My Truck Project So Far... (pic heavy)

[ThunderSquirrel]

I've been wanting a vehicle project to work on for a while now, and couple months ago I won this at auction.
It's an 87 with the 6.2 NA in it, and the motor runs great. The odometer reads 2180 miles, and does not appear to have been replaced during a service/rebuild.
The paint and interior didn't weather well while it was outside in NC waiting for auction.
http://i523.photobucket.com/albums/w353/crowldogg3/445381_6002_160_0001_zps4se1uiw5.jpg

After 3 months of waiting on .gov paperwork, I was finally able to get it shipped out. Had 3 carriers cancel at the last minute before I finally found a guy to haul it.
He had it in front of a super nice Bentley on the trailer. And my truck decided to leak all of its trans fluid out of a loose drain plug all over said Bentley... bet that guy was pissed....
http://i523.photobucket.com/albums/w353/crowldogg3/20150922_1335311_zpscfbzxcdx.jpg

It's had about 3 pressure wash baths, and a shop vac bag full of dirt, sand and pine needles vacuumed out. It still needs more bath, and still needs more vacuuming. Almost seems never ending. I doubt it will ever get clean clean, since I have no means to do a frame off cleaning.
http://i523.photobucket.com/albums/w353/crowldogg3/20150922_1501281_zpsurkxw7oy.jpg
http://i523.photobucket.com/albums/w353/crowldogg3/de3b19bb-a44f-47a2-bed4-df075b1a70ba_zpsjwh9kuvp.jpg

I've been getting parts via all kinds of sources and I am slowly getting it together.
Here is how it sits after this weekend.
http://i523.photobucket.com/albums/w353/crowldogg3/20151003_1610121_zpsukmbllf4.jpg


The checklist for the immediate future is...
-Full fluid change.
-Drop trans pan, do filter and gasket, replace crap plug
-Oil change
-Radiator flush and fill
-Check / maybe flush diffs
-Tires/wheels
-Get the tires off, check/service the geared hubs
-Get the wheels blasted and painted while they're off
-Decide on keeping the run flats in it or not...
-Get tires balanced
- Instrument cluster
- The cluster was full of water, I need to either buy new gauges or attempt to service the ones in there. Anyone have pointers on restoring/cleaning/rebuilding gauges?
- A crap ton of Interior work....


I'll keep updating as I get more done.

[def90]

Sweet! Any info on whether it is possible to get one of these titled for road use?

[ThunderSquirrel]

I'm still waiting on title transfer paperwork from the seller to take down to the county. Once that shows up, I'll be getting it plated and update how it goes.

[Sawin]

That's fantastic! I hope you're able to build it up into everything you hoped it could be!

I look forward to your pictures!

[sniper7]

Can you also do a cost breakdown for us? Once I move to the new place I will have a massive amount of garage space and I believe one of these will be filling so of that space, the H1 with a duramax was always my dream vehicle as a kid and this is probably as close as I'll get without having to wait 10 more years

[ThunderSquirrel]

Can you also do a cost breakdown for us? Once I move to the new place I will have a massive amount of garage space and I believe one of these will be filling so of that space, the H1 with a duramax was always my dream vehicle as a kid and this is probably as close as I'll get without having to wait 10 more years

Here is about what I have into it so far.
~8000 for the truck after taxes and auction fees
1000 to have it shipped out from NC
500 for the NOS top kit. Came with C pillar 4 Doors, all rails/bows, top and curtain
100 for a NOS Mirror pair
45 for rear seat belt kit
50 for new airlift seal pair
~100 in misc hardware, nuts, bolts etc.

[roberth]

Neat!!!

[fly boy]

Subscribing to a build I wish I could do.

[Skip]

Super cool!

A guy could make a living refurb'ing those and selling them. For your stated costs, I imagine it would be a decent business.

[newracer]

I am interested if you can get it licensed. I have heard on other forums that it is not possible.

[Hoser]

Alan Samuel of Machine Gun Tours has on old hummer that is fully street legal. Might want to ask him what he did to get plates.

[Joe_K]

It's an 87' so its pre emissions requirement.

Sent from my SM-G920T using Tapatalk

[KS63]

Nice project and good luck. Bentley guy got cheap and didn't pay for an enclosed trailer transport. Lesson learned.

[Guylee]

I'm gonna come put MOGAS in it...

[Martinjmpr]

It's an 87' so its pre emissions requirement.

