2012 Grill Craft with Raptor Letters?

So I purchased some Raptor Letters from Jerry over at BAMF a little while ago. I've been waiting for Homertaco to put together the mesh kit for the 2012's but I'm getting a little impatient. No offence to Homer, I know it is a long process and I know he is dedicated to providing a quality product.

Anyway, I've been researching my options of trying to make one myself. I've never used fiberglass and think it would be a very difficult task for me to try and tackle a "Santoshi" raptor style grill. However, I was toying with the idea of purchasing a grill craft (seems relatively easy to install) and attaching the TOYOTA raptor style letters to the Grill craft.

I just wanted to get some opinions. Maybe one of the photoshop gurus here can photoshop a 2012 grill craft with the TOYOTA Raptor Letters? What are your guys thoughts. Thinking about tackling this in the near future.

Thanks,

Perry

 

All I can say is that the Grillcraft is easy to install just take your time and make sure its centered. I installed one on my '13. The Raptor letters should look pretty cool. Are the letters painted? Reason why I ask is I see a lot in black it my look really cool doing a black grill with a contrasting letter set up. Just a suggestion. I didn't put anything on my grill but I also have a led bar setup behind the grill.

 

been contemplating doing this very thing myself....waiting for replies

 

Ive been thinking about doing that to. 200 for the mesh and 50 for the letters isnt to bad. If you do it. Please do a write up and post alot of pics.

 

Was looking to do the same thing in for pics if you do it

Anyone know places to buy the raptor style letters?

 

Jerry @ BAMF has the letters

 

Thanks for the Replies guys.

Valsmere - I like your suggestion of a contrasting color for the letters. I haven't painted them yet because I don't know what color will look best. Any and all suggestions are welcome. Note: My truck is black and I am purchasing the black grill craft.

MrSmith253 - You can purchase the Raptor Style letters for Jerry at BAMF. He's a member on this site. Here is his website : www.bayareametalfab.com

When I get around to installing it I will make sure to do a write-up with pics.

Anyone know where the cheapest place to grab a black grill craft upper? I am hoping to have one ordered by today.

Thanks,

Perry

 

I saw them on ebay for $199

 

a vendor on here had them at around $170 shipped...cant find the thread now though.
maybe TAOScott has em or truckalterations.com?

 

Yes I believe you are right truckalterations.com

 

did you get (Tacoma or Toyota letters) both look sick

 

60% of the time, im right every time.

 

It would probably look very good. Not sure how much room the raptor letters take up, but the grillcraft has a usable flat area of around 29-30 inches before the grill angles in to conform to the grill surround. Whereas I think the deep lip Satoshi might provide several more inches due to the fact that it is flat all the way across. Most of the Raptor style Satoshi grills I have seen the letters seem to take up all the usable space on the mesh. Just something to think about.

 

Can anyone photoshop the raptor letters on the picture? Thanks in advanced

 

I got the Toyota letters. I was debating which letters to get but finally went with the Toyota letters.

 

Just ordered mine last friday from http://www.uniqueautodepot.com/ they had upper and lower GC black mesh in stock. shipped same day. Called truckalterations.com and they were on back order.

Used coupon code "holiday" at uniqueautodepot for additional 10% off, total came out to $250 and some change.

Hope that helps

 

Thanks for the info. I am contacting them now to see how long it's going to take to get a 2012 grille craft. I'll keep you guys posted.

-Perry

 

Not sure if you already saw this thread, but I found it last night and it looks like the best idea you are going to get of how it looks without someone photoshopping you a mock image:
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacoma-marketplace/302154-2012-2014-raptor-style-grill.html

Not a grillcraft but nevertheless a flush grille. To me the recessed satoshi looks better with the lettering, otherwise flush letters seem to look more slapped on than anything. Just my personal opinion. I wish it was easier for us 12+ owners to get our hands on raptor mesh without having to satoshi our own grilles or pay out of the ass for one.

 

Here are 2 quick photoshop mock ups I did. The thread I linked above is still going to give you the best impression of how it will look.

 

Seems a lot of us would like a cleaner looking grille. I have a 2012 myself and the factory grille is about as ugly as one could come up with.

The GrilleCraft mesh would be a good start, but Jeez $200 for a piece of mesh!! Seriously it is worth $25 tops, formed like that makes it worth more, but $200 feels ridiculous to me. AutoAnything has a 20% off deal at the moment so if you have to buy it save some $$.

I am thinking of buying some mesh at Home Depot (about $20 for a piece big enough for two) and cutting it to size then clean the oily stuff off and painting it. Would still have to cut apart the stock grille and do some body filler work and then paint the thing body color on the outside (mine is chromed) and black on the inside. So this is a lot of work and I have not tackled it.