My M998 build log

[JanR]

Hello everyone!

Today it is two years since the GovPlanet auction of my Humvee, so I thought it would be a good day to start a build thread. The truck was finally delivered to me the day before New Years Eve (yes, over 21 months of waiting). I've been a fan of these trucks since the 90s, but I have actually only once seen one for about 15 seconds. While waiting for the truck I have been preparing myself by reading the -10 and -20 manuals and the troubleshooting guide. I have also read almost every new post on this site for the past two years. I have learned a lot, so thank you all for that!

The truck is an M998 from 1990 in very good condition. The odometer shows 34k miles, which looks to be original. The engine has been upgraded to a 6.5 GEP (engine block from 2004) and it looks like it hasn't been used since. The only fault I've found so far is the cold advance switch and one door that went missing during transport.



It must have been quite a chock for the poor thing to experience the Finnish winter after a life in the Californian desert! I have only been driving it short trips so far, since I have not had time yet to check the hubs or change the oils. Here is a video of the first test drive: Youtube



The plan now is to get it road legal. I bought the truck through Thijs Trading in the Netherlands, who also sold me the helmet top. I needed to have the truck registered abroad, otherwise it would have been considered a 2022 model year, with all the modern requirements. The regulations here are very strict, but also very well defined. The following changes will be needed:

Lights - The stock headlamps are too close together so I will add new low beams further out. I will also change to LED tail lights, which are legal here.
Doors - I will add Gen 2 doors from PlanB supply to get road legal windows. Although x-doors would have been nicer.
Seats - The front seats need to have head rests.
Steering column - I will add a Hummer H1 steering column in order to get a steering wheel lock, which is required here.

After it is road legal I will continue with a fresh coat of paint, adding insulation, a 12V system, a center console, central locking and so on. The final goal is also to make it electric. I have done the calculations and rough design for this, but I think it will be a couple of years (10?) before I have time for that.

This will be a long build, but I will keep you updated along the way.

 

[Mogman]

Welcome!! You already have a steering wheel lock.
Please check/change all the fluids before driving it any more, I hope you get as much enjoyment as my M998s have brought me!!!

 

[JanR]

Welcome!! You already have a steering wheel lock.
Please check/change all the fluids before driving it any more, I hope you get as much enjoyment as my M998s have brought me!!!

Thanks! I know about the locking wire, but unfortunately the steering lock needs to also shut off the engine. I already found an H1 steering column for a reasonable price. This way I will also get a keyed ignition switch. The fluids look like new, but I will anyhow change them before driving it again.

 

[TOBASH]

IIRC H1 ignition column is a Ford escort column.

 

[springer1981]

IIRC H1 ignition column is a Ford escort column.

You mentioned that in my build thread a long time ago and I looked, they are not the same and not even close.

 

[springer1981]

Thanks! I know about the locking wire, but unfortunately the steering lock needs to also shut off the engine. I already found an H1 steering column for a reasonable price. This way I will also get a keyed ignition switch. The fluids look like new, but I will anyhow change them before driving it again.

If you already have it on the way and it solves the immediate issue, sounds great. It will not connect to the military wiring harness directly. When you switch out the column what are you going to do for directionals? I am not familiar enough with the H1 but It isn't likely to be plug and play. As an alternative solution after you take the stock steering column out you could probably modify it and retain a stock like appearance. Here is an example of how I might start. This is a Lock and Key and Switch Assembly MG Midget 1974-1979 and it could be made to fit the column and lock. Then you could wire it up easily and make a simple metal shroud to cover it. As an example here is one i shortened 2" for my build. https://www.steelsoldiers.com/threads/my-new-1992-m998-avenger.184818/post-2342450 and it continues on page 6.

 

[Mogman]

I am just curious, when did Finland require the steering/ign. lock? there must be vehicles old enough not to have them from the factory being driven in Finland. Do all these require a retrofit?
Edit The reason I ask is the law for air bags went into effect in 1998 here, I can see where this could be a possible future issue for folks here buying post 1998 surplus vehicles...

