Grillcraft MX Grill install - questions

Hi All - I have an 09 Dbl Cab Long Bed Taco (silver). Most of the mods so far (I need to post some pics) have involved improving MPG and "stealthyness" lol .. I've installed a AFE Pro Dry S and Xtang Trifecta Tonneau cover, TrailFX Bed Mat, and debadged the entire truck exterior.

My next project is to install a Grillcraft MX mesh grill (I have it), and I need some opinions. The truck is driven in winter, in Northern Lower Michigan and is subject to salt, etc. The Grillcraft is powder-coated steel. One of the concerns that I have is that basically you have to cut-up your factory grill to install the Grillcraft, so if it corrodes after a couple of years you might find yourself purchasing/painting a new factory replacement grill - or just another aftermarket grill. One of the things that I am considering is installing it with stainless steel hardware instead of what comes in the box.

Any owners have info on how these grills have held up in harsher climates? Does anyone make a direct replacement grill for the Gen 2 that wouldn't require cutting the factory grill?

Also looking to do some the DIY mods like - foglights on anytime, and air conditioning mod (these are no brainers IMHO)


Thanks in Advance.
Mike D.

 

Welcome to TW and congratulation on your new truck.

I have no idea where you bought that mesh but the mesh I installed on my truck was made of aluminum painted or powder coated black. There for no worries about rust. If this is a big concern for you ??? you may want to try a different one. Grillcraft.com may be???

 

Thanks - in fact it is a Grillcraft MX series. These are powder coated steel mesh grills - not aluminum. This one in paticular http://www.grillcraft.com/applications/2009_Toyota_Tacoma.aspx/1/411/

I selected mesh as I thought that is blends better with the hood scoop and side grill vents (than the Billet style would). The billet's are made from aluminum.

 

Don't have an answer for you on the climate and how it holds up to weather. But I just installed mine yesterday. Started using a dremel, but you really need a reciprocating saw.....gave me an excuse to go buy one. Just follow the instructions and its pretty straight forward.

 

I see,, I bought only the mesh ( and it is aluminum) with out any frame then I cut it to fit at home. Paid about $55 incl shipping. Hope everything will work .

 

picture?

 

I live in northern Ohio and have had mine through a winter and it shows no sign of rust. I think you'll be fine with the hardware they provide as I'm pretty sure they're zinc plated fasteners. I painted the heads of my screws black so they didn't stick out so bad. I believe you'll be in worse shape if you use stainless fasteners because when you combine stainless with steel, you'll get galvanic corrosion and the grill will rust FASTER. My recommendation is to use the screws that came with the grillcraft grill.

As to your question about installing it over the existing Toy grill, it just looks hideous as has been documented several times here on TW. A majority of TW members who've installed the grill have cut the factory grill out. It's unnerving to say the least because once you start, there's no "undo" but you'll be glad you did when it's all done. And, you may want to move the horns and lightly paint the radiator black so you don't see silver behind the grill. If you search TW by "grillcraft grill" you'll get a bunch of threads.

 

ph16 - thanks for the info. I had considered the problem with using stainless fasteners (unlike metals / corrosion), and I am glad you confirmed it. The GC kit now contains all black fasteners.

Actually - I'm not sure now it would even fit without cutting the grill - so I am going for it. The stock Toyota emblem sticks our too far for the grill to fit. I'll take some pics as soon as it's done and post. I did see that other are relocating the horns - I'll probably do that as well.

Thanks for all of the help!

 

Grillcraft MX install completed. Here's a couple of pics - note, did not relocate horns yet - still considering. Just in time - my Pop&Lock showed up today .. Get that done and onto some of the DIY's.

 

i live in las vegas...but during the winter I am up on the mountains every weekend snowboarding...I have had the Satoshi (RGM & RBM) mods done for about 6 months using the Grillecraft MX Upper and Lower...I didn't end up using the hardware it came with to secure the grille...but there is no rusting going on...both upper and lower meshes are perfect since the day they arrive in the mail...

you should be fine bro...if anything you ever saw any rust I'm sure you could email grillcraft with pictures of proof and they might be cool enough to replace them...but all the other grillcraft mx mesh I have scene has no rust what so ever...

 

I ran a grillcraft on my Scion xB for one winter and just had a couple of rock chips that rusted. It does sit much lower to the ground though, so that couldn't help.

Your rig looks bad ass. Are you gonna do the grillcraft on the bottom too?

 

Shadowbox - thanks. Actually I am holding off on the bottom for the reason that you mention - it is lower, and more likely to pick up a rock, etc. However - I might still do it Do you know if I have to cut the bottom to install the GC lower?

 

I have no idea on the cutting for the bottom grill. I don't even have a tacoma yet. lol. I am in the market and just sharing my similar experience. I'd say go for it though. You can always get it recoated every couple of years.

 

I just installed my black MX grill about 3 weeks ago now... Awesome product! It is a bit unnerving to cut into your stock '09 truck but once finished it is well worth it... I too recommend relocating the horns and lightly blacking out the radiator area with a high temp flat black spray paint.

Note that I moved my horns behing my driver's side headlight and now have a slight muffled sound but no big deal.

My opinion on the lower insert is that it will make your truck look a bit "sportier". I think it would look best if you cut the stock lower portion as well. I am not going to install the lower insert bc I have a bull bar and plan to put lights on it in the near future and would not like too much up front.

Welcome to TW.

 

Thanks - the other reason that I've not decided on the lower yet is the same. I'm still considering a bull bar also. Right now I'm thinking black (not chrome). What are favorites so far? Are there any great deals on the from any of the TW sponsored vendors?

 

hey howd you guys remove that grillcraft emblem from the mx grill? it looks like its just 2 hardened rubber nuts holding it on? will they just burn off w a lighter?

i'm installing the black upper mx today. pretty pumped about it.

 

I think they just pull right off.

 

Truck looks good man, you guys get any snow up your way yet?

 

No snow yet but there's all kinds of bets as to when the first snow will fall. It's been in the 50's lately and only one dry day a week. That reminds me to get the snow blower out of the shed.