TRD Pro Grille Retrofit 98-2000 tacoma

I was inspired to make this after I saw some pictures on the unique mod section in 1st gens. I bought a TRD grille on OfferUp and went to work!
I used a Dremel to cut the inside of the TRD grill out of the frame. And then I did the same for my 2000 grille.

Lots of measuring and going back and forth.



I made sure to leave myself as much room for error as possible, and left the most pieces on the TRD PRO grille. Then I would go back and cut after measuring. Same process repeating until it fits good.



I used JB weld to cement it in place. I also wanted to paint the letters white because my truck is black and I love the look of the white letters! Masking was a pain... I scuffed the letters with some high grit sandpaper and used self etching primer. Then sprayed with arctic white enamel paint.



It came out pretty good with a tiny peel at the bottoms of the letter “A”. I made sure to use an wxacto knife as I peeled away from the letters and it was the best method to get clean lines.



I am pretty happy how this came out. I decided against clear coat as I’ve read that it fades the white into a yellow color. Then I reinstalled the letters held on by 4 screws in the back. I also had to cut some plastic from the bottom of the grill where a a sensor goes on the 3rd gens I believe. This has to be cut, in order for your grille to fit back inside the mounts on the truck, otherwise it won’t let it sit flush.



I was a little sloppy with the JB weld for sure. But I know it’s not going anywhere haha! I will go back and sand it later but for now I was ecstatic to fit back on the truck. My truck isn’t a looker either, but man does it look cool with the TRD Pro Grille! I hope this helped anyone who wants to do this for 98-2000 Tacoma!
Side note, I’m getting a new bumper in the next month so it’ll look way better after I have installed. I’ll update with a pic when I get it!
Before:
After:

 

Looks great. Nice work.

 

Thanks! It may have added 15HP!

 

Looks good