Another Satoshi build

[adkfinn]

I had a down day today so I decided to take a whack at the satoshi grill that I have been planning. I prefer the shallow, slightly set back mount/look and decided to use the perforated aluminum sheet material for a slightly less transparent end result. Apologies for no 'in process' pics, but it has been covered many times before and I wouldn't be adding anything new.

I started here (credit to [MENTION=77955]jdkilroy[/MENTION]'s ideas/thread) : http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/108227-another-grille.html

Since I was going for a shallow(er) mount I used his work as the basis of mine. In short: You leave (do not cut out) the top and bottom row of the factory grill plastic which is then used as the depth guage, curvature guide, and attachment point of the new grill. This not only works well but helps the grill maintain a nice amount of structural rigidity and saves you from having to do any fiberglass work.

I got my mesh and trim from customcargrills.com
mesh: https://customcargrills.com/proddetail.asp?prod=Perf_SS
trim: https://customcargrills.com/proddetail.asp?prod=Trim_Neo

My thoughts: I am happy with how it turned out and I like the depth. The perforated sheet was a b*tch to work with since it is thicker than mesh and has essentially no vertical flex (as you think about the grill top to bottom). The right tools would've certainly helped. As it was I made due with a couple of cardboard templates, razor knife, dremel, jigsaw (yes I actually used a jigsaw, what a hack right?), and some other small hand tools.

Lastly I decided to use the smaller old school style FJ logo (this is a knock off cheapy from fleabay that turned out ok for the price). Unintended upside: The cream/off-white color of the lettering blends nicely with Driftwood Pearl paint and in anything less then perfect lighting it almost looks the same color. I am also toying with the idea of adding some amber marker lights, but am on the fence at present. For now, they stay on the workbench.

 

[wemslie97]

Looks great. Long live Satoshi!

 

[riceandpho]

they make it look easy enough to modify, i do have an extra grille to work with.

 

[adkfinn]

they make it look easy enough to modify, i do have an extra grille to work with.

The method in the video might be easier than what I did. I did not bend the edges of the mesh for fitment or to create mounting points. I used a template and cut for the exact shape of the grill opening, which is why I used the edge trim and not weather stripping like jdkilroy and others. :bigok:

 

[DarenS]

Thanks for posting this. I have a Satoshi style grill and wondered what it would look like on a Driftwood Pearl 4R. I'm still undecided if I want to install it, but at least I know what it would look like.

Daren

 

[adkfinn]

Thanks for posting this. I have a Satoshi style grill and wondered what it would look like on a Driftwood Pearl 4R. I'm still undecided if I want to install it, but at least I know what it would look like.

Daren

Like you, I was unsure if I would like it long term. My solution: After waffling for months I decided to pull the trigger on a second grill, that way I can go back to stock in 5 min if I decide I don't like it. Covered on both fronts? check.

My last waffle on this grill whether to install amber marker lights or not. I have some smoked lens amber lights on hand, but am just not sure I'll dig them or not and once those holes are drilled there's no 'un-drilling' them.

There are what I picked up: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01I1CHVK0/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[jdkilroy]

Very nicely done; looks great !