Newbie with a question...

[moleary]

Hi all - I am new to the site and was lucky enough to stumble across it while researching HMWWV purchases online. I have located a 1986 USMC M998 in "reasonable" condition for $16,000 - the guy has 3 left of the seven that his father purchased in the big sell-off a few years ago. It has a valid FL title and there are no inspections in this state, so I assume no issues getting a tag. Here are my questions:

1. Is $16,000 a "good" price for a unrestored '86 998?

2. Are there any big WATCH-OUTs with these vehicles?

3. Is the conversion from a 998 to a slant-back a difficult one (meaning availability of the rear cap).

Thanks in advance to everyone on here for any feedback!

Michael

"only man to ever survive being hit by a heavy-drop on the Rhine-Luzon DZ at Ft. Bragg - loved my turtleback!"

 

[DSO_351]

1. 16,000 sounds good, for a good running one with title. Kits are about 10.
2. USMC versions swam in salt water, and would collect in the frame rails and eat them from inside out. One could use a ball peen hammer tapping from front of frame rail to rear in the lower half. Listen for sound difference. Rails are available, and can be replaced.
3. Turtle backs require a different windshield, drilling in the fenders for slope backs and strikers. Slant backs may be too hot for Florida. At Tampa the hard tops were driven with out doors, and rear hatch open.