My 2013 Retro Satoshi Style Grill Mod

Hey All,

Just wanted to share my retro Satoshi style grille mod on my 2013 TRD DCLB.
It turned out to be a little more involved than I originally thought.

I've seen all those really great looking metal mesh mods posted on the forum but wanted something that looked a little different and a little more factory like. So I decided to go with an all plastic mod using a sheet of ABS Grille Mesh I purchased on eBay.

I started off with a brand new grille and went at it.

I used 3M's Automix System. For the bonding I used the 08237 Semi-Rigid Parts Repair. This stuff worked really good. I used it to hold the mesh panel in place and to fill in the gaps.

To complete the "surround" ledge on the grille needed to attach the inset panel I ended up just using pieces of grille I cut out. I simply heated the pieces up to shape them into the proper curved shape. The plastic molded really well and once cool held its shape.

For extra support and secure the grille insert firmly to the framework I screwed stainless screws into the lower section up into the insert to hold the grille insert in place. The screws ended up a little long but I simply cut them off and ground them flush. Once painted they were not even visible.

Some sanding and shaping and it was ready for paint.
I ended up used Dupli-colour's Truck Bead Liner in a spray can. The finish and colour was exactly what I as looking for.

 

Looks good. Props for taking on the project.

 

Very nice!

 

Very nice.

 

Great job!

 

I like it, any pics on the truck?

 

Not yet. Just finished it this afternoon and haven't mounted it yet. Tomorrow I'll be adding a new lift front and back and my new wheels. Probably get to the grille this weekend at some point.

Powder coated TRD stock wheels with TRD caps and Mickey Thompson Baja STZ's LT275-70R-17

 

Nice. Let's see it on the truck now

 

Awesome grille man.

 

Busy weekend working on with the old Taco.

Got the lift, wheels and the upper and lower grille assemblies installed.

Here's a picture of the grille work.
Lower grille was removed and painted with the same bed liner paint as the upper grille.

 

Looks good!

These grills are definitely more involved than people seem to realize..

 

Looks really really good!! props in taking the extra time to locate that ABS plastic mesh, looks almost factory!! nice job!!

 

I really like that!!!!

 

Thanks for the comments.
It was a lot of messing around to make it all come together.
The 3M Automix stuff was the key. Much better than bondo.
It is as strong as the parent ABS plastic. Its expensive but it does a great job.
This is the gun I have. Used the 08237 Semi-Rigid Plastic.


What really makes the grille look good it the curved ends.
I managed to bend the mesh inserts end to fit the grille frame properly.
Already getting lots of comments on the grille from people that have seen it in person.

 

I am wanting to get the satoshi grill with the retro Toyota emblem. Does someone sell the whole grill or do you have to do this mod on your own? I've seen a lot of posts of people doing the mod, but it would be nice just to buy it done already.

 

What year is your truck?
There seems to be a lot of aftermarket grills available for the 2005-2011 Tacoma but the newer 2nd Gen's 2012-2015 are usually make-your-own. Although not a true Satoshi style grill the 2015 Tacoma TRD Pro grill can be purchased at an excessively high price.

 

Nice work. Does almost have that factory look with the mesh you used .Got a spare grill been wanting to do a satoshi. Will try something like this .Definetly original .

 

Thanks PUBCRAWL...I have a 2013 tss 4x4. I looked up the 2015 TRD Pro grill and I want it now! Yeah, the price is high and hopefully it will go down. I haven't found much saying it will fit the 2013...some say it will fit and some say I won't. I have the chrome grill shell, so if I get the TRD Pro grill I will have to get the matching shell also. Both very hard to find!

 

The Tacoma 2015 TRD Pro grille will fit your 2013 Tacoma. The Part # is PTR54-35150.

Looking online at what's available it appears that you do NOT get the grille surround which would normally come with a standard Tacoma grille.
You can reuse your original surround and paint it if needed. It's only held on to the grille insert by about 6 screws.

Taking the grille out on a 2013-2015 Tacoma is pretty straight forward and it takes me all of about 3 minutes to do so.

 

Wow great job!