Can anyone tell me if the plastic crossmember on a 1997 xk8 on which the long thin chrome plastic grill is fixed to ,is structural or can it be removed completly removed

 

This sounds like the black 'Bumper Beam' behind the chrome 'Splitter Vane' on the front end of the car?

Are you wanting to fit an alternative grille?

Graham

 

Mine's all out. I just retained the aluminum supports for the bumperettes behind the mesh grill.

 

You can remove it but you will have to find homes for the horns, ambient air temp sensor, loom and depending on XK oil cooler.

Alternatively replace it with an aluminium one, straight swap, more discreet, lets more air through, lighter, stronger and everything is predrilled/tapped and can be bolted to it

 

hi i was thinking of putting the newer mesh grill . but after taking the rabbits teeth plastic over cover and the chrome bar out . i quite like the look of no bar or mesh . but the plastic undercover spoils the look .now i know its NOT stuctual ,problem goes away
Yes i did realise that the horn and sensor will need to be relocated , but thats not a hard job .
Thanks for the help about the removal

 

Not sure that would appeal to me, you would look through and see the rads, not the prettiest of sights, but if you like the open look a good compromise is a black mesh grill, from a distance gives a similar effect.

 

well at least i have options now . i can take the plastic member out if i dont like it . i can put in the new grill . either sliver or sprayed black

 

Hold on to the parts you remove. It keeps your options open when you come to sell the vehicle.

Check the threads on grilles and you'll find strong opinions both on XK8 original splitter bar and aftermarket mesh.

Graham