so i recently picked up a 92 regular cab SB 2WD... needs a new bed and front pass fender as well as a bumper and grill... while taking off the bumper and grill i realized how shoddily the factory grill is held on (really toyota? push clips on a grill?)so i am looking at all the damaged pieces and what they are going for at the salvage yards around here (and even then they are not in that great of shape) and thinking about just making my own... using small diameter steel rod and sheetmetal to shape it up ... any thoughts on this?

 

I dont see the problem, those push clips have held grills in fine for years. The only time they have issues is when the truck was in an accident and they broke or someone who didnt know how to remove them was taking the grill off and broke them. However if you dont like them that much, zip ties work just as well.

Look on ebay for a new grill. They are pretty cheap and you can get what ever style you want. There are a few billet grills out there as well. As far as making your own... without knowing your fab skills, tools available, and attention to detail, its impossible to answer.

 

Robert m is right. those clips, although they DO seem to be shoddy and fragile, really do hold the grille up ok and they are available pretty cheaply. (I got a box of them local from a place called E&G Terminal) The aftermarket has a lot to offer for these trucks for grilles as well. As far as making a grille, If you can, why not give it a shot? Even if you arent a master builder, Its not a load bearing part of the truck, so its not like its critical to get it perfect. The worst that could happen is you try something, decide its not right and start over.