Trading up, nervous though. Stewart Stevenson M1078 LMTV Camper Build....

[PacificNorthWestLMTV]

So I have a 97 Jeep Wrangler I built with a 5.7 Hemi and a M416 Trailer with a telescoping rack for my tent. I did all the fabrication , painting myself, learned a lot.
It has been good to us but now I think I have the bug for the M1078 LMTV.
Been looking at all the conversion camper videos, article and pics and now I find myself Bidding on an 02 LMTV this week.
Apparently none go them come with AC so I will need the purchase the Military AC unit/kit... Then go through the whole truck and complete a frame off restoration.
I have also been looking at the diesel heater and water heater setup, rv slide-out kits, wet shower setups, rv stoves, micro, satellite dish, solar panels, blah blah blah....
Thinking of framing it out in 2x4 aluminum and then skinning it with 14 gauge aluminum.......
Not sure if I will win the auction but I think I will continue to watch GovPlanet and end up with one this week or some time this year.
Keeping fingers crossed. Awesome info on this website.... If I win the bid this will be the build thread...More to come... Cheers...
My last build below
- M416 Trailer Build: https://expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/a-little-different-m416-trailer-build.165937/
- 97 Wrangler Hemi Build: https://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/jeep-hardcore-tech/850159-1997-tj-2-5-l.html

 

[Storminnorm35]

I have the bug to get one as well. Waiting to go through a nasty divorce then looking at pulling the trigger on one. I have been researching and I think skinning it in the aluminum seems to be the most efficient way that I can find. However I see a lot of builds with the composite siding I just wonder if an aluminum frame, aluminum skin with spray foam would be efficient enough for cold weather. I am wanting to do a lot of travels to Alaska and northern Canada.

Let me know how the purchase goes and how you actually take delivery of the lmtv.

 

[ckouba]

Welcome to my world:

M1088 camper conversion

Hi all. To start with, thank you for the existence of this forum. I haven't been around here too long or spent much time in the other subforums but there seems to be a very high signal to noise ratio within the FMTV community, and a number of very knowledgeable people willing to share and...

www.steelsoldiers.com

Everything has been larger to deal with but I can't believe how much I really like the truck so far. It has been, and will continue to be, a massive learning experience but I am willing to bet it will be worth it.

I'm down outside of Portland if you're ever passing through, and there is at least one local vendor of trucks/parts as well.

 

[USAFSS-ColdWarrior]

So I have a 97 Jeep Wrangler I built with a 5.7 Hemi and a M416 Trailer with a telescoping rack for my tent. I did all the fabrication , painting myself, learned a lot.
It has been good to us but now I think I have the bug for the M1078 LMTV.
Been looking at all the conversion camper videos, article and pics and now I find myself Bidding on an 02 LMTV this week.
Apparently none go them come with AC so I will need the purchase the Military AC unit/kit... Then go through the whole truck and complete a frame off restoration.
I have also been looking at the diesel heater and water heater setup, rv slide-out kits, wet shower setups, rv stoves, micro, satellite dish, solar panels, blah blah blah....
Thinking of framing it out in 2x4 aluminum and then skinning it with 14 gauge aluminum.......
Not sure if I will win the auction but I think I will continue to watch GovPlanet and end up with one this week or some time this year.
Keeping fingers crossed. Awesome info on this website.... If I win the bid this will be the build thread...More to come... Cheers...
My last build below
..

Welcome aboard

Find a bunk, stow your gear, and prepare to get underway

You've come to a great place to find answers, get advice, have fun and make friends.
Many have undertaken similar projects, and some may be speaking up to help you out. (Some already have.)

I look forward to your process and progress.

Again, WELCOME !

 

[PacificNorthWestLMTV]

Thank you for the welcome.
I live South of Seattle near Tacoma.

BELOW I am going to create 2 sections for my research - PARTS & IDEAS FOR CAMPER & PARTS & IDEAS FOR LMTV.
As I do my research for things I want to do or upgrade I will be placing them here, should get updated frequently:

PARTS & IDEAS FOR CAMPER
As I mentally gather parts the first thing I know I want is to run the heater and hot water heater via diesel.
I Like this guys setup:

Power Distribution Center: https://www.paneltronics.com/Electrical_Panels.asp

Batteries for Solar System: https://battlebornbatteries.com/product-category/lifepo4-batteries/

Will need to make a 4 point pivoting subframe so trailer box does not get torn apart on trails.

