1. Welcome to Tundras.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tundra discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other Tundra owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

DIY: TOYOTA “Raptor” Lettering Install for 2nd Gen Tundra Mesh Grills

Discussion in '2nd Gen Tundras (2007-2013)' started by csuviper, Feb 27, 2014.

  1. Feb 27, 2014 at 9:35 PM
    #1
    csuviper

    csuviper [OP] Moderator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jan 6, 2014
    Member:
    #38
    Messages:
    17,283
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Brian
    Broomfield, CO
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRD Sport CM 5.7L 4X4
    Some Mods :) See build thread for details
    I recently asked Jerry at Bay Area Metal Fab for some “Raptor” style lettering that was sized correctly for the Tundra grill. He probably already had the idea just needed the jump to fabricate them. I actually wanted TUNDRA instead but the letter designs were already made for TOYOTA. I jumped on this after I recently installed my Grillcraft grill. Below is the procedure I went through to install the lettering.

    Link to Grillcraft Grill
    Link to Raptor Letters

    Link to Grillcraft Grill install


    First step was to clean and paint the letters. I used a self-etching primer and then a flat black paint to cap it off.
    IMG_9380.jpg IMG_9391.jpg

    Next I had to figure out how to get the letters on straight and level. I decided to use some blue painters tape that I had laying around to make the bottom line for all the letters. Then I determined the best spacing of the letters and used that total length to mark the beginning and ending with tape.

    IMG_9408.jpg IMG_9410.jpg IMG_9413.jpg

    I used string to identify the centers between each letter. This made it easy for each letter to be centered within the space between strings.
    IMG_9414.jpg IMG_9415.jpg

    Next was installation. 3M super strength molding tape was used. This was the best stuff the auto store had. Strips of the tape were cut and applied to the metal. Since it is cold outside the metal was cold and the adhesion was not as strong as desired. I decided to use a heat gun to warm up the metal and the tape for better adhesion. The heat gun idea worked very well and the tape seemed to be stuck on good.

    IMG_9412.jpg

    IMG_9411.jpg IMG_9416.jpg

    I started applying the letters one by one to the grill starting with the outside letters and moved toward the center. The heat gun came in handy here as well. The grill mesh and the tape were heated to a warm temp before pushing them on. I used the lower blue tape as the guide for the bottom of the letter and just eyeballed the center between strings. As I was applying I used a level on the top of the letters as I wanted to get them placed as best as I could the first time. Once leveled and placed, I pushed them on hard to ensure adhesion. Tape was then removed to complete the project.

    IMG_9415.jpg





    IMG_9419.jpg IMG_9425.jpg
     

    Attached Files:

    Last edited: Feb 14, 2016
  2. Feb 27, 2014 at 9:52 PM
    #2
    TruckyTruck

    TruckyTruck Dumbest Username

    Joined:
    Jan 6, 2014
    Member:
    #20
    Messages:
    3,613
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Gary
    Texas
    That looks awesome man! Nice install
     
  3. Feb 28, 2014 at 5:01 AM
    #3
    brad1221

    brad1221 New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 19, 2014
    Member:
    #144
    Messages:
    136
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Brad
    Woodbridge
    Vehicle:
    2010 salsa red crewmax trd offroad
    Bhlm, 3/1, trd sway bar, rhino liner bed liner, smittybuilt nerf bars and trifold soft bed cover, moto metal 18's( willing to trade if local) with nittos. Bam 6" exhaust.
    That turned out awesome man
     
    PureTundra likes this.
  4. Feb 28, 2014 at 6:39 AM
    #4
    T-Rex266

    T-Rex266 Elon approved Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jan 5, 2014
    Member:
    #6
    Messages:
    155,621
    Gender:
    Male
    Looks damn good!
     
  5. Feb 28, 2014 at 8:12 PM
    #5
    imowlawns

    imowlawns New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 28, 2014
    Member:
    #276
    Messages:
    6
    Gender:
    Male
    Awsome man
     
  6. Mar 29, 2014 at 6:45 PM
    #6
    csuviper

    csuviper [OP] Moderator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jan 6, 2014
    Member:
    #38
    Messages:
    17,283
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Brian
    Broomfield, CO
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRD Sport CM 5.7L 4X4
    Some Mods :) See build thread for details
  7. Mar 29, 2014 at 7:03 PM
    #7
    JonasSacredTundra

    JonasSacredTundra New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 2, 2014
    Member:
    #278
    Messages:
    93
    Gender:
    Male
    Looks great man - I saw this on tacoma worl and was thinking of doing the exact same thing you did. Awesome work and job
     
    PureTundra likes this.
  8. Mar 29, 2014 at 7:14 PM
    #8
    T-Rex266

    T-Rex266 Elon approved Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jan 5, 2014
    Member:
    #6
    Messages:
    155,621
    Gender:
    Male
    Where is this?

