Grillecraft MX Upper and Lower installed

Good to know as I really want to keep this truck for a while. I wasn't sure if I would like the glossy nature of the finish and it almost looks like a plastic coating or something, but overall I am very happy with hit. Probably won't even bother with a Satoshi now.

 

Yeah I have the chrome surround on the offroad. It doesn't bother me but I know it would look a hell of a lot better with the color matching surround and the Grillcraft grill

 

Just curious cause I'm a newbie,what's the difference between the Grillcraft and the Satoshi

 

Great post! I just ordered a Grillecraft insert for my 2012 Tacoma. The surround is presently chromed, but after the insert gets here I may get the surround painted same as my truck (Sage Mica, a dark green with gold base).

The factory grille is certainly a weak point regarding styling.

 

Grillecraft is a commercial company the makes several grille styles (billet aluminum, mesh, etc) for all kinds of trucks.

"Satoshi" is a home brew grille from a member here on Tacoma World (Homer Taco) who builds some real nice grilles strictly for Tacomas. His grilles are all the mesh style (various patterns), He offers the mesh itself, as well and a complete grille with color matched surround ready to pop in if you like. BUT Homer Taco DOES NOT not offer a grille for 2012 and newer Tacomas.

 

In addition to what others have said, the Grillcraft MX mesh is what I would consider a surface mount grill as it essentially mounts on the outside of the stock grill and the grill surround is right on top of it. With the Satoshi mod grill the mesh essentially mounts on the back side off the stock grill and creates a deep lip visible from the outside of the truck. There are also thin lip Satoshi mods but those are still not what I would consider a flush mount grill mesh.

To create the deep lip effect requires some bondo work after the center grill is cut. Search Satoshi in this forum and you will find tons of info.

 

Alright, newbie question here (though I think I already know the answer). How difficult is it to pop your hood through the grill? Ive been kicking this around in my head for a while and while something so simple as reaching in through the grill to push the tab gets all flippy floppy with the addition of a mesh grill.

-Concerned Citizen

 

When you pop your hood, you'll have a gap between the hood and your grille to stick your finger in there and unlatch it.

Edit:

 

Looks dam good op. I think you have made up my mind for a grillcraft!

 

Added lights last night......wiring later this week









I just drove to the gym and back, a round trip of about 25 miles and the eye hump factor from other Toyota trucks and a few domestics was huge.

 

What lights did you go with? I agree with eye hump, especially at red lights!

 

So based on this thread I ordered the upper grille in black. My truck has a plate bumper so no need for the lower grille.

So if I want to color match my grille surround (it is chrome now), what do I do, take it to a car paint shop and pay like $100 to get it prepared and sprayed, or ???

 

It was an impulse buy yesterday at Cabelas. They are made by Warn, Model W650D driving lights. They are 6.5 inches and everything is black other than the glass.

We will see how they work.

 

looks great.

 

What I did was order my color match one from Camelback Toyota here for $183.07 shipped. I sold my chrome one on Ebay for $150 + shipping (started at $100 and had like +10 bids.) In the end, it only cost me "$30."

 

Nice. Looking forward to see how well they work. I'm looking to buy Hellas 500ff but open to other offers.

 

Looks good!

 

Damn, you scored!

I've got my Grillecraft but am skeptical about cutting and drilling holes.

 

Although I was lucky enough to score a pre-cut grill, after going through the install process it's a lot easier than you think. Since the mesh sits on the outside of the grill, your handy work on the inside does not need to be flawless.

My skill level in the garage is low. I can handle a few projects but usually suck at anything that involves cutting or finish work. This is a pretty easy job.

 

Oh ok, thanks for the reassurance! I ain't all that either.

Just thinking ahead for resale if/when I ever have to remove the lower Grillecraft. The holes will remain there.