REVIEW: MC Autoparts TRD Pro Grille & TSS Garnish

There have been several mentions in different threads regarding the fit, finish, and function of the Faux 2018-2021 TRD Pro Grille from MC Autoparts, so I figured I’d make a post of my impressions. Keeping in mind, the insert comes with the TOYOTA letters and the TSS garnish, for about a third of OEM cost, I wasn’t expecting OEM quality, but for the price, I had to give it a shot.

After seeing a few photos here, I decided to pull the trigger during their Black Friday sale. After the discount code, it was $251 to my door. It arrived via Fed-ex in about 4 days.

Upon opening the package and inspecting the parts, I found that the TSS garnish had considerable pitting, blemishes and scratches.



The grille itself also had a few scratches. It appears that these grilles are painted flat black. My best guess, is that it’s painted to hide imperfections in the ABS molding process. I could tell it was painted because you could see the overspray on the foam pieces it was sitting on and packaged in. You can also tell that the backside of the grille is not the same flat black as the front.





I emailed MC about the blemishes and after not getting a response, I followed up a couple days later with a phone call. They offered a 5% discount to keep the items or an exchange, once the grille was shipped back with their pre-paid label. I chose the latter.

The new grille arrived yesterday. The TSS garnish is much better than the first, not perfect, but what I consider acceptable for what I paid. The grille was also much better, no considerable scratches.

The install was straight forward, it took about an hour from start to finish. The I would give the fitment an 8.5/10. All but two of the clips aligned and clipped right into place. With a little work I got the last two in place.

As far as function, I have driven 50 miles thus far with no PCS errors.

All in all, I would say it’s worth it, if you don’t want to drop the $660+ on the OEM grille and garnish.

 

Looks great in the photos.

 

Hopefully it was 1 or 2 that got by quality control, mine is perfect. Glad to hear that they corrected the issues for you.

 

When you put this insert in are you having to do anything other than pop some clips out of the OEM one? Just wondering if it’s a “no turning back” sort of thing or could I easily reinstall my OEM sport insert without issue.

 

It requires removing a few screws and then carefully and patiently removing the stock insert by releasing the stock clips. I made sure I did this inside in a warm and well lit area. Having the plastic at, at least room temp will help aid in the removal process. I used two very small flat head screw drivers to release the clips, working back and forth from side to side.

 

I pulled off my sport and just had to cut the tabs. It was too much to pop one out and move to the next to have the prior tab pop back in. So I cut em. So it was no going back for me, I don’t see many folks salvaging their old grille. But I am happier with the new grill
Before:

after:

 

Thanks for the info guys

 

Honestly, it looks amazing! Any chance you guys would be able to link this?

 

Boom. https://mcautoparts.com/collections/tundra

 

Mine definitely came with its fair share of blemishes too. TSS Cover wasn't too bad but did look like it had a small but almost unnoticeable chip in the bottom. No sensor error in almost 250 miles though.

 

Spent the morning trying to pop the clips. Let just say it got the best of me and pissed me off proper. @Jim LE 1301 calmed me down and I took a step back. I’ll try again another day.

 

Time for a beer now.

 

It can be annoying because of the double sided clips, I did break 2-3 of the tabs on mine but if I ever want to put the Sport grille back it will still hold in place.

My garnish did have a little bit of overspray on it as well and what looks like a chip off 1 corner. Once installed though it wasn't too bad. Very happy with the price compare to OEM. Almost 1000 miles since I put mine on and so far so good with the TSS.

 

Aside from the overspray and other minor QC issues, how different is the finish on these compared to an OEM pro grill? Does the OEM have a flat black abs plastic look to it like these do or does it have some gloss? Anyone have a pic of the two side by side?

 

@War Machine

 

I’ll try to get pics tomorrow. Besides the few imperfections the Sequoia grill is similar to this one. The grill on my 17 Tundra is the old style (which looks way better than the newer ones.)

 

Told you it was a bitch.

 

I thought it was fairly easy.

 

Liar.

 

I was talking about removing it from the box.

 

I found that the clips have these little teeth on them. Taking a box knife to the ones that are on the top and bottom to cut the tip off that tooth will make the whole thing a breeze. Figured that out after an hour of frustration.

 

Two hours to take the surround off. The rest was done in twenty minutes.

 

You only did it once, I had to do it twice. You can only imagine my mood.

 

I got through that no issue ​

 

Fuhk those clips

 

See Jason easy peasy.

 

You probably killed some kittens and puppies that night

 

Beaver.

 

My son certainly heard some colorful words. He kept asking if I needed help. I just told him I didn’t need any @#&@$)&@.%”$)#””$)#””$) help.

 

Same here, if it was going to break I wanted to be the bad guy not him.