The Chinese Special TRD Grille... on the cheap!

Thanks for that info - I will be getting a 2020 here in the next couple of weeks and had planned originally on getting this, then heard the Radar box is an issue, and was going to wait. Now will likely just black out the Toyota emblem and get black valances and call it a day.

Just got my 2020 4Runner and reached out to CarTrim about the fit. They did reply stating they were unsure about the fit as they were designed for 2014-2019. They also mentioned the radar box, but I am unsure why that comes into play as that is on the lower grill. I also reached out to Mad Hornet who responded the same. So for now it appears painting, vinyl or plasti dip are the options for the 2020's.
 

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Hey I’m from Clayton, NC. Just bought my first 4Runner. It’s a 2016 SR5. Looking to do some mods to it. Also a billet grill came with it when I bought it. Looking to original grille so I can change it to the TRD Pro look
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Just got my 2020 4Runner and reached out to CarTrim about the fit. They did reply stating they were unsure about the fit as they were designed for 2014-2019. They also mentioned the radar box, but I am unsure why that comes into play as that is on the lower grill. I also reached out to Mad Hornet who responded the same. So for now it appears painting, vinyl or plasti dip are the options for the 2020's.

Apparently the bracket that the upper fits into has also been changed. So there are 2 issues with the 2020 -changed bracket, and Radar Box fist snug up against the cross bar - middle section.
 
Just attempted to install on a 2020 sr5 premium and it did not fit. The bracket that mounts to the center bolt didn't fit and i had to do some heavy plastic modifications to get it to fit (dremeled a bunch).

Then when was time to put the letters on i cleaned the black bar with the provided pads and it ruined the paint of the bar. Whatever chemicals they had on the pad ate right through the sheen of the plastic and not it looks like a wreck. Time to goto lowes and get some trim paint.


I understand i didn't have to use the packet but it was provided so i thought why not.

Email sent to cartrim no response just yet. What a way to start the weekend. Horrible experience =(.

Imgur: The magic of the Internet


I ran into this same issue - was too excited and didn't get that applied only under the tape (hindsight should've put it on the letters, I think an adhesive booster).

It ruined the finish on mine too - so I started painting it and haven't been happy with how it turned out - sanded and repainted - have one more coat.. .what a pain
 
I ran into this same issue - was too excited and didn't get that applied only under the tape (hindsight should've put it on the letters, I think an adhesive booster).

It ruined the finish on mine too - so I started painting it and haven't been happy with how it turned out - sanded and repainted - have one more coat.. .what a pain


I reached out to my POC and requested that they update the website to clearly state the grills don't fit 2020 models (even though it already says 14-19) and that the adhesive promoter is to only be used on the BACK of the grill and letters, not across the front.

Pro Replica Grill with LEDs:
Free Shipping With LED Light For 2014-2019 Toyota 4Runner Front Bumper Grille Replacement

Pro Replica Grill (No LEDs):
Free Shipping For 2014-2019 Toyota 4Runner 2Piece Front Bumper Grille Replacement
 
So is this replica pro grille from CarTrim the best option for non oem? Are there still issues with gaps at the edges? Thanks!
 
So is this replica pro grille from CarTrim the best option for non oem? Are there still issues with gaps at the edges? Thanks!



You can try your hand on ones from eBay or Amazon but it seems to be hit or miss. The last twenty pages are probably specific to CT with the exception of a post here or there. I know there is a recent post where the guy had a horrible experience and I believe the company took his money and ran.

THEY ALL HAVE THE GAP INCLUDING OEM.


CT Pro Replica Grill with LEDs:
Free Shipping With LED Light For 2014-2019 Toyota 4Runner Front Bumper Grille Replacement

CT Pro Replica Grill (No LEDs):
Free Shipping For 2014-2019 Toyota 4Runner 2Piece Front Bumper Grille Replacement


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Those 2 CT brand replacements have 22 reviews between them and they're all 5 star. That makes me suspicious.

I don't think they are trying to pull the wool over your eyes. After all, it's not that much money.

Personally I was very pleased with the product. For more honest reviews just browse through the 80 pages of this thread. Plenty of them.
 
Those 2 CT brand replacements have 22 reviews between them and they're all 5 star. That makes me suspicious.



Plenty of potential options out there - do a Google search and pick the one you’d like. No forced hands on this forum. If you don’t like what you see, checkout the next site. That’s the beauty of having so many options to choose from for our rigs. That being said, I’d bet they almost all come from the same handful of Chinese facilities. CT makes their own - I know this for a fact.

I’ve been an affiliate with CT for more than a year and have helped more people than I can count (100+) obtain numerous products from CT. Yes, there have been opportunities here and there but it’s all public and probably in this thread somewhere. No reason to hide anything.


