Why would you want to cover those chrome badges?
First off, let me be honest, I am not a fan of chrome on an off-road vehicle. I feel that chrome fits on classic cars and luxury vehicles, not on my overland rig. I fully realize that this is a personal preference but I have a strong feeling that if you are reading this article, you might feel the same.
The good news? There are a few solutions. We’ve also previously covered a more DIY version. Check out the DIY Plastidip guide here.
Some of the best modifications are those that don’t cost an arm and a leg but have a custom impact on the look of your truck. This emblem kit is fast, easy and there is barely any prep work and virtually zero mess. It’s a no-brainer. Save time and get rid of your unsightly chrome fast!
Find It Online
- 2016-2023 Tacoma Black Emblem Overlay Kit: Check Price
Table Of Contents
Must. Remove. Chrome.
Now that we have gotten that out of the way, let’s talk about the real difference the chrome badges make to an adventure rig. The above picture features the chrome badging.
If you’re anything like me, you can’t help but wonder why Toyota chose to add chrome emblems. The truck has a rugged look straight from the factory and the chrome is not helping.
Now, check out the image above. Much better, isn’t it?
A cement-colored truck, or any Tacoma, looks way better with this overlay kit installed. On top of that, it matches the factory color scheme a bit better. Now about those headlights…
Anyway, this is what a Tacoma is supposed to look like. Never has such a small change made such an impact on a vehicle’s appearance.
Trim Compatibility
There are 6 models of the 3rd Gen Toyota Tacoma:
- SR
- SR5
- TRD Sport
- TRD Off-Road
- Limited
- TRD Pro
The only models that the kit won’t work on are the SR since the bulk of those trucks come stock without badges unless ordered specifically with badges.
In that case, it will absolutely work. The other model that the kit won’t work on is the TRD Pro because the side badges are completely different and the rear badges come from the factory already blacked out.
Kit Contents
- (2) Tacoma Covers
- (2) SR5 Covers
- (1) V6 Cover
- (1) 4×4 Cover
Tacoma Emblem
The installation process is by far the easiest modification I have done to my Tacoma since I began my build almost a year ago.
I have a 2020 Tacoma Tacoma TRD Off-Road and can only utilize the 2 Tacoma emblems and the V6 emblem. My Tacoma did not come with a 4×4 badge and obviously, the SR5 badges are on the SR5 Tacomas.
Step 1. Clean Emblem
I used rubbing alcohol on a paper towel and it worked just fine.
Step 2. Remove Adhesive Backing
Begin removing the red film. Start by peeling one of the corners down making sure not to pull the adhesive with it.
Slowly pull the red film away from the decal exposing the grey adhesive behind it.
This is what the decal will look like with all of the protective film removed and the adhesive completely exposed.
Make sure the adhesive did not get rolled over or dirty in the process.
Step 3. Apply Emblem Cover
Place the emblem over the decal and evenly press the emblem.
Move your hand over the emblem pressing firmly over the entire emblem.
Spend some time here making sure you have good adhesion across the entire decal.
How good does that look?
I think the technical term is badass, but I could be biased.
V6 Emblem
Besides the passenger side Tacoma badge, the only other badge I have to cover is the V6 badge.
Pull the V6 cover emblem out of the kit.
Step 1. Clean Emblem
Step 2. Remove Adhesive Backing
Make sure the adhesive is laying flat and that it will adhere to the badge.
Step 3. Apply Emblem Cover
Place the emblem over the decal and evenly press the emblem.
Press firmly against the badge moving across the entire emblem.
Now stand back and enjoy how much more awesome your rig has become.
Final Thoughts
This kit looks great; I’m super stoked!
It’s a simple mod, but it’s the details that really help to pull any build together.
If you’re looking for other simple changes, check out our writeups on the Toyota Pro Shop Replica Pro Grille and the Molded Grille Raptor Light Kit.
Where can you order this overlay kit? The link to this kit returns the dreaded “404 Not Found” error.
I did a Google search but can’t find anything like this.
Thanks…
ID like to order the overlays for my trd v6 four-wheel drive extended cab
There is a link in the article that you can click on and find your emblem set to order.
Are these gloss black or matte black?
They are matte black.
I’m trying to find color matched Tacoma emblems for my 2021 TRD Sport Army green
That will look really cool. Not sure who makes them. You might have to buy black then paint them. Either way totally worth it.
Did you do the tailgate lettering yourself also? I bought the blackout kit but I’m scared to remove the chrome tailgate lettering myself
Hi Sarah. Yea I had overlays for the entire tailgate in the kit. Are you missing an overlay? Removing the chrome lettering is easy. Use a piece of dental floss to cut the adhesive against the paint. Then you can use a 3M wonder wheel on a drill and it will take all the sticky residue off. It’s genius. Best of luck.
Do they hold up to the car wash? I just bought a 2021 Tacoma Sport and want to black out the chrome and this looks like the best and easiest way to do that. I just want to make sure they don’t fall off when I wash the truck. Thank you for any input before I purchase the kit.
Great question. They actually hold up great, however I have never taken my truck through a car wash and don’t hit the paint with the pressure washer very often. It has seen lots of trail abuse and has never peeled from branches scratching across them. As long as you clean the surface really well you shouldn’t have any issues. Hope this helps.