Project Retro Grill

For a while now I've been thinking about attempting to replicate the 2008 SEMA Tacoma's retro style grill.



I began by using this Satoshi writeup:

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/28831-my-satoshi-grill-write-up.html

Thank you, lifesaflaw123, for putting up a nice write up!

Just before the part for mounting the screen in the back is where I stopped. First thing I did was marked it where the cross members were to be mounted


The biggest problem was finding a material to use for the cross members. I had lots of ideas, but couldn't find one thing easily that would work, until I came across some wire molds in a hardware store. Bingo! The wire molds have worked well because they are light weight, but still durable, easy to cut, and don't require any welding. Here's a picture of the packaging:


I bought two lengths, cut each in half and laid them down, and cut them in the appropriate places, then used epoxy to glue them with a piece of tape on top to keep the pieces in place.



For extra reinforcement I cut extra flat pieces off the stock center part of the grill and used epoxy to attach them to the four joints where the cross members connect.


Flipped over


Next I used adhesive putty on the other side to mold it so it would have "rounded edges."


Sanded down the putty once it was dry a couple hours later using a dremel and and sand paper.


Cut the ends of the cross members and then used a combination of epoxy and the same adhesive putty to hold it in place and mold it.


Right now I'm waiting for the putty to dry so I can so a little sanding and then I will use filler primer and paint it black. I have ordered an extra Toyota emblem and will be adding that to the grill once it arrives.

Let me know what you guys think!

 

That's bad ass, great work!

 

Thanks!

 

Hey Katie!!! Long time buuudy!!!! Nice project you got going on!!! Cant wait to see the finished product on your awesome SW Tacoma!!

 

Thanks, a bunch! I'll post more pics to this as soon as it's painted. Good to hear from you!

 

I've wanted to do this for a while. I might try and tackle something like this too, I miss the old school grill, I wanna see more pictures once its done!!

 

WOW SWEET YOU GO GIRL!

 

Very nice i like it. Cant wait to see it all done. Great job with being unique +1 rep for u

 

Damn, that's a pretty cool idea! Can't wait to see how it comes out.

 

Hey is it me? Or does it seem like TW is getting more and more girls joining?!?! Woot Woot!!!

 

Thanks everyone!!!

 

thats really interesting! Great work! if the weld doesnt hold you could cut those plastic tube things longer and cut a hole in the grille itself and pass it through, then plastic weld it from the backside.. Just a thought

great work im excited to see this when its done!

 

awesome, subscribed.

 

Thanks! Blackhawke88, suggested that too, but for whatever reason it never occurred to me. lol

 

Nicely done so far!

 

Awesome work! Subscribed.

 

Oh neat. =) It looks great so far! Just take your time and it'll come out awesome I'm sure!

 

Thank you all!

 

that is awesome i may be doing this. i have an extra grill that i wanna satoshi.


definitely subb'd!!


Oh and +Rep for being unique!

 

Wow! Can't wait to see how it comes out!!