No, it's not the same upper grill, but, as he asked, it will fit.  The headlights are what's different.  US headlights are 2 round - up to '85 and 4 square from '86 - '91, so he would be forced to change it all over, to be able to use the '86 upper grill.
  All lower grills are the same.

Mike B.
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Andrew Grebneff 
  To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM 
  Sent: Tuesday, December 01, 2009 6:25 PM
  Subject: Re: Vanagon Grill

  > Will the upper and lower grills from a 1986 Vanagon fit an 1982 Vanagon,
  > also its a diesel if that matters?

  Upper grill's the same. Aircooled 82s had no lower grill cutout. I'd
  expect an 82 diesel to take any year's lower grill, but can't say for
  sure.
  --
  Regards
  Andrew Grebneff
  Dunedin
  New Zealand
  Fossil preparator
  Mollusc, Toyota & VW van fan