Hood Options

Hello.
This is my first post.
Looking at getting a new pickup truck soon, and leaning towards a Toyota or Ford, Dodge is a possibility also.

I really like the Toyota, and maybe shouldn't care about looks, but sorry I can't get past the ugly little slit opening.
Is there any after market hood that looks great and eliminates that.

Thanks for having me and for any help.

Breanna.

 

Well, c'mon now ... looks aren't everything. The Tundra's reliable, and strong, will never let ya down, and besides, it's got a great personality.

 

I don't doubt that they are good vehicles.
Some people probably even love the look.
Its just I happen to hate that part.
The rest of the truck is fine.

 

Actually, I think what you're seeking is a different grille or grille surround. The "ugly slit opening" to which you refer is not integral to the sheet metal on the hood. The feature that offends you is just a cutout in the grille surround and in the instance of a chrome grille, is filled with a contrasting black insert. If you want to go with a black grille or grille surround, it would be less noticeable. Or you can also get it in black without the slit. This is for the Second Generation Tundra,
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Black-Plantinum-Packaged-Grille-Grill-W-Shell-Fits-For-10-13-Toyota-Tundra-/181872100795?fits=Model:Tundra|Submodel:Limited
but you can probably find them for the third gen, too. And you can probably also find it in chrome without the insert if you spend a little time browsing the web. It took me all of 15 seconds to find this example, and I'm slow in my old age.
And....if it bothers you that much, remember .... you don't have to, in fact, you can't see it from the most important seats in the truck, anyway.

 

There is someone in here that mounted a light bar in that slot and it looks pretty bad ass

 

Thanks.
Just black would be great.
I had planned to remove as much chrome as possible anyway if I get a Tundra, or any truck period.
Black rims, bumpers, etc.

This is such a friendly and helpful forum.
Glad I joined.
Thanks again.

 

Is the slit critical to any cooling or air intake system?

 

Nope. I realize.you posted in 14+, but just to double check, what year style are you looking at? 07-13 or 14+? If you are looking at the 07-13's, the 14+ have a different style grill, which you may like better. If you are.considering a Tundra but that is the only drawback, you can find some way to change it. I wouldn't let that change your decision!

Click on my avatar photo, my truck is a 14 that is all blacked out. Not sure if it has the part you don't like, if it is the hood bulge, when it is all black it isn't as noticeable.

 

Yes I am buying a new truck and not used.
And true once blacked out is not nearly as bad as when highlighted in chrome.

Thanks for the help.

 

Gotcha. I haven't seen any aftermarket hoods that change the "hood bulge", which is the part you don't like.

Stock hood bulges are often posted for sale, you could pick one up to have as a spare to modify. A good local body shop may be able to fiberglass the grill "slit" in the hood bulge to basically delete it.

 

I think its kinda cool looking, almost like a sleek ram air set up.

 

It is slowly growing on me the more I see it.
If it is blacked out it is fine.
The chrome highlight is just too much.
But I also do not like chrome anywhere on my vehicles.

 

Keep us updated with what you end up buying! Good luck.

 

Thank you.
Most likely be a Tundra.
Will go test drive one soon if i can find a reg cab, long box, 4x4 with 5.7 to test.

 

I had mine rhino lined to delete the chrome. Here is a pic for reference.

 

Thanks for that.
I am likely going to order early june, I want to factory order it.
Will get an after market grill, bumpers, and maybe a couple more things.

 

Since mine is all color matched, a guy at the gas station thought it was a ram air hood or hood scoop of some kind.

 

That's awesome. You will love it!