For those who have removed or replaced the front grills, is it as easy as the grill vendors literature states? I am looking to replace the grills on my 2004 XJ8 with mesh grills. Does anyone have the isstructions to remove and replace these grills? Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

Hi,
I got mine from here...http://www.minagallery.com/.

It was a pain in the *** to install, looks great though.
It was not so much the removal of the old grill (just be careful you dont break any of the plastic locking tabs on the surrround) but getting the mesh inserts in to replace the original slats, they are a really tight fit, having said that the second time around would be a lot simpler.I am sure they will send you a copy of the installation instructions so you can see what is involved before you buy.
These inserts are well made and look exactly OEM, mine have been on for 15 months and look like new.
I think for the money one of the best changes I have made.

 

Thanks. I figured it would be more difficult than advertised. I tried to change the front light bulbs and after several hours of frustration I ended up taking the car to the dealer and paying them for the job. Maybe I'll just buy the grills and have the dealer install them.

 

I doubt the dealer will install non OEM grill inserts, and the Jag parts are spendy.
The inserts are not that hard to do,once you do one side the other is plain sailing, just take your time;plus there is a lot of satisfaction doing it yourself.

 

I got mine from Adamesh, and got them fitted in about 10-15 minutes, but as previously said here, be careful taking off the old ones as the plastic securing tabs don't look too strong. Gently does it is the watchword

http://www.adamesh.co.uk/jaguar-x350...erts-586-p.asp

It says 30 minutes, but this includes taking off/replacing the grill on the car

 

I got mine from Mina Galleries and the were very easy to install. Had mine done in about 10 minutes.

 

Thanks everyone. I just ordered them from Mina Galleries. They do look really nice. If I run into any problems, I'll be back to ask for more advice.

 

I found this $95 grill on ebay.
Looks like a cinch to install...

JAGUAR XJ8 - 2004-2006 - MESH GRILLE GRILL INSERT | eBay


Cheers,
Truman
Los Angeles

 

I bought my chrome version of the black OEM grill inserts from my local Jag dealer who gave me a 10% "senior" discount. They cost $99.00 each plus tax. It's really easy to remove the OEM inserts as they litterally are held in with integral plastic snaps. Use a mirror "on a stick" and slip it thru the front of the insert and carefully look around the interior edge of the insert and you will find the locations of the "snaps". Look carefully so you understand how they hook onto the surround. Once you understand the direction of the snaps, insert a thin plastic putty knife and gently pry the the insert away from the surround at the location of each snap and the OEM insert will almost fall out into your hands. Installing the new insert "is a snap"!

 

hey jim, did you use any instructions manual? if so, do you know where i can find instructions online? I recently purchased OEM vdp style grill [not mesh]. I got like new condition $75 for both inserts on eBay...

 

If you take off the main grill moulding and look at the back where the inserts fit in, you'll soon see what you need to do, it really is that easy.

 

PDF from TOPIx:
Used this as a guide to install my SS Mesh.

 

I installed mine is short order. I was very careful unsnapping the old grill from the clips. The Mina instructions were fine. The pdf. with the Jaguar instructions is even better in the above post by Reyesl.

Check this link for my result. https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...gallery-79212/

 

update; I actually purchased non-mesh grilles from eBay but the seller lied on the description... I then purchased another grille BUT this one is chrome mesh for about $90+10 shipping $100 total also from eBay. They were very easy to install, but difficult to explain. I just basically removed clips [plastic and frail looking] and the factory inserts basically fell out after i loosened and pushed back the 2 things in front of the radiator. I inserted the bottom first and then lined it up and re-installed everything else. Took about 10 minutes on the first and only 4 minutes or so on the second. Not difficult, I did it with out removing the main grille frame as the instructions say. I would recommend taking several pictures of where you are working to know how it should be when you go to reinstall the grille... Lots of small plastic parts... Looks great on my black jag with black interior...

 

^ and yet not a single pic in this collection of posts of the finished product after install.

 

Mesh grill is the best accessory.

 

point taken...
i know ill post them one of these days..lol

 

before


after

 

now that's how its done, good job rothwell!

 

looks great, and the car still looks like new! hope life has been treating you well!

hope you have also been great matt! had no clue you bought a Super V8, glad to see you kept your XK!