Behind the grille... What is the blocked off area all about? (Answer: Hood latch)

[Toccoa]

UPDATE: It’s for the hood latch.

As you may have noticed, there is a blocked out area in the top center of the grille. One that is extremely noticeable on the Big Bend and OBX. Yes, I know it’s been brought up before, but what else is new on B6G?

At Super Cel, I investigated a little further and found out much to my surprise that it is plastic. The texture and color do not match the grille color (very close on Base/BD), it’s almost like it is a separate piece of plastic, but I could not see where it would connect. Not a lot of room back there. I wonder if it’s glued to the back of the grille?

I know some people wanted to remove the block out. I‘ll admit it is a bit odd looking in direct sunlight.

I noticed on the Badlands, that the blocked off area is wider and not at the very top. I’m thinking maybe these are to direct airflow to the engine intake and the difference in grille design is dictating its shape. Anyways, what do you all think?

Some others photos that might be useful.

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[colintrax]

Probably grill shutters for aerodynamics and fuel economy.

 

[Toccoa]

Probably grill shutters for aerodynamics and fuel economy.

It was a solid piece of plastic and did not move.

 

[604Bronco]

Probably grill shutters for aerodynamics and fuel economy.

I second this. Some models have active grill shutters while other trim levels do not.

 

[Toccoa]

looks like it blocks the view of the hood latch mechanism or other stuff.

This did cross my mind as well, but it seemed rather large for just that. Still could be though.

 

[Lilj4425]

It’s where they hide the continuum transfunctioner to protect us from the aliens.

Zoltan.

 

[ilbastarge]

As you may have noticed, there is a blocked out area in the top center of the grille. One that is extremely noticeable on the Big Bend and OBX. Yes, I know it’s been brought up before, but what else is new on B6G?

At Super Cel, I investigated a little further and found out much to my surprise that it is plastic. The texture and color do not match the grille color (very close on Base/BD), it’s almost like it is a separate piece of plastic, but I could not see where it would connect. Not a lot of room back there. I wonder if it’s glued to the back of the grille?

I know some people wanted to remove the block out. I‘ll admit it is a bit odd looking in direct sunlight.

I noticed on the Badlands, that the blocked off area is wider and not at the very top. I’m thinking maybe these are to direct airflow to the engine intake and the difference in grille design is dictating its shape. Anyways, what do you all think?

Some others photos that might be useful.

You are a full service question asker @Toccoa . Question and details about your question.

I recall seeing somewhere that it was a protector for the hood latch/release mechanism.

 

[dcmdon]

The less actual grill opening a vehicle has, the better its aerodynamics. But styling trends are towards big openings. So we are seeing more "fake" openings.

The Explorer is a perfect example of this.

 

[ZackDanger]

The less actual grill opening a vehicle has, the better its aerodynamics. But styling trends are towards big openings. So we are seeing more "fake" openings.

The Explorer is a perfect example of this.

 

[dcmdon]

Hah.

 

[Newbie]

Behind the grille... What is the blocked off area all about?

secret compartment for grilling?

 

[tyrobronco]

The Badlands / WT grille does a bit better job of hiding that mess. Hopefully in production there is something to improve its look.

 

[604Bronco]

The Badlands / WT grille does a bit better job of hiding that mess. Hopefully in production there is something to improve its look.

Easy fix. You're welcome.

 

[BlazinGTO]

The Badlands / WT grille does a bit better job of hiding that mess. Hopefully in production there is something to improve its look.

Agreed. Badlands grill hides it pretty good.


IMO the big bend grill is a pretty bad design. It shows not only that plastic panel so clearly, but every other random plastic bit behind there too.

But I don't were going to see any change at this point. That's likely the production look.

 

[88to21bronco]

We really have reached full jump the shark mode on analyzing the Bronco! These are things I probably wouldn't see if I bought the thing in person.

I honestly envy our community's attention to detail!

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