TACOMA GRILL SCREEN RADIATOR PROTECTOR

I know there is a bit of this on the forum. Got some nice medium duty mesh from the Home Depot Store and went at it. Didn't want to use any tie wraps, and it fits nice and flush to the grill. Had to use two pieces - but it tack welded together very easy. Cut very nice with tin snips. Just did not like those larger than life openings in my grill. Had to open a case of beer to get the template material. Hmmm what to do with the cans ?? Regards Scott

After a two hour drive to a job site in 90's weather - No rise in engine temp. -- No wind noise -- and the ADAS worked perfect after unplugging it and removing and re-installing the sensor. (I did not key up the vehicle during the whole process).

 

Nicely done! You put in some good work. Probably a good preventative maintenance idea

I probably would have painted it black beforehand just so it’s harder to see but to each their own

 

Yeah, I have to admit that looks pretty good, well done OP! Now I have never had anything hit my radiator heavy and large enough to do any real damage, but I guess you never know.

 

Looks great OP. Nice craftsmanship!

 

I waited until the screen was done and fitted - then primed and painted it black. Maybe it is just hard to see in the photos. Was also able to fit a piece of heavy duty material down low for the lower part of the radiator. That was the easy one with the grill removed.

 

That looks fabulous.

 

Thanks for the nice write-up, been thinking on solution for same issue.

 

I am happy to answer any questions if it will help guide someone else who may want to do the same.

 

I'll take one

 

Looks good, I like the color.

I would check with Toyota service. I cannot remember but you may need to have your ADAS recalibrated since you unplugged the radar.

 

That was my only concern. I really did not roadtest it for that yet. Didn't really read about any un-pluging issues. But you never know !! Thank-you for the heads up.

 

Looks nice OP, great job!!!

 

That's exactly what I've been looking for! However, I don't have the skills, time, or patience to do it myself. Some enterprising person on the board should make them and sell them for a reasonable price (hint, hint).

 

I've been wanting to pick up some black metal window screen to do the exact same thing. Nice job with the cuts and mounting.

 

Lowes carries similar mesh in 2'x3' size. It will allow you to cut a single piece, without having to weld it.
I use similar mesh (with sharper inside corners) on house doors with glass windows. Makes is harder to break glass and to turn the door lock from the inside.
Oil rubbed bronze, so it will look black inside the gril. Aluminum.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Hillman-24-in-x-36-in-Aluminum-Decorative/1000035085

Here is a black one, do not need to paint.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/M-D-24-in-x-3-ft-Aluminum-Sheet-Metal/1000243337

 

Interesting. I have most of a 4X8 sheet of expanded sheet like that. Maybe I’ll take a swing at one.
When we bought my wife’s Jeep, the dealer had a similar grill insert in some vehicles for the modest price of 900.00. I made a far better quality, bolt-in one in about an hour and had it powder coated.
Cool idea, might be a fun project.
One more layer of protection to keep gravel and other crap out of the radiator.

 

Am I the only one who wonders what ADAS stands for It reads like he is referring to the TSS system, or Toyota Safety Sense, but I have never seen ADAS referred to anywhere. Just wondering...

 

Post #10 -- "I would check with Toyota service. I cannot remember but you may need to have your ADAS recalibrated since you unplugged the radar."

Hi Oogielaflick I actually have no idea either !! Post number 10 referred to it, and I guessed the member was referring to the fact that I had to unplug the radar ? sensor that is part of the grill. I simply added to my original post - that nothing was affected in any way after the job was completed and the vehicle was driven long enough to test. I did not mean to confuse you here nor act like a tech in any way. Regards Scott

Anyway -- you gotta love Google !!

What does ADAS stand for in cars?
Advanced Driver Assist Systems

Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS) come in many forms: from systems that apply the brakes if they sense an imminent crash (Autonomous Emergency Braking) to ones that help maintain a constant distance from the car ahead (Adaptive Cruise Control) to others that help keep the vehicle in the lane (Lane Keep Assistance).

Now we both know !!

 

Hey Scott! Thanks for the info. Apparently that is a description used in general by the auto industry then, but I had never seen or heard of it, only the TSS which of course, is what Toyota calls it. Toyota of course, does refer to the cruise control that utilizes the TSS system, as Adaptive Cruise Control, which of course, I never use, as I much prefer classic cruise control, which is what I use all the time. I use google all the time but it didn't occur to me to google ADAS! Much appreciate the clarification! Thanks!

 

Hi Keith That's what keeps us coming back to this site !! I learn as I go !! I'm still on the fence about the radar cruise control. Best Regards Scott