 

[Mullaney]

Hello everyone!

Today it is two years since the GovPlanet auction of my Humvee, so I thought it would be a good day to start a build thread. The truck was finally delivered to me the day before New Years Eve (yes, over 21 months of waiting). I've been a fan of these trucks since the 90s, but I have actually only once seen one for about 15 seconds. While waiting for the truck I have been preparing myself by reading the -10 and -20 manuals and the troubleshooting guide. I have also read almost every new post on this site for the past two years. I have learned a lot, so thank you all for that!

The truck is an M998 from 1990 in very good condition. The odometer shows 34k miles, which looks to be original. The engine has been upgraded to a 6.5 GEP (engine block from 2004) and it looks like it hasn't been used since. The only fault I've found so far is the cold advance switch and one door that went missing during transport.

View attachment 861864

It must have been quite a chock for the poor thing to experience the Finnish winter after a life in the Californian desert! I have only been driving it short trips so far, since I have not had time yet to check the hubs or change the oils. Here is a video of the first test drive: Youtube

View attachment 861866

The plan now is to get it road legal. I bought the truck through Thijs Trading in the Netherlands, who also sold me the helmet top. I needed to have the truck registered abroad, otherwise it would have been considered a 2022 model year, with all the modern requirements. The regulations here are very strict, but also very well defined. The following changes will be needed:

Lights - The stock headlamps are too close together so I will add new low beams further out. I will also change to LED tail lights, which are legal here.
Doors - I will add Gen 2 doors from PlanB supply to get road legal windows. Although x-doors would have been nicer.
Seats - The front seats need to have head rests.
Steering column - I will add a Hummer H1 steering column in order to get a steering wheel lock, which is required here.

After it is road legal I will continue with a fresh coat of paint, adding insulation, a 12V system, a center console, central locking and so on. The final goal is also to make it electric. I have done the calculations and rough design for this, but I think it will be a couple of years (10?) before I have time for that.

This will be a long build, but I will keep you updated along the way.

.
Well JanR,

Welcome to the Outfit! Nice to see you digging into the TM's. That will help you an awful lot.
I am definitely looking forward to seeing more pictures in your build thread!

Tim Mullaney

 

[TOBASH]

You mentioned that in my build thread a long time ago and I looked, they are not the same and not even close.

Well my brother, as one of the only members here with both H1 Hummer and HMMWV, I'm pretty qualified to state that I am correct. You can also go to the hummer network forums if you don't believe me.

H1's have them and all H1's need FORD lock cylinders/keys.

Ford column is also collapsible, making it a nice safety option. I will probably swap one into my M1025 just to be safe. Several others on other forums have done it.

 

[springer1981]

As one of the only members here with both H1 Hummer and HMMWV, I'm pretty qualified to state that I am correct. You can also go to the hummer network forums if you don't believe me.

Ford column is also collapsible, making it a nice safety option. I will probably swap one into my M1025 just to be safe. Several others on other forums have done it.

You might be able to modify it and force it to fit but it is not a bolt in. They are not even close to the same, at least not the ones I can find. Please get a Ford part number, I would love to see how it mounts.

Here is a Ford Escort steering column.



And here's the H1

 

[TOBASH]

I'll find the threads.

Not a big deal but it is absolutely something people do on other forums.

 

[JanR]

I've also heard that the H1 steering column is from a Ford, and the front plate actually says "Escort". Some parts must be the same but the main steering axle is almost identical to the one from the humvee, with added slots for steering lock. You could probably modify a humvee column to have a lock, but that's not allowed here.