These guys do it all, frame, box, etc, maybe an Option?: http://boxmanufaktur.com/frames-mounting.html

The frame will be 6061 Aluminum with a mixture of 2x2 and 2x4 ¼ wall tubing.

The outer skin will be 6061 4x8 14 gauge sheets.

Interior Skinning: HDPE High Density Poly Ethelene, will not wold, warp etc: https://www.usplastic.com/catalog/i...AwKLsh6WQ4pvEmoYsjOc85VKZbpAFASQaAnoeEALw_wcB

This also looks like a good option for the structure. They also has a good heater setup offering: https://totalcomposites.com/contact/

These guys make an articulating subframe for the camper so it won't get torn apart while going down a trail: http://www.itb.ca/interior_finishing.aspx

Entry door: https://quatroautoz.com/products/rv...i6N3-4pp6Pdb29vJtOMEX2VUEPEzo9BAaAsdXEALw_wcB

Another Entry Door: https://www.ternoverland.com

Resilient Flooring options: https://lonseal.com/products/product-details/line/LONWOODsupregsupNATURALTopseal/#

Toilet wise I like the cassette setup: https://pantherrvproducts.com/thetf..._6fezH1iVBwajqoNvvfutIIT1QCUAe9IaAq5tEALw_wcB
It would be nice to have the cassette setup in a wet shower with sink. Still trying to figure this piece out.

I like the slide out idea for the dinette area: http://busrvparts.com/slide_out_units.htm#DYI_Slide_Out_Drives_and_Parts

Standard over the range microwave: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003KMA5E...8df71b5fa7a478ec0268ce7ae4c146&language=en_US

Stove top: https://citimarinestore.com/en/keny...tric-cooktop-in-white-240v-b49516.html?post=1

Fridge/Freezer: White Unique Freezer/Fridge, 10.3 cu ft: https://bensdiscountsupply.com/uniq...ssor-low-power-consumption-ugp-290l1-w-white/

I like these windows: https://www.bonanza.com/listings/RV...A3RbD1OG2HdsWsovg1ET-AsADnzM777waAg41EALw_wcB

More Windows: https://www.ternoverland.com/arctic-tern-roof-hatch

Also like there windows: https://www.ternoverland.com/arctic-tern-window

And there windows: https://adventuretrucks.com/products/tempered-safety-glass-window?variant=29616746463304

100 gallon fresh water tank
100 gallon grey water tank

Solar wise I have the portable panel for my trailer from Overland solar, have loved it so I will stick with them for my solar needs. Great customer service and even came to my home and hooked me all up with my old trailer setup. Undecided about how many panels and watts, will confer with the overland dealer once camper portion is in that stage: https://overlandsolar.com/collections

Wife want washer/drier so I'll go with one of those standard all-in-one RV setups: https://www.amazon.com/Best-Choice-Products-Portable-Capacity/dp/B01ICBLBL0/?tag=rvwebnetwork-20

TV/Satellite: https://www.amazon.com/KING-VQ4100-...qid=1582677355&s=appliances&tag=thedrive09-20

Marine Polyethylene Paneling for interior walls: https://www.interstateplastics.com/Hdpe-Marine-Board-White-Sheet-HDPWEM~SH.php?thickness=0.500&dim2=12&dim3=12&src=adwordspla&utm_source=froogle&utm_campaign=froogle&utm_medium=na&utm_content=plastic sheets-HDPWEM SH&gclid=Cj0KCQiAqNPyBRCjARIsAKA-WFwkFWWGU2VKhuzRx2yfFcorchqxKYhvJpgXiMYL2IRTW0r69FPpl5waApOpEALw_wcB

Spray foam insulation for falls, ceiling and floor: https://sprayfoamkit.com/products/s...JhLw4244T5c-WZBzA6RR3zcLxT4nzc_saAqGtEALw_wcB

Onan Diesel Generator 2300: https://www.rvpartscountry.com/RV-QG-2300-Watt-Gasoline-Cummins-Onan-Generator.html

Retractable shower door: https://www.stoett.com/nautilus/

Ceramic Tile Floor

White Polyethylene cabinetry with white Corian countertop with integrated molded sink.

Cubic Wood Stove: https://cubicminiwoodstoves.com

LED interior lighting.

