Getting rid of previous owner's bling – Custom Grill

[MINO]

I bought my rig with the unfortunate modifications of a billet grill and 20" chrome rims. I saw this as a plus since it was obvious the previous owners wouldn't take it off-road past a gravel parking lot to get a christmas tree.

So, I've dispatched the 20's and got a set of stock rims. Decided to paint the billet to hide the bling, which is not me at all. Painting it still wasn't enough. I didn't feel like dropping 80-120 for used or new OE replacements (plus shipping).

So I bought 1/4 hexagon steel mesh from McmasterCarr for $35 or so. My buddy donated a Tundra toyota badge sitting in his shop. A little trimming, some pop-rivets, epoxy, and bedliner paint - here are the results.

Billet Grill painted black (not enough to hide it):

Hex Mesh - felt too naked. Needed something to catch the eye:

Hex Mesh + T Badge

Overall, I'm happy with the results considering my situation.
I found a 60 "Toyota" nameplate that I think I'll try too.

 

[ybhc]

That's rather styling.

But it needs to spell out toyota, because toyotas with toyota spelled out on the grille are the best toyotas.

 

[NLXTACY]

This is a missed opportunity to upgrade to the Lexus badge

 

[SoCal FZJ80]

80 Series Billet Grille

Want to achieve getting the Toyota Spelled Across the front??? I'll trade you an old-school Original 80 series Grille for your Billet Insert and trim ring. (black paint is ok as long as there are no cracks). If interested, let me know. I have a project I want the billet style for.

 

[Montymitch]

I know what your license plate number is.
Looks good!

 

[veeLC]

That's rather styling.

But it needs to spell out toyota, because toyotas with toyota spelled out on the grille are the best toyotas.

....True, very true

 

[MINO]

The "toyota" badge is on it's way.

 

[skintunes]

The trick setup is honey comb mesh and TOYOTA logo from an FJ40 - avail aft mkt for cheap. Would look nasty on that truck

 

[skintunes]

What bedliner was used on bumper/hood?? - looks good

 

[MINO]

What bedliner was used on bumper/hood?? - looks good

Thanks. I used the duplicolor bedliner from pepboys. I used 2 cans to do the fenders, hood, grill and front bumper.

I was looking at the 40 nameplate but ended up buying a 60 since they were easier to find and cheaper.

 

[Dan2722]

Big fan of the blacked out mesh grill. I used the 60 series emblem which is somewhat blocked in this picture.

 

[MINO]

Big fan of the blacked out mesh grill. I used the 60 series emblem which is somewhat blocked in this picture.

I think it looks great. Glad I got the 60 which should be here soon.
I also need to black out the chrome trim around the lights like you. Do I just need to mask it off or is the trim is removable?

 

[Dan2722]

I think it looks great. Glad I got the 60 which should be here soon.
I also need to black out the chrome trim around the lights like you. Do I just need to mask it off or is the trim is removable?

The trim is removable. I removed all of the trim and the grill when I painted them. It only takes a few minutes to remove and is all held together by a few phillips head screws.

 

[6t9rs]

I bought my rig with the unfortunate modifications of a billet grill and 20" chrome rims.

So I will prob do the same thing as what you have done, I like it a lot, not into the whole chrome thing, but I do like the the grill you took off, is it black? don't suppose your getting rid of it????

 

[MINO]

So I will prob do the same thing as what you have done, I like it a lot, not into the whole chrome thing, but I do like the the grill you took off, is it black? don't suppose your getting rid of it????

I'm selling the billet piece if you want it. say, $10USD + actual shipping cost?
I painted it with bedliner black, so you may want to sandblast and redo the black if you dont want the texture.


Finally got the TOYOTA nameplate. I like it much better.

 

[azTony]

Now you have more painting to do

 

[MINO]

i know! Thank you for making it ...um... way more obvious!

 

[6t9rs]

I'm selling the billet piece if you want it. say, $10USD + actual shipping cost?
I painted it with bedliner black, so you may want to sandblast and redo the black if you dont want the texture.

As much as it sounds good, I don't think the transport costs to Australia would be wise....although if it isn't to dear, I certainly would consider it
bedliner black would've been fine.

Finally got the TOYOTA nameplate. I like it much better.

Looks much better with Toyota Nameplate