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Tundra grille - how to get what you want

Discussion in 'Toyota of Cool Springs Parts' started by Roman, May 30, 2018.

  1. May 30, 2018 at 12:18 PM
    #1
    Roman

    Roman [OP] Toyota Parts Master Vendor

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    It's time to make a thread covering every little aspect about a grille and how to get the look that you're after. This will have every answer to every grille question conceivable, so read on to find out the information you are looking for.

    First, it is important to know terminology used for the grille. There is a grille surround and a grille insert. There is also a hood bulge, which attaches to the front edge of the hood and ties into the grille.

    SURROUND.jpg
    INSERT.jpg
    HOOD BULGE.jpg

    The grille consists of the surround and the insert. No, these two parts are not available separately. You MUST purchase a grille to get either of them. Sometimes, you may have to mix and match to get what you want, but the purpose of this thread is to find the best way to do that. The grille, consisting of the surround and insert together that can not be purchased separately, is one part you will need. The other is the hood bulge.

    The hood bulge

    The bulge is available by itself, and comes in a variety of different colors. They are the same across all models, so pick the color you need and order away. In some cases, there is not a painted hood bulge in your particular color, and you will need to order a black painted (202) bulge and have it painted locally. The colors available are:

    Chrome
    Super White (040)
    Silver Sky Metallic (1D6)
    Magnetic Gray Metallic (1G3)
    Cement (1H5)
    Onyx Black (202)
    Attitude/Midnight Black (218)
    Barcelona Red (3R3)
    Sunset Bronze (4U3)
    Inferno (4X0)
    Vintage Brown Pearl (4X4)
    Quicksand (4V6)
    Blazing Blue Pearl (8T0)
    Blue Ribbon Metallic (8T5)

    There is no flat black option. Also, if you are thinking about painting over your chrome hood bulge, know that most body shops will not do this, and I do not recommend it.

    The grille

    What you need to decide here, is what kind of configuration you want to go with. Do you want a painted surround and a Platinum insert? How about a chrome surround and a Pro insert? All configurations are possible because the surround can be removed from the insert, but we need to figure out what is the best way to get the look you're going for.

    2014-17 models

    You guys don't have to worry about the Toyota Safety Sense on the 2018+ models, so every configuration will fit your truck without much of an issue, even the 2018+ grilles if you want one of those. First, decide which insert you want. Here are all of the options for inserts:

    2014-15 SR5
    [​IMG]

    2016-17 SR5
    [​IMG]

    2014-17 Limited
    [​IMG]

    2014-17 Platinum
    [​IMG]

    2015-17 TRD Pro
    [​IMG]

    2018 SR5
    [​IMG]

    2018 Limited
    [​IMG]

    2018 1794
    [​IMG]

    2018 Platinum/TRD Sport
    [​IMG]

    The 2014-17 Limited and the 2014-17 Platinum have the same insert. The Limited has a chrome surround where the Platinum has a painted surround. Colors are in the chart below.

    The 2018 Limited grille has a semi-chrome looking finish on the insert, where the 1794 insert is chrome. I honestly don't see much of a difference between the two. The 1794 is just slightly shinier.

    The 2018 Platinum, SR5, and TRD Sport inserts look identical. I posted pictures of them side by side in post # 611 in this thread, if you want to check it out for yourself: https://www.tundras.com/threads/ultimate-oem-toyota-parts-thread.10707/

    Got which surround you want picked out? Awesome. Let's move forward with the surround. Since the surround is going to come with the insert as a grille assembly, because we know the two are not available separately, what you want may be as simple as buying the grille and swapping the whole thing over. BUT, there are certain color combinations that are not available to buy straight from Toyota, and you may have to do some paint work. I've made a table of the colors each grille comes in from Toyota. Check your paint code inside the driver's door jamb. It will say C/TR: then the paint code.

