Satoshi - Bud Light Mod

Ok ok...I know there are a lot of threads on the Satoshi mod but I figured it would be nice to share since I don't have much experience in auto body work and everything is going well.

So, just got my used silver OEM grille from ebay today $110 shipped. Started at about 6:30 and called it quits at about 10:30, even worked in a pizza. So far, I've taped off the grille, cut out the black plastic middle, sanded the recessed section (used Craftmans 7 in 1 verison tool - highly recommend), filled recessed side sections with scrap from middle cut-out piece, epoxied, and drimeled out the side triangles.

So far so good! Will apply finish putty, let dry and sand tomorrow (if time allows). Next I'll paint and attach my mesh from customcargrills.com ($60) with epoxy. Will give more updates.

Oh yea, I almost forgot...the BudLight box did most of the work. He kept me focused and held the grille the whole time.

 

Awesome bro, looks like you are making some serious progress. Keep us updated, looking forward to the finished look!

 

Can't wait to see the finished product...!!

 

maybe that's why he didn't finish

 

LOL pretty good thread name. What you accomplished in the course of an evening took me two weeks. Lookin good so far!

 

Thanks for the props fellas. I should start on phase two tonight. I think I made a lot of progress last night due to the tools I was using. The drimel is awesome and has 1000 uses. I figured the money I'd save doing the Satoshi myself would pay for the Drimel ($60 at lowes). The Craftsman's 7 in 1 Tool ($100 at Sears) was originally purchased for my bathroom renovations (which was delayed due to mods on my TACO...LOL) and really speeds up the time for sanding.

I've worked construction through college so I know how to prep dry walls and patch holes...hopefully it's not too different on the plastic recessed section....any suggestions? I'll hit it with about 300 grit sand paper, and finish it off with 800 for a smooth finish then use Krylon Fusion for plastic paint (used the same on my BHLM and badges)...I hope this is a good route. I'll let you guys know what the verdict is.

Oh yea...don't tell my GF (or whatever she is) that this is the project that kept me from chatting on the phone with her for hours last night (shooting myself in the head)...I'm supposed to be working on the bathroom...LOL.

 

Ok Phase two...not so smooth...lol. So got in from work and checked my epoxy. It held up strong, so I applied the finishing putty. Let it dry for about an hour while I performed a grilled chicken and baked potato mod...num num!

Checked the bondo work...still wasn't dry and begin to crack. Two additional hours later...still drying and cracking even worse. Does any one have any suggestions? Maybe I packed too much on? Maybe I used the wrong finishing putty (bondo from Walmart)? I plan on letting it dry over night, sanding it down this weekend and then applying a new layer of finishing putty. Hope this works. I'm sure I can get it right eventually but if their are any vets out there that have a better way please share! Thanks TW!

 

Lookin good!

What are you gonna do to release the hood latch? I've looked at alot of other satoshi threads and maybe I missed it, or maybe they disnt say. I'm at that point where I need some ideas for that before I finish mine.
Thanks!

 

Thanks man! I just ran out to the truck and checked, I don't think this mod effects the hood release latch. When you pull the lever from the cabin, the hood pops up enough were you can slide your finger over the top of the grille but under the hood to release the hood. Did that answer your question or am I way off?...lol.

 

I never even thought of doin it that way! I feel like a retard!

That totally answeres my question.

Thanks!

 

Ok, since my last update I have done a lot of sanding...lol. So I sanded down the red bondo only to find I needed to refill some cracks. So reapplied, then waited several hours before sanding again. Purchased "Filler" Primer from Autozone and applied first coat. Let dry over night since it was late. Next morning, not satisfied with finish so sanded again and applied more bondo. Sanded and then applied MORE bondo with my finger tips to mold to perfection...lol. Sanded again!!! (this took the course of over 2 days as I took my time and made sure everything was completely dry between sandings).

Applied second and third coat of primer. Water sanded with 400 and then 800 grit until finish was smooth as plastic. Sprayed first coat of Valspar Satin Black paint. Not satisfied with the finish (noticed a few rough spots from sanding). Pulled out the 400 and 800 grit and water sanded one more time. Applied second and then third coat of paint. Grill looks great!

Let dry over night. I plan to borrow some old tin snips tonight from my grandfather to cut out the mesh then attach with epoxy. Will let dry tonight and touch up any imperfections tomorrow. Hopefully I'll have a finished Satoshi by tomorrow. I have taken several days off on this project and been very patient with the drying and sanding...I recommend this to anyone who is performing this project as well. Cheers!

 

looks good man, good job!

 

Just curious how come you used spot putty instead of bondo. spot putty is best used for smaller dings and such.

 

great work! nice and clean!

 

Looking good so far... I'm subscribed! Props for pic's of the finished product - even though you bought some stuff from BLOWE'S....

 

Response to 270: I didn't realize I used spot putty, this was all walmart had...lol. The tube says Bondo...so far it seems to hold up. I'll let everyone know if I have any problems with it.


Ok everyone...finally! After tons and tons of patience’s and sand paper, the Satoshi is COMPLETE!!!

So I molded my mesh by hand to the back of the Grille. Attached with...don't laugh...Hot Glue! I did not plan this but the gun was just laying next to the table I was working on (at my grandparents house) so I decided to use this as a method to hold the mesh tight while the epoxy dries. The hot glue has worked well...I guess I might have a different story for you this summer in the heat...HA.

Well anyways...check out the pics! I'll post more today or tomorrow once I install on the truck. All that's left now is sell all my chrome side steps and bull bar, purchase some black sliders, black XD Monsters and a skid plate.

Any questions or feedback just let me know!

 

Looks Good! Now we gotta get you some lights behind it...

 

Looks great man!!! Good job!!!

 

Thanks! Stopping by AutoZone today for some Hella's!

 

Pics mounted on the TACO. Maybe not as precise as Blackhawk (who does incredible work) but not too bad for no bondo experience...lol.


Last pic totally unrelated to the Satoshi mod but a pic of my DVD touch screen 09Doright8126 helped me install a few weeks back. Looks craAAAzzyy...