Grillcraft vs Customcargrills.com Insert for 2013 DCB

So I've read just about every post covering the gamut of custom grills. I've resolved myself to the fact that the traditional Homer Satoshi is out of reach for the time being and I'm deciding between doing a Grillcraft install vs using the kit from Customcargrills.com.

The cost difference between the two is significant with the former being $200 and the latter being $50 but I wanted some head to head opinions from anyone with insight as to pros and cons of each. Mainly speaking to install, durability, & overall look.

Huge amount of respect to all the different grills I've seen so far and the work people have put in. Thanks in advance for the information.


http://www.customcargrills.com/proddetail.asp?prod=1213_Toyota_Tacoma

http://www.grillcraft.com/applications/2013_Toyota_Tacoma.aspx/1|71/923/

 

Between the 2 options that you've listed, definitely custom car grills. I didn't realize that they had a DIY kit. I think you've inspired me to buy one. I've used their grills when I made a satoshi style for the 2011 I use to have. They are quality grills. I think the grillcraft is overpriced .

 

I would have gotten the customcargrill kit, if i knew about it a week ago. but im very pleased with my grillcraft

 

The grillcraft definitely looks good. Does it install similarly?

 

same process cutting out the plastic center piece, Have to leave enough room in the corners to drill 3/16 hole, after that its just aligning the holes for the other screws.

instructions for grillcraft

http://www.grillcraft.com/installs/install_detail.aspx?install_id=295

pics of the day of the install, did it last friday

 

Nice looking truck. I like the fenders and wheels too.

 

And by the way OP, welcome to the site!

 

Here is my grillcraft with the Bamf letters. It was a easy install and turned out great.

 

Ive been deciding for a while about the Bamf letters powdercoated. I remember seeing your thread/post on it. How well does the foam tape hold up especially after time? Im not familiar with foam tape, or where to even buy it. I assume lowes and home depot would have some.

 

I was given the Grillcraft grille as a present and it took me about 2 hours to install after a harbour freight run to buy a body saw and now I think it looks great and the finish holds up great too.

 

I was wondering the same thing about the foam tape but I also wonder how difficult it is to prep and paint the unfinished BAMF letters.

Thanks for the welcome!

On another note I found out that the custom car insert comes pre-bent to speck for the 12-14 grill. I think this is where I'm leaning because one of my previous hold ups came from fear of having to bend the flat piece of material myself.

 

This is the tape I used. I put one letter a mm to high and could not get it back off. The letters have been on there a couple months and they are still holding strong. I got the tape at homedepo

 

I painted my letters. Sanded and then cleaned them with wd40. Then 2 coats etching primer each side. Then 3 coats of spray paint each side.

 

Custom car grills. No doubt

 

I just received my custom car grill today I will update when I install it after the weekend.

 

How did you lay down the tape on the letters? More the better, im assuming?

Anyone know how long Foam tape lasts? Hate to find out a letter fell off...

 

I put it on the parts of the letters that were the width of the tape and some small pieces on the rest.

 

Looking forward to hearing and hopefully seeing how your install goes. It might be the last piece I need to pull the trigger one way or the other.

I'll be ordering the unfinished letters from BAMF in the morning.

 

I also ordered a grill from custom car grills. Hopefully I'll have it all together this week.

 

Got mine from Customcargrills installed last weekend. Cutting the plastic was a lot of work but it turned out nicely