2012-2015 Mesh Insert Install Instructions

In order to successfully install my mesh kit for the 2012-2015 Tacoma you'll need to follow the instructions posted below.
The mesh kit thread is here:
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/homertaco/332241-2012-2015-ghost-raptor-mesh-kit.html

Here is the results of the first mesh kit (Thanks V5ioV!):



When we started I noticed that the hood latch and horns were in the way. This truck is an OR and has the overhead console - the horn and sensor wires are loomed together from just in front of the battery.



I separated the wires out & relocated the horns here:



I also took a bit off the latch with an angle grinder - not sure if it would hit or not but with the new kit installed you'll need to reach between the hood & grill to release the latch now.



The first step is to separate your outer surround from the inner surround which will be modified. there are 12 torx screws and several clips that need to be released. Here you see me using a FLAT HEAD screwdriver (lol OZ) to release the clips.



A gentle twist while prying the two pieces will do the trick



Next comes the point of no return: cutting out the center of the stock inner surround. I take a set of snips and cut the thin supports on the top & bottom like this:



In order to make the cutting of the sides a bit easier to maneuver around I then cut the center bar completely out:



Again, to make it easier to maneuver I cut the leftover tabs on the top and bottom down flush:



Below you can see where we'll be cutting the sides. I've marked the line with a sharpie:



My tool of choice is the Dremmel Multi Max tool but it can also be done with a rotary tool. The important part to note with this step is to cut flat with the surface of the surround - this gives us the depth of the "lip" on the sides:



Once finished it will look like this:



My next move is to De-burr and shape the outside corner. I use a Dremmel rotary tool with a round barrel cutting tip - you could also use a sanding wheel



Sanded down with 80 grit:



Sanded with 120 grit:



Next I've got the grill sitting upside down and I've taken a sharpie and marked a straight line 1/4" from the front of the grill:



After cutting along the line there will still be 4 webbing sections like this to cut out flush:


Now for the top two corners the transition is a bit rough even after we've cut out the side pieces:



I've marked here where I'll be trimming the transition to make the lip more even:



Here's the cut sanded & smoothed:



The bottom is much like the top - simply go from the corner cut out all the way across with a sharpie again (also about 1/4"):



The end result:


(The grill in the first pic of this write up was finished to this level - an additional finishing step would be to hit this inner surround with a shot of spray paint as well)

Here is the new mesh - this will come with 4 stainless steel #8 1/2 Phillips screws.


You'll now snap your outer surround back in place and trim off all the "guide" tabs on the back - these are the flat tabs that do NOT snap into the inner surround. Included with this are the two larger tabs used for the install clips on the bottom - we won't be using them:



Using a 1/8" drill bit fasten with two screws like so:



For each side (you won't need to screw all the way in):



Now the remaining stock fasteners go back in:



And that's it!

 

Awesome! Sub'd

 

I imagine it'll be easier to understand once the words are added. I hope.....

 

easy peazy lemon squeezy!

 

Take my money already!!

 

I think so. I've got quite a few pics to add as well.

 

Mine is still stock. I am a little apprehensive of the cutting. Please be gentle, I am a virgin at this....

 

Sub'd

 

I understand already no need for txt

 

^^^^

 

Ohhh can't wait!!

 

Pics added. Text to come in a bit - I need a break.

 

Replying so I can purchase my grille. I understand the directions. Get hammer and break stuff... I got this.

 

I can't wait to get started

 

Looking good, pretty straight forward.

 

I will let my wife do the precise work. I typically take the Jeremy Clarkson approach (much like gti2taco).



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xsVX6029rU

 

OK - OP is updated and complete. Any questions?

 

Awesome Craig

 

Pretty straightforward right?