Sent from my SM-G920T using Tapatalk

Also pre-airbag required so that helps too.

[newracer]

It's an 87' so its pre emissions requirement.

Sent from my SM-G920T using Tapatalk

How is that? Do you mean emissions equipment? When I registered my '62 VW I had to have an emissions test. Also depends on where it is registered.

[The Norseman]

Register it in Silverton. All they do is make sure numbers on title and vehicle match....come to think of it, that's about all they do here in Durango too. Maybe I'll have to get me one!


Sent from my Id.

[Joe_K]

How is that? Do you mean emissions equipment? When I registered my '62 VW I had to have an emissions test. Also depends on where it is registered.
I was repeating what I had heard, although after wasting waaaaay to much time on CO DMV'S website I can't find anything to back up my second hand assertion.

Sent from my SM-G920T using Tapatalk

[blacklabel]

Color me jealous. That would make for an awesome weekend vehicle.

[flogger]

It's an 87' so its pre emissions requirement.

Just take it to a VW dealer if you have any emissions problems! How does it fit in the garage?

Sent from my SM-G920T using Tapatalk

[OtterbatHellcat]

Neato project.

[Great-Kazoo]

I've been wanting a vehicle project to work on for a while now, and couple months ago I won this at auction.
It's an 87 with the 6.2 NA in it, and the motor runs great. The odometer reads 2180 miles, and does not appear to have been replaced during a service/rebuild.
The paint and interior didn't weather well while it was outside in NC waiting for auction.
http://i523.photobucket.com/albums/w353/crowldogg3/445381_6002_160_0001_zps4se1uiw5.jpg

After 3 months of waiting on .gov paperwork, I was finally able to get it shipped out. Had 3 carriers cancel at the last minute before I finally found a guy to haul it.
He had it in front of a super nice Bentley on the trailer. And my truck decided to leak all of its trans fluid out of a loose drain plug all over said Bentley... bet that guy was pissed....
http://i523.photobucket.com/albums/w353/crowldogg3/20150922_1335311_zpscfbzxcdx.jpg

It's had about 3 pressure wash baths, and a shop vac bag full of dirt, sand and pine needles vacuumed out. It still needs more bath, and still needs more vacuuming. Almost seems never ending. I doubt it will ever get clean clean, since I have no means to do a frame off cleaning.
http://i523.photobucket.com/albums/w353/crowldogg3/20150922_1501281_zpsurkxw7oy.jpg
http://i523.photobucket.com/albums/w353/crowldogg3/de3b19bb-a44f-47a2-bed4-df075b1a70ba_zpsjwh9kuvp.jpg

I've been getting parts via all kinds of sources and I am slowly getting it together.
Here is how it sits after this weekend.
http://i523.photobucket.com/albums/w353/crowldogg3/20151003_1610121_zpsukmbllf4.jpg


The checklist for the immediate future is...
-Full fluid change.
-Drop trans pan, do filter and gasket, replace crap plug
-Oil change
-Radiator flush and fill
-Check / maybe flush diffs
-Tires/wheels
-Get the tires off, check/service the geared hubs
-Get the wheels blasted and painted while they're off
-Decide on keeping the run flats in it or not...
-Get tires balanced
- Instrument cluster
- The cluster was full of water, I need to either buy new gauges or attempt to service the ones in there. Anyone have pointers on restoring/cleaning/rebuilding gauges?
- A crap ton of Interior work....


I'll keep updating as I get more done.

One important item service you overlooked are the brakes. Full line, master cylinder , caliper flush . Possibly a rebuild since it has sat for a few.

[kidicarus13]

I was repeating what I had heard, although after wasting waaaaay to much time on CO DMV'S website I can't find anything to back up my second hand assertion.

Sent from my SM-G920T using Tapatalk

http://aircarecolorado.com/index.php/locations-and-maps/program-maps/ Registering in the blue shaded area? More than likely you must test.







Do you need a test?






Make sure you need a test before you present your vehicle for testing! State regulation requires testing centers to test all vehicles that are presented for testing. Emissions inspectors are prohibited from making a judgment on whether your vehicle really needs a test. No refunds can be given for emissions tests on vehicles that were not actually due for a test. If you are not sure, call the Air Care Colorado Hotline at 303-456-7090, or your county motor vehicle office (http://aircarecolorado.com/index.php/consumer-information/county-motor-vehicle-offices/) to ask. Effective July 1, 2001, window stickers were eliminated by state law.