    Edit: is that Bella I spy in there?
     
  9. Mar 29, 2014 at 7:37 PM
    #9
    csuviper

    csuviper [OP] Moderator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jan 6, 2014
    Member:
    #38
    Messages:
    17,283
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Brian
    Broomfield, CO
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRD Sport CM 5.7L 4X4
    Some Mods :) See build thread for details
    Thank you. I really like the look.
     
    PureTundra and JonasSacredTundra like this.
  10. Mar 29, 2014 at 7:37 PM
    #10
    csuviper

    csuviper [OP] Moderator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jan 6, 2014
    Member:
    #38
    Messages:
    17,283
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Brian
    Broomfield, CO
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRD Sport CM 5.7L 4X4
    Some Mods :) See build thread for details
    That empty lot off 120th opposite your gym. By the storage place.
    Yep, Bella in the front seat.
     
  11. Mar 29, 2014 at 7:43 PM
    #11
    T-Rex266

    T-Rex266 Elon approved Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jan 5, 2014
    Member:
    #6
    Messages:
    155,621
    Gender:
    Male
    I don't train there anymore...I'm at Armburst now.
     
  12. Mar 29, 2014 at 8:46 PM
    #12
    csuviper

    csuviper [OP] Moderator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jan 6, 2014
    Member:
    #38
    Messages:
    17,283
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Brian
    Broomfield, CO
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRD Sport CM 5.7L 4X4
    Some Mods :) See build thread for details
    Last edited: Mar 29, 2014
    TT-Truckin likes this.
  13. Apr 15, 2014 at 11:04 PM
    #13
    csuviper

    csuviper [OP] Moderator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jan 6, 2014
    Member:
    #38
    Messages:
    17,283
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Brian
    Broomfield, CO
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRD Sport CM 5.7L 4X4
    Some Mods :) See build thread for details
    Letters are still firmly attached :)
     
  14. Jun 6, 2014 at 5:17 PM
    #14
    tdrew34

    tdrew34 New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 5, 2014
    Member:
    #439
    Messages:
    1
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2012 Magnetic Gray DC RW
    I really like this where did you get the letters?
     
  15. Jun 6, 2014 at 9:14 PM
    #15
    csuviper

    csuviper [OP] Moderator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jan 6, 2014
    Member:
    #38
    Messages:
    17,283
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Brian
    Broomfield, CO
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRD Sport CM 5.7L 4X4
    Some Mods :) See build thread for details
    Bay Area Metal Fab
     
  16. Sep 22, 2014 at 3:53 PM
    #16
    Ttundra08

    Ttundra08 New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2014
    Member:
    #627
    Messages:
    1
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dennis
    Vehicle:
    2008 Std Tundra V6
    New Lights
    Just updated mine with smoke LED head lights by SPYDER would really look good on your truck
     
  17. Sep 22, 2014 at 4:08 PM
    #17
    tapout24

    tapout24 New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 24, 2014
    Member:
    #575
    Messages:
    74
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    07 black tundra
    6 inch lift 18 inch tires, black trail lights, tinted windows, flower master
    Tired of grill yet buddy ;)
     
  18. Sep 22, 2014 at 8:01 PM
    #18
    csuviper

    csuviper [OP] Moderator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jan 6, 2014
    Member:
    #38
    Messages:
    17,283
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Brian
    Broomfield, CO
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRD Sport CM 5.7L 4X4
    Some Mods :) See build thread for details
    Nope. Still love it
     
  19. Sep 22, 2014 at 8:23 PM
    #19
    ODSteve

    ODSteve New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 7, 2014
    Member:
    #360
    Messages:
    635
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Steven
    Vehicle:
    2012 Thundra SR5 TRD CrewMax
    K&N Filter, Low Profile tool box.
    Did you final do the grill lights? Is that what the three orange reflectors are?
     
  20. Sep 23, 2014 at 3:02 PM
    #20
    csuviper

    csuviper [OP] Moderator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jan 6, 2014
    Member:
    #38
    Messages:
    17,283
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Brian
    Broomfield, CO
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRD Sport CM 5.7L 4X4
    Some Mods :) See build thread for details
    Lol. No i haven't done the lights yet. The image above is just a photoshop of an idea. Not sure when i will get to it.
     
