Just installed Toyota Pro grill - impressions

I just installed the Toyota Pro grill I got from McGeorge Toyota on my '21 ORP. Nice price for the real thing, so I decided to spring for it over the aftermarket. Happy with the fit, ease of install, preapplied letters, adhesive tape, etc. But super unhappy with the finish on the garnish. Hey Toyota, ever heard of quality control? The black finish appears mottled looking, as if inconsistent application of whatever topcoat is used. Heck, I got a way more even finish on my front valance from a $5 can of Plastic Dip, what gives? Honestly I should've returned it, but didn't look at it too closely until I already had the original grill torn apart. I figure down the road I'll end up having to refinish it somehow - just great for a $300 POS part. If I had a do-over I'd probably go with something aftermarket. Just a heads up for those on the fence.

 

How about a picture?

 

Gotta be honest: I don't understand why everyone is in such a hurry to install the TRD Pro grille. I like the standard front end a lot.

 

I just ordered the cartrimhome version and am debating whether I should plastidip it along with the valances when I get it to make sure they match.

 

I intensely dislike the standard front end. The Toyota logo is obnoxiously huge, imo...

 

...yet so much smaller than the "TOYOTA" on the Pro grille. Different strokes for different folks, I guess.

 

I took a picture but found the lens and the eye don't reveal the same flaws - it's hard to pick up on my phone cam. I did find that the factory garnish finish is quite similar to the standard black plasti dip I used on my front valance. If the garnish finish had been consistent, I'd be real happy with the match between the garnish and the valance. As for the Pro grill in general, it's just a cleaner look to my eye, but to each his own. This is one of the things I like about the 4R, so many ways to make it your own.

 

I'm just waiting for the inevitable (maybe) day when some Pro owner wants to convert to a regular grille, due to everyone and their dog having a Pro grille.

Speaking of that, does the Pro have that TOYOTA garnish attached over a regular lower grille? Inquiring minds, you know...

 

Okay I get it, impressions without pictures aren't worth giving, sorry about that. How about a picture of the ride quality of your suspension?

 

Entirely different, you are complaining about a cosmetic imperfection which absolutely CAN be shown with photos. Suspension ride quality cannot. Apple's and oranges....

 

Know you right!!

 

I noticed that the finish on the heritage grill is a little wonky myself. I think they're all that way.

I was all over that mod myself when I first got my 4Runner, but I didn't want to spend nearly $500 on a freaking grille, so I held off. Boy I'm glad I did. Over time I've grown to really not like the heritage grille, and I find the 2020+ front end with the additional inserts near the Toyota logo to be quite clean looking, but still aggressive enough... especially with my yellowish DRL's.