[Ah Pook]

That looks fun!

[ray1970]

Some day I'll have a cool vehicle to tinker with. Until then I'll just live vicariously through people like you.

[ThunderSquirrel]

It fits in the garage fine. It's not as long as my silverado, or as tall. It is however much wider.

I did give the brake system a good check the day it delivered, before I took it on its first ever trip around the block. The fluid looks nearly new, and the pads and rotors do too, other than some slight surface rust on the rotors. They also stop the truck in a hurry.

It looks like it may have been serviced before it was put out to pasture. The oil filter is brand new and shiny, and the oil doesn't look cooked. The trans pan was clean and I'm guessing they didn't tighten the drain plug when they serviced it. The air filter in it is also brand new, not even a spec of red dirt in it that covered the rest of the truck.

I didn't have a lot of time to work on it yesterday, so I got some easy things done.
There is a seal that mounts underneath the hood to direct air into the radiator. It looks like it should take 3/4" or 1" bolts. Someone ran 2" bolts all the way to the shoulder, stripped them out and stuck them through the hood. So I got the holes prepped for some TLC with some epoxy. Taking out the grill also revealed that they left the supplemental armor grill on, and that sumbitch is heavy.
http://i523.photobucket.com/albums/w353/crowldogg3/20151004_1456111_zpsjcohbj14.jpg

The seatbelt kit also showed up. I was lucky and this truck used to have rear 3 point belts installed. So all the mounting points were already drilled. The ones I got the best deal on were green... so I had to change that.
http://i523.photobucket.com/albums/w353/crowldogg3/20151005_1713221_zpsadmvonx2.jpg
http://i523.photobucket.com/albums/w353/crowldogg3/20151005_1754451_zpsxfcz4mpl.jpg
http://i523.photobucket.com/albums/w353/crowldogg3/20151005_1755321_zpsmxukfuxs.jpg

I should get the mounts bolted down tonight and get them finished up. Once they're in, I can install the rear curtain to get the cuts made to go around them, and get some of my missing footman loops installed to hold it down.

[Jer]

Cool.

[BushMasterBoy]

Ballistic glass and a M60, then you are SHTF ready!

[RonMexico]

I've been following these auctions at Bragg, I'll have to go over there and take a look in person.

[ThunderSquirrel]

Didn't get nearly as much accomplished as I wanted to this weekend with 2nd season rifle coming up.

I was able to get the trans pan gasket and filter replaced and a new drain plug gasket as well.

I also started the "what I thought was going to be relatively simple" task of replacing the heater ducting. The hose in it was mostly falling apart and disconnected.
That has spiraled into a much larger project of re-ducting the defrost nozzles and repairing the heater diverter box as well.

Like most things, the rotten hose came out really easy.
61468
The diverter box mechanism needed some TLC, it's still no perfect, but I can get it to switch from floor air, to defrost air now. It was stuck on floor before.
61469
Running the new line required removing way more of the interior panels than I had previously anticipated.
61470

I should get it all buttoned up this afternoon.
Still have to get the doghouse repaired too, to get it to seal tight. 2 of my twist locks are missing the cable, one of the hinge latches is gone, and the rubber latches are dry rotten.

[ThunderSquirrel]

Few updates.
I was able to source all new gauges and got them all in minus the Temp Gauge. That one was lost in shipping and showed up a few days ago. Nice having a fuel gauge that works and being able to see the rest.
I also replaced the dash lights with some 24v LEDs instead of the little 24v bulb.
62755

With those in, I started the bigger project. I was able to get my hands on some BedRug in bulk, and figured that would be perfect for the truck.
So I have been cutting, fitting, working and forming it to try and get it in as tight as possible. It's been a pain, but I think it is turning out well.
62752
62753
62754

With the seats out, I also decided it's the perfect time to upgrade them. So I picked up some Smittybilt bucket seats, and I'll be getting those fitted in once I finish up with the BedRug.
And on the list for the immediate future is to get a console/rack/storage solution as well.
After that, I have a crap ton of Rigid Lights to wire up and mount as well.

[ThunderSquirrel]

Was able to get all the BedRug cut and fitted with some of my free time.
I also go some brackets made up to get the seats I bought installed.
63004
63005
63006

[Irving]

Looking great. Please keep up the updates.

[sniper7]

Dang that is looking awesome!