    [​IMG]

    Now, what to do if your grille insert does not come with the color surround you want? There are a few different ways to go about this. You can order the grille you want and have the surround painted locally. You can order two grilles, one with the insert you want and one with the surround you want. If you already have the insert you want on your stock truck, but want a different surround, order the grille that has the surround in the color you want. As far as pricing goes, I have all of them listed in this thread: https://www.tundras.com/threads/ultimate-oem-toyota-parts-thread.10707/. I would go with the cheapest options. If you like the look of the 2018 grille, you will need two additional parts; the emblem and the small access hole cover. I have those listed in that thread as well. They are a direct fit, with no modification required. The emblem is from a Land Cruiser (which I found out worked by ordering it and trying it out myself), and snaps right in place. The stock emblem from the 2018 Tundra is about $340 (because of the TSS sensor), so using the Land Cruiser emblem will save you quite a bit.

    2018+ models

    You guys do have to worry about the Toyota Safety Sense sensors, so you will have to be more selective about what you do. As of this writing, there is no concrete way to run those sensors on the older model grilles.

    The easiest solution would be to order the 2018 grille that you like and swap it over. Some of you will already have the insert you want on your truck, but want a paint matched surround. Since a lot of body shops won't paint over chrome, then you can either order the 2018 grille that matches what you're after, or if the surround on the 2018 grille is not available in your color, you can order one of the other grille options that DOES have the color you want, and swap over the insert. Again, all links for purchasing the grille are in this thread: https://www.tundras.com/threads/ultimate-oem-toyota-parts-thread.10707/.

    Installation

    Here's a great video showing how to swap out the grille and hood bulge:

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

    That will work for every model, with the 2018 requiring some unclipping of the harness from the Safety Sense sensors.

    Side notes

    Do not pay attention to the online store telling you the grille does not fit your truck. Yes, it does. The only reason it is saying that is because it is not smart enough to figure out that a Platinum grille will fit on an SR5, or a TRD Pro on a Limited. All grilles are interchangeable, and I can't make the store understand that. Also, the images in the store of the grille are stock photos from the Toyota catalog. They are not an exact representation of the part being ordered. Go by the description I have posted here, or the description of the part in the store.

    When ordering, input the parts into your cart from the links in this thread: https://www.tundras.com/threads/ultimate-oem-toyota-parts-thread.10707/, then input your zip for a shipping quote. These come in a 61x17x11 box, and weigh roughly 18lbs. According to UPS/FedEx, any box with a side larger than 60" is considered oversized. I insure these as well, so shipping isn't cheap by any means.

    Removing the surround from the insert is an exercise in patience. There are a ton of little tabs on the back side of the grille that have to be pried apart, along with removing 4 screws. The tabs are brittle, so if you use too much force or try to move along too fast, they will break.

    (Reserved for a thorough video on removing the surround from the insert. Let me know if you have a video for this and I'll put the link here.)

    As of right now, I do not have any information on the 2019 TRD Pro grille. I'll let everyone know when I do.

    If you've got any other questions/comments, let me know so I can update this post. I want to be as thorough as possible when it comes to this information so I can link people to it. :D
     
    Last edited: May 30, 2018
  2. May 30, 2018 at 12:22 PM
    #2
    TXMiamiFan

    TXMiamiFan SSEM #3 and tractor extraordinaire

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    Awesome post. Thank Rome.
     
    SouthBoundSteve and Roman[OP] like this.
  3. May 30, 2018 at 12:44 PM
    #3
    easleycrawler

    easleycrawler TOYOTA ADDICT- SSEM #78

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    I do have one question. For those of us with 2014-2017's wanting to get the 2018 grille, I know as well as many more do, we need the landcruiser Toyota emblem. My question is, is this a direct fitment or is there some trimming involved?
     
  4. May 30, 2018 at 12:48 PM
    #4
    Roman

    Roman [OP] Toyota Parts Master Vendor

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    Updated OP. ;)
     
  5. May 30, 2018 at 12:50 PM
    #5
    Jim LE 1301

    Jim LE 1301 Camaro Lover, SSEM # 11,TTC#179

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    Great write up.
     
