New Grill!!!!

So i finally pulled the trigger today and ordered my GrillCraft Grill. I am stoaked. Its in the mail and i should maybe have it by the weekend. The question I have is what does the install entail? I am fairly mechanical and I am sure I can knock it out. Any tips are much appreciated.

 

What's it look like? I'm sure ive seen it before. I've been thinking about replacing my stock grille as well. There are just so many out there to choose from.

 

never installed one, but good luck with it. cant be that hard!! cant wait to see pics man!!

 

Do a recessed with your grillecraft....

 

check out their site. grillcraft.com

 

my black one is coming on monday.
basically there's some sort of clip or screw (4?) that attaches to the new grill and then screws into the inside of the stock grill.
they say it's easier to attach (and some will say better looking) if you cut out the inner grill with a saw.

don't know which i'll do yet.

best looking grill option, IMO.

UPDATE- god darnit- i searched high and low for the best price, paid $156- with shipping became $172...and NOW i find it for $164 with NO SHIPPING.



here are instrux.
http://www.grillcraft.com/installs/install_detail_iframe.aspx?install_id=48

and here is the $164 site:
http://www.usspeed.com/SBV/Tacoma/2005-UP-Toyota-Tacoma-GrillCraft-Mesh-Grille-Upper

i don't know what all they provide, but i'm thinking about finding about six of something like these

small enough to fit through the grill holes along the edges, have two on top, two on bottom, and two on the sides or something....
because their instrux for 'just' screwing don't really make sense to me either.

 

there are six welded tabs on the grill 2-top,1 each side,2 bottom. The grill came with silver screws I swapped them for black ones I had sitting around. It seemed impossible to install without cutting the factory grill (used a pnuematic recipricating saw). before install get a can of high heat black spray paint for the radiator, you will also want to relocate the horns (hang them on the lower brace) you will need to lenghthen the wires a bit. in total the install took about 1.25 hours.
Happy modding!!!

 

i'm thinking some black burlap held on the inside (radiator side) of the grill (if you keep the grillcraft one on the outside, not recessed)
may be a reasonable alternative to painting stuff black and moving horns and might look pretty clean.
do you think it would let enough air pass through? burlap probably would.
then if it gets too bug ridden, you just remove it and wash it, or replace it.

okay maybe that sounds like too much trouble.

 

Here are a few pics of mine. Top and Bottom Grillcraft....







Marc M

 

so do you have a link for the grill taht you install over the stock grill?

 

you CAN install that grill over your stocker- you just might see your stock grill behind it!

it's a risk you're gonna run with any bolt over. if you want clean, you have to cut out the old...or improvise something we haven't seen yet.

what roof rail is that? stock?
i want something on my reg cab, at the risk of looking dumb, i don't care. i have the lines, i want a short rack!

 

I just got mine from:
http://www.truckalterations.com/html/toyotanation.html
for U$148 shipped. I tried without removing the old grill but frankly it looked like doggie-doo. A dremel with cutoff wheel fixed that. The grill comes with silver straightslot screws which suck like a starving pornstar. I used black 4mm bolts and nylon locnuts. It's still a PITA to install and it took me about 2 hours. A can of black BBQ paint was used to paint the radiator etc. Looks good. The bugs around here must like it too judging from the amount of guts stuck in the holes of the grill.
Fritz

 

x2 search "satoshi"

 

Yes, it's the OEM rack. I bought it used off of a TN forum member. Never used it, I just like the way it looks.

Marc M

 

AWESOME looking truck! Congratulations!

 

Truck looks good man! Those Ivan Stewart wheels look awesome on your rig!

 

I have found it hard to find another rim I like better. The only thing that would look better would be a new set without the bad clearcoat. Both sets I have are needing some refinishing.

Marc M

 

Hey bud I just thought I would chime in about the grille install. I just put mine in a few weeks ago, as for wanting to paint the backdrop black and moving the horns thats the only way you will be happy with the install. As for wanting to install the burlap well that will only haunt you in the future. Get some masking tap and some old news papers and tape everything off good (take your time) and spray light coats. As for leaving the factory center peace installed, I doubt you will like the look. If you do not have access to any fancy tools simply swing by your local auto or hardware store and get a hacksaw blade (no saw, just the blade) tape around the base of the points where you will need to cut so that you will not scar up the inside and you will find that in about 45 min. you will be able to cut them out nice and flush. If you scar the inside up a little don't worry about it you won't see it anyway. After you have the center removed lay the new grille inside and mark the six holes with a paint pen. From there all you need to do is take a 3/16 bit and punch them through. Be careful in this step not to punch through the outside, simply put a wrap of tape about 1/4 of an inch from the tip of the bit, this will slow it down so you wont damage the outside. After that screwing it in is a 10 min job. You will like the new grille. Best advise, make sure you have an afternoon and take your time. As for taking the grille out to get started, Grillecraft does not supply you with the instructions. All you need to do is take out the 4 bolts located at the top and the two clips on the bottom pull strait up. It will feel like you are forcing it but apply a little pressure and it will pop right out. Have fun and congrads on your newest upgrade. Jay

 

got my black mesh grill this evening, put it on...too dark outside when finished for pics- i'll put 'em in my 'ride' thread when i can take 'em.

word to the noobs: it's a little trickier than the instructions say.

at least the way my tacoma was put together, two pins on either side were facing such a way that the only way to get them to release was to get underneath and 'feel' and then pop the pin to release with a tiny flathead screwdriver.
you literally can't see the head of the pin, you have to go by feel. i have no idea how they got them in, in what is basically the wrong direction.
when i reinstalled the grill frame, i put them in where i will be able to see and pop the pin easily next time.

installing the grillcraft itself: you definately want to cut out the existing grill if you have the time and tools. looks better, and make installing easier.

i didn't have the power tools, but cut it out carefully by hand. i didn't recreate the frame with fiberglass like others have, but i cleaned it up. you don't really see the cut out spots through the grill anyway.
i can't imagine how you could get in there and screw it in from behind (no jokes please ) otherwise
the screws and speed nuts do suck. they are JUST long enough, and the speed nuts are a thin, weak joke.
i suggest anyone to go buy some new black nuts and bolts of better strength and length.
i may do that some time, or else i feel like i'll have to tighten these every hundred miles.

if you DO go with the stock screws, good luck taking advantage of those flathead slots.
even with a nubby screwdriver, you can't get in at a good angle to use it.
if you get the teeth in a bit, go with a tiny wrench to finish the job, because luckily the screws have a hex head too

of course before i reinstalled, i sprayed the radiator and surround flat heat resistant black.

the result does look good. my ride is officially badgeless in every way except the logo on the steering wheel.
thanks for all the tips guys!