Repairable? Anyone Else Have Grille Surround Screw Bracket Break When Removing Grille Insert?

Removed the 2017 pro grille insert from the surround today. I managed to get the grille insert out of the surround without breaking any clips on the surround or damaging the grille insert.

Somehow one of the f****** plastic brackets that the screws go into broke on the surround though. Going just fine, unclipped the clip by the bracket and it just fell right down. I suspect it was broken by someone else, screwed back on and returned, but good luck convincing the Toyota parts guys of that. The bracket is really thin though, so could’ve been my fault I suppose.

Probably the worst possible thing to break on the damn thing. Important? Repairable?

 

Some 2 part epoxy is your friend.

 

Yes I’ve used it to repair similar brackets on atv plastics, but it doesn’t hold up great. It might fair better on the truck I suppose.

 

Have you tried

$9 Devcon 22045 Plastic Welder - 25 ml Dev-Tube, Cream

Amazon.com: Devcon 22045 Plastic Welder - 25 ml Dev-Tube: Automotive? Shit works pretty good.

 

Never tried this exact brand, but have tried the similar JB Weld Plastic Welder stuff rated at 3900psi on atv plastics. It does work good for a while. That area of the grille takes less twisting impact than my atvs and should hold up better, so without some revolutionary idea coming up that is probably what I’ll go with again.

 

I'd give it a try. I have always been underwhelmed JB weld products, they always seem to sorta work, for awhile... but, just my opinion. Personally, I'd make sure the toy parts center won't exchange it first, believe I've seen posts of people with those bits broken before (definitely looks flimsy) probably a common gripe. If they won't give ya a new one, either scuff the bond area real well and glue da shit outt of it, or buy a hot iron style plastic welder (takes some practice) then glue over top of plastic weld.

 

I think you’re right, probably should hold off on altering anything and talk to Sparks Monday. I really don’t know what made it break and I was being extra cautious. Didn’t even hear a sound, it just fell down when I got the clip undone and it had space to move.

 

Go with the tried and true. Been using JB plastic bonder for almost 45 years. When needed.....

 

This exact bracket was snapped off on my grill surround.

I have had my TRD Pro insert installed for over a year with zero issues from having not using that screw location.

You will be fine. Install it, and drive on!

 

You didn’t even bother trying to plastic weld it? I see you like to live dangerously haha! That is good to hear! I’m like just my luck I get 73 clips undone with no problem and 1 of only 4 actual screw connections breaks.

 

nope. When I unboxed my “brand new” surround, that exact clip/screw location was busted.

I installed my grilled insert, then installed the grill on my truck.

All has been fine since initial date of install.

 

Devcon is a great product, the surround is a pretty static application.