Replacing chrome bumper caps question

Unsure to get the overlays or just get the plastic replacement end cap and get them painted and just replace the stock chrome ones. A buddy can paint them for me cheap. Is it much of a hassle/difficult to replace them entirely vs going with the overlays?

 

To replace them you will need to drop the entire lower bumper and separate them from the middle piece. With the overlays I believe you can attach them with bumper still on vehicle. Took me about 2 hours to replace my chrome ones with paint matched ones.

 

Much easier replacing installing the overlays.

 

Overlays are cheaper but with my Super White paint they look Super brighter than the rest of the truck.

If I were to do over, I would have them professionally painted.

 

They are a perfect fit, just don't like the color.

 

I was able to replace my chrome end caps with painted plastic replacements without dropping the bumper and it took all of a half hour per side. But I also have tiny hands and arms so its probably subjective.
I live in the salt belt and am not into slapping cover-ups on just as a personal thing. Also sold off my chrome stock bumper ends to offset the color matched so it was basically a wash. Just my .02

 

Yep

 

Love my Toyota OEM color matched overlays. Have the rigidity of the chrome and the look of colored match. Definitely recommended!

 

Looks killer.. Well done

 

I can get the replacement caps cheaper than the overlays. Buddy can paint em cheap. So not too difficult swapping? I thought id read somewhere about some extra clips or something you would need but cant seem to find that post

 

Got those from sparks? Easy install?

 

I didnt need any extra parts to reinstall but do remember the same post. Im a 120lb female so I don’t know if you’ll be able to cram your arms in the fenders and bumper like I was able to or not. Wasnt difficult, some clips and bolts, swapped the fogs, rebolted and reclipped. The biggest pita was trying to align the gap between the cap and under the headlights to be the same.

 

Of the opinion there is enough color on the body and not enough distinction between body and bumper.

 

I just found these https://www.ecoological.com/toyota-bumper-covers.html

 

Are the rear ones made to where the tuck up under the existing plastic trim piece of the bumper? Like is the overlay thinner at the top allowing it to be pushed under the existing trim piece?

 

Yes…and the trim snaps right back into place with no issues.

 

Bumping this back up. Dealer quoted about $1100 to replace all front bumper caps and center portion with white painted pieces.

Question is, should I replace the chrome ends and gray center with OEM plastic pieces or find an aftermarket bumper, painted with sensor holes that can accommodate my SS3 pros? Seems like the latter would be more expensive but would give me more tire clearance.

Any suggestions?

 

That sounds awfully expensive for just the front bumper. I did my front and rear end caps, grill surround and hood hulge painted for around $1300 (installed myself though). Unless parts have gotten that ridiculous in price..

 

I thought the same thing. The unpainted bumper caps are $157 on sale, each + $200ish for the valence + cost to paint.

I'll probably get a quote from an independent shop but I think it's still gonna be around $800. For that price I was wondering how far away it is from a painted or powder coated aftermarket bumper.

 

Buddy of mine paints cars for a living and said with the right prep, he can just color match my chrome to Barcelona (no caps needed). Gonna have him tackle that in the spring.

 

if you have access to someone that can paint it just have them paint the chrome bumper caps. I did that and it looks great. I work for a dealer group and we have a company that paints bumpers all the time for us

 

Did they paint them on the truck or remove them? I am in Va too, where did you go to have them painted?

 

How difficult are the chrome caps to remove and reinstall?

 

Not difficult at all. To make it slightly easier I removed the entire lower bumper then separated the caps on my work bench. Maybe 2 hours tops if you haven't taken your bumper off before.