Ventilating Sky Light: https://www.amazon.com/Dometic-Deka...ocphy=9033474&hvtargid=pla-578075300613&psc=1

Another skylight with lighting: https://www.campervan-hq.com/products/arctic-tern-rv-skylight

AC rooftop low profile unit: https://www.amazon.com/Dometic-6403...onditioner/dp/B00NRDHTVA/?tag=rvwebnetwork-20

Another AC Idea: https://www.cruisencomfortusa.com/w...iv_IxCznH-rr3jwwh1ZzHxB5M0UCKjKxoC6gUQAvD_BwE

Another AC Low Pro Offroad Unit: https://www.airxcel.com/rv/coleman-...ers/ultra-low-profile/mach-8/mach-8-roughneck

Yet another AC idea: Pioneer Mini Split Heat Pump 22.5 SEER-9000 BTU-110V https://amzn.to/2kP7ZEM

Water Filtration: https://www.clearsourcerv.com/produ...wsJqelhlY9RqWbbrQmKTHoT9Jl5-NUnBoCDz8QAvD_BwE

A bed lift for queen size mattress will provide roof for dinette: https://happijac.com/bed-lifts.html

Slideout: https://validmanufacturing.com/divisions/vehicle/slide-rooms/

Below Body Truck Box Doors, to make your my own custom truck/tool boxes: http://www.truckbox.com/doorframekits.html

Best 3 - 4 point subframe video I have seen: http://instagr.am/p/CJdsTnohtEs/


and all the other little things that make it work - power center/controller, wire, pex tubing, blah blah blah...





PARTS & IDEAS FOR LMTV
From my research engine options appear to be: 3116 up till 1999 --- 3126 from 2000-2004 --- C7 Acert 2005 on up. I want the 3126 in a 2003...

Use this air filter(s) to be able to get camper closer to cab: https://www.donaldson.com/en-us/engine/filters/products/air-intake/cleaners/psd/

Limited Slip or selectable locker, hmmm: https://www.eaton.com/Eaton/ProductsbyMarket/Government/Vehicles/MilitaryVehicles/FMTV/index.htm

Upgrade Radiator Fan Parts: https://www.steelsoldiers.com/threa...2xpjBicatbXXponLhzQqdgf40TwST0N062GMlTRWDm6NY

25k Winch for front & Back: https://sherpa4x4.com/collections/frontpage/products/stallion-25000lb-truck-winch

New Shocks: https://www.grigsbytrucks.com/product/fox-fmtv-chassis-shock-absorber-lmtv-4x4-front-rear/

AC/Heater upgrade: https://www.easternsurplus.net/PartDetails/7669/FM-351-FMTV-LMTV-Air-Conditioner-Unit-Kit
Another Idea for AC: https://www.amazon.com/CONDITIONER-UNIVERSAL-UNDER-EVAPORATOR-COMPRESSOR/dp/B078B3FBBH

Shock Upgrade: https://www.grigsbytrucks.com/2020/02/custom-fmtv-fox-shocks/

Door handle Upgrade:

CTIS wheel shields: http://www.2040-parts.com/military-...over-guard-m1078-m1083-m1081-amp-a1-i2341194/

Upgrade cab air ride suspension: https://midwestmilitaryequipment.com/upgraded-air-spring-cab-suspension-kit-for-lmtv-mtv/

Catapliiar 7.2 3116 Engine Upgrades to make them bullet proof, great video. Covers the biggest opportunities like the HEUI pump & how to address:

Hood liner under cab to deaden sound and reduce heat inside the cab: http://www.dynamat.com/automotive-and-transportation/automotive-restoration/hoodliner/

3.07 High Speed Gears & Update Speedometer changing positions on back to: 1 up, 2 up, 3 down, 4 up, 5 up, 6 down, 7 up, 8 down, 9 down, 10 up..

If 3126 purchase Heui Oil Supply Line Update Kit, Cat. #240-0717: https://shop.cat.com/en/usa-parts/240-0717?utm_content=ps_an_promotional_northamerica_mypcc_fssitewide_15offucfilters&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=united_states_-_part_numbers_b_-_parts-s&utm_term=+2400717&kxconf=t3oloumio&gclid=Cj0KCQjwjcfzBRCHARIsAO-1_OpRrsrGN3VQcw1fXAvbWUtepg3ZDmrpsUSygLc_kAWtTLb47dWDhSUaAv-rEALw_wcB

If 3126 Pull Media Number # M0068178 - This involves the oil cooler leaking oil from the filtered side to the unfiltered side due to the oil cooler mounting surface being warped. These are known to warp. Also bypass valve can let unfiltered oil to bypass into clean oil.

if C7 or 3126 Media Number # M0081390 - Inline secondary oil filter which goes inline to the HEUI oil supply line to keep crap from going into the Heui pump. Full pump with updated line kit if needed: 20R6642.

