the hood catch and radiator cover. Failure to perform this step now will cause you to damage
the panel the first time you close the hood forcing the factory bolt to dent the new cover. Although
only one is needed to be changed we have provided two flat head bolts for esthetics.
6. Now that you have made all the necessary preparations set the new cover in position and check the
overall fitment. At this time take a minute to make sure you have a nice level plane and that there isn’t
anything that will cause the panel to not sit flush or uneven. A properly set panel will sit nicely over the