Brilliant !!! Satoshi Emblem Answer: Converted into Mod Write-Up W/ Pics

The lights behind the grill are Hella 500 Fogs with Smoke Lenses. They're Temporary and will be relocated to the hang from the top bar of the lightbar. I have Hella Rallye 1000 Black Magics to mount behind the Satoshi, but there's a bit of modifying needed, as they won't fit with the Tranny Cooler. The 1000's are the same dimensions as the 700's, I believe

Only did Write-Ups on the Emblem and Relocating the Horns. The Satoshi, Lights, and Light Bars are incidental.
Didn't Write them up or document them as the are well covered elsewhere in the forum.
If I ever get around to a build page, I may elaborate on them more.
Guess I don't need to answer the Light Question now.
But the mounting:
The Visible Bar in front of the Bumper is an AVID Light Bar from avidoffroad.com found here. Powder Coated to match.
Very impressed with the product and more impressed with the company.
Brandon, the owner, has an ongoing discount on the Light Bar for TW members (last I knew).
The Lights behind the Satoshi are mounted on an "ELUSIVE ELEMENTS Light Bar" found here



CC

 

Questions answered in Post above

Refer to Last Line in 2nd Answer in Post above

Refer 1st Answer in Post above
Bought @ Amazon for about $65 IIRC
No review, Temp Install, Incomplete


CC

 

Cape Codder,

Great thread, your efforts are appreciated. I do like the Satoshi paint scheme variation; painting the "depth" ring the same color as the truck, most seem to use flat black and I followed right along. As my Tacoma is silver I'm in the process of a rebuild/repaint.

I followed your letter paint scheme, but am now considering increasing the depth of the letters by adding a 1/8 - 1/4 inch by using some scrap grille plastic behind each one. A "byproduct" of increasing the letter depth should result in a little more flexibility in attaching mounting hardware. If it works out I'll post a few pics.

Again, thanks for your efforts.

Cheers

Bob

 

That's a great idea, Bob.
I assume the intent is to increase the thickness of the letters, to be able to tap more threads to secure them.
It's a shame the Emblem is not cheaper or one could buy two, separate the letters and double the thickness by epoxying each of them back to back.
Each letter is the same shape looking from the front or the back.
My fastening procedure has held up fine for almost a year and a half.
Though that's only about 5,000 miles and no off roading.
But nothing has loosened at all.
The epoxy holds the thread far better than the plastic, I would guess.
And the rubber washers between the mesh and the letters adds just enough cushioning and pressure, keeping everything tight.
My theory anyway.

A lot of people don't notice the Color Matched Grill Surround, but wonder "What's Different" (like this Post)
Having bought the TRD Sport which is all color matched, I thought is was a good idea and blended in with the "Subtle Look" I was going for.

Always like hearing from someone who has made use of the write-up.
Take some pictures of the backs of the letters before you mount them to post with the pics you mentioned above.
Looking forward to hear how you make out, and the pics


Good Luck
CC

 

sub'd



(I'm going to do this)

 

Be sure to post pics when it's finished


CC

 

Capecodder,

I was wondering what you used to cut the letters? Both the insides of the O and A and also the outside of the O?

Thanks!

 

The inside of the "A" & "O" are describe in Post #60
The outside of the "O" is just like the other letters.
Cut it as close as possible with a Dremel, Coping Saw, Hacksaw or tool of choice,
then file to shape, maintaining the Bevel, and sand to smooth.
Not difficult, just tedious and time consuming.


CC

 

Sweet work, and the paint job is off the hinges!
Nice job Codda.

 

I Thanks Ya


CC

 

Thought I post a quick update.
The question came up, early on, regarding how my letter fastening system was holding up over time.
It's now been over 2 years and none of the screws have loosened, none of the letters have moved

I did have 2 of the epoxied screws, holding the mesh to the grill surround, fail a last winter.
Clarification, the epoxy failed, but the Mesh stayed in place.
No biggie, they were 2 on the drivers side of the grill, and I'll get around to reattaching them.


CC

 

Where you ever afraid of drilling or screwing through the letters? Any cracking? Just seem like there's not enough plastic to hold...

