Options for grille hardware that's jacked?

[Wile Kyote]

So salt has been pretty murderous on vehicles. I wanted to swap out my grille and bug deflector with the grille from TEQ customs and a hood protector and what should be a simple and fun job turned into every 10mm bolt and stud being royally jacked. Even wd40 doesn't seem to help. Am I still able to get these bolts and studs? What can I do about the bracket the grille mounts to? Any aftermarket solutions or will I need the dealership involved? Oof!

 

[Syr4RinNC]

Were you able to get any of the bolts out? I was able get most of them, but had to cut through / just rip the rest. Just keep trying lubricants and heat to see if you can get them to loosen

 

[Wile Kyote]

No dice. I've stopped for now because they all go to snap city. They look like they are giving and then the darn things just snap. Pretty lame. I wouldn't mind buying new ones, but then have to consider the grille frame as well. Kind of wish we didn't dump salt on the roads like we do here.

 

[inscarguy]

I have replaced 3 grilles on my 4th gen 4runners. I live in the Salt and calcium chloride belt too. None of mine came off w/o breaking through the plastic. Nothing worked because of the type of nuts toyota used.

Just a tip, if you get a new grille, use anti size on the studs. Never had an issue since.

 

[Wile Kyote]

I have replaced 3 grilles on my 4th gen 4runners. I live in the Salt and calcium chloride belt too. None of mine came off w/o breaking through the plastic. Nothing worked because of the type of nuts toyota used.

Just a tip, if you get a new grille, use anti size on the studs. Never had an issue since.

Good to know! I figure I could use some stainless steel ones from the store if I match them up good enough, but for now I just bit the bullet and ordered some from the dealership. 8 total, like 2.60 a stud, and just under a dollar for the nut. They also want $72 for a new latch if I want to replace mine. As for the metal frame, I hope mine comes off because that seems to be a no go on ordering. Darn salt!

 

[delz05]

Part number for the studs and bolts?