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nadg201



Member Since: 22 Mar 2021
Location: Midlands
Posts: 5

United Kingdom 
Stage 1 V8 grille on TD5 defender
After falling in love with the look of a stage 1 grille on a defender 90 and succeeding in the hunt to find a original grille I now have the dilemma I should have thought of first. How easy is it to fit one to a TD5 defender?
From photos it looks like it should be an easy screw in job, however I’ve fallen for that mistake before. Any help and advice would be appreciated.
Post #910155 30th Jun 2021 12:53pm
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blackwolf



Member Since: 03 Nov 2009
Location: South West England
Posts: 17382

United Kingdom 2007 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 DCPU Stornoway Grey
It's an easy and direct fit to a non-AC vehicle (don't know about the AC grille), but does leave the six holes from the original grille which will need filling.

The hardest part is finding a Stage 1 V8 grille, they are a bit like the proverbial rocking horse poo! The only source I know of is Pegasus Parts, and they're not cheap for a chunk of wire mesh.
Post #910161 30th Jun 2021 1:59pm
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LandRoverAnorak



Member Since: 17 Jul 2011
Location: Surrey
Posts: 11324

United Kingdom 
Very easy - it's a simple nut and bolt task. However, if your heart is set on a genuine Stage 1 grill then they're like hen's teeth and if you can find one, very expensive. Assuming though that you're talking about a modern equivalent such as that from Lockswood International or Zunsport, then they come as a kit with all of the necessary fixings.

There are a couple of 'gotchas' to be aware of. Firstly, you will be left with the fixing holes in the surround for the original grill. The kits usually come with suitable fir tree type fixings to blank these off but some folks have the holes filled and the surround painted to lose them completely. Secondly, fitting to a non-air con model without the protruding grill surround is a something of a challenge as these types of grills are fitted from the rear but the panel can't be easily re-fitted with the grill in place. It's not impossible but can be difficult, particularly if you have a steering guard or large winch bumper fitted, for instance.

Whilst it's changed a lot since, here's mine from a couple of years ago:


Click image to enlarge


More details of the install process here: https://www.defender2.net/forum/post738660.html#738660 Darren

110 USW BUILD THREAD - EXPEDITION TRAILER - 200tdi 90 BUILD THREAD - SANKEY TRAILER - IG@landroveranorak

"You came in that thing? You're braver than I thought!" - Princess Leia
Post #910162 30th Jun 2021 2:06pm
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blackwolf



Member Since: 03 Nov 2009
Location: South West England
Posts: 17382

United Kingdom 2007 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 DCPU Stornoway Grey
LandRoverAnorak wrote:
... fitting to a non-air con model without the protruding grill surround is a something of a challenge as these types of grills are fitted from the rear but the panel can't be easily re-fitted with the grill in place. ...


I imagine that this comment refers specifically to the modern "look-alike" grilles you mention, since the Stage 1 V8 grill fits from the front and does not require removal of the surround. In essence there is no significant difference between the V8 grille surround panel and the non-AC Defender panel apart from the six holes the later panel gained, and the deletion of the bonnet lock.

One concern with the genuine V8 grille is actually the ease with which it can be removed - having a grille worth well in excess of £100 held on by two screws is a little worrying in this lawless age.
Post #910164 30th Jun 2021 2:41pm
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LandRoverAnorak



Member Since: 17 Jul 2011
Location: Surrey
Posts: 11324

United Kingdom 
Yes, exactly that although I've just realised that I missed an important detail in the OP in that he's already got an original grill Rolling Eyes Darren

110 USW BUILD THREAD - EXPEDITION TRAILER - 200tdi 90 BUILD THREAD - SANKEY TRAILER - IG@landroveranorak

"You came in that thing? You're braver than I thought!" - Princess Leia
Post #910165 30th Jun 2021 2:52pm
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defender9



Member Since: 12 Mar 2016
Location: Fylde Coast
Posts: 1629

United Kingdom 2015 Defender 90 Puma 2.2 SW Keswick Green
Here’s mine.

Click image to enlarge
Post #910197 30th Jun 2021 6:25pm
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gcc130



Member Since: 05 Jun 2015
Location: Wiltshire
Posts: 739

I’ve gone for the stage 1 look on my Puma Dormobile (not quite finished yet)

Click image to enlarge
Post #910201 30th Jun 2021 6:38pm
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90 Dreamer



Member Since: 13 Jul 2019
Location: Oop North
Posts: 2154

United Kingdom 2016 Defender 90 Puma 2.2 HT Corris Grey
A "filled" & painted version on mine.......



Click image to enlarge
Post #910202 30th Jun 2021 6:49pm
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nadg201



Member Since: 22 Mar 2021
Location: Midlands
Posts: 5

United Kingdom 
Quick update, unfortunately I ended up getting scammed on a Facebook forum and the grille is no longer on the way. Instead a man going by the name of Jason Todd from the Isle of Man has run off with my money. Looks like the modern version may be the solution once I save up the money I lost.
Post #910676 3rd Jul 2021 11:35pm
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Mo Murphy



Member Since: 01 Jun 2008
Location: Letchworth Garden City, Herts
Posts: 2227

United Kingdom 1984 Defender 90 BMW M57 3.0 Diesel HT Auto Pennine Grey
I have a nice Stage 1 type grille that I had made for me in stainless steel as I thought I'd like the look. I didn't !
So if anyone would like it, fitted once for trial, £60 posted. Pm me.
Mo The Land Rover 90 - Many are called, few are chosen.

50 Shades of Pennine Grey
Post #910686 4th Jul 2021 7:22am
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ibexman



Member Since: 13 Dec 2008
Location: Essex
Posts: 2945

United Kingdom 
You have PM
Post #910687 4th Jul 2021 7:49am
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