[DangerLee_Industries]

Super cool and not sure how I missed this post until now. Looking good!

[ThunderSquirrel]

Started to get some cushions made for the rear seats. Picked up some vinyl that somewhat matched the buckets, and I'll cover them soon. Found the outdoor/marine seat foam at the fabric store where I picked up the vinyl. The cost of supplies has cost me the same amount to buy 1 cushion off the thief bay.
63200

[Lex_Luthor]

Dang, this project is moving right along! I love it!

[ThunderSquirrel]

Got the vinyl stretched over the cushions. I'm not an upholstery guy, but I think they turned out well. They're not nearly as comfy as buckets, but I can access the storage without taking the seats out this way.
63222

[sniper7]

Looks great!

i missed out of 2 of these today, last minute bids stole them from me.

seems like the style you purchased that are the truck/single cab version sell much cheaper. Will all of them be converted pretty easily to the 4 seat 4 door version? That is what I want with a soft top I can remove to make a convertible type.

[ThunderSquirrel]

Super easy to set it up as 4 door, just need the parts...
C-pillar and hardware.
Seat backs/bases (if they weren't already in the truck, I was lucky, mine were)
Rear doors and hinges.
And rear seat belts if you're into the "safety" thing.

A hard top takes a different windshield frame than a soft top too. Soft tops require the windshield to have the former channel to slide the top in.

Try to look real hard at the pictures. Small details can cost big money with parts prices sky rocketing.

[sniper7]

Okay awesome thanks. I have 5 I'm bidding on tomorrow so we will see what happens. They are all 4 door models so that helps a bit

as for oil pressure, seems like 60 is the highest I have seen, and on the low end I see 20-30 when reading the descriptions. My duramax usually runs at about 55-60 if I remember right and its brand new.
any idea what a good oil pressure is for that motor. I know it's subjective but low pressure sounds like engine wear, blow by, and possible rebuild or needs new gaskets etc to me.

[ThunderSquirrel]

Mines runs cold around 70. Once I'm up to operating temp, it stays between 50-60. Drops some at idle.

I've been told by numerous people to never switch to synthetic oil too. As it guarantees you'll start getting blow by. No idea if it's true, but I use dino oil to be on the safe side.

[sniper7]

Sounds good, I'll stay away from the 20-35psi ones. There are a few that are in the 50-60 range so I assume those should be pretty decent. A few of them now have videos of the engine running and of any blow by which is nice to see and hear it run.

[ThunderSquirrel]

Any luck on the bids?

[Irving]

Here is some motivation for you. Some versions of this video have like 10 of those in video pop-ups that block the whole video (jerk Russians). Anyway, the action starts at 2 minutes.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6F_qnWQ--I&feature=iv&src_vid=hMFygAgAOv0&annotation_id=annotation_316691749

[sniper7]

Any luck on the bids?


No I missed the one I wanted by $250.
i missed out on another I could have had for $9000 but it wasn't quite what I was wanting. I have a few more saved to bid on for the 20th. It's just a matter of time!

[ThunderSquirrel]

Sent some pics to BedRug so they can show off their product in custom applications

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1089849861065794&id=394907930559994&fs=5

[Irving]

Really looking great.

[Joe_K]

[emoji106]

[ThunderSquirrel]

With the cost of surplus parts skyrocketing, I'm in the market for some custom fabrication, mainly a rear bumper. Nothing fancy, no wierd angles and corners. Straight bumper with some light points.

I know there's a few guys that fab. Would be great if they could shoot me a PM.

Thanks.

[Joe_K]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160405/96d0d5ac22353f6f446db2ce108b31e5.jpg



Velocitas, Opprimere,
Violentia Operandi

[ThunderSquirrel]

Right rear geared hub was making some noise. Pulled the drain plug and there was a lot of shavings. Pulled everything out and the bearings were pretty sketchy.

Luckily all the bearings are Timken and have all the part numbers. Whistler Bearing had everything I needed at a better price than any of the military parts places.

The only pieces I had to order are the input and output seals. The civvy ones are 2 piece and apparently leak more than Snowden.

Those should show up later this week and I'll get it all together this weekend.

