Any Tips for installing grill on FG Ducktail?
 

The ducktail has no holes drilled for the grill and I need to drill them out, but can't just put the grill down to align it because of the studs. I'm going to make a template of the grill out of card stock paper. Any suggestions on getting it aligned properly from those who have been there? Search came up empty....

if it is a plastic grill the studs will push out and you can mark or drill the holes.

I wish....Its an aftermarket alum grill and the studs do not come out. They are also +1" long making alignment even trickier.

put lipstick or wax pencil or something which would be transferable on the ends of the studs. Then align with where you want it and press down transferring the substance and drill baby drill.

or just put blue painters tape on the DT...place the grille studs down and press lightly marking your drill points.

...or you could try a tape measure!?!

... or mark stud spacing onto some heavy paper, punch through so the paper is flush with the grill bottom. Mark paper to trace the grill footprint, the trim excess paper. Place on lid to transfer/mark stud locations.

Confirm the bottom nuts are of the self-capturing type (e.g. nylok or equivalent). This helps prevent small fasteners and washers from falling into engine openings at inopportune times.

I've discovered that on some FG lids, plastic grills must be trimmed all around to fit in the depression. YMMV.

Sherwood

Thanks the last approach is where I am headed as stated in my OP, using card stock paper. You can't use the studs with tape or way or anything as the length of the studs is too long to adequately position and align the grill with it 1"+ above the opening. I was looking for additional pointers or tips (like using nylok) beyond this. Especially as to aliment and getting it true with engine lid, etc...