Two Mutually Exclusive Questions - Not Long

[thespecialone]

Ok so I'll be posting up a build thread soon for my '97, but two questions (for now) have me thinking:

1. Why do some TLC's have the sombrero over on the left above the Full Time 4WD badge and others its in the center?

2. Anyone have experience with aftermarket front center grille replacement? Toyota piece is $175 and aftermarkets are $60. Perhaps fitment might be a tad off but hoping someone out there has actually replaced theirs.

Thanks for your answers will be posting more frequently as I'm about to get her back from some service items (including some brand new Hankook Dynapro ATMs)

 

[ERG80]

Ok so I'll be posting up a build thread soon for my '97, but two questions (for now) have me thinking:

1. Why do some TLC's have the sombrero over on the left above the Full Time 4WD badge and others its in the center?

2. Anyone have experience with aftermarket front center grille replacement? Toyota piece is $175 and aftermarkets are $60. Perhaps fitment might be a tad off but hoping someone out there has actually replaced theirs.

Thanks for your answers will be posting more frequently as I'm about to get her back from some service items (including some brand new Hankook Dynapro ATMs)

1. 97's are the only year where the sombrero is centered in the rear. The earlier years all have them on the left side over the Awd badge.

2. Whats wrong with your grill? I would prefer to find a used parts vehicle with a grill in good shape. The $60 replacements will probably not be as good quality.

 

[DSRTRDR]

arcteryx may have a used one - CruiserYard in the Vendor section https://forum.ih8mud.com/cruiseryard/

 

[SUMMIT CRUISERS]

We put an aftermarket grill on our 92 to match the newer style valance/bumper filler that they sent. Grill was all chrome and needed a few spacers made to bolt up correctly. Here's a pic before and after paint under post #45 and #46: https://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-...ay-school-girl-backs-into-my-sons-fj80-3.html
Paint was graphite wheel paint and was shot with clear afterward.

 

[thespecialone]

1. 97's are the only year where the sombrero is centered in the rear. The earlier years all have them on the left side over the Awd badge.

2. Whats wrong with your grill? I would prefer to find a used parts vehicle with a grill in good shape. The $60 replacements will probably not be as good quality.

Thanks! Like to find out details like that for #1. My grille is shot - the center area is chipping and flaking and the chrome surround is in poor shape too. With such a prominent area, I'd like to have it looking new!

 

[arcteryx]

you cant just swap the grill from a 91-94 to a sombrero and vice versa without having fitment issues. it may fit, but it wont line up correctly. to do it correctly, you need the grill, both headlights and lower valance