Fixing the 1998 HMMWV

[mrandig]

I've got lots of things to fix. I bought this truck almost three years ago from GovPlanet; it took me this long to get started.

I wasn't quite sure where to start this thread, but this seemed like a good enough spot.

Hopefully I can get some feedback as I go through this beast and get it sorted out.

 

[mrandig]

First up, we need new tires. I know there's lots of debate between stock vs. aftermarket rims and tires.

I'm going to go the aftermarket route, just because it's just easier overall. They're brand new, lighter, don't need to be shipped, and I can get them asap. They are slightly more expensive, but all-in, I don't think it's cost prohibitive. As a bonus, I can get a mobile installer to put these on at my location, so my old, achy self doesn't have to do any lifting.

I'll keep the originals rims, just in case I decide later to go back to stock.

 

[mrandig]

Easy Peasy...

Tires are BFGoodrich, All Terrain T/A KO2 - 37 X12.50R17 LT 124R D2
Rims are Black Rhino, Armory - 17 X9.5 8-165.10

I was originally concerned that these would look funky, but they turned out pretty good.

 

[FlameRed]

Start with the easy stuff. Change ALL your fluids and filters.

 

[mrandig]

Start with the easy stuff. Change ALL your fluids and filters.

On my list to start fluids this afternoon. Trying to get as much of this done today, before the cold weather comes into town.

I needed to get tires that would hold air, just so I could move the thing around.

 

[mrandig]

Next up is just a quick walk around. Most of these next items are just cosmetic.

Rusty hooks, tie downs, tailgate chain. These will on go onto the "later" list of things to do. Not urgent.








Old wiper blades needing to be replaced. This is just an automatic service "to-do" item.


Most light buckets are cracked in some way. Again, another later project. Not urgent.







The placement of these mirrors looks off. One side is way higher than the other, and the driver's side has mounting holes that aren't used. This will need to be a later research project. Not urgent.

Somebody hogged out my well nuts. We'll need to replace these so we can get a top back on. This is higher on my priority list, as it keeps out the weather, but it doesn't affect drivability or safety.





It a little hard to see at the moment as the ground is wet, but there doesn't seem to be any leaks that scream out, so maybe there's something positive to come out of this? Probably not...

I'm not going underneath this truck until its dried up a bit.

 

[mrandig]

Next comes the more important items:

I'm going to need a new driver's seat.


Fan, vents and defroster works. That's good.


Dash lights up, which is good. Gauges are dead and full of moisture, which is not good. .

Blackout light works. Not sure when I'd need it.


No running lights, no headlights, high beams, no turn signals, no brake lights. No horn.

Something is electrically dead here. Looks like I've got a new project.

 

[mrandig]

Best I can tell at a quick glance is that the light switch has gone bad.

The instrument panel and floor shift have lights, and both front and rear blackout lights are working. This means we have power incoming from the PCB at "F", as well as outgoing at "B", "E", "D" and "N".

 

[mrandig]

For the light switch, I think I'm going to clean up the electrical connectors first, before buying a replacement. Maybe it's something simple.

While I'm out, does anybody have a recommendation for some commercial brand spray paint (Rust-oleum?) that would match the camo pattern I've got going on here? Doesn't have to be a perfect match.

 

[juanprado]

On the driver's commander seat. If the foam and seat is ok, you can get replacement covers in upgraded material in different colors on ebay.

 

[mrandig]

On the driver's commander seat. If the foam and seat is ok, you can get replacement covers in upgraded material in different colors on ebay.

The passenger seat will look awesome with a new cover. The driver's seat is just too far gone; the foam is in really bad shape.

 

[Mogman]

On the driver's commander seat. If the foam and seat is ok, you can get replacement covers in upgraded material in different colors on ebay.

I thought the Commander seat was the right seat and the left seat was the drivers seat, of course I could be wrong

 

[mrandig]

I thought the Commander seat was the right seat and the left seat was the drivers seat, of course I could be wrong

Its 2025. It can be anything it wants to be.

 

[juanprado]

Check out black mountain industries on ebay.

I have used their slip on cover and the quality is vastly superior to oe. They are pricey but as they say you get what you pay for.

The commander's seat style is the taller bucket seat than the shorter bucket seat that can be in any of the 4 positions.

Nice tires and rims. You seem to have a case of the green disease well established........

 

[mrandig]

Check out black mountain industries on ebay.

I have used their slip on cover and the quality is vastly superior to oe. They are pricey but as they say you get what you pay for.

