just replaced stock with some matte black grills i ordered. you have to see it to believe it but it looks way better than the stock grills. they're thicker and shaped so it looks more defined.
anyways, removing the top bars was easy. after 1.5 year of owning im surprised it came out so easily. the bottom however is a different story. you have to yank at it with as much power as you can. i did this in the garage so when it finally gave, i got blasted a into the garage door
but a word to guys who are attempting this. when you stick the grills back on. make sure all the latches are aligned or it wont go in properly. i find it easier to line up the bottom ones then the top. i found out the hard way... had to remove it twice.