 

[JanR]

If you already have it on the way and it solves the immediate issue, sounds great. It will not connect to the military wiring harness directly. When you switch out the column what are you going to do for directionals? I am not familiar enough with the H1 but It isn't likely to be plug and play. As an alternative solution after you take the stock steering column out you could probably modify it and retain a stock like appearance. Here is an example of how I might start. This is a Lock and Key and Switch Assembly MG Midget 1974-1979 and it could be made to fit the column and lock. Then you could wire it up easily and make a simple metal shroud to cover it. As an example here is one i shortened 2" for my build. https://www.steelsoldiers.com/threads/my-new-1992-m998-avenger.184818/post-2342450 and it continues on page 6.

I have checked the connections on the H1 turn signal switch, and it does need some rewiring and a new flasher. Still quite an easy fix. For the ignition, I will add a relay in series with the original start switch and control that with the new steering column lock. That's a nice lock. I also thought about something similar, but you are not allowed to modify the steering column in any way, so I didn't want to risk the inspector noticing it. I have gone through your build thread with great interest. Very nice build.

 

[JanR]

I am just curious, when did Finland require the steering/ign. lock? there must be vehicles old enough not to have them from the factory being driven in Finland. Do all these require a retrofit?
Edit The reason I ask is the law for air bags went into effect in 1998 here, I can see where this could be a possible future issue for folks here buying post 1998 surplus vehicles...

The law is very old... from the 70s or something. In general, cars here need to fulfill the regulations that was in use when the car was first registered, but there might be exceptions. For American made cars, if they are from 1991 or newer they also need to fulfill the FMVSS. So registering a humvee from 1991 or later would be very difficult.

 

[springer1981]

I've also heard that the H1 steering column is from a Ford, and the front plate actually says "Escort". Some parts must be the same but the main steering axle is almost identical to the one from the humvee, with added slots for steering lock. You could probably modify a humvee column to have a lock, but that's not allowed here.

Excellent picture. Yes I know there are parts in the steering column that are made by Ford. I know some are labeled "Escort" and are used in Ford Escorts. Specifically, #1 is a Common turn signal switch for Ford and it fits Bronco II, Mustang, Tempo, Topaz, Aerostar, ESCORT and Many more. Part number F33Z-13341-B
#2 is the Key and tumbler and also fits a number of Fords including the ESCORT.
#3 Fits ESCORT as well and like the others is a Ford part. E1FZ-3C610-A
#4 Seems to be missing the ignition switch but might just be the angle. It fits about 27 models of Fords ranging from 1980 to 1994. It is even listed as a cross reference for a couple of GM cars!! Part number F29A-11572-DA

#5 However is NOT a Ford part and does NOT come from an ESCORT. It will never fit an Escort and NO Escort Steering Column fits in a HMMWV/Hummer H1. The Lock mechanism, turn signal switch, ignition switch and miscellaneous other parts are manufactured by Ford and fit MANY different Ford application including the Escort but not exclusively the Escort. Maybe some of those part numbers will help you out.

 

[springer1981]

I have checked the connections on the H1 turn signal switch, and it does need some rewiring and a new flasher. Still quite an easy fix. For the ignition, I will add a relay in series with the original start switch and control that with the new steering column lock. That's a nice lock. I also thought about something similar, but you are not allowed to modify the steering column in any way, so I didn't want to risk the inspector noticing it. I have gone through your build thread with great interest. Very nice build.

Too bad they are so strict but at least you have a good solution. And thanks.

 

[springer1981]

Well my brother, as one of the only members here with both H1 Hummer and HMMWV, I'm pretty qualified to state that I am correct.

It was easy to find the old thread where you got your information from however it is wrong and was posted as hearsay (heard from a friend who heard from a friend,etc). Owning both and actually doing it are 2 completely different things. Please post the pictures of when You installed a Ford Escort Steering Column in a HMMWV. When you told me about it in my thread I researched it and there is no way it fits, bolts in or can be easily modified to fit. There are Parts that are Common to both the Ford Escort and the H1 steering column but not the column itself. See my post above. The problem to me is telling everyone they can just go buy a Ford Escort Steering column and bolt it in will eventually lead to someone wasting money and time. I personally try to only post information that I have first hand experience with, ie, actually did it myself.

