Grille Decision - Satoshi or '11?

I'm getting rid of the chrome no matter what I do. I don't want to paint the chrome and have to hassle around with keeping it looking okay, as TugBoat mentioned. The chrome will more than likely find it's way to ebay regardless of what choice I make.

 

Here's what inspired my poll with the '11 grille...
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/134920-many-faces-my-t-co.html

 

I'm thinking of doing a grill craft on my 2011. On there install directions on the website it doesn't show any cutting though like for the older models. I haven't taken mine apart to check yet. I'm assuming you had yours apart by your wording. Cut or no cut? Does the bar just unbolt now? Can you see all the honeycomb behind the grillcraft?

 

I say satoshi just because I saw the same grill pattern on a ford sport track I think it was maybe a Ranger satoshi is really only common on here the 2011 style is going to be everywhere .

 

I plan on doing the same thing... My 2011 Color Matched Grille is on its way.

Either way, I only have to live with the chrome for 1 more week

 

keys,

I wanted a color matched grill for my 2011, so I ordered and received one and got to work. Yes, you have to cut the the large center bar out. The Grille Craft grille will then fit like putting on a glove. Depending on the size of the mesh of the grille you are installing, in my case the Grille Craft, yes you can see the honey comb. I proceeded to cut the honey comb out as well. This takes some time as it's connected to the grille assy in many places. It's not hard, just takes some time. Then, depending how detailed you want to be you can go back and clean up any stubs left standing where you cut the bar and honey comb away.

If you have followed the threads on TW regarding Satoshi grilles you will quickly notice the depth of your 2011 is much less than the 2005-2010 grilles

Hope this helps

Cheers

Bob

 

Just put on my 2011 from dave at town and country. I love it

 

Go Satoshi, stock sucks. I'd put a Satoshi on my truck but my URD CAI air filter sits right behind the grill.

 

elusive element! those are sick!!!

 

@seniorspan

if its less space is there still room to mount lights behind the grill craft? that was my plan. I like the look it gives through the grill. 5 inches of snow here so waiting on a decent day to rip into it before I order anything but if you just did it then it will save me some time. Thanks

 

keys,

If I understand your question: the 2011 grille assy itself has less depth than the 2005-2010 grille assys. With the grille assy installed, the space behind the 2011 grille ( grille to radiator) appears to be about the same as other year 2nd generation Tacos; therefore the space behind the grille should be more that adequate to mount lights.

If I'm making the water more muddy I'll try to get some pictures on Fri and get them posted.

Cheers

Bob

 

that answered my question. thanks

 

always say NO

to satoshi grills and black wheels

 

Apparently I am not the only one buying a new 2011 color matched grille-

I just got of the phone with Toyotapartsbarn (where I ordered my grille). They said they were having a hard time tracking down the 2011. They have had a rush of orders and can only locate 3 in the entire country . They said it should get here next week and they will ship it out as soon as it comes in.

I am having dejavu all over again. I went through hell and back getting FJ Special Edition wheels, I hope I don't have to do the same for the Grille either.

 

I'm in the exact same boat. I'm leaning towards the '11 grill though. I like the look. To me, the satoshi looks like the truck is being turned into a rice-burner.

 

the 2011 sure is smexi!!

 

I'm partial to the Satoshi.
I like a smaller mesh
Never cared for the Grill Crossbars
Never cared for the Toyota Insignia

EDIT: But the 2011 is Waaay Easier

.

 

I want to get rid of the chrome for my '11, and doing a color match with the Grillcraft. Does anyone know if the older grills will will mount in the 2011?

 

This is speculation about the '11, not fact
'05 thru '10 have identical mounts,
Two screws at top
Two snap-in clips (one on each side) at bottom
And a post that sits in a hole at the bottom center.
Can't see that they'd change the mounting if they haven't changed the body style.
Someone will confirm for ya, I'm sure

.

 

The 2011 grille is same as 2010 so the 2005-2010 should fit your 2011. It took about 15 min to change out grilles on my truck. Hope this helps.