Radiator Grille
The Jaguar grille along with the bonnet-mounted Leaper is iconic. The two symbolize the visual image of Jaguar.
I had my grille and center vane rechromed. The stud on the lower mount broke when I disassembled the car. The fix for that problem is described below. I also have a few questions about the washers on the studs used to mount the grille to the front of the car. I am not sure if they are located in their original positions or not. I will do a bit more research before installing. A cup washer is used for the top center mounting. Two folded oval washers are used on the upper side studs and rectangular “strip washers” with mounting holes are used for the lower two side studs and the lower center stud.
Otherwise, the assembly came out quite nicely. A new grille badge was installed in the center vane. The original spring clip and screws were used to mount the badge and then to secure the center vane to the grille. The images below show the assembly.
Radiator Grille Badge Installed
Radiator Grille Rear Side with Center Vane Mounting Hardware
Radiator Grille Center Vane with Badge
Radiator Grill Assembled
Radiator Grille Rear Side with Mounting Hardware
Radiator Grille Rear Side with Mounting Hardware
Radiator Grille Rear Side with Mounting Hardware
As mentioned previously, the center stud at the bottom of the grille broke when I tried to remove the nut. I think this is not uncommon! I happened upon a post to Jag-Lovers that provided the answer to this problem. Tony Coles purchased some throwing dart flight extenders. They are called “add a gram” on the U.K. Ebay. They come in brass or nickel plated steel. One end is female, the other male. Amazingly, they have 2BA threads on both ends, the same as the grille studs. I contacted Matt at [email protected] and he posted the extenders to me right away.
Fortunately, I had enough stud remaining on the grille that I was able to just clean up the threads a little, add some anti-seize for the future and then screw on the extender with the help of some vice grips. While a bit fatter than the original stud, it still fits through the lower fixing plate and the length is perfect. Thank you Tony!
Broken Lower Grille Mounting Stud
Dart weight – Flight Extender
Dart Weight as Stud Extender on Grille
Dart Weight as Stud Extender on Grille with Lower Radiator Grille Fixing Plate