traxxi2003

When I first learned about the Satoshi mod, I didn’t really cared for it much. That was until I came across “Blcktpgsr’s 97 Black 4Runner. His truck in my opinion has to be the one of the best looking 3rd Gen 4Runner out there. So, the credit goes to “Blcktpgsr’s" for the Satoshi/PIAA Lights Mod. In his version of the Satoshi Mod, he incorporated a set of PIAA 520’s Off-road lights on the grill. I like it so much, that I had to copy it. Anyway here are some pictures I took along the way. Enjoy!

The following three pics were taken after cutting the OEM Toyota Emblem:






For the Mesh, I was able to get a pre-cut piece at my local Home Depot for $2.69. Here are some pics of the unpainted mesh after I was done cutting it:





Next, it was time to cover the holes that were left on the grill after cutting the center piece. I used fiber glass & Bondo to cover the holes.






Next it was time to cut the top of the grill in order to make room for the PIAA 520's:





Finally, after some painting and cleaning, here are some pics showing the finished grill:








To secure the mesh firmily to the grill frame, I glued some studs with epoxy to the grill frame:






This mod is not 100% done, I still need to install the lights to the truck and fabricate some brackets for the lights. At soon as I'm done I will update with more pictures. Thanks!

aviator

Looks very sharp traxxi, love that TRD logo... don't forget to cut off some of the excess on the logo mounting studs... can't wait to see the finished product.

wiggin

Clean work and execution. I especially like the trim around the cut outs for the 520s...it's details like that that take the mod to another level. Looking forward to seeing it complete!

wardriver

This is looking really good. Keep the pic's coming.

Ron Helmuth

looking great!

1styota4X4

awesome work I wish I had a steady hand to do stuff like that i always cut to much out...measure 3 times cut once wrong...lol

michael1963

Oh man that looks good. I just added something else to me 'me-do-list'. I really have to stop looking at all these mods...it's driving my wife crazy!

traxxi2003

Ok, here is a litle update, I just got done making the brackets for the lights, They seem like a little to "overkill" but I want it to make sure that they would not vibrate once installed. I should be done with installation tomorrow, weather permiting! Here are some pictures:

jbtvt

Nice clean work. Expanded metal is a tough sell over mesh lath for 10x the price.

Two questions for you - What tool did you use to cut the semi-circles in the grill, and what are the trim pieces around them?

aviator

Good looking mounts... nice and beefy...

4ever4running

iTrader: (1)

Hey Jose, that TRD emblem and location looks really familiar...I wonder where you could have gotten the idea from


Just kidding man, the Satoshi looks great! I can't wait to see it with the lights mounted up!

traxxi2003

Hey Jim, sorry for stealing your idea on the TRD emblem, but man, I had to do it, you will agree with me, they do look good! don't they? O I also noticed the TRD emblem on the scoop, you can bet on it, that is on my list of upcoming mods. Thanks Jim!!

traxxi2003

Thanks "jbtvt" for your comments! to answer your questions; the two semi circle opening on the grill were cut using my trusty dremel tool. For the black trim pieces, I use regular door edge rubber trim strips (from Pepboys). You know the ones you put along the door edges to prevent dents or paint chips.

traxxi2003

Hey Jimmy, what did you use for the mesh on your satoshi grill?

4ever4running

iTrader: (1)

Haha its all good man. Yeah they do look really good, and they were a lot cheaper than some of the other emblems so you can't go wrong with them.

Yeah that was a little something I added when I got my sport hood

I actually ordered the mesh off of eBay...here is a link to the store that I got it from: http://stores.ebay.com/MetroSellers-...4.l1513&_pgn=1. I bought it in black but it doesn't look like they carry it in black anymore, but they do have chrome and aluminum and I'm sure that you could paint it if you wanted to.

blcktpgsr

Looking good so far..can't wait to see the end result.

I would suggest tying both the brackets with horizontal bar or bars which reinforces each light mount to eliminate any vibrations and movement.

traxxi2003

I just got done with the Satoshi/PIAA 520's MOD in my truck. Once again the credit for this MOD goes to “Blcktpgsr’s. It was from his truck I copied the idea of combining the Satoshi grill and a set of PIAA 520's. I hope you guys like it. Well here are the pics:

















Well, I think the MOD came out as I was expecting. Next add on will be a set of PIAA Fog lights. Thanks for all your comments!

aviator

looks very sweet trax... you need to change out those orange lenses for some clears though imo... that orange throws off the whole look...

95blackToy

Wow that looks great! Awesome job. And orange lenses?^^^ i dont see any orange

trdwssrs

Turned out great! good work