Satoshi Grille mod question

[john.diachenko]

So I've decided to do the satoshi grille mod on my 2001. I know I have to get a grille out of a 96-00 but is there a difference between the grilles on 4 cylinder vs 6 cylinder? The reason I ask is because parts geek has two listed. The 4cyl grille would work better since it's cheaper and I don't want chrome...just want to make sure it'll work.

96 1996 Toyota 4Runner Grille Assembly - Body Mechanical & Trim - Action Crash - PartsGeek

I've called around to local junk yards here in Triad, NC and only one place has a grille that will work but they want $60 for it! EBay seems to be pricey too.

Thanks.

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[rallypoint_1]

Both are the same. One has chrome and one doesn't. Good luck and show us the results.

 

[MStudt]

Be careful with an aftermarket non-OEM grille. The mounting tabs on the grille are known to be wider than OEM causing them to not fit in the opening. You'll need to trim them down in order to get them to fit.

Also, try to find one that isn't painted/chromed yet. You'll save time in the long run.

 

[john.diachenko]

Here's a rough draft. Still need to sand and paint so the mesh and emblem aren't permanently on, I wanted to see how it was going to look. That grille worked out nicely

 

[rallypoint_1]

Looks good!! I am still working on mine. I see you went with the non-chrome. Like Mstudt said, the chrome version is a lot more work...ask me how I know.lol I like the way the all plastic looks. Think I will make one of those too.

 

[WallyWest]

Looks nice!

I'm probably weird, but ever since I was a kid I noticed how the TOYOTA printed in big letters on some models is *almost* a palindrome. And that each individual letter looks the same even if you reverse it in a mirror. So I'll be the idiot that makes one of those grills and puts the A at the front, ATOYOT. So that people in front of me will see it in their rear view mirror and think WTF?

 

[1996_Valencia_Owen]

LOL... I guess when you live in Amish country you have time to reflect on these things... jk pretty funny

 

[Bstrom]

Looks nice!

I'm probably weird, but ever since I was a kid I noticed how the TOYOTA printed in big letters on some models is *almost* a palindrome. And that each individual letter looks the same even if you reverse it in a mirror. So I'll be the idiot that makes one of those grills and puts the A at the front, ATOYOT. So that people in front of me will see it in their rear view mirror and think WTF?

I picked up a vintage OEM condensed text logo for my yet-to-made Satoshi on my '99 Limited. I think that version looks the best as it harkens to Toyotas of yesteryear. Someday...

 

[Tinigunner11]

Here's a rough draft. Still need to sand and paint so the mesh and emblem aren't permanently on, I wanted to see how it was going to look. That grille worked out nicely

Looks good!! Would you mind posting a picture of how you attached the mesh to the back?

 

[john.diachenko]

Looks good!! Would you mind posting a picture of how you attached the mesh to the back?

I painted it last night so it's still drying. I'll try to get it back together tonight and send a picture.

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[rallypoint_1]

I painted it last night so it's still drying. I'll try to get it back together tonight and send a picture.

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Wow..your moving fast!! I had a slight hiccup. Put 2 nice fingerprints on the wet clear.

 

[john.diachenko]

Wow..your moving fast!! I had a slight hiccup. Put 2 nice fingerprints on the wet clear.

I'm using the Duplicolor color match spray paint and it's dry to the touch in about an hour. It says it takes about a week to cure but my 4Runner has a lot of chips on the bumper and on the hood so my grille will need a little "patina" to look right anyways haha

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[rallypoint_1]

I'm using the Duplicolor color match spray paint and it's dry to the touch in about an hour. It says it takes about a week to cure but my 4Runner has a lot of chips on the bumper and on the hood so my grille will need a little "patina" to look right anyways haha

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I am using Kyrlon matte clear. It dries fairly fast but I wasn't paying attention. Was tired by that point.

Hey that's one way to look at it! Can't have a super duper clean grill when the rest of the truck shows some wear.LOL

 

[john.diachenko]

Looks good!! Would you mind posting a picture of how you attached the mesh to the back?

So I drilled small holes around the edge on the back side. If you're looking straight on this hole is on the bottom of the grille

The mesh is cut just slightly larger than the opening in the back

I ran zip ties through the hole and through the mess. I drilled the holes as I went in order to keep the mesh as tight as possible.

I still haven't figured out how I'm going to secure the Toyota emblem. Once I figure that out I'll post again.


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[Tinigunner11]

So I drilled small holes around the edge on the back side. If you're looking straight on this hole is on the bottom of the grille

The mesh is cut just slightly larger than the opening in the back

I ran zip ties through the hole and through the mess. I drilled the holes as I went in order to keep the mesh as tight as possible.

I still haven't figured out how I'm going to secure the Toyota emblem. Once I figure that out I'll post again.


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Great! thank you so much for posting! Did you just buy the gutter mesh from home depot?

 

[apb2148]

Looks great, thanks for sharing!


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[john.diachenko]

Great! thank you so much for posting! Did you just buy the gutter mesh from home depot?

Yes. Comes in a roll of way more than you need but it's like $5. I had tried it for actual gutter guards so I had some left over. Great for the grille...terrible as a gutter guard haha

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[john.diachenko]

Well I finally got around to installing the grille. Here's the final result sitting beside the original. Definitely a different look excited to see what it looks like

Then I realize this project, like many others has one more curve ball. The inserts on the grille I bought are round and the mount holes are rectangle. I remember someone mentioning having to shave off something another from a different thread so I assume this is what they were referring to.

Got the trusty dremel out and shaved the inserts down to look like the factory ones

And voila!

Love the outcome. Learned a bit too. Thanks for everyone's advice.

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