Removing Platinum Grille Insert

I've done a BUNCH of reading today trying to get instructions for Removing the center insert portion of my Platinum grille... but all I've found is a couple posts saying it's going to be a PITA and one saying it's no problem...no actual instructions or videos. I was going to switch to the Pro Grille insert...but am now thinking I might just Plastidip the Platinum grille insert...I think that'll look pretty cool. Either way, I need to take out that grille insert... thanks in advance for any advice!

 

Once you take the insert out, there's no going back. If you wanna do just the center, mask off the outter grille surround and plastidip away. From what I've heard, it's next to impossible to remove without breaking tabs.

 

I tried and broke one and said fuck it and just cut it out and mounted a new custom grill

 

You might break some tabs, but its not impossible to do. If your just going to plastip or even paint the insert, I wouldn't even remove it. Just mask it off and your good to go.

 

Thank you. That's what i DON'T want to get into...breaking the tabs. I know i could just cover everything else around it...just figured it'd be safer to remove it to avoid overspray (especially in behind the grille) but maybe that's what I'll have to do...cover everything else up really good.

 

That's 2x this advice...thanks

 

Or just hand paint it. Plastidip is great if you don't mind taking care of it and continually mending it. Especially on the grill
I like it for flat surfaces but am not a fan when it comes intricate work, but that's probably because I'm not artistic nor patient enough to cut peel out the hard to reach areas. Other than that plastidip is really easy to use

My vote is to switch out the grill all together

 

Wait, are you referring to removing the whole grille from the truck first or just painting it while its on the truck?

 

Either way, removing the whole grill with the lower surround is very easy. I would do that and just mask off the surround and your good to go.

 

Some info in here. I've done this on my Tacoma with the PRO grill but the tabs were bigger. Not sure why the tabs are so fragile on the tundra grill. Then again Toyota doesn't sell the PRO grill insert alone.
https://www.tundras.com/threads/removal-of-the-grill-insert.10069/

 

I did mine. Removed platinum insert and put on a pro grill. Was definitely a pita.

 

Id rather Plastidip instead of paint simply in case I change my mind sometime and wanna peel it off. I've never actually used it...but what i read and the videos i saw showed that it held up well. Im not thinking there should be any intricate cutting or trimming if I'm doing the full grille insert...maybe I'm underestimating it. I originally wanted to save the money by not buying the pro grille...but i actually really like the look of the black Platinum grille...

 

Here is a video on the TRD PRO grill swap for reference.
I know it's not the insert removal. Just trying to point you in the right direction.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=K9qCc4rLLh0

 

Thank you!

 

Thanks...good info...i might try it or just remove the whole thing and tape it off...

 

Sounds like that might be what i end up doing...Thanks!

 

Remove the entire grille and surround first. Then you have to remove a couple of bolts holding the insert to the surround. Slowly loosen each tab and pull it apart. Definitely not the most fun thing to do but makes painting or dipping much easier. Breaking a couple of tabs won't affect how it goes back on. The remaining tabs and the bolts will hold it firmly. I dipped mine and regret not painting it. I should have just painted it when I had the chance.

 

Thanks for the advice. Not happy with the plastidip? I'd rather know now before i do it and put it back together!

 

I had the lower valence plastidipped on my old tacoma, bugs stuck like crazy, wouldn't clean very well, rock chips. It was low and. It very visible so I just kept adding more. I wouldn't do my grill. It definitely has its place but I don't think the front of the truck is the place.

 

Good to know! Thanks

 

I'm just sick of how difficult it is to keep clean and have no idea why I didn't just paint it. And the fact that it's not permanent kinda bothers me.

 

Well im glad i asked... i pretty much had my mind made up...now I'm not so sure. Would you have just painted it yourself with a rattle can or had it done professionally?

 

I would rattle can. Shouldn't be hard at all.

 

Sounds like you have narrowed it down
I was thinking you were just going to do the grill badge...my misunderstanding.

It's an easy process. Just make sure to warm your can up and share alot. Dont do if it's windy, tape off just like you would if it were paint, and spray at different angles. Also, since your grill sees alot of debris, bugs etc, make sure you gloss it after.

Lastly, make sure you get a nice fine tape line covered so you can peel easily. Good luck!

 

Literally takes 10 minutes

 

I would still paint it over dipping.

 

Dipping was easy and turned out way better than I expected!

 

That looks sharp! Nice job! Did you gloss it? How hard is it to keep looking good (how long have you had it on?)

 

Heat up the tabs a bit and then remove with a plastic pry tool.

 

I decided last minute to leave it flat. Dippped it about 4 months ago. 6 coats. Still looks perfect!