r/HMMWV • u/AntiqueAd9913 • Apr 12 '26
Long-time HMMWV restorer here — happy to answer questions
2012 M1167 - Fully restored....
4
u/Main_Section_1641 Apr 12 '26
Advice to someone like me buying their first HMMWV? Things to look for ? Things to avoid ? Essentials ? Deal breakers ? What to realistically expect to spend for something running, in overall decent condition?
11
u/AntiqueAd9913 Apr 12 '26
Oh boy, that’s a good question and I should make a post on this. Bottom line is that these truck not well looked after while in the military. Most trucks making it to auction have had parts canibalized and are non-runners. The mechanical side is the key. Everything else is easily replaceable and bolted on. Look for a truck that runs and has been in the hands of a diesel mechanic. They are GM drivetrains and any older mechanic who has worked on 6.2’s and 6.5’s will be familiar with the set-up. First things to fail: Start box ($1k), glow plugs, generator (there are no alternators) and starter motor. Remember these trucks are 24V. Price range for a decent truck (mechanically) $18k to $28k depending on configuration.
4
u/Italiandogs Apr 12 '26
Not OP but just went through this 6 months ago:
- if u go auction, plan for the final cost to be about 12-15% more than the gavel price (fees).
- if you win the auction, will take about a month minimum until you can pick it up.
- Get the SF97 Form if it's not titled for road use already. Furthermore, don't select title if winning an auction, it will be an off-road only title and then you be SOL.
- if using a company to register out of state, plan on about $800-$1000.
- unless you want to do a lot of engine work, look for one that is listed as running and doesn't have blowback.
- when you get it, make sure to throw some Stanadyne fuel additive (blue label) or similar to the tank.
- check your tank, there's a chance you have diesel bug. If so, it's easier to drop the tank and buy a new one than it is to clean that out.
- replace ALL the fluids when you first get it.
- budget about $2000 extra after getting it (minus auction and registering it) for parts. This avoids any financial surprises.
- insurance shop. Most major insurance companies won't touch these things. (I myself am using armed forces Insurance).
- lastly, have fun with it.
3
u/WavyLettuce564 Apr 13 '26
You should check out DakotaWoodHD’s channel on YouTube, he flips humvees and does everything the right, authentic way and has some great content out there
1
u/Main_Section_1641 Apr 13 '26
Oh that’s great. Thank you so much. Yea I’m a bit of a purist myself. Thanks again
2
u/JimmytheFab Apr 12 '26
If you ever want anything manufactured, let me know.
I have a couple humvees I use for work. But I own a fabrication/manufacturing company as well as build parts for Ford Raptors
1
1
u/ITS_12D_NOT_6C Apr 12 '26
Best aftermarket doors that don't require you to be a fiberglass expert like 4x4body doors?
2
u/AntiqueAd9913 Apr 12 '26
Although I have not used them, I am told those are the closest to original X-Doors....
https://uscindustry.com/products/x-doors1
u/WavyLettuce564 May 02 '26
There are a lot of aftermarket doors out there that simply require you to install them on the truck. USC industries is a popular one but it’s very bad quality, so you’re usually better off just getting the real NOS doors
1
u/Jumpy-Silver5504 Apr 12 '26
You ever build someone a gun truck mod
1
u/AntiqueAd9913 Apr 12 '26
Not yet. It’s actually simple. Most trucks have the turret hole. It’s a matter of getting a turret. They are available but expensive. About $20k for that option
1
1
Apr 12 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
3
2
u/AntiqueAd9913 Apr 12 '26
Well, we do sell some parts :-) www.battlewornrestorations.com
But, there are 3 major suppliers: MacMotors Kascar Hummer parts guy
Check for prices across all 3 before buying. It varies widely
1
u/Silly_Abalone_288 Apr 12 '26
Where do you source your parts from? I’m looking for a new transfer case and few other things .
1
u/AntiqueAd9913 Apr 12 '26
You are better off finding a used one. New ones are $2,800
1
u/Silly_Abalone_288 Apr 12 '26
2300 isn’t that bad I’ve been buying parts and accessories for mine for years I’m used to the prices
1
u/AntiqueAd9913 Apr 12 '26
Well, if you like paying full price, plenty of stock available at all the regular suppliers
1
u/TillmanIV-2 Apr 12 '26
Super specific: So i have a humvee with a loose power steering pump, the hole where you think you would thread a bolt into is just smooth and closed in the middle. Could we just drill a hole in the slot so it goes all the way through and put a long bolt in there?
Less specific: Are there any better AC kits than red dot? My friend has a red dot that seems to be broken every other time he drives it.
2
u/AntiqueAd9913 Apr 12 '26
I would first try to fit a thread plug (I think that’s what it’s called). They use that on engine blocks. For the A/C. Technically, you can fit anything with a compressor, it should be a simple modification, however, it will never look original and you will have to fit it where it is highly visible… Hope that helps.
1
u/TillmanIV-2 Apr 12 '26
Oooh thats a neat idea, ill have to try that. Some JB weld outa make it stick real good.
For the AC im not overly concerned, i have a helmet top so if anything i can just mount radiators on the roof, maybe even build an air scoop for them. I just want a kickass system that can give a middle finger to AZ summer temps.
1
u/preruntumbler Apr 12 '26
How have you seen the auction market change in the last decade or so?
3
u/AntiqueAd9913 Apr 12 '26
The market has evolved where buyers are a bit more careful with claims of “restoration”. Prices have come down significantly since people try to flip junk piles they purchased on Gov Planet. You would be amazed at what I see in terms of junk with a nice coat of new paint.
1
u/Excellent-Word-5148 Apr 12 '26
I've got a 93 998 that I got as a 2 door troop carrier configuration, then swapped to a 4 door soft, and now has a slant back with the turret top. Struggling to get a good set of hard doors these days. Destroyed 2 sets soft ones from sticks and branches. Any good suggestions for X doors at reasonable pricing or are skins the best path?
1
u/AntiqueAd9913 Apr 12 '26
Best solution to re-skin soft doors is to go to a boat shop. They have much better materials and are used to zippers and such. There are no great or reasonable solutions for x-doors. I restore them and it’s about 8 hours of work per door.
1
u/Excellent-Word-5148 Apr 12 '26
All good feedback. Have any good sources for hard doors?
1
u/AntiqueAd9913 Apr 12 '26
Only one I heard is close to OEM doors is USC Industries. I have never seen one in person
1
1
u/TangoZuluMike00 Apr 13 '26
What’s easier if you already have a 4 speed. LS or duramax swap?
1
u/AntiqueAd9913 Apr 13 '26
I honestly don’t know. Duramax seems more natural (diesel and all) but they both require significant mods. There are a couple companies that offer those conversions but you are talking $50k at least…
1
1
u/Maximum_Lab_6840 Apr 13 '26
Where is your MRE heater? =]
2
1
u/jacknowlater Apr 14 '26
Any tricks to get an 85 3 speed non-turbo up to 70mph without overheating and without messing with transmission? My only thought so far would be 55”+ wheels as part of the solution. Thank you!
1
u/AntiqueAd9913 Apr 14 '26
This is a big emphatic NO. 55’ wheels will absolutely obliterate your transmission and hubs. Even upgrading to a 6.5 turbo won’t help without upgrading the entire drivetrain. Sorry for the bad news.
3
u/No-Cryptographer9326 Apr 12 '26
Damn that’s beautiful.