How to troubleshoot alignment issues when installing custom grilles

Fitting custom grilles to cars are one of the coolest things you can do to your car. Sometimes, though, things don't quite fit. Misalignments do occur, and they can be vexing. At Spedking, we understand that a custom grille is an accentuation of your ride so our craftsmen are diligent in providing you with the latest styles and most innovative designs in truck accents. This post will provide solutions to issues related to alignment, and also give you some guidelines on achieving the grille tacoma look that suits you best. 

How to Spot Typical Alignment Problems during the Installation of Custom Grilles? 

When installing a custom grille, there are some indications that can signal to you that something is amiss. First, let's really examine the grille. Crooked or uneven: This is a surefire sign of misalignment.) Sometimes one side of your grille might protrude more than the other. This may occur when the mounting brackets are not properly in place. Reminder: you can also check the spaces between the grille and outer bodywork. If there’s big gaps or if the tacoma front grille looks squished, that doesn’t help. You may also want to investigate the screws and bolts. If they are not secured tightly or too much have been unscrewed this may result in movement and the grille shifting off-center. Consider how the grille is nestled within the vehicle. If it doesn’t appear to be sitting flush against the car, that could indicate it’s misaligned. We'd all be well served to remember that a properly aligned grille is not only better looking, but it also acts as an armor for the pieces that sit behind it. 

Top Indicators That Your Custom Grill Is Installed Improperly 

If you are examining for a mis-alignment, there are few specific signs you should look for. One of those signs is if the grille doesn’t match up with the headlights. There’s nothing quite like mismatched edges on your grille to throw off the look of your whole vehicle. You will want to check how the grille fits with your bumper. If it seems that lines don’t line back up, or if the grille looks like it’s pressing against the bumper, then you may have a problem here. Another sign is if the tacoma grille rattles while driving. That can mean it’s not secured and might come loose if not repaired. If you see that the grille is rubbing off paint on your car, that’s not good either. Misalignment that can result in parts rubbing against each other and a wet dish damaged by scratches. Finally, if the grille is hard to open or close, that’s an indicator that it might not be in the right position. If you see any of these signs, don’t let them fester. Spending a little time setting up your custom grill can pay off in the long run, as you will not only appreciate the appearance but also protect your automobile by keeping debris away from your radiator. 

A Step-by-Step Guide 

Putting on a custom grille can be a great way to change the look of your vehicle, however they don't always sit just right. This may result in misalignment and make it difficult to close the hood or appear as though the grille is no longer level. If you’d like to resolve them, follow this easy step-by-step guide. First, get all the tools you need. It may require a screwdriver, a wrench or other tools and some clips or screws included with your new grille. Ensure that you have a clean spot to work on your car, don’t forget what your mama taught you about safety glasses. 

Next, take off the old grille by carefully prying it out. This you can typically do by unscrewing it or unclipping it. Go cautiously, so you don’t scratch any part of your car. Right after you have removed the old grille, take out the location where the new grille will be installed. Every now and then, a layer of grime or rust can prevent a good fit. Then, remove your new Spedking grill from the package and make sure it fits. Compare it with the old grille to be sure that it fits. If everything is looking good, we can install. 

Now, place the Spedking grille on its correct position. Make sure it fits the car before screwing it in. Inspect the rear edges to ensure they align with the car’s body. If you suspect something is amiss, you can always adjust the grille a bit. You can fix this by unscrewing the screws and shifting it until it looks right. When it’s aligned, secure the screws firmly. And last, but not least, make sure your hood closes without issues. If it does, congratulations! You’ve installed your new grille. If not, verify the alignment and adjust it accordingly. 

Where to Turn When You Need a Superb Custom Grill That Eliminates Installation Headaches? 

Having a nice custom grille will help make your install easier. You want a grille that fits right and looks good, and Spedking has you covered with the best of the best. To obtain these grilles, look for them online. There are numerous websites that sell car parts and accessories, and you can see how current customers feel about their products. Grilles with high ratings and favorable reviews should be a good place to start your search. That way, you can have more faith that you’re getting a good product. 

Local auto parts stores are also a good source of quality custom grilles. Some times, a conversation with an expert can help inform a better decision. And they can help you to determine what Spedking grilles are suitable for your car model. It’s also a good idea to ask any friends or family members who may have experience with custom grilles. They may have some suggestions from what they’ve been through. 

Be sure to examine the materials when you are searching for your custom grills. Decent grills are wrought from tough material like stainless or high-end plastic. These materials are more resistant to bowing or breaking during installation. Also, consider the design. Some grilles have additional touches such as built-in lights or logos, which could add some aesthetic value to your car. Do keep budget in mind, but spending a little extra on a better made grille will save you potential headaches down the road. 

How Do You Properly Align Custom Grilles During Installation? 

It is very important to align your custom grille properly during installation. If you don’t get that right, it leads to trouble down the line. Here are a few best practices to help you do it right. Next, you should read and follow your Spedking grille manual. They’re there for a reason, and can help walk you through the process. They may have some type of hints that are actually useful for your design. 

After the grille is mounted on your vehicle, see if there are any spaces, between the bumper and the grille. Attempt to make these equally spaced on each side. If one side is longer than the other, it can also appear strange. You guessed it — if you have a level, now is the time to use it; this will help make sure everything’s straight everywhere. If you find that the grille is tilting, unscrew it slightly and shift it forward until the tilt looks level. 

Another good practice is to do a dry fit. This is a guide which shows that the grill should be laid onto the car without screwing it completely. This allows you to get in there and see how the court feels before making any adjustments, then lock it down once you have everything right. Lastly, don’t rush the process. Make sure everything is perfectly aligned before you tighten the screws. When you are happy with the position, tighten the screws firmly but do not over-tighten and damage the grille. By following these recommendations, you can enjoy your brand new Spedking grille that is properly aligned.