Believe it or not I actually appreciate most of your posts and sometimes get a kick out of them. I'd even buy you a beer if we ever met BUT you might want to rethink posting regurgitated information you haven't actually vetted yourself.

 

[JanR]

Excellent picture. Yes I know there are parts in the steering column that are made by Ford. I know some are labeled "Escort" and are used in Ford Escorts. Specifically, #1 is a Common turn signal switch for Ford and it fits Bronco II, Mustang, Tempo, Topaz, Aerostar, ESCORT and Many more. Part number F33Z-13341-B
#2 is the Key and tumbler and also fits a number of Fords including the ESCORT.
#3 Fits ESCORT as well and like the others is a Ford part. E1FZ-3C610-A
#4 Seems to be missing the ignition switch but might just be the angle. It fits about 27 models of Fords ranging from 1980 to 1994. It is even listed as a cross reference for a couple of GM cars!! Part number F29A-11572-DA

#5 However is NOT a Ford part and does NOT come from an ESCORT. It will never fit an Escort and NO Escort Steering Column fits in a HMMWV/Hummer H1. The Lock mechanism, turn signal switch, ignition switch and miscellaneous other parts are manufactured by Ford and fit MANY different Ford application including the Escort but not exclusively the Escort. Maybe some of those part numbers will help you out.

Thanks for the info! Good to know if I need spare parts in the future.

 

[AAVP7]

Hello Jan,
welcome to the madness, from me too ! Good to hear that you bought from Thijs; you´re in pretty good hands then. He knows what he´s doing.

Despite that, I´d check the wheel spindle nuts before driving any more. There have been cases of spindle nuts not being secured, and the whole wheel rolling away during driving. Not as funny as it sounds. Yes, checking the nuts is a day of work (including all the resealing, etc.), but you´ll sleep better afterwards.

I also recommend to check the bolts connecting the halfshafts to the diffs. Those bolts have a tendency to work themselves out, and then damage the brake calipers.

Interesting to hear about required changes in Finland. Down here, we also need to change a few things (mostly lights), but the mad thing is that it all depends on the mood of the check engineer. So we have Humvees with legal red rear flashers, but most converted to yellow. Some have legal red rear side markers, but most converted to yellow. And the holy grail is the brushguard, which was completely verboten by some EU law in the 2000s, yet some check engineers regard this as an important historical part, so on some Humvees here brushguards are legalized. It´s completely confusing, especially for law enforcement.

 

[Mullaney]

Hello Jan,
welcome to the madness, from me too ! Good to hear that you bought from Thijs; you´re in pretty good hands then. He knows what he´s doing.

Despite that, I´d check the wheel spindle nuts before driving any more. There have been cases of spindle nuts not being secured, and the whole wheel rolling away during driving. Not as funny as it sounds. Yes, checking the nuts is a day of work (including all the resealing, etc.), but you´ll sleep better afterwards.

I also recommend to check the bolts connecting the halfshafts to the diffs. Those bolts have a tendency to work themselves out, and then damage the brake calipers.

Interesting to hear about required changes in Finland. Down here, we also need to change a few things (mostly lights), but the mad thing is that it all depends on the mood of the check engineer. So we have Humvees with legal red rear flashers, but most converted to yellow. Some have legal red rear side markers, but most converted to yellow. And the holy grail is the brushguard, which was completely verboten by some EU law in the 2000s, yet some check engineers regard this as an important historical part, so on some Humvees here brushguards are legalized. It´s completely confusing, especially for law enforcement.

.
Well, goofy as it is - it is that way here in the states as well for some things. Like when the US Postal Service pulls out the big book of rules to say you can't do (whatever) and occasionally we get to whip out the same book and prove them wrong. Then they get all crotchety and hard to get along with...

Same thing with our DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles. Sometimes they hand you a tag and a title -- then 6 months later decide they want to inspect your vehicle.

It's just the government. A lot like them saying to the Indians (Native Americans) here in America: Sure you can Trust the Government.