Front grille surround

tomhop · Jul 28, 2022

I am in the process of removing all the AC components from my defender and it had the extended front grille to accommodate the AC radiator. I want to put it back to original but not sure how the original is fixed to the front end, Could someone please post some pictures of the mounting / bolting points or be kind enough to explain where it bolts up?

Al2O3 · Jul 29, 2022

There's a thin metal frame, same colour as bodywork, which is bolted between the wings. It has holes with metal clip inserts to take chunky self-tappers to hold the grill in place. Away from home, so no pictures I'm afraid.

Hicap phill · Jul 29, 2022

I would think they use the same holes for both AC & non AC models. Just make a note when you remove it where the bolts were.

think bolts were captured,take front grill off to get to them on non ac

slomofo · Jul 29, 2022

The deeper A/C grille is side fixed to a couple of metal tabs that poke forward from the standard frame as @Al203 said. So, remove the tabs and the location of the plastic or metal captive inserts that hold your new standard grille in place line up with the holes in your new grille. If they are missing, they are a few quid of eBay along with the correct chunky stainless screws.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/373994231350?hash=item5713cb1636:g:piEAAOSwSgNiR~12

tomhop · Jul 30, 2022

Some pictures might help describe what I mean

this is the front as it sits

It had this plastic grille and surround fitted, which is deeper and sticks out to accommodate the AC radiator and ran. It was fixed via screws to the slam panel and the frame that held the AC radiator in place.
I have ordered a second hand original grille surround from EBay (will have to paint it to match, which I am not looking forward to as I am not great at that) but I am wondering which parts it bolts up to, I assume these lower retained nuts at the bottom of the wings

But which bit does it bolt up to at the top?

Is it to one of these or somewhere on the slam panel?

julianf · Jul 30, 2022

The bolts that you are pointing to at that top are the ones. Or rather I think it's one on either side.

I must admit that mine is cable tied on on the bottom, as I didn't have the right captive nuts or somthing - I can't remember. It's just a flimsy trim panel anyway.

Out of curiosity how come you are loosing the air con? Was it a third party add on, or factory?

tomhop · Jul 30, 2022

julianf said:
The bolts that you are pointing to at that top are the ones. Or rather I think it's one on either side.

I must admit that mine is cable tied on on the bottom, as I didn't have the right captive nuts or somthing - I can't remember. It's just a flimsy trim panel anyway.

Out of curiosity how come you are loosing the air con? Was it a third party add on, or factory?

It was half fitted to the vehicle when I bought it, the other half was supplied loose in the back, but I live in Scotland and it’s not my daily driver. I would prefer it to just be as standard looking as possible. Plus they seem to be worth a fair bit so May as well sell it and invest it in other bits the vehicle needs.

steve24v · Aug 1, 2022

Your new surround will bolt to the 3 bolts you are pointing to (so 6 in total). You might have to remove that panel at the top as your new one will probably come with it

Front grille surround

tomhop

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