I apologise in advance for this post!
Have read in the forums the pros and cons of fitting a leaper.But I wants it! And brought one.
I know this would have been covered many times,but as a new member I wil ask anyway.
Anyone been down this road that could save me some heartache? 1999 X308 which has never had a bonnet mascot fitted and has installed one?
Looks easier to take the bonnet off to drill the required hole!

 

Don't see why.

You would be drilling from the outside to the inside.

If you are careful with the depth of the drill, then there is no real reason to remove the hood.

Drilling with the hood in the closed position would be easier, you just have to be careful of how deep the drill goes. A backing plate might be handy, so long as you carefully test that it fits with the hood down. Don't want to buckle the hood.

 

Agreed that would be easier.
On the under side of the Hood there are three holes in the sub-frame. I assume the that the large mount of the leaper should line up precisely in the middle of the middle hole.To find this exact point from the outside of the hood would prove awkward,but easy with the hood off.To drill from the underside with a normal drill is not possible, (less risk of the drill bit running off across the paintwork too)!

 

Hello! I am a new member in Spain, and my 2002 XJ8 does not have a bonnet leaper. I would love to fit one, but cannot find any clue as to what the external measurement should be for drilling. Does anyone know?....

 

Leapers are not permitted in most of Europe now due to pedestrian safety concerns.

If you should skewer a local walker, you might be in serious trouble. Check your local laws before installing.
Vector

 

Is the leaper that you bought spring loaded, or is it a fixed type secured with two screws/bolts? The factory installed leaper is just over 5" long and spring loaded.

 

Bonnet mascots are allowed in the UK.......

 

If you are going to do it legal or not IDK

With the bonnet fully open down near the front edge there is a round circle in the middle on the underside.

Using a very small drill bit gently put a pilot hole exactly in the middle. I made a thick cardboard template to get it right. Draw diagonal lines across the template to find the centre
This will be where the Leaper bolt goes through the bonnet once enlarged.I then enlarged the hole with the bonnet closed. Tape with masking tape to protect the paint.

Worked for me. I used a small Leaper rather than the standard size.