4th gen satoshi grills for sale

[Toyotafan03]

So, as any of you all that have actually done a satoshi grill mod know, it is a time consuming project. But I've been thinking about an idea a lot. I can't find ANYWHERE on the Internet to buy satoshi grills. I think I'm going to buy some aftermarket stock grills and start making them and selling them on eBay to begin with and hopefully be able to move to an actual website shortly after. I just wanted an opinion from everyone on the forum. I think I could make them rather quickly and sell them for $299. I know it sounds like a lot for a grill but the grill itself cost $90 or more. Plus the hours of labor it takes to do it. The price isn't set in stone yet, but I would like your guys's opinion on this idea. Would it work? Would it be profitable?

 

[NOVA46]

So, as any of you all that have actually done a satoshi grill mod know, it is a time consuming project. But I've been thinking about an idea a lot. I can't find ANYWHERE on the Internet to buy satoshi grills. I think I'm going to buy some aftermarket stock grills and start making them and selling them on eBay to begin with and hopefully be able to move to an actual website shortly after. I just wanted an opinion from everyone on the forum. I think I could make them rather quickly and sell them for $299. I know it sounds like a lot for a grill but the grill itself cost $90 or more. Plus the hours of labor it takes to do it. The price isn't set in stone yet, but I would like your guys's opinion on this idea. Would it work? Would it be profitable?

If you take your time and do a quality job, then yeah I could see some profit in it. On the other hand, a big reason that a lot of people do the satoshi mod is because they can fully customize the look of their grille to their liking; something buying it off the internet just can't beat.

Why not try to make about 4-5 grilles and throw them out there to see how fast they sell, just as a test run?

 

[Code2]

6 post maybe build one up to show everyone.

 

[BlueHenT4R]

Eh, you gotta start somewhere.

I personally wouldn't throw down $299 right from the gun, but I will monitor and might be interested if the quality pans out and the testimonials are good.

With a venture like this, I think a smart way to start out would be to beta test with a couple of trucks/users at a reduced rate and build a reputation and then the $299 would be a lot more palatable. I think people would plunk down the $299 for a known commodity.

 

[easyc]

Build one, put it on ebay and let the bids determine the price.

 

[chaz]

u can find something similar on the internet, but it costs 387 & still needs painting. JAOS_USA/Products Catalog?JAOS front grille SURF 215 (4Runner 03-09) or 499 (03-05) http://www.burtmanindustries.com/zoomprod.php?id=4run_aur_gril_03_up so imo, if you use a good grill material & sell them already painted, the 299 might be a good deal for alot of guys.

 

[robaroni]

Just a suggestion from someone who has made a Satoshi grill. I use aluminum mess and learned that it is easy to form but turned out to be a little brittle. In some places where it was bent 90 degrees it broke. you should use steel mesh. I used the method where you do not use fiberglass.

I think $299 is a decent price for the right person. Some people are willing to pay $1600 for a Gobi roof rack that can be made by a local fabricator for $700.

 

[Xrider237]

its not a bad idea and i might be interested as well if the quality and construction were good- one thing i think would help your efforts is to offer a couple simple options like emblem choice and mesh style

 

[Xrider237]

its not a bad idea and i might be interested as well if the quality and construction were good- one thing i think would help your efforts is to offer a couple simple options like emblem choice and mesh style

once you get things sorted out offer a group buy here for $250 : )

*sorry for thr dbl post

 

[Toyotafan03]

Just a suggestion from someone who has made a Satoshi grill. I use aluminum mess and learned that it is easy to form but turned out to be a little brittle. In some places where it was bent 90 degrees it broke. you should use steel mesh. I used the method where you do not use fiberglass.



I think $299 is a decent price for the right person. Some people are willing to pay $1600 for a Gobi roof rack that can be made by a local fabricator for $700.

I haven't seen the method without Fiberglass, could you show me a link to that method? I've also been trying to figure out how to mount the mesh without just using adhesive to glue threaded rods around the inside of the frame to put the mesh in. I think people would expect something higher quality than some rods glued to the grill. I would like to come up with a prototype that is rock solid and won't tweak or break. I am going to do that before I start selling them and they start breaking on people.

 

[97BlackAckCL]

I'd be interested to know what [MENTION=50591]gaterose[/MENTION] charges to do these, I know he's done a few for members on here.

Also, instead of ebay, maybe a group buy thread on here?

 

[Toyotafan03]

I'm going to buy 5 grills and I'll take one and make a prototype out of it and test it with conditions harder than any that it will face being on a 4Runner. I want to make a good quality product that will hold up better than the factory grill. I have a couple questions for anyone that may have some answers:

1. I have seen the method using threaded rods epoxied on the inside of the grill frame to fasten the mesh down. Has anyone came up with a better, more practical looking way to fasten the mesh?

2. And I just heard of a way to make the grill without using fiberglass which sparked my interest because it sounded like the grill would have more strength than just using fiberglass. Does anyone have any links or pictures of how this process is done?

Thanks for the help and advice everyone!