Transducer - good read on it: https://www.steelsoldiers.com/threa...not-really-compatible-with-3-07-gears.193760/

AC Unit Thread with great info: https://www.steelsoldiers.com/threads/lmtv-air-conditioner.125132/

Make own post heui Pump filter:
Filter status indicator:
Donaldson P171945 HYDRAULIC INDICATOR ASSEMBLY,
VISUAL
P171945
Filter Housing:
Donaldson P762770 HYDRAULIC HOUSING
P762770
The Filter Head:
Donaldson P762766 HEAD ASSEMBLY, HYDRAULIC
P762766

Validate Phasing of driveshaft, should not be off by more than + or - 3 degrees.

All new custom hydraulic and air hoses from: http://www.wofsco.com

NATO slave port charger: https://midwestmilitaryequipment.com/15a-12-24v-military-slave-nato-port-charger/

Urethane Sway Bar Bushings: https://www.steelsoldiers.com/threads/mtv-sway-bar-bushings-greasable-polyurethane.184851/
https://advancedautomotion.com/shop...8BerVytYPzEe1CdhUDHdgfIVR5HUcUGjeC9-YXHMAB9NI

Replacement Axle Parts: https://westerncanadianrockwell.ca/...urCzZqnwm7bJWVEVI3U2fr5ZtfAzBvdkWvLeNk_fcR2C8

Steering wheel adapter: https://www.steeringcreations.com/p...NUsfwMIvXexGo91GXMj0nNXNIzruF8rxbClIui4LVco5Q

Good place for Misc Cat Parts: https://propelparts.us/cooling.html?p=6

Locking Fuel Cap: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B...kJ6s12hARIXw42D63IDe0f3LM01s5DVQ6KAAuhv-ETzQ0

New Tires: https://mvpartstore.com/products/39585r20-goodyear-mvt-100-tread

Love this tire dolly, change a tire by yourself no problem: https://www.nationaltoolwarehouse.com/mobile/Heavy-Duty-Tire-Wheel-Cart-P177602.aspx?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=NTW - Smart Shopping - BOOST Items Only - 200&utm_term&gclid=EAIaIQobChMImpbP3_Ki7AIVghx9Ch13HAqXEAQYHyABEgI5sfD_BwE&fbclid=IwAR3Jal0mdXAA2a2F9VYTq5DyndqsKs8fwcvowR_hgc3VRdY-pVA0Svofy4E


MRAP CTIS Controller to get tire pressure up to 80psi for better mileage..



* I found that in Washington State you can title the LMTV as a ""Commercial vehicle used for personal use". The employee at the title office may not know this so ensure you tell them this.

Just assembling in my mind.
Need to take the first step and pick up a LMTV, conduct frame off restoration and then go from there.
I figure 2 years of work (weekends & nights), 30-50k and I should have a good rig at that point.
I will know tomorrow if I win the bid on the LMTV.
More to come. Thank you for all your feedback/support....

 

[jtcawrse]

Did you get it?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[coachgeo]

Thank you for the welcome.
I live South of Seattle near Tacoma.

As I mentally gather parts the first thing I know I want is to run the heater and hot water heater via diesel.
I Like this guys setup: {...youtube video.}

make sure whoever's flat plate heat exchanger you use is rated for human drinking water.

 

[PacificNorthWestLMTV]

Did you get it?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

No, did not win the bid..
I was in a meeting and bidding at the same time on GovPlanet and it ended up selling for $5,500.. Good price!
Trying to stay on top of a quick auction and participating in a meeting is difficult. Bummer but I am moving on.
Back to stalking GovPlanet again....
This is the one I was bidding on below....

2002 Stewart & Stevenson M1078A1 LMTV 4x4 Cargo Truck

ITEM NUMBER
3173415
LOCATION
Lakewood, Washington, United States. 98499

SOLD ON
2/26/20

WINNING BID
US $5,500

# OF BIDS
21

SOLD!

