wjwerdna

Just put on a few hours ago

I used a different mesh, has square holes versus "expanded aluminum," it's plastic/durable/flexible, and is already black

I started by cutting out all the inside pieces, next I flattened all the nubs with a file. Then I took off all the burrs and old finish with an abrasive scotch-brite type pad. The mesh is held on using small zip ties and holes... barely noticeable. The mesh is fit around the lower outside mounting points, so they are retained. I did not bother fiberglassing/bondo'ing anything, and I'm glad, the side spots are not that noticeable.

Pictures below are test-fitting mesh before painting (mesh removed to paint)

Click for larger:





The new "Satoshi'd" grille doesn't arc out as much as 99 grille, so it exposes a good size gap between bumper that was previously covered. I am still waiting for my new emblem. It looked too weird without anything on the grill, so I put the old emblem on.






Shows gap, zip ties, emblem, and paint (DupliColor Graphite Wheel paint, with clear coat)

Tofer

i like it with the round logo!

olsy1984

looks sharp!!!

michalik_piotr

Looks awesome! And, I love that bumper! Too bad you're not making more for sale.... I like the lights in it a lot!

crolison

looks very good, if i didnt have a grill full of lights i would do this mod, going to paint the grill black though.

Very NICE

wjwerdna

Thanks, the round logo is starting to grow on me, when my cruiser emblem comes in, I may turnaround and sell it... not sure yet

I really hated how painted aluminum mesh turned out on a couple previous vehicles, so this plastic will make me much happier

Too bad you (probably) aren't willing to pay what it is worth for the amount of work and hours that went in to it... we'll see, maybe this summer I will have time to make 1-2.... only thing, on mine I cut off frame to weld brackets on (can unbolt later), they didn't end up cut where I thought they would be, and I didn't make a note of how much more I cut, so unless I have another 4runner in my hands, I can't make a direct bolt on

aviator

Looks great with the Logo, kind of like what I have in mind for mine.
I'm interested to know just how flexible that flexible black plastic grill is and how it will stand up to "road wear".
That bumper looks great BTW.

wjwerdna

Yeah, the stuff is very durable... you can push/poke it, but it springs back
it is definitely stronger than the aluminum stuff

aviator

I'm more curious how rigid it is when driving... you know is it solid in place like a stock set up or does it vibrate all around? I'm thinking of backlighting the logo with an LED glow pad effect is why I ask.

wjwerdna

ahh.. well it is definitely not as rigid as stock grill (those things are pretty rigid), but I think it would be pretty rigid even when driving... It doesn't "flop around" or anything, it will just take a hit (from anything big enough to move it, but not break anything else, like a tree... or another truck...) and not be dented or broke...

wjwerdna

Call Amerimax Home Products, 1-800-347-2586 to see if you can find a local dealer... stuff is like $3.50/20ft - - - Gutter Guard 6" x 20', Plastic

Sloan

looks good man

Fo_SheeZy

Looks good! And DAMN those are some huge lights in your bumper!

Jdizzydub

I'm digging the round emblem on there, definately a different route taken than when i did mine...actually looks a lot simpler than using bondo, sanding, filler, sanding, etc and you can't really see the zip ties. Nice mod, can't wait to see the cruiser emblem on there. x2 on those huge lights--gotta love it. well done

wjwerdna

lol, thanks... took me about 1.5-2 hours to cut/drill/sand/prep/paint next day zip-tied on mesh and installed 2.5 hours max from receiving new (old) grille from member on here to installed...

I'll be sure to at least test fit new emblem, I'll see then which one I stay with.

The lights in the bumper are only Hella 500(FF)'s, they are 6.3" Dia in a 7.25" (inside) Dia opening. The smaller ones are fogs picked up on sale (chrome only) at www.rallylights.com (Susquehanna Motorsports)
http://www.rallylights.com/Optilux/optilux_1000.asp
http://www.rallylights.com/hella/500FF.asp
When I'm out of school and I get a house/garage/shop/welder and all the other toys, I will then get a winch, and it will just install in a receiver slot that I will put it bumper when I get there

One_96TR4

The round emblem does look pretty good, IMO it would look even better in black pearl!

Godzilla

If you do the satoshi with actual metal mesh, bolted and not just ziptied and put a crossmember in the middle (horizontal) [thats what i did], it is very rigid,plenty strong with no vibrations and will easily hold a good amount of weight.

neq0323

looks good, personally im diggin the round emblem. i always wondered what one would look like with the emblem instead of the word toyota.

4RKidd

Looks good man, didnt know people were into doing the grille's on the 4runners. awesome though.

aviator

Thanks 'zilla thats more like what I had in mind me self...