Reviews for T-Rex 46482 Sport Series Formed Mesh Grille with Hood Lock Outlet for 07-18 Jeep Wrangler JK
5 years later and no issues. Had it keyed at same time as gas cap at a discount. Great product.
they got it right 2016 sahara you need to do some cutting on the existing grill inserts, but you can make it work . looks great
Very good quality product. Installation was easy although I didn’t pre -drill. Once everything was aligned, specifically the top, I added the 2 center screws then the outer 2 screws.
HTobias
Fun to install on my Wrangler and perfect with my Mopar hood lock.
Fits with no issues, be prepared to have a lock smith key the lock for you .
Look fantastic, very cool, smaller welded wire mesh painted black prevents stones, snow, sticks and branches from damaging the radiator. A little tricky to install, but not bad. Key opening spot on centered to my Mopar hood lock, with a welded ring around the opening.
Fits really good well made perfect
Came well packaged. Pretty easy install with only 4 screws. Its a tight fit so my suggestion would be to hold each one of the tabs in place as you drill the pilot hole and insert the screw. The hole lines up perfectly for my Bolt hood lock. Expensive but I didn't want to have to worry about replacing it down the road
So I ended up having a bit of a love/hate relationship with this grille. I'll explain my justification for three stars.
-1 Star: Yes, this grille is grossly overpriced for what you're getting, especially considering we know the prices of similar products (around $60). Near as I can tell the premium only exists for two reasons: 1) Made in USA, and 2) the hood lock outlet. That said, the value of any given item is what someone is willing to pay, and since I bought this, those two features were apparently worth it to me.
-1 Star: The instructions, hardware, and fitment are all quite poor, and led to me having to sort of jury rig the grille into my JK. This may have very well been my fault, however I've seen similar sentiments on virtually all sites that this grille is sold, meaning I'm not the first to have installation issues.
+3 Stars: This grille is built like an absolute tank; I cannot bend or deform the mesh just by pushing on it, so chicken wire this is not. The finish is top notch; a very deep black that hasn't yet chipped or faded at all. Looks absolutely amazing once installed, and outlet lined up perfectly with my Bolt Hood Lock. Made in USA is always a plus.
PRO TIP: If it is your intention to use the included hardware, make absolutely sure you attach the clip nuts to the plastic JK grille FIRST and drill the pilot holes using the clip nuts as guides. If you use the holes in the actual steel mesh grille as guides for drilling, the holes will not line up with the clip nuts.
I ended up picking up some #6 machine screws, washers, and nylock nuts from a hardware store to keep mine in place, as following the included instructions will lead you to incorrect (and indeed impossible) fitment with the included hardware.
Knowing what I know now, I would still purchase again, but as an informed consumer.