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Grille Swap: 80's Pickup/4runner to a 96 Tacoma?

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by Fenwick1993, May 19, 2013.

  1. May 19, 2013 at 8:15 PM
    #1
    Fenwick1993

    Fenwick1993 [OP] Hillbilly

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    Stonewall is the fattest 5 lug slug ever
    Got a question for you guys- does anyone know if a grille off of an 80's Toyota Pickup/4runner would fit my 96 Taco, or would I be better off getting one custom made? I just like these old-school grilles far better than what my Taco currently has, and if I can do a grille swap, I definitely will.
    This is the kind of grille in question: (On an 88 4runner, just a pic I pulled off the internet to use in this thread to show y'all which grille, since there were several out.)
    [​IMG]

    Has anyone here tried to do this before? What did you have to do to make this work? Thanks for reading, and sorry if this thread is a repeat- I saw one for a newer Hilux (overseas) to Taco swap, and one with a late-model Hilux to a Taco around my year, but none like this.
     
  2. Jun 10, 2013 at 11:06 AM
    #2
    Fenwick1993

    Fenwick1993 [OP] Hillbilly

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    Stonewall is the fattest 5 lug slug ever
    Bump. Anyone?
     
  3. Jun 10, 2013 at 4:31 PM
    #3
    veg hed

    veg hed Well-Known Member

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    I like the old school look of the 80's (and round headlights of the late 70's) but it might be harder than you think. The lights on the side of the 80s grills are more square and won't fit in the curved lights of a 96. If you leave you current lights in and just do the grill the lines of the old grill and new style lights might not line up. I guess your best bet would be to go to a junkyard and find a half decent 80's grill and try to fanangle it on somehow...If it looks good go for it. If not just put your current grill back on and hang the old school one in the garage for decor.
     
  4. Jun 16, 2013 at 6:59 PM
    #4
    Fenwick1993

    Fenwick1993 [OP] Hillbilly

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    Stonewall is the fattest 5 lug slug ever
    Yeah, that's what I'm worried about- how it fits the lights, and also whether the general dimensions are the same. I never see them in junk yards, but I could probably find one online.
    I like the looks of the first gen Tacos, but I'm really in love with the 80's Hiluxes.
     
  5. Jun 16, 2013 at 8:57 PM
    #5
    Blackdawg

    Blackdawg Dr. Frankenstein

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    No. I doubt it. Have owned both..still have access to both..not. Plus you have to swap hoods and fenders which would be weird.

    But it is possible if you have time and really want to make it all fit. Not gonna bolt up tho.
     
  6. Jun 16, 2013 at 9:08 PM
    #6
    taco terror

    taco terror 1st gen = best gen

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    Another thing is that I think the grill would be more narrow.
     
  7. Jun 16, 2013 at 9:18 PM
    #7
    Blackdawg

    Blackdawg Dr. Frankenstein

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    Yes it is. Small in ever dimension I believe.
     
  8. Jun 16, 2013 at 10:43 PM
    #8
    Ice Horse

    Ice Horse Stalking horse

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    I know it works the other way around...I think they make a kit, obviously it's not stock. Our friend bought this one from All-Pro (it's the same red one on the banner on their website). I think it's off in like New Zealand or something now...

    237094d1143682277-pics-all-pro-taco-4run_ff240a3c267b9375f41d4e5ab0579c19a1a5a031.jpg
     
    Last edited: Jun 16, 2013
  9. Jun 16, 2013 at 10:53 PM
    #9
    Blackdawg

    Blackdawg Dr. Frankenstein

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    That's a pre taco with a taco front end?
     
  10. Jun 16, 2013 at 11:03 PM
    #10
    Ice Horse

    Ice Horse Stalking horse

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    Nope it's a 4Runner with a Tacoma front clip.

    [​IMG]

    I guess what happened was they were wheeling and some guys truck popped out of gear and knocked the 4runner off a hill which it then rolled down. So he got a whole new look for it.

    I had a better picture of it somewhere but don't know where it went.
     
  11. Jun 16, 2013 at 11:05 PM
    #11
    Blackdawg

    Blackdawg Dr. Frankenstein

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    Either way pre taco tho..like late 80s early 90s..looks like a 89. And swapped a taco or 3rd gen 4 runner on it??
     
  12. Jun 16, 2013 at 11:09 PM
    #12
    Ice Horse

    Ice Horse Stalking horse

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    It's a 1986 4Runner...with a Tacoma front clip...it's not a pickup. The second picture I posted is the same truck.
     
  13. Jun 16, 2013 at 11:12 PM
    #13
    Blackdawg

    Blackdawg Dr. Frankenstein

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    Lol I know..haha I was saying it looked like it was originally a late 80s early 90 4 runner with a tacoma or 3rd gen 4runner swap(same as 1st gen tacoma).

    But either way. Interesting.
     
  14. Jun 17, 2013 at 12:32 PM
    #14
    Fenwick1993

    Fenwick1993 [OP] Hillbilly

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    Stonewall is the fattest 5 lug slug ever
    Damn... does anyone know then if somebody makes a grille for a 1st gen that looks like a hilux grille but carries the same dimensions as a 1st gen? (if that makes any sense... couldn't think of how to phrase that.)
     
  15. Jun 20, 2013 at 3:52 PM
    #15
    Ice Horse

    Ice Horse Stalking horse

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    Here's the picture I was looking for BTW

    [​IMG]
     
  16. Jun 20, 2013 at 10:24 PM
    #16
    Fiolo

    Fiolo Senior member

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    Looks kinda weird since the lines aren't the same , but that's just my opinion
     
  17. Jun 21, 2013 at 6:17 PM
    #17
    Fenwick1993

    Fenwick1993 [OP] Hillbilly

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    Stonewall is the fattest 5 lug slug ever
    Yeah, I agree. It's kinda odd, but I sorta like it.
     

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