Acura RDX Painted Grille Molding Replacement (Without Bumper Removal)
Introduction
This guide covers swapping the factory center grille molding on the second-generation Acura RDX for a body-color painted version, giving the front end a cleaner, monochromatic look while leaving the chrome surround and emblem to stand out. Although the factory service procedure calls for removing the front bumper cover to reach the grille, the job can be done from the front of the car in about an hour without pulling the bumper. Note that the molding carries a metallic plating that a painter must etch before primer and color will adhere, so budget for that extra prep when having the part sprayed. Adapted from a community writeup by dlee337 on AcuraZine (https://acurazine.com/forums/2g-rdx-diy-faq-406/how-painted-grille-molding-swap-892631/), including corrections from the follow-up discussion.
Reference
Tools Required
- Two small flat-blade screwdrivers (for the cover clips)
- Short Phillips screwdriver (for the emblem screws)
- One short and one long flat-blade screwdriver (for the locking tabs)
- 1/4-inch drive ratchet with a 1/4-inch socket
- T20 Torx bit
- Flashlight
Parts Required
-
Painted center grille molding, part 71122-TX4-A01 (color-matched before installation)
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Spare cover clips as needed, part 91505-S9A-003 (ten used)
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Spare emblem screws as needed, part 93903-422J0 (two used)
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Spare molding screws as needed, part 71124-TX4-A01 (six used, T20 Torx)
Safety Warnings
- ⚠ Avoid letting any screws or clips fall onto the splash shield below the grille; the shield's size and its many retaining clips make dropped hardware very difficult to retrieve.
- ⚠ Do not overtighten the six molding screws, or you risk cracking the thin plastic and ruining the painted finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1 Remove the upper grille cover
Ten push clips (part 91505-S9A-003) hold the upper grille cover in place. Work each clip loose using two small flat-blade screwdrivers, then lift the cover away to expose the grille and the molding fasteners behind it. Take note of the oddly shaped intake piece that rests on top of the cover, as it must be seated again during reassembly. A flashlight helps you see the clips and fasteners clearly.
2 Detach the center emblem (optional)
The badge is secured by two Phillips screws (part 93903-422J0); back them out with a short Phillips screwdriver to gain a little more working room. This step is optional. A later builder confirmed the swap can be completed with the emblem left in place, so skip it if you prefer to leave the badge undisturbed.
3 Remove the six molding screws
The center molding is fastened to the grille with six T20 Torx screws (part 71124-TX4-A01). Drive them out using a 1/4-inch drive ratchet with a 1/4-inch socket holding a T20 bit. The service manual lists twelve screws here, but the additional six belong to the outer chrome surround rather than the center molding, so only six need to come out for this job.
4 Release the six locking tabs
With the screws removed, six plastic tabs still clip the molding into the grille. Slide a wide flat-blade screwdriver into the gap between each tab and the base of its slot and give it a gentle twist to unhook it. The grille has cutouts that let you push the molding outward as you go. Free the tabs on one side first, then move across and free the remaining side.
5 Withdraw the old molding
Once all six tabs are unhooked, the molding is no longer captured by the grille and pulls straight out toward you. Set the original piece aside in case you ever want to return the car to stock.
6 Fit the painted molding
Take the color-matched replacement (part 71122-TX4-A01) and align its tabs with the grille slots. Press it straight in until every tab engages and the molding sits flush against the grille.
7 Reinstall the screws and reassemble
Thread the six Torx screws back in and snug them only lightly. The molding plastic is thin, so an overtightened screw can crack or distort the freshly painted part. Refit the emblem if you removed it, then set the upper cover back on, seat the intake piece on top, and press the ten clips home. Wipe the grille down to finish.
Pro Tips
- 💡 The emblem does not have to come off; a follow-up poster completed the swap with it left installed.
- 💡 Have the molding professionally sprayed rather than rattle-canned: the part has a metallic coating that must be etched before paint will bond.
- 💡 Painting the molding suits body colors that contrast with black; owners found the effect adds little on silver, black, or other dark cars.
- 💡 Plasti Dip is a lower-cost alternative, but the original poster reported a body-color painted part looks noticeably better than a dipped one.
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