 

Short Answers: No and No

Longer Answers in Post #43

Excerpt from Post #43:
"The Letters are Approximately 3/16" Thick, Including the Epoxy.
The Screw Penetrates the Epoxy and Into the Plastic of the Letter.
I Drilled the Letters On a Drill Press, With a Travel Stop, As Deep Is I Could Without Penetrating the Letter's Surface.
I Used a 4-40 Bottoming Tap, To Thread To the Bottom of The Hole, Again Without Penetrating.
4-40 Screws Have 40 Threads Per Inch, Therefore I Was Able to Get About Six Threads in Each Hole."

The Drill Press with Travel Stop is key. Tapping is by hand and you can feel and watch the face of the letters.
You are drilling thru epoxy in addition to the plastic.
The epoxy is pretty tough. I had some minor cracking of the epoxy around a few holes.
If you were to drill or tap thru the front of the letter, you can fill it with epoxy, sand it, and paint it.
I was painting it black anyway, but it would be an issue if you wanted to use the factory white finish.
I did end up with a couple unnoticeable bumps from getting close to penetrating the face.

Been 2 1/2 Year with no problems

$27 Klein Tools 1001 Multi Tool, Made in USA, Wire Stripper, Wire Cutters, Crimper Tool for 8-22 AWG, Multi-Purpose Electrician Tool is 8.5" Long

(Link to a screw cutter, similar to the one referred to in Post #43
Prob $10 for a cheap one an $20-$25 for a good one)

Hope that helps



CC

 

Hey! I really appreciate this write up and I've read through it many times (and all the other peoples comments too and everything was covered). I'm going to attempt to do this to my 00 Taco. I've caught the mod bug after looking over all these threads and hopefully this will be a good one to start off! I'll be sure to post pictures and what not when I eventually get it done

 

G'day all,

As modified grilles go (Satoshi) innovation and persistence tend to yield great results. It's my humble opinion the efforts by Cape Codder (grille, bumper guard, and light) are a great look combo and really stand out.

I jumped in, of course. The first effort was just a GrilleCraft grille and no lights or letters. That was OK and gave me time to do a TOYOTA Satoshi, on a purchased unpainted grille.

I then thought TOYOTA letters, with more depth, would stand out a little more.. I did get the letters finished but got side tracked by the forum.

As several comments regarding the less plastic used in the 2011 grilles vs. 2010 and older I kinda took that as a challenge. So......took the GrilleCraft off the 2011 grille used it as a guide to build up the back of the 2011 grille, and then reinstall the GrilleCraft grille on the back of the plastic assy and added some TACOMA letters I constructed while fiberglass and bondo were drying.
Not sure just how thrilled I am with the results yet, but admit it's different and most likely the only one like it in Colorado.

Cheers

Bob

 

Dude that TACOMA looks BAD ASS! How did you do those letters?

 

The positive comments are appreciated, thanks.

As I'm one who hates it when all the info is not provided, I apologize for not including the following:

The letters: I found, using graph paper, the letters needed to be appro 3 7/8" wide and 2 3/4" high to span a distance of 25 1/2". I had some scrap 1/4" plexiglass from another project and cut the letters from that, ensuring uniform height and width. I used a dremel, hand saw and small files to cut and sand the insides of the O and A letters. I elected to curve the ends but not necessary. The raw letters were full sanded front and back, primed and painted. Finished with a few coats of clear. I did not prime or paint the backs as I used clear RTV to mount the letters on the GrilleCraft grille. I kept the RTV at minimum in case I wanted to remove the letters at a later date. The grille has been on the truck for about 6 months; rough road, 4 wheeling, altitude (14,000 feet, Mt Antero) summer and winter temps have not dislodged the letters.

All in all a fairly easy project. Most time spent was ensuring the letters were square and sides straight and smooth.

Hope this helps.

Cheers

Bob

 

Go for it! I've seen a couple 1st Gens on here with a Satoshi Grill & "TOYOTA" Emblem.
Don't know if there is a "How To" write up for it though.
Belay that. TW Search for "1st Gen Satoshi" results:
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/search.php?searchid=7800972
Probably everything you need in that link.
Good Luck with it, looking forward to Pics.

Hey Bob, where ya been?
Positive Comments: Nice Job, Very Unique
Neutral Comment: Little over the top for me, but what do I know.
Truck's lookin' good
Come around more



CC

 

Finished it up yesterday...

 

Looks great, job well done.
Thanks for Postin'






Happy New Year


CC