I also added the adamesh large chrome plinth. It makes it look more intentional. I don't think Mina sells them. When I had my black mesh grille, I had a black plinth and it looked really good.
Sorry so blurry. And I made my own badges from XJS bonnet badges and outer chrome rings from XF badges. I liked the mix of vintage and modern.

 

They look really really cool. Especially the black. But one thing to consider. A mesh grill will reduce your air flow somewhat. In really hot climates that might be a consideration.

 

Thanks to all that replied. That Adamesh grille looks really cool with the plinth in the center; something I might have considered. Checked out the video on buffing out faded paint, and will probably give it a try on a remote area of the nose. Not sure how the method works on plastic, but even if it doesn't work, I'm in no worse shape in terms of having to have the nose re-painted. As far as the mesh possibly reducing airflow, I guess I'll find out this summer.

 

I have the Adamesh one. No noticeable impact on airflow that I can tell while driving here in Florida. I think you will be fine.

 

repainting will give you a clean look and repair any nicks and I think you said you had the nose off anyway. If you want to try and 'restore' it, I highly recommend you view AMMO NYC on youTube. They have many videos on car care and well explains what's going on and how, and it's a joy to look at the cars they work on.

 

As noted I have an 2003 xk8 and looking at installing a mesh grill. I want to remove the chrome support piece and possibly the bumpers. Is there a video or a shop manual for directions to remove the front to do the work?


I did think the spring idea was clever.

 

There is a little bit of info in my thread here

 

I used the SNG Barritt parts book which pretty much shows how everything goes together. I believe that you can remove the chrome splitter bar without removing the nose, but it is difficult because there is so little room to work. Removing the nose isn't difficult, but it is tedious, and you will most likely have to replace most of the plastic rivets that you will break during the removal. The bumpers, as well as their covers, are held on with metal rivets which can be a PIA to remove. Best tool for that is a Dremel, again because of minimal working room. While you have the nose off is also a good time to think about replacing or upgrading headlight and fog light bulbs.

 

Where do you guys get those plastic rivet parts once re-assebling everything?

 

Easy job, and you will notice there are no visible screws holding it in place. I used stainless wire, looped around the mesh and attached it to the "X" brace in front of the radiator. No bumper removal required.




Leaper on Grille

 

I bought an aftermarket grill for myh 2000. It had "L" shaped brackets and screws which would have been a bitch and still not looked good. I solved my problem by going to Harbor Freight (on line) and ordered a mixed package of springs. Using the longer of these springs I was able to securely install the grill. It stays in place and have been trouble free now for 18 months. I used at least 4 springs on each piece, so make sure you have enough. You will have a pile of smaller springs left over. By the way the springs were less than $5 a box and have come in very handy on other projects, repairs, etc.