The fitting of the grille - before and after
Those tie down hooks on either side of the mouth
are a swine to remove (sorry about the picture, but it has to be over-exposed so
you can see into the dark mouth). You need a 14mm ratchet spanner - no other tool will do
the job. You also need lots of patience and a towel to lie on. A supply of
band-aids and a swear box wouldn't be a bad idea as well. There are three bolts
on either side and only just enough room to get the spanner in. Don't make the
mistake I did - use the ratchet too long and then discover you don't have enough
room to get it off the head of the bolt <sigh>. Don't
forget to keep the tie-down hooks and bolts, just in case. Mine are wrapped in
sturdy plastic in the boot.
That's better. The grille mounts to the the two
existing - and not very substantial - plastic screws under the nose, and three SHARP
tabs on the under side of the grille slide in behind the bodywork to hold it in
place. Be careful not to scratch the paintwork with that part of the job - or
cut your hand open like I did :-(
Up close, it looks like this.
If anybody else wants one, 5-Speed
can be found on 01732 464545. Be prepared for a shock over the price though -
136 pounds including VAT and delivery. Cheaper ones are available, Donutz even
has one that doesn't require you to remove the tie-downs. But whatever price you
want to pay, I do advise you to get a grille. That radiator is remarkably
unprotected without one.
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