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Trouble removing grille

Discussion in '2nd Gen Tundras (2007-2013)' started by NauticalBlueTundra, Sep 29, 2018.

  1. Sep 29, 2018 at 2:11 PM
    #1
    NauticalBlueTundra

    NauticalBlueTundra [OP] New Member

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    Alan
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    Galaxy A.K.A. "My Gal" 07 Nautical Blue Tundra Limited TRD
    Mostly stock
    I ran into an issue removing the grille for a billet insert. I tried searching and only came up with ideas I’ve already tried... the bolt heads for removing the grille are held in place by plastic. 4 of them stripped the plastic and I can’t get them to break loose. After several soaks with PB Blaster and attempting to use vice grips and wrench I’m still not getting anywhere. The tip of one of the bolts even broke while trying. So much for an hour instal like everyone says...Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!

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  2. Sep 29, 2018 at 2:34 PM
    #2
    NauticalBlueTundra

    NauticalBlueTundra [OP] New Member

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    Mostly stock
  3. Sep 29, 2018 at 2:46 PM
    #3
    NauticalBlueTundra

    NauticalBlueTundra [OP] New Member

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    Mostly stock
    I am installing a T-Rex grille insert. It requires removal of the oem grill and cutting the center piece out to mount the insert within the grille souround.
     
  4. Sep 29, 2018 at 2:48 PM
    #4
    rons23

    rons23 Get The Led Out!!!

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    Kill Devil Hills
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    Sabm (Gtek-Fab), Blake Carbon Diamond Plate door sil protecters, and Air Dam mod, Black Rivited Grill, Devil Horns- Black Anodized(Diaz Fabrication), Hid's in Low Beams and Fogs -6000k, Piaa Extreme for High Beams. Black Rhino Step Tubes, Razir Led interior Lights (white), Low Profile Black Diamond Plate Tool Box, Trd accesories, Weather Tech Mats, Carbon Fiber Shorty Antenna, Drl's, Plasta Dipped Badges + Front Grill Surround
    @NauticalBlueTundra, it's a poor design and I went through the same shit. They are square plastic heads that fit into a slot. Very easy to strip as you found out. I ended up buying a new grill. You can find one pretty cheap. My suggestion is if you do, when you go to fit them square headed bolts back in, super glue the hell out of them so they wont turn on ya. Hope this helps.
     
  5. Sep 29, 2018 at 2:53 PM
    #5
    NauticalBlueTundra

    NauticalBlueTundra [OP] New Member

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    Galaxy A.K.A. "My Gal" 07 Nautical Blue Tundra Limited TRD
    Mostly stock
    @rons23 thats what I thought. I’ll have to cut the plastic pieces up to access the bolt heads to get it off. After that I don’t think it will go back on since I’ll be removing the necessary spacers. Will a new grill come with these bolts then? Toyota quoted me $330 for a new one in flat black. If you have a resource besides eBay let me know. Thank you.
     
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    #5
  6. Sep 29, 2018 at 2:55 PM
    #6
    rons23

    rons23 Get The Led Out!!!

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    https://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/2008/toyota/tundra/body_mechanical_-ar-_trim/grille_assembly.html
    I didn't go back OEM, as I was getting whole grill bullet lined. Yes the square headed bolts should come with grill, it did with mine. Scroll down , they have OEM and aftermarket
     
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    #6
  7. Sep 30, 2018 at 6:18 AM
    #7
    NauticalBlueTundra

    NauticalBlueTundra [OP] New Member

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    Mostly stock
    :cool:Thanks @rons23 and @GNTundra for the info and the help. I decided to cut the plastic pieces out and those T-screws all snapped off when ratcheting then off. Good news is I believe I can save the grille surround by using spacers and toggle bolts. Test fitted a toggle bolt and it fit within the cut plastic pieces. Now on to evening out the plastics and getting it all cherry for instal.:fingerscrossed: Cheers!

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  8. Oct 8, 2018 at 6:03 PM
    #8
    NauticalBlueTundra

    NauticalBlueTundra [OP] New Member

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    Galaxy A.K.A. "My Gal" 07 Nautical Blue Tundra Limited TRD
    Mostly stock
    Thought I’d leave a finished photo. Had the chrome piece painted and I hooked up this TEQ badge with a flat on satin finish.

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    AA51BD5E-DC1E-44EC-BD44-88590D905AD2.jpg
     

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