ITEM DETAILS
MILEAGE
6,357 Miles
VIN
A-T01869XXXXX
4x4, Cat 6 Cylinder Turbo Diesel Engine, Automatic Transmission, Tire Inflation System, 395/85R20 Tires, Fold-Down Bed Sides, Stake Sides, Tailgate, Hard Top, Heater, Winch, 22,770 lb. GVWR

 

[PacificNorthWestLMTV]

make sure whoever's flat plate heat exchanger you use is rated for human drinking water.

Will do, good point, didn't think of that. Thank you.

 

[PacificNorthWestLMTV]

It's been back to the drawing board this weekend.
Scanning the lower 48 and Hawaii (which has many) for LMTV's on GovPlanet.
Couple Questions:
- What are the chances of finding one on GovPlanet with AC? I've seen the AC kits that you can purchase but just curious if they auction them off with AC already installed? None that I can find so far...... I live 25 miles from Red Dot who makes the unit for the LMTV's so if all else fails before I would purchase the units online I would swing by Red Dot.
- Has anyone on here ever won the bid on GovPlanet for an LMTV from Hawaii? How much was shipping to Seattle if so?.. The LMTV's there start off alot lower, but man that sea air looks like it's taking its toll on those things... Several with no doors and/or the roof hatch cover missing....

Now I feel like I am on a mission to get one of these babies.....
Thank you for feedback ahead of time...

 

[ckouba]

Has anyone on here ever won the bid on GovPlanet for an LMTV from Hawaii? How much was shipping to Seattle if so?

Martin at FMTV Sales (http://fmtvsales.com/) might be able to help you. He has done some shipping from HI.

 

[Asymair95]

I got a quote from a shipper of just under 5k to the west coast port. You have to pay someone to get it to the port in Hawaii though, and then pay someone to pick it up for you in Seattle. There was a guy that checked a lot of the Hawaii trucks out, and he said they have tons of bent driveshafts from the forklift happy drmo guys.

 

[PacificNorthWestLMTV]

Good points, I think I will just keep waiting for one to pop up closer to me.
I am hoping to get 2002 or newer.
It looks like GovPlanet rotates these things on a 3 week rotation, meaning they put an LMTV on for 3 weeks and auction it off then that same location will put more of them on for another 3 weeks within a day of the last auction.
As I continue to ponder ideas on this thing, it would be cool to be able to unbolt the hatch cover and put in a useable, sealable hatch. Not an entire gun turret just a plain ole' hatch.... My wife is a photographer and with would be cool for her to pop out of it and stop snapping photos while we cruise... Just a thought.
Thank you again All.....

 

[In2Fords]

I got a quote from a shipper of just under 5k to the west coast port. You have to pay someone to get it to the port in Hawaii though, and then pay someone to pick it up for you in Seattle. There was a guy that checked a lot of the Hawaii trucks out, and he said they have tons of bent driveshafts from the forklift happy drmo guys.

Yeah, that was me, have to check them out, they don't always list the driveshaft damage but you can normally see it in ther pics......

I purchased one, still waiting on the euc.....
They let me flo in and crawl all over it, pokey cool guys down here.

I plan on removing the bed sho it well be lighter, and while taking to someone at matson they mentioned if I can lower the cab it could be cheaper.....

But since I have a house in Hawaii I have the luxury of getting it all together before I ship it to Oregon.....

I'm hoping to buy something in tomorrow's auction, if I do I'll give a heads up before I head to the yard.

 

[PacificNorthWestLMTV]

That would be pretty cool to walk around and check them out...
I also am figuring out the odometers doesn't mean anything. Saw one tonight that is a 1998 with 1 mile on it. lol....
Kind of a bummer though, would be nice to know.
Also looking at removing the spare tire and put it on the back of the camper and then replace the air intake with two of these Donaldson air intake systems..