    ODSteve likes this.
  21. Aug 30, 2015 at 6:53 PM
    #21
    csuviper

    csuviper [OP] Moderator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jan 6, 2014
    Member:
    #38
    Messages:
    17,283
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Brian
    Broomfield, CO
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRD Sport CM 5.7L 4X4
    Some Mods :) See build thread for details
    Recent picture. Still holding strong. The paint on the letters does have chips in it. Expected in Colorado.

    image.jpg
     
    Last edited: Aug 30, 2015
    rons23 and TruckyTruck like this.
  22. Nov 4, 2015 at 2:17 PM
    #22
    LOTSOFTOYS

    LOTSOFTOYS Toyota Whisperer

    Joined:
    Jun 9, 2015
    Member:
    #1396
    Messages:
    1,246
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jace
    Mile high
    Vehicle:
    2005 Tundra DBL cab
    So you would recommend that tape still?
     
  23. Nov 4, 2015 at 4:48 PM
    #23
    csuviper

    csuviper [OP] Moderator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jan 6, 2014
    Member:
    #38
    Messages:
    17,283
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Brian
    Broomfield, CO
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRD Sport CM 5.7L 4X4
    Some Mods :) See build thread for details
    Absolutely
     
  24. Nov 4, 2015 at 4:49 PM
    #24
    LOTSOFTOYS

    LOTSOFTOYS Toyota Whisperer

    Joined:
    Jun 9, 2015
    Member:
    #1396
    Messages:
    1,246
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jace
    Mile high
    Vehicle:
    2005 Tundra DBL cab
    I shall search for it soon then!
     
  25. Nov 5, 2015 at 5:21 AM
    #25
    TruckLife900

    TruckLife900 I'd rather B hunting

    Joined:
    Oct 29, 2015
    Member:
    #2033
    Messages:
    492
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2013 White SR5
    I have used the 3M super strength molding tape with good results. Not in the same application, mine was for a "SVT" badge on my 94 Mustang Cobra. As you know... clean both surfaces properly and apply at ideal temps.
     
  26. Nov 8, 2015 at 1:03 PM
    #26
    LOTSOFTOYS

    LOTSOFTOYS Toyota Whisperer

    Joined:
    Jun 9, 2015
    Member:
    #1396
    Messages:
    1,246
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jace
    Mile high
    Vehicle:
    2005 Tundra DBL cab
    BRIAN, is your grill curved at all or is it flat? Should I be worried about attaching flat letters to a curved grill?
     
  27. Nov 8, 2015 at 1:48 PM
    #27
    csuviper

    csuviper [OP] Moderator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jan 6, 2014
    Member:
    #38
    Messages:
    17,283
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Brian
    Broomfield, CO
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRD Sport CM 5.7L 4X4
    Some Mods :) See build thread for details
    Mine is curved. Worked fine. To help you could leave tape off the middle of the letter so it tuck in.
     
  28. Nov 8, 2015 at 4:01 PM
    #28
    LOTSOFTOYS

    LOTSOFTOYS Toyota Whisperer

    Joined:
    Jun 9, 2015
    Member:
    #1396
    Messages:
    1,246
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jace
    Mile high
    Vehicle:
    2005 Tundra DBL cab
    Good point... but I want as much tape as possible.... don't want them coming off
     
  29. Nov 9, 2015 at 1:19 PM
    #29
    LOTSOFTOYS

    LOTSOFTOYS Toyota Whisperer

    Joined:
    Jun 9, 2015
    Member:
    #1396
    Messages:
    1,246
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jace
    Mile high
    Vehicle:
    2005 Tundra DBL cab
    We have this 3m double sided tape at work. Says it's for trim and moulding and emblems. Looks like it's maybe the bulk version of the tape u posted? Should work eh?

    20151109_141801.jpg
     
  30. Nov 9, 2015 at 1:33 PM
    #30
    csuviper

    csuviper [OP] Moderator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jan 6, 2014
    Member:
    #38
    Messages:
    17,283
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Brian
    Broomfield, CO
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRD Sport CM 5.7L 4X4
    Some Mods :) See build thread for details
    Not sure. I specifically got the one that said "super strength"
    I think there are different levels of adhesion. I'm sure that one is close though or the same as it is for trim and emblems.
     
    LOTSOFTOYS likes this.

Products Discussed in

To Top