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I've had my grill for a few months now. I'm pretty anal with my vehicles and I don't notice the space at all. The price was right for me. Upgrading to the OEM just didn't make sense for me at that price.
 
I've had my grill for a few months now. I'm pretty anal with my vehicles and I don't notice the space at all. The price was right for me. Upgrading to the OEM just didn't make sense for me at that price.

You know what... neither do I. As you noted, the OCD on the truck is shared between us. Yes. There is a gap but unless you are looking for it...not going to notice it. Plus, I could get what...3 or 4 of these kits with lights compared to the OEM kit. No disrespect to those that got the OEM kit. Looks great. My buddy has a 2019 Pro and there is a difference not doubt. But at some point... I have to make the call and the small gap is not going to kill me. The excel spreadsheet on mods/costs of mods/date of mods/milage of mods... starts telling me WTF dude...a 1/4" gap is not going to kill you :)

I'm happy with the results and I ordered the glove box carbon trim to cover the fake wood trip. Hey... cruising these boards late at night...a few (maybe more) beers is NOT a good recipe to avoid UPS.
 

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You know what... neither do I. As you noted, the OCD on the truck is shared between us. Yes. There is a gap but unless you are looking for it...not going to notice it. Plus, I could get what...3 or 4 of these kits with lights compared to the OEM kit. No disrespect to those that got the OEM kit. Looks great. My buddy has a 2019 Pro and there is a difference not doubt. But at some point... I have to make the call and the small gap is not going to kill me. The excel spreadsheet on mods/costs of mods/date of mods/milage of mods... starts telling me WTF dude...a 1/4" gap is not going to kill you :)

I'm happy with the results and I ordered the glove box carbon trim to cover the fake wood trip. Hey... cruising these boards late at night...a few (maybe more) beers is NOT a good recipe to avoid UPS.

Great post, it's almost like we're related besides the Steelers thing LOL
 
You know what... neither do I. As you noted, the OCD on the truck is shared between us. Yes. There is a gap but unless you are looking for it...not going to notice it. Plus, I could get what...3 or 4 of these kits with lights compared to the OEM kit. No disrespect to those that got the OEM kit. Looks great. My buddy has a 2019 Pro and there is a difference not doubt. But at some point... I have to make the call and the small gap is not going to kill me. The excel spreadsheet on mods/costs of mods/date of mods/milage of mods... starts telling me WTF dude...a 1/4" gap is not going to kill you :)

I'm happy with the results and I ordered the glove box carbon trim to cover the fake wood trip. Hey... cruising these boards late at night...a few (maybe more) beers is NOT a good recipe to avoid UPS.

Out of curiosity what differences do you see between your grille and your friend’s pro?
 
You can try your hand on ones from eBay or Amazon but it seems to be hit or miss. The last twenty pages are probably specific to CT with the exception of a post here or there. I know there is a recent post where the guy had a horrible experience and I believe the company took his money and ran.

THEY ALL HAVE THE GAP INCLUDING OEM.


CT Pro Replica Grill with LEDs:
Free Shipping With LED Light For 2014-2019 Toyota 4Runner Front Bumper Grille Replacement

CT Pro Replica Grill (No LEDs):
Free Shipping For 2014-2019 Toyota 4Runner 2Piece Front Bumper Grille Replacement


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What kind of time frame is average for the non lighted version to DFW Texas?
 
After a considerable amount of time painting with 4 coats of SEM trim paint, meticulously aligning/sticking the letters on, I learned in this forum that in addition to a little interference at the radar box (I was prepared to make adjustments), the grille insert on the 2020 is different and won't work. I've already ordered the lower black valance and now it looks like I'll be ordering the 2020 TRD Pro mid bumper cover and upper grill also. The only upside is that my dealer agreed to sell them at cost.

I'd like to unload my unused, but ready to go China TRD grille assembly at a slight discount if anyone is interested. If not, I'll get around to putting it on eBay eventually.

For anyone thinking about using the SEM paint, I'd add that it looks GREAT. It has a nice flat-fan spray pattern. Just paint it like you're using a paint gun, let it flash for about 5 minutes between coats and the results are awesome.

Well, as a owner of a ‘20 ORP I sit in the same boat. Let me know a little more about your journey, I’m sure the original part fit but will that avoid interferences on the radar as well?

Matt
 
These grills look great! Planning to order mine soon. I can deal with a mm or two gap on the sides for the price. Those stealership grills are crazy expensive.

Not to hi-jack the thread but has anyone tried out those interior black out kits from the same company? I have always liked the black interior look of the TRD Pro. Not gonna lie though they resemble the fake wood stickers from back in the day that would peel up on the corners. Would hate to have it ruin my silver trim if it didn't look great.
 

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