    Roman[OP] likes this.
  6. May 30, 2018 at 12:50 PM
    #6
    easleycrawler

    easleycrawler TOYOTA ADDICT- SSEM #78

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    Awesome. Thanks
     
  7. May 30, 2018 at 1:00 PM
    #7
    tundraty

    tundraty New Member

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    Thanks for the great info!
     
    Roman[OP] likes this.
  8. May 30, 2018 at 1:15 PM
    #8
    Blueknights75

    Blueknights75 040 IS THE FASTEST

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    You are an amazing man Roman sir! In my short time on this forum I have learned so much from you. So....Thank You. One question id o have relates to the black front bumper piece. In the pictures you posted this black bumper piece is where the word "SURROUND" is notated in red. I have a 2018 SR5 TRD CM and am looking to purchase and install a color matched hood bulge, surround and bumper end caps. I can find those all day long but am unable to gather any information to purchase a color matched piece as I have described (where the New Jersey tag is installed)....thoughts?
     
    Roman[OP] likes this.
  9. May 30, 2018 at 1:18 PM
    #9
    TXMiamiFan

    TXMiamiFan SSEM #3 and tractor extraordinaire

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    TRD Pro Grille, ESP Storage, Tailgate Inserts, Line-X Bedliner, Weathertech Floorliners, Wet Okole Seat Covers, 5" Shorty Antenna, Mickey Thompson MM-366 Wheels, ToyTec Boss, 35" BFG KO2 to name a few.
    That is called the valance.
     
  10. May 30, 2018 at 1:27 PM
    #10
    Roman

    Roman [OP] Toyota Parts Master Vendor

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    It doesn't come from Toyota color matched as a replacement part. I honestly wouldn't bother buying a new one. The one on your truck now can be painted. In fact, the part number listed for the Platinum is the same as the Limited and SR5. The only difference is the body shop has to paint the valance when installing it.
     
  11. May 30, 2018 at 1:31 PM
    #11
    KnuckleHD

    KnuckleHD New Member

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    Thanks for the great post Roman! Looking forward to ordering a new front grille and bulge for my 2018. Quick question, is there any difference between the 2018 SR5 and the 2018 Platinum/Sport grilles beside the color matched surround? I’ve looked at pictures side by side and can’t tell if they are both black or if one is more of a dark grey. Thanks!
     
    Roman[OP] likes this.
  12. May 30, 2018 at 1:33 PM
    #12
    Roman

    Roman [OP] Toyota Parts Master Vendor

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    Updated the OP. They look identical to me.
     
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  13. May 30, 2018 at 5:04 PM
    #13
    empenaflor

    empenaflor New Member

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    Hey Roman, why do you not recommend painting over the chrome? Not that I haven't already done so...but I did have it Line-X'd and I forgot to take out the retainer clips (push clips, pop rivets, rocker molding clips), so it doesn't seat properly. Is that why? Just thought I'd share my experience. I need to buy those clips soon.
     
  14. May 31, 2018 at 6:54 AM
    #14
    Roman

    Roman [OP] Toyota Parts Master Vendor

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    Just from the recommendations from several different painters in my area. They say that paint will not adhere to chrome well, and if you're going to do it, especially on a $40-50k vehicle, you should do it right the first time.
     
  15. May 31, 2018 at 7:40 AM
    #15
    husker99trd

    husker99trd New Member

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    Thanks for the write up! Always good stuff.
     
    Roman[OP] likes this.
  16. May 31, 2018 at 7:58 AM
    #16
    easleycrawler

    easleycrawler TOYOTA ADDICT- SSEM #78

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    That's exactly why I don't understand the whole plastidip thing. 45k for a truck, if you lift it, they say buy once cry once, but they got $10 in plastidip on it.o_O
     
  17. May 31, 2018 at 8:38 PM
    #17
    Tom_Tundra_TN

    Tom_Tundra_TN New Member

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    @Roman,
    It was great meeting you today. Thanks for the fast service on the driver side grab handle. Got installed and it's a perfect fit.
     
