Rhino grill conversion queston

[Ralph]

I've taken apart my front end and grinded off the mounts that held the original plastic grill assembly on my '88 GW. The 'rhino chaser' grill I'm hoping to install isn't a perfect fit: there is a gap between the radiator support mantle and the top/back of the grill.

Also, the two pillars on either side of the grill don't fit flush against anything, so there are gaps there, as well.

Are these problems anyone else has had -- and fixed?

[jeepbob]

a lug nut is the perfect size between the core support and the top of the grille and the side gaps are about 1\4" on my 65. My 65 has a 69 core support as I was too lazy to convert another 6 cyl support to v8 rad.

[HeavyMetal]

I changed the grill on my 87 to a rhino and have the gap near the top also. creative sheetmetal work to fab a piece to put in there. On the sides my fits flush, however if you have a tranny cooler that will prevent it from getting flush. Had to relocate mine closer to the rad.

[gbarrett]

I didn't have the problem you mentioned on my '84 GW, but I haven't looked at my '87. I just picked up another Rhino grille and lights last week in Oklahoma. Can you send me a pic and I'll see what I come up with?

Good Luck,

Greg

[porkchop]

What lights did you use in the inboard holes agian? I figure it is easier to ask then to do a search.

[gbarrett]

I used lights from a Mercedes 300 for the inside lights. I made my own adjustable mounts using a #6 threaded rod, some nuts and compression springs.

[Ralph]

Here are a couple of photos showing my concerns:
http://www.dotphoto.com/MemViewImage.asp?AID=56890&IID=1817207
http://www.dotphoto.com/MemViewImage.asp?AID=56890&IID=1817208

[ July 31, 2001: Message edited by: Ralph ]

[Ralph]

Let me try this once again:

http://fs2.dotphoto.com/MemberImages/180113/iBA83E614-3A67-4F7A-84A9-2E6A4149A23B.jpg

http://fs4.dotphoto.com/MemberImages/180113/iDA1F54CF-5068-4226-A3D8-B7906AB64EBB.jpg

[gbarrett]

Ralph, that looks similar to what I've got on my red waggie. My grille was able to sink down below where the bolt holes line up with the holes on the valance, this way the top bolt was able to tighten. I just used a short, flat piece of steel as a type of fender washer to make things stay in place.

[Ralph]

Thanks, gbarrett. You know I just love the look of your Jeep, the thoroughness of the body and paint work you had done on it, and we've been exchanging posts on this forum as well as emails for over a year on this coversion subject. So if you can live with these imperfections, then I can too! See you in Ouray?!

[Narnian]

Didn't the parts jeep have a spacer there, where the cheese grater grill comes up high too?

[Ralph]

No, your parts Jeep has a regular bolt-on grill frame.