PowerCore® PSD Cleaner | Donaldson Engine & Vehicle

Donaldson PSD air cleaners offer two-stage filtration for medium dust conditions ‒ featuring compact, light-weight construction and PowerCore® technology.

www.donaldson.com

And this:

Upgraded Air Spring Cab Suspension Kit For LMTV & MTV

Shop the Upgraded Air Spring Cab Suspension Kit for LMTV & MTV at Midwest Military Equipment. Direct replacement with a higher load rating and easy installation. Made in the USA.

midwestmilitaryequipment.com

And this:

Air Dryer AD9 Type With Mounting Brackets - 4 State Trucks

Air Dryer * High Quality Air Dryer * With Mounting Brackets * 12 Volt * Replaces OEM #: 065225, 109685, 109685X, 065225X, 26QE377, RF610013961, RX109685 * Sold Individually * Warranty On Air Dryer Against Defects In Workmanship and Material From Date Of Purchase *** High Quality After Market...

www.4statetrucks.com

 

[In2Fords]

Yeah, I think I'm just going to lower the stock air cleaner housing, don't plan on going into anything too deep......
I'm also planning on moving spares to the rear, eliminating the current hydro assembly and redoing the cab lift minus the spare and kneeling hydro/ shir system....
possibly a pass through incorporated in a future build, but for now, I literally plan on slapping a slide in bed camper backwards, so the overcab is off the rear. Bolt it down and go enjoy a few vacations just so the wife can enjoy it now then see the bigger picture and enjoy us building a real habitat in a couple years.....

We live in Hawaii but she's from Seattle and I lived in Oregon for 8 years, so we enjoy going back for vacation and want to boondock when not with family.

 

[PacificNorthWestLMTV]

I think I settled on building the camper out of 2x2 quarter wall aluminum for the frame and 14 or 16 gauge sheet metal to skin it with.
I will weld the frame together. I do not want to rivet or screw the skin onto the frame. I want a clean smooth surface to paint.
I found this stuff on line: VHB Tape by 3M which is Very High Bond Tape.

3M Adhesives & Tapes | 3M United States

www.3m.com

Has anyone used this stuff to hold panels onto frames. Curious how it would hold up to flexing on trails, negative temperatures like in Fairbanks Alaska in the winter and plus 100 degree temps like Nevada & Arizona in the summer. ANY BETTER IDEAS or builds where they did this that you can point me to?

Update on this research, March 8th:
I contacted 3M and below are the recommendations I received from them----

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thank you for contacting 3M. I work with our Industrial Adhesives and Tapes and would like to follow up with you regarding your recent online inquiry.

One method that could be considered would be to use VHB for panel bonding. The document below highlights this:
http://multimedia.3m.com/mws/media/290482O/panel-bonding-procedure-using-3mtm-vhbtm-tape.pdf

For a consumer or low volume use you can use the 4941 and 4956 VHB tape instead of the one mentioned. (those tapes are sold directly to OEM trailer manufactures and would not be available).

https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/company...002385+3293242237&preselect=3293786499&rt=rud

https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/company...002385+3290927187&preselect=3293786499&rt=rud

There are many youtube videos of VHB trailer panel bonding of customers who have had success.

Alternately you could use a combination of VHB and 560 sealant. Some large camper manufactures use this. Use the VHB to hold the panels in place while the sealant cures and control bondline thickness.

https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/company...002385+3293010992&preselect=3293786499&rt=rud

 

[MyDirtGuy]

I think I settled on building the camper out of 2x2 quarter wall aluminum for the frame and 14 or 16 gauge sheet metal to skin it with.
I will weld the frame together. I do not want to rivet or screw the skin onto the frame. I want a clean smooth surface to paint.
I found this stuff on line: VHB Tape by 3M which is Very High Bond Tape.

3M Adhesives & Tapes | 3M United States

www.3m.com

Has anyone used this stuff to hold panels onto frames. Curious how it would hold up to flexing on trails, negative temperatures like in Fairbanks Alaska in the winter and plus 100 degree temps like Nevada & Arizona in the summer. ANY BETTER IDEAS or builds where they did this that you can point me to?

I would use something like a panel bond from 3m, they are usually in tubes and are a 2 part that mixes in the tip of the tube. They can be stronger than welding. I don't think I'd use VHB for that application.

 

[PacificNorthWestLMTV]

GovPlanet question:
When a year is not listed for the LMTV is there away to use the info from the plate to decipher the year? It shows the VSN number and Serial number but no mfg date and GovPlanet did not put the date of the LMTV on the listing.

 

[coachgeo]

GovPlanet question:
When a year is not listed for the LMTV is there away to use the info from the plate to decipher the year? It shows the VSN number and Serial number but no mfg date and GovPlanet did not put the date of the LMTV on the listing.

sounds like if one was to get this one....... the new owner would be better off getting the dash plate and matching paperwork from another truck being scrapped..... IMHO it will be a nightmare to title it with no manufacture date.