The commander's seat style is the taller bucket seat than the shorter bucket seat that can be in any of the 4 positions.

Nice tires and rims. You seem to have a case of the green disease well established........

I saw BMI while searching ebay. They have some pretty nice covers, particularly the MOLLE ones. Their prices are high, but I'll pay extra for quality.

As for the commander's seat, I already had to contact a vendor to help clarify. I was getting confused as well, because I also thought it was only the right-side front. Turns out, these are commander seats, that fit any position. The driver's commander seat is then correct.

This green disease is looking like an expensive habit. On the plus side, this truck runs and isn't rusted out. On the negative side, well, it's everything else... At least when it's done, I'll be able to use it for???

I really just bought it so I could drive around town with my German Shepherd in the front seat.

 

[mrandig]

Day 1 of working on this truck is just about complete. The active "to-do" list has now grown to almost 65 items, but at least I can start clearing some of these out, probably tomorrow.

I keep a running list, which includes the dates of every check, result, repair, etc. When combined with receipts, it makes for a nice history for the vehicle. Part of the reason I do this is probably OCD, the other part being, is that I've got a few other vehicles to also keep track of.

This list goes back to the original date that this truck was received. Obviously, I had gotten a little behind. Since I've posted this, I suppose now I also need to add a disclaimer:


DISCLAIMER: The list below is for illustrative purposes only. Refer to Operator's Manual TM 9-2320-280-10 for a full description of HMMWV Maintenance Procedures.

 

[Bulldogger]

For the light switch, I think I'm going to clean up the electrical connectors first, before buying a replacement. Maybe it's something simple.

While I'm out, does anybody have a recommendation for some commercial brand spray paint (Rust-oleum?) that would match the camo pattern I've got going on here? Doesn't have to be a perfect match.

Congrats on your progress!
As to paint, the RAPCO 383 series paints are an excellent match, made for HMMWVs. They will be more vibrant (though still tactical flat finish of course) because they are new, so you may want to plan on total respray.
BDGR

 

[mrandig]

Day 2 of fixing this truck is currently underway. Not so many pictures today, as there's not much to show, but I may add some later.

Here's what been done as of this morning:

- Check hoses and fluid lines (Fail)
- Check Belts for deterioration or damage (Fail)
- Check brakes for proper operation (Fail)
- Check brake pedal for proper function (Fail)
- Check parking brake for proper operation (Fail)
- Check transmission shifting through all gears (PASS)
- Check transfer case operation through all ranges (PASS)
- Check horn for operation (Fail)
- Check all seat belts for operation (PASS)
- Check Windshield Wipers for operation (Fail)

So, in summary, we've failed 7 of 10 checks so far this morning.

One of the reasons I don't go changing fluids before anything else is the potential for needed repairs. The hydroboost system on the truck is acting like its shot. The serpentine belt, tensioner and radiator hoses also need to be replaced. A replacement water pump is also likely needed, but not yet confirmed.

Had I flushed and filled the coolant, power steering and/or brake fluid first thing, I would not be a happy camper at the moment.

 

[Mogman]

Check out black mountain industries on ebay.

I have used their slip on cover and the quality is vastly superior to oe. They are pricey but as they say you get what you pay for.

The commander's seat style is the taller bucket seat than the shorter bucket seat that can be in any of the 4 positions.

Nice tires and rims. You seem to have a case of the green disease well established........

Actually I thought the right seat was the commanders seat, not what it looks like, one M998 I had had a sticker on the inside of the passenger windshield stating what the Commanders responsibilities were and driving was not on the list.

 

[Mogman]

A truck commander's responsibilities include:

• Communications
  Truck commanders are in charge of communications for their vehicle and are responsible for maintaining a chain of command with the convoy leader. They should ensure that everyone has backup batteries, is on the same channel, and that the radios are fully powered.
  
  
• Vehicle inspection
  Truck commanders, along with the vehicle operator, should inspect the vehicle before the convoy departs to ensure it is safe to operate.
  
  
• Driver training
  Truck commanders should ensure that all drivers are properly trained and licensed.
  
  
• Driver safety
  Truck commanders should emphasize to drivers that they are responsible for operating their vehicles safely and sharing the road with others.
  
  
• Passenger safety
  Truck commanders should ensure that all passengers are seated in the correct position within the vehicle.
  
  
• Uniform
  Truck commanders should ensure that personnel are in proper uniform at all times.