Up to late 2a, series rovers had metal wire grilles in front of the radiator. A legendary use for these grilles was as an actual cooking surface in an emergency situation in a remote location. They may also need to be removed occasionally for cleaning, access to the bonnet catch, or steering mechanism. One way to distinguish between a late 2a and a series 3 from a distance is that the grille is still metal for late 2a and plastic for series 3.
Removal of the series 2a grille requires only a flat screwdriver and only for two screws. The two screws go through the cast metal Land Rover emblem into captive nuts in the steel panel. After removing them the wire grille will tilt forwards and lift out of the hooks at the bottom edge. Installation is a reversal of this process.