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  18. Jun 1, 2018 at 7:30 AM
    #18
    Roman

    Roman [OP] Toyota Parts Master Vendor

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    Awesome. Glad I could help you out.
     
  19. Jun 1, 2018 at 8:40 AM
    #19
    bvia

    bvia New Member

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    None
    ...and those of us with 2nd gen Tundras?...;-)>
     
  20. Jun 1, 2018 at 8:57 AM
    #20
    Taco-Blender

    Taco-Blender Old Guys Rule

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    Posts like these are what make Tundras.com so invaluable (even tho it doesn't apply to my Gen2).

    Thank you for taking the time to put it all together @Roman.
     
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  21. Jun 1, 2018 at 9:13 AM
    #21
    Roman

    Roman [OP] Toyota Parts Master Vendor

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    2nd gens can do this too, but it will require a LOT more parts. :D
     
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  22. Jun 22, 2018 at 10:00 AM
    #22
    KirthGersen

    KirthGersen New Member

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    How accurate is Toyota's color matching between model years?
    For exmpl, would a 2017 TRD Pro "surround" & "bulge" (Barcelona Red) match the same color on a 2018 truck's body? Or should one budget for possibility of need a $300-400 body shop refinishing? :-(
    The bulge is especially a concern -- any sharp demarcation between sections on the same plane is typically very hard to make "perfect" - why quality shops will paint all way to the edge of the panel or hood.
     
  23. Jun 22, 2018 at 12:52 PM
    #23
    Roman

    Roman [OP] Toyota Parts Master Vendor

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    Pretty accurate. There's always going to variations in paint, no matter how slight, but most of the time it isn't enough to notice. Some people are more sensitive to the differences than others. I can tell slight variations in paint from one body panel to the next, but most people can't.
     
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  24. Jun 22, 2018 at 2:08 PM
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    boloson

    boloson New Member

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    I have a 14 platinum & all I need is the pro insert but can't buy it alone oh well. Guess I have to paint my stick 1 black
     
  25. Jun 22, 2018 at 2:13 PM
    #25
    treihing

    treihing MAGA

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    Fantastic post. Great information. Thank you!!

    I just wish your company did not charge so damn much to ship to the Seattle area or I would order ALL of my accessories and parts from you!
     
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  26. Jun 22, 2018 at 5:14 PM
    #26
    gosolo

    gosolo You Don’t Know Who I Am But I Know Where You Live

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    @Roman
    Solid information and a great write up!
    I only have one question:
    If I have a Pro grill can I fit 35’s without increasing the size of the speakers?
     
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  27. Jun 22, 2018 at 6:19 PM
    #27
    ardnutoz

    ardnutoz

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    @Roman... you mention the 18 limited grill being a semi chrome... is this achieved by paint to look chromeish or a lighter chrome coating? What I want to know is if the limited grill is paintable. I know it can be dipped or taped over but I prefer paint myself.
     
  28. Jun 25, 2018 at 8:21 AM
    #28
    Roman

    Roman [OP] Toyota Parts Master Vendor

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    Yea, the pacific NW is always a lot to ship to from TN. I wish I could talk UPS/USPS into charging a flat fee for shipping. I guess it's just the nature of shipping. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

    It is definitely a coating. Most body shops that I know of will not paint over that type of finish. Or, if they will, they'll charge an arm and a leg, and won't warranty it.
     
  29. Jun 25, 2018 at 8:22 AM
    #29
    Roman

    Roman [OP] Toyota Parts Master Vendor

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    Nope. You must run at least 15" sub woofers or it'll rub. :D
     
  30. Jun 25, 2018 at 9:12 AM
    #30
    KirthGersen

    KirthGersen New Member

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    Toyota makes a driver side handle, or is it an aftermarket?
    Is it a "bolt on" accessory? I would not want to start drilling into sheet metal!
    I am average height 5'10", but even with the side tube steps , I often grab steering wheel for the final climb into the seat.
     

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