Chrome delete- help!

Hi! I'm new to this Tundra community, but not to the Tundra world. I have a black 2012 which I've had for 10 years, 'Ol Betty <3. I am currently in the middle of a chrome delete. I have already replaced a handful of things; however, I am having issues with the front chrome bumper. I had purchased a black front bumper cover, however AFTER I purchased it, I found that they're apparently only supposed to cover a plastic bumper, not a chrome/metal one... It was just a smidgen off from fitting, which was INCREDIBLY frustrating...

My question is, are there other front bumper cover options to delete the chrome? I feel like I've exhausted my search, however I wanted to touch base with the community first as I can't be the only one experiencing this issue... I don't want to have to take it to the body shop and get it wrapped/painted if at all possible. Suggestions and inspiration photos are greatly appreciated!!!

 

Photos of your bumper? I would have expected the cover to fit as well. For my 2018, I used Plasti Dip followed by bed liner in a can to paint the metal bumper end caps. Very easy to do and it holds up well (plasti dip adheres to the chrome while the bedliner creates a nice protective layer). For a more permanent job, you can scuff the metal and used etching primer and then just use the bedliner.

https://www.tundras.com/threads/slowly-not-stock.105375/#post-2860264

 

Yours looks great!! How was the process for you? I've considered doing the same, but am pretty nervous given that it would be an expensive fix if I made an error..

The middle lined up perfectly, however it was about an inch short on each side of the cover. Almost like a sweater that was put into the dryer and the arms don't fit anymore, lol.

 

Hmmm.... weird, sorry it didn't fit. Maybe reach out to the maker of the cover and see if they have advice. The plastic bumper shouldn't be that much different in shape, the attach points to the truck don't change.

The process was really easy. Part of why I used the Plasti dip is so I could remove it if needed (which I haven't but it should just peel right off without damaging the chrome). All I did was clean the chrome (no scuffing) and let it dry. I then hit it with multiple coats of plasti dip, let that dry for a day, and then hit it with the bed liner.

 

Sorry, but that looks like you'd be able to fit one side on first then pull on the other side to make a tight fit. Did you already try that?

 

I really appreciate your suggestions! I'll definitely look into this!

 

This was my 2013 when I had it. I had both bumpers Line-X'ed to include the plastic pieces.

 

Sharp.

 

Unfortunately, it didn't work. The middle bolts into the chrome bumper, so there's really no give to pull it on the sides.. When I reached out to the seller, they basically told me to take a hike and that it was for a plastic bumper, not a metal one.

 

I miss that truck sometimes but I love my 2020 and the bigger 8 cylinder.

 

Only one thing left to do then...

https://www.mcneilracinginc.com/pro...ota-tundra-conversion-kit?variant=24665036551

 

I plastidipped mine about two years ago and it's held up fine. A couple of cans of black from Lowes, maybe $20. I rubbed against something and just sanded it down a bit and resprayed that one part. Not perfect but better than chrome.

Before/after.

 

OP, have you considered doing a wrap?
This spring, that's the plan for mine... when it gets scuffed, we'll IDK!

 

Either remove it and replace it with a painted one, or do as others have and paint/plasti-dip it.
I found a deal on Facebook Marketplace for a 2018 bumper for $50. I bought it and spent $50 painting the end caps and $100 on a bumper shim kit. I like how it looks but it's not for everyone.

 

It looks like what you bought was the 'full bumper cover' for a truck that has a 'resin bumper'......they came with EITHER a metal bumper like yours, OR a resin bumper like mine(see picture of mine)....you should be able to 'replace your metal bumper' with the resin bumper, but you'd have to paint it to match your truck. I can tell you though, there is no information out there on attachment points etc. Mine was a restoration where I bought it wrecked. Tons of information on YouTube, internet, etc on how to deal with the metal bumpers, but none on the Resin bumper. Good luck, if there is anything I can do to help, let me know.

 

Is it not possible to scuff the chrome, then primer and paint it to color match with touch up spray paint?