65090

[ColoradoMinuteMan]

It looks awesome. What a great project. I have an uncle of your truck. An AM General M151A2. Perhaps we should introduce them sometime. http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160426/c31753666876d793905031bd0b30fab1.jpg

[ThunderSquirrel]

Working on getting a center rack / console finished up.
66631
66632
66633

[nogaroheli]

I'm really enjoying this thread. I drive one a lot at work and am thinking of getting a surplus one for here in the states. Thanks for the post and info, and keep the updates coming!

[ThunderSquirrel]

Finished it up. Turned out good. And having a cup holder is so nice.
66638
66639

[ThunderSquirrel]

Got the wheels kind of rehabbed. Eventually I need to have them taken apart and done right, like powder coating. This at least makes them match.

66717
66718
66719

[newracer]

It is coming along nice. Makes me want to buy one. That console is beefy.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[ThunderSquirrel]

Starting the prep work to get the dBSkin put in. Should help quiet down the ride and eliminate a lot of the road noise.

66861
66862

[ThunderSquirrel]

Spent so much time prepping, sanding, chipping, repeating.

Not nearly as much done as I wanted.

Did get some self etching primer down for the bare aluminum though.

66899

[ThunderSquirrel]

Lots more prep between sanding, cleaning and masking.
After all that, I finally got a chance to spray all the coats of dBSkin. Took a few afternoons, between weather, life and cure times for recoats.

66941
66942
66943
66944
66945
66946
66947


Not sure why it's still rotating the pictures, oh well

[sniper7]

Looking awesome! I have bid on a few more but no luck so far, but I'm being pretty picky.

my buddy just spent $55k on a H1and while it is awesome, I'm still going this route and maybe do the duramax or Cummins conversion. Just have to wait till the new house is done so I have the garage space

[ThunderSquirrel]

Looks infinitely better on the inside, and all the hours of prep paid off. It also really helped quiet down the cab.
67050
67051
67053

A buddy of mine also had an old solid fold tonneau cover off of a 2500 Chevy, so we modified it to get it to fit. Turned out to fit real well. It won't be watertight like originally intended, but it will certainly help keep some weather out when it rains and snows.
67055
67057
67058

[newracer]

Looks great!

[Martinjmpr]

Did you get it titled and plated yet? Curious about what kind of paperwork you got with it. My understanding was that HMMWVs were only sold for "off road" use.

[ThunderSquirrel]

It's been titled and plated since I got it. It's actually due for renewal soon.

The process was.... rough. The DMV had no idea what to do. 6 digit vin, no previous title, just a bill of sale and a sf-97 transfer of ownership form. Took 3 trips and some frustration, but got it done.

[Martinjmpr]

It's been titled and plated since I got it. It's actually due for renewal soon.

The process was.... rough. The DMV had no idea what to do. 6 digit vin, no previous title, just a bill of sale and a sf-97 transfer of ownership form. Took 3 trips and some frustration, but got it done.

Interesting...the buzz on some other message board was that these were being sold for "off road use only." Was there any language like that on the SF-97? Any inspection required for safety equipment?

[ThunderSquirrel]

Just a VIN inspection and emissions were required. They waived the weight slip requirement because the weight was stamped on my data plate.

The clerk couldn't have cared less about the off-road stamp on the sf-97.
The exchange went something like...
Clerk: "Off Road only? Is this an ATV or dirtbike?"
Me: "No, it's a military hmmwv"
Clerk: "That's awesome! Do you think you will want vanity plates?"

[ThunderSquirrel]

Got the Source Pod hooked up and the cables run to the switch pod. Next up, start hooking up all the lights I have...

67330
67331

[ThunderSquirrel]

It's now time to find a place for each of these
67334

[ThunderSquirrel]

Got the front harnesses made and run to the source panel.
67395

Rear lights are mounted, but still debating where to put the smaller ones.
Set low
67396
Or cut into fender and flush mounted
67398

[nogaroheli]

I vote for cut and set into the fender.

Looking good!

[hurley842002]

I vote for cut and set into the fender.

Looking good!
X2

[Snowman78]

X3

[ThunderSquirrel]

Waiting on connectors before I can wire the rears. So I got a dome light made with white lights and a green map light.
67401
67402
67403

[Irving]

Can you put a diffuser over the dome, or is it not as sharp as in the photos?

[ThunderSquirrel]

Pretty sharp. Going to try and get a diffused lens for a bucket light and cut some small circles out to fit. Maybe epoxy them on

[ThunderSquirrel]

Decided to do it right and cut them in. Still need to run the harness but plugged them in to test.
67417
67418
67419