Removing the grill on 2012+ models (Install instructions for grillcraft)

Follow the link from Grillcraft if you are having trouble getting your grill out of your 2012- 2013 Tacoma.

http://www.grillcraft.com/installs/install_detail.aspx?install_id=296

In case the link doesn't work:

2 screws on top. 5 tabs (2 on top, 3 on bottom) ((1 of the 3 on bottom is in the middle and is hidden, just have to feel for it.))

Here is the important part that I was missing... there are SIX (6) tabs on the bottom that need to be pulled to get the grill off. You should be able to feel them and they are pretty much equally spaced apart. As you unclip pull the grill slightly forward to keep it from "re-clipping" while getting the rest.

I plan on trying this tomorrow and letting you all know how it works.

Otherwise, I am not responsible for you breaking anything on your truck, just forwarding some advice.

Hope this helps

 

The timing of this thread is ironic for me as I just looked at the install instructions on the Grillcraft site about 2hrs ago.

I REALLY like how this grill looks in place of the weak cheesy stock grill. I'm still on the fence on how much I like the Grillcraft MX Series in the lower opening but I'm going to order the upper and lower kit together and decide later if I'll put it in the lower opening too.

 

View PDF Toyota Tacoma '12-'13 MX Lower Grille Kit (TOY-1952)
Part # TOY-1952SPart # TOY-1952B
Picture #1:
Here is our project 2012 Toyota Tacoma in need of a GrillCraft MX-Series Sport Grille.
Picture #2:
Using a screwdriver unclip the push clips along the top of the grille shell.
Picture #3:
Remove push clips on the top of the grille shell.
Picture #4:
Remove bolts on the top of grille shell as shown.
Picture #5:
In order to remove grille shell you must unclip the six plastic tabs along the bottom of the grille shell. Pull forward on the grille shell while unclipping tab from the back side one at a time.
Picture #6:
A view of the plastic tab socket location on the bumper cover.
Picture #7:
Remove the plastic clips along the top of the bumper cover.
Picture #8:
Remove bolts along the front underside of the bumper cover.
Picture #9:
Remove the bolts on the right & left underside of the bumper cover.
Picture #10:
Remove bolt located in the front section of the fender well as shown.
Picture #11:
Remove plastic filler panel under headlamps. The filler panel has a plastic clip on the backside once unclipped the filler will slide out.
Picture #12:
The bumper cover clip will release from vehicle by pulling bumper away from vehicle.
Picture #13:
Remove bumper cover from vehicle make sure to unclip fog lamp wiring sockets.
Picture #14:
Place the lower GrillCraft grille insert into lower bumper opening as shown.
Picture #15:
Using a sharp scribe mark mounting tab center hole locations onto the bumper.
Picture #16:
Heating the scribe tip works well in order to puncture the hole locations through bumper plastic.
Picture #17:
Puncture hole locations into plastic.
Picture #18:
Now with the plastic punctured it will be easy to drill the hole in the correct location.
Picture #19:
When drilling the mounting holes a drill elbow adapter is needed. The other option is to unclip the lower bumper plastic from the cover in order for the drill motor to clear.
Picture #20:
The lower grille mounting hardware.
Picture #21:
Fasten the lower grille into the bumper with supplied hardware.
Picture #22:
Using a 1/4 inch wrench fasten the grille screws do not over tighten.
Picture #23:
Reinstall bumper cover & upper grille shell onto vehicle.
Picture #24:
2012 Toyota Tacoma shown with GrillCraft upper & lower MX-Series black mesh grilles.
Picture #25:
2012 Toyota Tacoma shown with GrillCraft upper & lower MX-Series silver mesh grilles.
Picture #26:
2012 Toyota Tacoma shown with GrillCraft upper & lower MX-Series black mesh grilles.
Picture #27:
2012 Toyota Tacoma shown with GrillCraft upper & lower MX-Series silver mesh grilles.
Picture #28:
2012 Toyota Tacoma shown with GrillCraft upper & lower MX-Series silver mesh grilles.
Picture #29:
2012 Toyota Tacoma shown with GrillCraft upper & lower MX-Series silver mesh grilles.
Picture #30:
2012 Toyota Tacoma shown with GrillCraft upper & lower MX-Series black mesh grilles.
Picture #31:
2012 Toyota Tacoma shown with GrillCraft

 

Is that what you were looking for???

 

ClIcK tHe LinK!

 

you left the part out where you have to cut the stock grill apart....and for $310? ef that

 

now i see it. i swear when i was doing my grill, i wanted to punch it into next week cause those stupid clips LOL.

 

I got mine (upper main grill only) for $179 shipped

 

Damn thats a lot of work to change the grill. I have two screws and two pushpins to remove then wooolllaa off. That is crazy.Kudos on the write up.

 

Just installed the upper and lower on my truck, the cutting does kind of suck but besides that it was pretty easy. The lower is super easy with a hot pick you dont even have to drill. I like the way mine looks, but I wish I went the HomerTaco route. That damn waitlist is too long.

 

Your welcome to anyone this helps. the only intention of this post is to help get off the grill, I needed to to get better access to the headlights and such.

 

With those 6 clips.... am I pushing down or pulling up? Is there any kind of noise indicating they’re unclipped? Im having one helluva time with this friggin grill

They feel cemented in... the whole bumper wants to come off anytime I try and pull the grill towards me. I just want to replace it and this totally sucks.

 

https://youtu.be/zqD5_qI7vfQ They are identical to the headlight one shown. Use a little screwdriver and gently pry the center up. Once the center pin is up, I remember being able to pull the hole clip up.

 

Yessssss thank you!