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2010 Larado Lower Grill Insert

7K views 19 replies 10 participants last post by  SvenskaJeepGuy 
#1 ·
Been looking for a lower grill insert for my new 2010 Larado that accomodates front tow hooks. Seems the radiator is a bit exposed under there and would like to give it some protection from stones, etc.

Can't seem to find anyone who makes this piece.

Anyone out there know where I can get one?

Thanks
 
#3 ·
Here you go sir

OK so here is a how to for the Overland Bumper Insert and a lower fascia mesh grill. The bump. insert was DAVY27's idea so a shout-out is def needed...THANK YOU! Please comment or ask any questions...

Tools Required:
Drill with small bit and phillips head (or whatever srew head you use)
Flathead screw driver
2X tape and super glue (if needed for final fitment, see below)
Beer (again, as needed haha)

Materials:
Overland Bumper Insert (j4j.com)
#6 headed 3/8" screws and #8 washers (10X)
Mesh of your choosing
Rustoleum black-gloss paint and clear coat (again, whatever you want)

1. You will need to remove the lower fascia and rear black plastic piece (see pics). You DO NOT need to remove the whole bumper...I did not want to b/c I did not have a rivet gun.

2. There are 6 clips that the lower front fascia connects with; they are the lime green clips in the pics below. Use a screwdriver on the clips, a flathead and press firmly on the spring-loaded green clip and in between the black plastic and the opposite side of the point on the clip (on the side of the grip on the green clip). This sounds confusing when i type it; use common sense when you look at these connections. I tried using my fingers and the flathead is the only way to go! Then there are two "spin tabs" (this is going to be my term for them) that you need to remove; these have a tab for you to grip, give then a 1/4 turn and pull them out. That is it.

3. Then you need to remove the black plastic cover below the lower fascia. Again, remove the spin tabs, there are 5 of them; three on top and two below. You can remove them when you are removing the lower fascia. Then the black cover will pull off. This is where you will connect the mesh.

4. There are 13 slots you will need to drill into the lower fascia for the OBI (overland bumper insert). These were outlined on the back which made it very easy to drill out the slots. I made mine smaller rather than larger to ensure a tight fit; and you can always go back and bore more out.

5. Firmly press the OBI into the fascia. Pretty simple, I worked my way from the center out. I did not have any issues and it is def a part of the car now!!!

6. Now you will need the black plastic piece for the attachment of the mesh grille. This was a little tricky so take your time. You will need to drill 7 holes into the plastic and use a screw/washer set-up for fitment (#6 head 3/8" and #8 washers).

7. MAKE SURE you move the grill far enough back so when you attach the Lower valance with the OBI on you do not have any fitment issues. The plastic was dirty so it created a natural line for me to go off of. I put my grill a little too far forward; it fits very flush but required some fit/re-fitment and patience...

8. The lower fitment is not as crucial as I first thought b/c once everything is back together you cannot see the lower part of the mesh behind the OBI/Fascia. I cut mine to fit inside the lower edges and put a 90 bend on the raised areas for the fitment. The 7 mounting points I used were plenty strong for this piece, but you can always do more!

9. I cut 10" horizontal slots out of the sides of the grill with wire cutters (no pictures, oops). This left a raised center section (about 10" tall) and the ends of the grill were 5". I did not secure the top of the grill to the vehicle. This center section is behind the bumper and holds it in place without any hardware. Once you get under there you will see what I am talking about, and I can clarify is anyone needs it.

10. Now to put the plastic/mesh back on, you will need to do a little bending. I did not want to take the grill off so I secured the 3 spin tabs on the rear of the plastic and then bent (carefully) the grille up and behind the bumper (the 10" center section, which could be made smaller FYI). Then secure the 2 spin tabs on the underside L & R.

11. Secure the lower fascia back on with 2 spin tabs and 6 push-pins. Again I had some fitment issues that I fixed with 2X tape and some super glue! It just takes a little "working"...you can see in my pic where the fascia connects above the fog light on the passenger side it would not stay. This is where the 2X tape on the black plastic and super glue in that tab came in handy. All fixed and now you cannot tell!!!

12. Take a step back, take pics and enjoy. You now have a new front-end! :thumbsup:



















 
#10 ·
Hi new guy here. I am glad I came upon this site and found this page! I bought the necessary items to do this mod, just haven't got around to it yet. I have a huge sheet of the mesh and was wondering what your insert measured at. I measured the opening at 35X5, but you seem to have got it right.

Thanks.
 
#14 ·
I went ahead and purchased everything with the exception of the Overland Bumper insert. Is this a required part? Also, I have a 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 5.7 Hemi. Will this modification work for my vehicle as well? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
 
#16 ·
The challenge for the OP-er will be how to "cleanly" accomodate the tow hooks, if he wants to keep them. They are absent in the mod posted from 08Hemi.
 
#18 ·
Yeah, it may take a few test fittings. If there's success, I definitely wanna see pics. I like access to my tow points. I knew a girl with a WK that needed a tow and here D-bag B/F (no jealousy there...right?) wrapped the chain around a lower crossmember underneath the front. Ended up damaging the A/C lines because they wrapped around those too. I wish Saguaro 4xComponents made a lower to match my Boulder grill insert.
 
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