I'm trying to see what the Satoshi Grill Mod looks like on a 1999-2000 Limited. I like the Satoshi look on the older style grills, but I haven't been able to find any images with the mod on the later models. Also, I'm guessing that the easiest way would be to find an older (96-98) grill to mod and retrofit it to my vehicle? Does anyone have any insight/experience on this?
Satoshi Grill Mod for a 1999-2000
- Thread starter Four-CLT
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I have no specific photos to link to, but it looks good on all models of 3rd gen runners. The original satoshi was done on truck with limited style hilux trim which is similar enough in appearance, but his surround was body color matched instead of chrome. The best way to go about doing the mod (if you don't have an early grill already) is to get one of the inexpensive aftermarket ones. Once you dremel them out they don't have recesses in the side like the OEM ones do, so they are technically a better choice if you are good with a dremel and don't want to do bondo/fiberglass work.
As far as the mesh for the grill is concerned your best best is to find a racing supply store, I chose to get the heavy steel mesh used for race cars. It was about 30 a sheet and was rigid enough that I didn't have to **** around with support brackets and so forth, I just cut to shape, folded the edges over on the back and then used black allen screws with nylon locking nuts and secured it along the rear perimeter after painting it gloss black and the plastic inner edge of the grille frame flat black.
Removing the chrome is a *****, it is essentially a "metal wrap" that is heinous to remove, but possible. Long term painting over the chrome finish will not last even with proper sanding and priming processes because the stones will deform the finish over time. The chrome, however, seems to look good with the mod as does body color matching with removal of the chrome wrap.
Millerad1651
New member
This is where I buy the grills when I do them for guys.
98 1998 Toyota 4Runner Grille Assembly - Body Mechanical & Trim - Action Crash - PartsGeek
You can buy a plain black that can be painted to match, or chrome. They fit the stock 99-02 housings.
Lightfall was correct in saying there was less work once the middle is cut, but the ones I've done still needed to be bondo'd to keep the inside flush. Still less work than with a stock grill.
98 1998 Toyota 4Runner Grille Assembly - Body Mechanical & Trim - Action Crash - PartsGeek
You can buy a plain black that can be painted to match, or chrome. They fit the stock 99-02 housings.
Lightfall was correct in saying there was less work once the middle is cut, but the ones I've done still needed to be bondo'd to keep the inside flush. Still less work than with a stock grill.
DeTwizzle
New member
Do they realize that on that website they have them pictured upside down and backwards? lol
Millerad1651
New member
Haha I noticed that too. The first time I looked at them I had to stop and figure out why it looked so funny.
Millerad1651
New member
I don't have any pics. The only ones I've ordered are the chrome. My guess would be that they are simply the same color/material that the "guts" are. It makes them a lot easier to paint, whether black or body color.
Ron Helmuth
Senior Member
reviving the thread
Yup I see millerad all over the partsgeek website.
But I don't see them even offering a black grille, just chrome. And for that matter how would a 4 cylinder's grill be different than a V6? It's about a $14 difference.
Yes I realize I am joining the discussion 3+ years after the last posting...
Yup I see millerad all over the partsgeek website.
But I don't see them even offering a black grille, just chrome. And for that matter how would a 4 cylinder's grill be different than a V6? It's about a $14 difference.
Yes I realize I am joining the discussion 3+ years after the last posting...
cp99sr5
New member
I just purchased the 4 cylinder grill for the my 99 V-6, it fits no differently than my original. The only difference I can see that might cause the dollar variance is the chrome on the more expensive grill. I am trying to limit/eliminate the chrome on mine so the black one works for me. Also the black is not really a black, its more of a very dark grey but it works for what I have. Also, I know some folks have not had a good experience with parts geek but my experience was fine for what its worth.
Ron Helmuth
Senior Member
thanks cp99sr5-I want the chrome to disappear as well so I may go with that 4 cylinder one as well. Appreciate the rapid feedback.
Useless Hashtag
New member
Just ordered the gray grill from partsgeek.com... Its my best bet, I have the 99 grill and its will be a pain in the a** to work that chrome wrap off. I'll keep ya'll posted on the shipping and the mod 
ray:
ray:
Millerad1651
New member
You'll be fine. I've ordered 25+ grilles from partsgeek and rockauto. Never had an issue with either the black or chrome. Have fun making your grille!
