S Type 1999-2002 mesh grille upgrade

One of the easiest exterior upgrades is replacing your original grille with mesh chrome or stainless steel grille insert, that can be purchased at around $100. You will need to modify your existing grille by cutting out plastic straps - do not worry, it’s rather easy. All work requires around 1-2 hours if you are not using spray paint.

I suggest you get stainless steel mesh grille because it’s better as chrome usually comes off in two or three years from chromed steel, aluminum oxides and is not that shinny in a year or two. I guess what, stainless steel is the way to go.

Remove the grille 2 retaining bolts on each side of the grille (4 bolts in total).

There are two bolts located in the rear of the grille, see photo below how and where to locate these bolts (red circles).

Grille already removed. Red circles show where are the lower grille screw holes.

Now, get ready to cut out plastic bars. Photo shows original grille back piece with chrome plastic “skin” already removed - you will need a small screw driver (torx?) to remove front chrome skin from the back part that also holds plastic bars. Make sure you do not damage the grille outside plastic piece when you are cutting vertical plastic bars later on.

New chrome grille mesh insert. Please note that mesh grille insert has been molded in correct oval shape. Believe me, it will look fantastic after we install it in the place of removed plastic bars.

Let’s do a quick mesh insert grille alignation. Looks perfect!

You need to install mesh grille insert between the chrome front plastic piece and back (originaly in dark grey plastic material that used to have vertical bars we removed). I used a silver spry color to paint back plastic grille piece before front chrome part was removed. However, if you are using a spray color for painting make sure you polish the back plastic piece and after coloring, lacquer it for long life using special spray. You DO NOT need to color or do anything with the mesh insert you ordered - just fix it in the correct place and voila

Now….. hold your breath. I have attached photo below - looks AWESOME !!!!

The original mesh grille with dark plastic bars.


Compare original look with new mesh grille upgrade!