How to Replace Chrome End Caps with Painted Ones on a 2014-2021 Toyota Tundra

Upgrading your Toyota Tundra’s chrome bumper end caps to painted-to-match ones is a sharp visual mod you can DIY. In this step-by-step guide, we walk through the process shown by Rolando from ReveMoto, along with helpful insights he shares along the way.

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned DIYer, this guide will help make your swap go smoothly.

Tools Required

• Panel removal tool or flathead screwdriver

• 10mm socket and ratchet

• 12mm socket

• Extension bar for hard-to-reach bolts

• Phillips screwdriver

• Utility knife or Dremel tool (for trimming plastic)

• Flathead screwdriver (for clips)

• Safety gloves (recommended)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Use a panel removal tool—or if you don’t have one, a flathead screwdriver works just fine—to remove the plastic push pins in the wheel well.

2. Remove two 10mm bolts and one 12mm bolt located underneath the bumper near the fender liner.

3. Open the hood.

4. Remove four 10mm bolts along the top of the grille and two push pins near each headlight.

5. Carefully pull the grille out and unplug the sensor behind it. Go slow here to avoid damaging the sensor wiring.

6. Remove two 10mm bolts above the end cap, located on the headlight filler panel.

7. Remove the push pins securing the filler panel above the end cap.

8. Pull the panel outward and unplug the fog light wires if connected.

9. Remove multiple bolts behind the headlight filler, including at least two 10mm bolts and one 12mm bolt.

10. Under the front bumper, remove three 10mm bolts in the lower valance area.

11. Remove the remaining upper bolts and a push pin to fully release the bumper.

12. Gently pull the front bumper off and place it on a soft surface. A friend can help here—it’s bulky.

13. Locate and remove four 10mm bolts holding the chrome end cap to the bumper reinforcement.

14. Carefully lift and remove the end cap. 

15. Repeat the same removal process on the opposite side.

16. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the screw securing the fog light housing.

17. Push the fog light back and downward to release it from the housing.

18. Remove the black fog light mounting bracket by pinching and pulling it free from the bumper panel.

19. Unclip and disconnect the fog light sensor by pressing the locking tab and gently pulling it apart.

20. Use a flathead to remove any additional clips or accessories from the end cap.

21. Trim the excess plastic tab on the back of the new painted end cap using a utility knife or Dremel. Saw carefully along the edge until the piece is cleanly removed. Work slowly and cut away from your hands.

22. Insert the black sensor bezel into the end cap, pressing it in until it snaps securely. Trim any plastic around the opening if needed. Then reinstall the fog light and secure it with the original screws.

23. Flip the cap upside down and install the sensor mount bracket from the back side of the black sensor bezel. Ensure it fits snugly into place and all tabs are secured. If a tab doesn’t click in, check for misalignment.

24. Insert the parking sensor into the back of the black sensor bezel. If it doesn’t fit snugly, lightly shave the plastic prongs. Rotate the clip until it locks firmly with no movement.

25. Install the metal reinforcement brackets inside the painted end cap, aligning them with the holes. These provide added stability and help secure the bumper edge.

26. Temporarily secure the bumper to the top of the reinforcement bar with one grey bolt to hold it in place during alignment. This will help hold it in place while you align the rest of the components.

27. Slide the front bumper back over the bumper reinforcement bar and check that everything fits evenly.

28. Adjust the fog light trim or grommets as needed to allow the bumper to sit flush. If it’s stuck, pull the trim piece down gently to allow clearance.

29. Reinstall the following bolts:

• The four 10mm bolts from Step 4 (top of the grille area)

• The two 10mm bolts and one 12mm bolt from Step 2 (underneath the bumper)

• The three 10mm bolts from Step 10 (lower valance area)

• Any remaining push pins and bolts from Step 11 (upper bumper area)

• The lower bolt with the spring-style bracket at the bottom of the end cap

Note: Depending on how the new end caps and brackets align, not all bolts may need to be reinstalled. Only reinstall those that fit properly and secure the bumper firmly.

30. Once both end caps are installed, reinstall the grille by aligning it with the top mounting points. Reconnect the sensor that was unplugged in Step 5, then secure the grille using the four 10mm bolts and two push pins removed earlier. Also, double-check that the parking sensors on both end caps are fully inserted, connected, and secure.

You're Done!

Your Tundra now has a clean, color-matched look with freshly installed painted end caps. This upgrade not only looks better than chrome—it adds a personalized touch to your vehicle.

Check out this video:

DISCLAIMER: While ReveMoto tries to make the information in this blog as accurate as possible, we make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or applicability of the content. No information contained in this blog shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All do-it-yourself (DIY) projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. ReveMoto is not responsible or liable for any loss, damage (including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, or punitive), liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or resulting from any information posted in this blog.