Not practical but fun anyway - the Satoshi mod!

[Tacoma Dude]

This is an appearance mod that is popular on Yotatech. I've been working on this for a while now - bigger grill = more plastic to cut and sand but here we are :)

So after just over a year from starting, a move to another city 75 miles away, countless days of staring at the parts trying to figure how to work it out, and finally getting some time to work again (supposed to be studying for a final so naturally I'm working on a mod :ignore: ) here are some pictures. Almost done but couldn't wait to post :)

The part as it originally came to me:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/TacomaDood/Jade/100_0583.jpg

Inspecting the amount of work to do:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/TacomaDood/Jade/100_0588.jpg

Cutting the grill out:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/TacomaDood/Jade/100_0593.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/TacomaDood/Jade/100_0594.jpg

Endless hours of sanding and dremeling and more sanding:
NOT PICTURED

Primering my items:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/TacomaDood/Jade/100_4990.jpg

Pattern of my new grill:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/TacomaDood/Jade/100_4992.jpg

Getting to the final coats of paint:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/TacomaDood/Jade/100_4994.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/TacomaDood/Jade/100_5000.jpg

Man, isn't that a pretty color?
Hammerite Hammered gray/silver/black
Looks a lot like the non-chromed Tacoma grills
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/TacomaDood/Jade/100_4995.jpg

Okay so I'm mostly done now. Here are the pictures:

Getting ready to swap:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/TacomaDood/Jade/100_5016.jpg

My naked front:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/TacomaDood/Jade/100_5017.jpg

Out with the old and in with the new:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/TacomaDood/Jade/100_5018.jpg

And here we are!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/TacomaDood/Jade/100_5019.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/TacomaDood/Jade/100_5024.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/TacomaDood/Jade/100_5025.jpg


I'm not quite done with it yet as you can see I still have to cover up the side vents. I have some used corner lights coming my way which I'll modify to be turn signals and I'll also paint the trim from chrome to the hammered gray/black. Then I'll be able to say I'm done but I'm liking the look so far :)

I have to say that I would NOT suggest anyone do this mod unless they have extra time and a spare grill to work on. I also have to note that if you do this you'll need to cut out an area for the hood release. I didn't realize the problem until after I had put the grill on and shut the hood. I had to release the hood from below and then go to work with some wire clippers :pat:

I think it's more impressive with side to side images.

BEFORE and AFTER
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/TacomaDood/Jade/100_5016.jpghttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/TacomaDood/Jade/100_5019.jpg

[ModestoALEX]

i like it!

[mekanik671]

nice writeup!! looks good!! what did you use to make the "TOYOTA"??

[Tacoma Dude]

Actually the Toyota is the insert from the grill on an FJ40 I think. Let me find the site...

http://jtoutfitters.com/product/7532160010
http://static.zoovy.com/img/jtoutfitters/W400-H84-Bffffff/7532160010.jpg

The problem with this part is finding bolts that fit.
The one writeup I was reading (http://www.4runners.org), Bob said that he cut the edges off. I wanted it to hover over the grill and left them on but I can't figure out what the stock bolts/screws would look like.

[Texan1983]

looks good, i am going to paint my grill the same color.

[rkwfxd]

I like that a lot. I would use a bit of flat black on the radiator and sub-frame behind the new grill and ARB....might make that TOYOTA stand out even more.

[Tacoma Dude]

ALL FINISHED!!!

I definitely want to give props to Steve (http://sonoransteel.com) and Richard (http://stubbswelding.com) for their excellent work and customer service on the TJM hoops! You guys rock!

The original write up for the Satoshi mod can be found on this site:
http://www.4runners.org

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/TacomaDood/100_5049.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/TacomaDood/100_5047.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/TacomaDood/100_5051.jpg

Man, if it wasn't for the HOA, I'd be able to wash my truck and make it a REALLY nice photo :)

[tbst]

Looks good.

[bray]

Now it looks great! Did you paint the auxillary light wires? Other than that, good job!

[Tacoma Dude]

Now it looks great! Did you paint the auxillary light wires? Other than that, good job!


Nah didn't need to. The driver side fog wire goes into the nice little cut out for the winch and the passenger side just slips under the grill.
Thanks for the :kewl: guys :)

[musclesliver]

I like it

[Hagan34]

added to the list of things to do.

[Hilux Surf Limited]

I know the thread is old but I have a question about this mod. I am looking for black daimond mesh that is of a high quality - most of the stuff I see is very flimsy. Anyone know a good source?

[Philfab]

I bought a sheet of the silver stuff @ shcmuck's and painted it, just scuffed the mesh with a brown scotch-brite and used self etching primer.

[Hilux Surf Limited]

tHANKS BRO, WHAT IS "SHCMUCK'S"?

[DavidTaylor9]

He need to paint the chrome on the side lights

[Philfab]

tHANKS BRO, WHAT IS "SHCMUCK'S"?

Whoops, forgot you're in Japan... Over here it's called Shuck's, which is part of the Parts America chain of stores.

I'm certain you can find some kind of grill mesh insert around there somewhere.

[Hilux Surf Limited]

Oh there is plenty of mesh, I am looking for something between super flimsy and BBQ grill strength. I'll find it eventually. I just never heard of that store before. I am from the states actually serving our great country over here.

[ROCKWIESER]

how many horses does that add? cause it gives you more air flow right ? lol!!

[Hagan34]

I havent Dyno'd mine since i finshed it but it feels to be about 50-80 depending on how large of a mesh you use. :rolleyes:

But really I do like this mod, no point other then looks but i really like it.

[Guti907]

did mine today, no "toyota " emblem on the front yet, but it was fun and only took about 30 mins.