DYI Mesh Grille - Anyone attempted this?

Was looking around at alternatives to paying 300$ for a new grille.
Anyone attempted this? Also figure it would be easier to order the pre cut, and add an emblem.

https://www.customcargrills.com/Custom-Grill-Mesh.asp

 

I built mine out of 14 ga punch plate.

 

Wow I'm impressed. How difficult was it to work with the punch plate and to get it cut to fit? What method did you use to mark the diameters before cutting?

 

Quite a few people have done this... Check out his thread here...

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/fs-3rd-gen-2016-tacoma-grill-mesh-bezels.394542/

 

Took the stock grille out, laid it on a sheet of cardboard and traced it. Cut the template out and test fitted it to the grille bezel. Traced the template onto the punch plate and cut it out with a cut off wheel. Took all of about 20 minutes. The emblem letters I cut out of 1/8" plate on the plasma table then rosette welded from the back side.

 

I bought one from that place. Pretty easy to install. It's been there for six months or so. Many miles off road. Through super hot and super cold weather. Still in place.

 

I had s custom Spartan one from him on my 1st and 2nd third gen... Head on Collison at about 60mph and the grille was still surprisingly in decent shape.... The truck was totaled. I'll find a picture....

 

lol think I may need to order one and add the lettering myself to save some cash. I will order a pre cut one instead of ordering the raw material.

 

Pretty good idea. Punch plate is 2-3 times more expensive than regular plate. I already had the material on hand is the only reason I build mine.

 

just checked out your build. love the hood vinyl. good looking truck.

 

Thank you sir.

 

I did this myself for less than $100 and a few hours of time (mostly waiting for adhesive to dry)

Custom Car Grills Grille from eBay, $25 FJ style Toyota emblem, 3M automotive body adhesive (for emblem), and plastidip for chrome outer ring. Done.