2012+ Grill mod write up 'thin lip' Custom Car Grills DIY

I've seen both methods now. Epoxy vs Bolts. I'm a bit on the fence about using Epoxy (Goop) to secure my mesh as I would guess that road hazards such as debris and speeds 70+ MPH might do some unneeded relocation of a mesh grill secured with just Epoxy. If you wouldn't mind OP, keeping us in the loop as your travels take you on adventures with your truck and the long term stability of said Epoxy. It'll be a long while before I do this mod myself as I have others on the front burner I'd like to get done first. Great write up OP but keep the updates coming like every 6 months or so if possible. Thanks.

-J

 

Thanks. Will do with the updates. I too was skeptical about using the epoxy. Once it was all together it really is a sound bond. Having said that, if I could have gone with bolts I would have. Makes it easier to work on and you have the option of removing the mesh.

The problem is, there isn't enough material on the mesh or the plastic grill itself to attach any bolts. The 05-11 grills have a lot of surface area to play with. Not so on the 12+. The bottom piece of the mesh simply sits on the inner part of the grill. There just isn't enough material.

Edit: I'm sure if someone put in enough time and effort they could devise a method of installing mounting bolts.

I have been checking it just to see how it's holding up. So far so good. Nice and solid. I have noticed a whistling coming from the front. I need to investigate where it's originating from. Whether it's the mesh or something on the plastic grill.

 

subd

 

sub'd for sure.

 

Im waiting on my mesh to get here then ill be doing this with letters

 

I've been working on some letters. Got the letters cut out, sanded, and painted. Still have to cut out the centers and paint the edging. I was trying to do it without cutting out the centers, but it didn't look good. Still not sure if I will put them on when finished.

 

Anymore whistling? I had to have my first grille replaced because of whistling and I put my color matched on yesterday. Fingers crossed so far so good. I ordered the grille with the intention of doing this soon. Just have to get up the courage to cut up my new grille.

 

Nice write up - Matt makes a nice product.

 

I do have whistling, but I haven't looked into it yet. Not sure if it's the common Tacoma grill whistle, or something else. I might check it out tomorrow and try to narrow it down.

Thanks. Matt is a nice guy to deal with.

Curious to see the grill kits you're coming up with. The one 12+ grill you sold was sharp looking!

 

Agreed - I have sourced product from him several times & have referred others to his site often when I can not supply them.

Thanks - as I've stated elsewhere I'll have that available some time this coming spring. I'm working on a 4Runner project right now.

 

Sub'd!

 

You're a busy man!

 

Just an update on the first post.

 

I just finished mine using this write-up and the video on customcargrills.com. Install went smooth and is curing up now! My only advise, take your time follow OPs steps and you'll be fine.

Thinking about painting the radiator now, but it's a little windy out today.

 

Awesome! Throw up some pics if you can.

 

10-4, will do! I didn't take many pictures during the build but will snap and post some when I get it all done and installed.

 

That looks nice.

 

Sub'n

 

Here are a few pics of my finished product. Got the emblem mounted last night after work, threw it on the rig and snapped a few pics so the lighting isn't ideal. It's snowing and shitty here AGAIN today, but I'll take some additional pics in the next few days and get them posted up.