 

[flyfisher4822]

HomerTaco on TacomaWorld does made-to-order Satoshi grills for Tacoma's only. He makes a selection of mesh available and matches the paint. Judging from the massive feedback on his site, his craftsmanship and service have earned him an outstanding reputation.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/made-to-order-satoshi-grills.171169/

Here are his prices for comparison:

Basic Grill with a black painted outer surround or color matched outer surround with your choice of my 5 styles mesh: $275 + Shipping
(mesh comes Powder Coated Matte Black or clear coated)

Add $40 if you'd like the triangles cut out to match

Add $35 for any custom Depth request (other than full depth or thin-lip)

Add $25 Matching Hood scoop piece (Only available in M1,M0,or Mx)

Add $40 Matching Bumper Piece

A lot of guys would buy a quality made Satoshi for a 4th Gen. Start small, demonstrate product excellence and value, and treat people fairly, and you will have all the business you want. Hope you can pull it off. Good luck!

 

[robaroni]

I haven't seen the method without Fiberglass, could you show me a link to that method? I've also been trying to figure out how to mount the mesh without just using adhesive to glue threaded rods around the inside of the frame to put the mesh in. I think people would expect something higher quality than some rods glued to the grill. I would like to come up with a prototype that is rock solid and won't tweak or break. I am going to do that before I start selling them and they start breaking on people.

Here is the link.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/126906-mytoy4-satoshi-grille-mod.html

 

[jsha22lr]

I'd be very interested in one. Even though I'm going to try to make my own, it's always good to have the option to buy one from somebody that know's what they are doing.

 

[TiN]

I'm going to buy 5 grills and I'll take one and make a prototype out of it and test it with conditions harder than any that it will face being on a 4Runner. I want to make a good quality product that will hold up better than the factory grill. I have a couple questions for anyone that may have some answers:

1. I have seen the method using threaded rods epoxied on the inside of the grill frame to fasten the mesh down. Has anyone came up with a better, more practical looking way to fasten the mesh?

2. And I just heard of a way to make the grill without using fiberglass which sparked my interest because it sounded like the grill would have more strength than just using fiberglass. Does anyone have any links or pictures of how this process is done?

Thanks for the help and advice everyone!

Hey, another local! Interested to see where this goes, and I'd definitely be interested in taking a look at your grilles when you get a few finished up. :thumb3:

 

[gaterose]

[MENTION=125181]Toyotafan03[/MENTION] I can tell you it would be profitable but you'd probably do better here and facebook groups than eBay. Your price is reasonable compared to what I charge, depending on what options you're including (i.e. which mesh, color matched, and emblem included) as well as the quality of your work.

You could really make a killing doing the '06 trimmed to fit '03 grilles. I have a list of about 20 people interested in purchasing those, I just don't have the free time and don't make enough from labor to want to crank em out.

I'd be interested to know what [MENTION=50591]gaterose[/MENTION] charges to do these, I know he's done a few for members on here.

Also, instead of ebay, maybe a group buy thread on here?

It's an industry secret that I can't reveal unless you sign off on a contractual agreement to have one built and submit a $50 deposit... :spy:







I get about $325 ($100 labor, $100 materials, $100 grille, $25 s&h) for a color matched grille with no emblem. But I also take my time as I don't have as much free time as I used to and $100 isn't as much for labor as it sounds like. Another member recently told me a shop wanted $100 just to paint his grille, when included with some other paint work they were already doing for him. And painting is pretty much the easiest part.

 

[zopperman]

[MENTION=125181]Toyotafan03[/MENTION]

I get about $325 ($100 labor, $100 materials, $100 grille, $25 s&h) for a color matched grille with no emblem. But I also take my time as I don't have as much free time as I used to and $100 isn't as much for labor as it sounds like. Another member recently told me a shop wanted $100 just to paint his grille, when included with some other paint work they were already doing for him. And painting is pretty much the easiest part.

this is too true

 

[Toyotafan03]

[MENTION=125181]Toyotafan03[/MENTION] I can tell you it would be profitable but you'd probably do better here and facebook groups than eBay. Your price is reasonable compared to what I charge, depending on what options you're including (i.e. which mesh, color matched, and emblem included) as well as the quality of your work.



You could really make a killing doing the '06 trimmed to fit '03 grilles. I have a list of about 20 people interested in purchasing those, I just don't have the free time and don't make enough from labor to want to crank em out.



It's an industry secret that I can't reveal unless you sign off on a contractual agreement to have one built and submit a $50 deposit... :spy:















I get about $325 ($100 labor, $100 materials, $100 grille, $25 s&h) for a color matched grille with no emblem. But I also take my time as I don't have as much free time as I used to and $100 isn't as much for labor as it sounds like. Another member recently told me a shop wanted $100 just to paint his grille, when included with some other paint work they were already doing for him. And painting is pretty much the easiest part.

I get what you're saying. I've been thinking about the fact of the labor. There is so much labor involved in it that $100 just isn't enough for it. I guess there is a reason no one is selling them. Because I don't think anyone will pay more than $300 for a grill... I may be wrong but in my opinion that's about top dollar. Idk about this idea. It's a nice concept but i don't know if it'll turn enough profit to spend the time every night after work making them.

 

[Sport Edition 07]

I'm Very interested in one.