Back side of the 5th gen upper grille

If anyone has an upper grille that they've removed to replace it with the Pro upper grille, and still have it lying around, would you be able to post a closeup photo of the back side of the oval where the Toyota emblem is snapped in? I'm curious if you can see the three tabs from the back side. If you have the emblem removed, that would also help.

I've gotten a custom emblem, and am be curious if the back side of that oval is accessible for the 3 mounting bolts, which go through the three tab holes once the emblem is removed, before I start taking things apart...

Thanks!

 

Sorry no pics here, but I popped that emblem off to Plastidip it and it was pretty easy to access the tabs from the rear with a screwdriver and push them out. But if you want to remove the upper grill to check it out, that's really easy as well. You don't need to be concerned with breaking anything...

 

Found mine in the shed. The emblem is covered by the black surround. Need to take out the screw and remove it first but they don't make it easy. I had to break one clip to get it out. With proper minuture tools would have been fine. Once you see the emblem tabs, they pop right out

 

Ah, now I get it. Need to reach around to see the emblem tabs stick through. Here's a shot from other angles. Tab openings showing daylight as the emblem is off

 

I really appreciate the photos, especially the last set, thank you! That's exactly what I was looking for. So it seems, once you remove the upper grille, you can access those clips from the back side with a small enough tool. Those 3 holes are where the bolts go to mount the new emblem. Planning on getting my Diaz Fabrication emblem on there...

Again, thanks a ton for digging out your upper grille and doing a photo op!

 

So in one of your photos, which shows the surround attached, in order to remove that surround, which may or may not be necessary, can you confirm my notes below:

 

This is correct - I've done it before. Just keep in mind that the tabs are stiff and are easy to crack. Be gentle when prying them when trying to release the oval piece.

 

Upon a closer look, it seems I was looking for the top tab on the wrong side. I think this is correct?

 

I didn't know until taking the last set of pics, the surround does not need to come out, a small screwdriver can reach in the 3 black circled areas and the emblem pops right out. the tabs you have circled do come out but the one up top is very hard to see mush less than find and breaks easy.

 

There is a tab down there, it broke off when I tried to remove it

 

Emblem is back in. I circled the 3 emblem tabs that you can see and reach without taking the surround out

 

What's the secret to realease the tabs on the surround. All 3 need to be done at the same time and the top one is difficult to reach

 

Ok, thanks. I see no issue with removing the emblem without taking off the surround. The challenge is going to be trying to fish the small hex-head bolts in from the back side through those emblem tab holes to mount the new emblem.

 

FYI - I've removed the front emblem only with a piece of string - apply pressure at the tabs to release. Just slide the string or other material behind the emblem. I actually just used a piece of gift wrap ribbon. Fish line should work too. Didn't need to remove the whole upper grille. Might be late now but just throwing it out there.

 

Thanks!

 

Just use a flathead screwdriver. But the tricky part is pulling at the same time.

 

Lol. Just tried a trim tool and it pops right off

 

Not too late - I'm waiting for it to warm up today to tackle this job. Like I mentioned above, the oem emblem removal is not really the issue. It's being able to put in small hex-head bolts from the inside that go through those tab holes once the oem emblem is off.

 

The emblem, not the surround, right?

 

Would it be possible, in your opinion, to remove this surround (without breaking anything) with the upper grille still on the vehicle?

 

Not possible - the surround is screwed onto the upper grille with that single screw.

 

I know I'm probably overthinking this...heck, I just took my washing machine completely apart the other day, to clean and fix it. That took quite a few YouTube videos in order to learn how, but it's all done and back together. This should be simple in comparison. There's no substitute, though, for advice from someone who's been down this road before. I just need to get out there and do it. Thanks to all for the tips and photos.

 

Yes, gently put a slim plastic trim tool in and emblem came right off.

 

The upper grill is pretty easy to remove so you can access everything. I just followed the steps in this vid:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6EknGq4v3J4

 

Upper grille removed (those lower clips were stubborn, it really took some effort), emblem off, surround off. It really wasn't a big deal. A small screwdriver to pry back the tabs holding each of those clips, while pushing on each clip with another screwdriver, released each one enough for the surround to just fall out.


The new emblem and mid bracket from Diaz Fabrication


Emblem mounted




Upper grille put back on, done. I realize this isn't everyone's cup of tea, but it works for me. Andres makes some quality stuff - anodized aluminum, 3/8" thick, and solid, with stainless steel hardware.



Thanks everyone!

 

Old thread I know but do you have any tricks or suggestions on getting the upper portion of the grill off, I’ve done everything as far as removing bolts and push clips but for the life of me I can’t get the sucker to come out. I’ve been pulling and prying and scared the whole front bumper is going to rip off and that’s with pushing back on the grill surround trying to pop the top section off and still nothing.

 

Here are a couple of photos of the back side of that upper grille, taken off the truck. I have circled four tabs that are on the bottom of that upper grille that fit into slots in the lower grille. Those four tabs need to be released from the slots they are in, by pushing down (or pulling up??) on them while pulling the upper grille forward. With sufficient force, I believe they'll just release, but it's been some time since I did this. I have two upper grilles in my storage, so that's why I could take some photos. I just know that those tabs are what's holding the bottom of the upper grille in place, and need to be released...good luck.

 

On mine it is entirely possible now. I drilled a small hole in the back of the upper grille where I can now unscrew that screw with the grille in place. Now this item can be removed with the emblem on it: