Hi I was looking on ebay to buy a billet grille for my father for Christmas but didnt know which one was the best quality. I wanna find one that installs correctly to the original grilles bolt placements unlike most of these aftermarket grilles on ebay that supply you with zip ties to install it. So can anyone point me into the right direction, Thanks.
You're pretty limited if you want the grille to replace the grilled and chrome or painted surround. You should check out Stull I think they have a full surround easy fit grille. I am not sure about the 03 and later but the earlier models you have to cut the grille out of the surround unless you want to do a pop in mesh grille.
Stull and Trenz are billet grilles that I've seen our members upgrade to. Some people report hearing a "hum" come from the grille at highway speeds due to the bars catching the wind, but others don't hear it at all.
I have a GrillCraft grille, which is like a diamond mesh. Be aware that whatever grille you do get, you have to hack the middle out of your OEM grille and put the billet or other in the middle, usually a bolt in type deal. It sounds worse than it is.
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2005 Tacoma Doublecab TRD Offroad 4X4 shortbed - Modifications - Fog light mod, Debadged, Black Toyota grille emblem, Map Light Mod, DRL mod
Factory Accessories - Tacoma Bedmat, Extra set of D-rings installed in front bed bolts, Extra set of factory tie downs
Optional Options - FilterMag, Fumoto valve, Westin Suregrip running boards w/LED lights, WeatherTech Floorliners, WeatherTech window visor vents, Prestige remote car starter w/keyless entry, SilverStar headlight and turn signal bulbs, Toytek 2" lift, Muth heated signal mirrors, WAAG grille guard (center only, I'm old school), Taillights tinted by JonsTintedTails.com, Anthracite FJ Cruiser wheels w/ 265/75r16 BFGoodrich A/T
There are basically two choices, the full grill with color keyed frame and the ones using the existing frame cutting out the center. The first is easier but more expensive $250 +. The second option will cost about $160 (it’s what I did) but you better be handy with a Dremel. I have a T-Rex and yes I do get a slight hum @ around 50 mph. But it is not noticeable after 60. I am satisfied with it though and the fit is perfect. The TRD one is cool but I was too cheap to spend the extra 100+
I am also looking for a billet grill for my tundra. I cant not find them in summit racing or jegs. Do ya'll have any recomendations as far as brand or price range. I have seen nice ones out on the road, and I have seen some not so nice ones.
If you buy the TRD grill make darn sure you re-paint it before you put it on mine rusted like crazy after a year. I ended up pulling it off and re-doing the whole thing.
Best would be to powdercoat it.
I have a billet grille and all of the bars are not perfectly straight -- when you look at it from certain angles -- and all the other vehicles that have them (that I have seen) have the same problem. It is also hard to keep the inside edge of the bars clean and you need to use emery cloth and polish the front edge of the grille every two months. I would go with something else if you are a perfectionist!
I agonized for months over what type of grille to buy. I really did like the IS/TRD style, but the problems with bolts breaking and dimples really turned me off to them. Then I researched the billets and some of the problems with humming and cleanliness made it a drawback, however they look good if the bars are straight. I finally did settle on the GrillCraft, and I couldn't be happier.
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2005 Tacoma Doublecab TRD Offroad 4X4 shortbed - Modifications - Fog light mod, Debadged, Black Toyota grille emblem, Map Light Mod, DRL mod
Factory Accessories - Tacoma Bedmat, Extra set of D-rings installed in front bed bolts, Extra set of factory tie downs
Optional Options - FilterMag, Fumoto valve, Westin Suregrip running boards w/LED lights, WeatherTech Floorliners, WeatherTech window visor vents, Prestige remote car starter w/keyless entry, SilverStar headlight and turn signal bulbs, Toytek 2" lift, Muth heated signal mirrors, WAAG grille guard (center only, I'm old school), Taillights tinted by JonsTintedTails.com, Anthracite FJ Cruiser wheels w/ 265/75r16 BFGoodrich A/T
Wait...hold on guys.
I got the Precesion billet Grill (like $100).
I love it. I get no wierd hums, I have no trouble cleaning it and I had only one bent fin but it was easy to re-align it.
If you have a silver or grey Tundra; a billet grill looks so badass!
I had a local shop (WPS!) install it (...so I guess I didn't have a problem putting it in)and it came out great. install was cheap too!
For the price I'm incredibly happy!
Wait...hold on guys.
I got the Precesion billet Grill (like $100).
I love it. I get no wierd hums, I have no trouble cleaning it and I had only one bent fin but it was easy to re-align it.
If you have a silver or grey Tundra; a billet grill looks so badass!
I had a local shop (WPS!) install it (...so I guess I didn't have a problem putting it in)and it came out great. install was cheap too!
For the price I'm incredibly happy!
Tundra Grilles - what kind?
Linear Mode
