Re: 1994 HMCS Project
 

I'm buddies with the shop manager so I get a bit of a deal. Usually what I get goes for 250.00. I dont go full out and get the works like your buddy did, I dont want to pay that much.

Re: 1994 HMCS Project
 

I think a shop could probably do a better job, but I like the satisfaction of doing it myself too. But I hate the tennis elbow and severe arm pain that follows hours of work... haha. I picked read a book in the bookstore tonight on detailing, and I have determined that I need to do this again when it's warmer (I was getting smearing) and that I should use the polish step to get the scratches out too. So I'll probably end up doing all of it again, and then putting a few coats of the Gold Class on there. This truck is going to look like a million bucks, minus the hood damage.

Re: 1994 HMCS Project
 

You are doing awesome Aubs:beerchug:

That old a vehicle and being red you are doing great.

Re: 1994 HMCS Project
 

These are some before shots of the truck. They give a decent comparision of the paint. I've got the roof rack off to paint it, and so the truck fits in my quonset hut:







This is the hood, which I need to replace or repair. I'm thinking a repainted HMMWV hood might be in order:




Here is the truck with the wheel shields on (which I got with it):

Re: 1994 HMCS Project
 

Yeah I know what you mean. There are several things proffesionals can do. But it will cost ya;)

having a buddy in the business helps:beerchug:

Re: 1994 HMCS Project
 

Oh, my new plate also has "666" in it, all in a row. :D Unless I get a custom plate, I thought about nicknaming the truck "Red Devil" but that's overused. "Mephisto's Wagon" was another possibility. "Bat Out of Hell" was also comtemplated. "El Diablo" is very cliche.

"Phoenix" is another possibility.

Re: 1994 HMCS Project
 

Hows about BLOOD WGN....or that to many letters:beerchug:

or............ALGORE4ME;)

Re: 1994 HMCS Project
 

ERTHKLR :jump:

We are allowed 8 characters in PA.
I am considering:

1994
1994 H1
RED H1
RED HMCS
INURFACE
REAL4WD
OUTATIME
FOLLOWME

Re: 1994 HMCS Project
 

"Diablo's Uno" "Satan's 4X4" "Hell's HUMMER" (I like that one!)

Re: 1994 HMCS Project
 

HELLZHMR
:giggling:

Re: 1994 HMCS Project
 

The foam is in ceiling and in 2 doors, and so far it sounds more quiet. I can tell now for sure that the remainder of the sound is coming from the doghouse and the related area. So I am going to do that next. Perhaps I will use Hushmat because it's not as thick.

This stuff is "elastomeric foam pipe insulation" from what I can tell. It's highly insulating and it is apparently evironmentally friendly. It does smell funny though. But if it doesn't kill me, I saved a lot of money over Dynamat or all Hushmat.

The headliner is a PITA to put back in the truck BTW. :D

Re: 1994 HMCS Project
 

I started cleaning the panels, and found that they were very dirty. I was using Blue Magic leather and vinyl cleaner, and found that it worked great at first and then it suddenly would trap the dirt on the vinyl, and it was almost impossible to remove. So I must say avoid this stuff:



To reverse the evil effects of the Blue Magic, I had to use some of the Meguire's Gold Class shampoo (car wash) which when rubbed in or brushed on removed the dirt. I then just used a diluted solution to clean off the rest of the panels. Then I've been applying Son of a Gun interior shine up stuff which has so far worked very nicely, better than Armor All.

Here are the three products I've been using on the outside. One cleans, then 2 polishes, and then I have been skipping 3 (Carnuaba Wax) and applying the Meguire's Gold Class wax. I still need something to remove the scratches. Turtle Wax Polishing compound was ineffective:



Here are some more random photos:

Floor area before installing seat:



New seat inside (that's nothing wrong with the paint there, just some reflection):





Quite a production:

Re: 1994 HMCS Project
 

Aubs man you are doing great. A lot of work but you will benefit from it all.

Nice man..:beerchug:

Re: 1994 HMCS Project
 

so are you keeping the brush guard on or taking it off? And also are you keeping the roof rack on or taking it off. Does the underbody have any damage to it?

Re: 1994 HMCS Project
 

Roof rack is probably going back on when repainted. The brushguard... I haven't decided. Looks like someone is going to give me a HMMWV brushguard this week, so I might put that on instead. There is no underbody damage, but also no underbody protection.

Re: 1994 HMCS Project
 

I got Turtle Wax Rubbing Compound today to try to work out the scratches more. It seems to be helping, but it's hard to tell. The driveway makes for a dreary reflection on the side of the truck too, so I can't get a good idea. If I get the passenger's side done today, I can turn the truck around and put the newly finished side in the sun. Then I will know! :D

Re: 1994 HMCS Project
 

Well, the Turtle Wax Rubbing Compound worked, but without very visible results other than creating a red-tinted applicator pad. :rolleyes:

So I dug around in my bin of detailing supplies, and found the Mother's Power Ball that I use for the H2 rims. I decided to try that on the rims, but all the bolts foiled any attempts. I put the Meguiars Step 2 Polish on the Power Ball instead and started with that on the paint. I figured it could make 10,000 passes over the spot as compared to my 100 or so in the same period of time. It actually worked great, and the polish buffed out a lot of the scratches. I was really happy with the result. I will probably go back and do the side that I've already finished and redo it with the Power Ball.



Here is a picture of the side that is finished in the sun:



Still too many scratches. I hope to remove those more with the Power Ball:




I have the hood to redo yet, and I began working on the roof but it was still too hot so I decided to come in and make dinner while it cools in the shade.

The truck, IMHO, looks pretty awesome! It's going to be badass with a repainted roof rack, and once I get the rims cleaned (which I started to do). It's going to turn a lot of heads. I should perhaps think about taking it to some local car shows when the hood is fixed up.

One problem that I will have to remedy is that the door hinges are rusting rather badly on the drivers side. I think that I will remove them if it gets much worse, and paint them black to match the rims. I think matching the hood to the paint is going to be hard enough, and I know the hinges would probably really show if they mismatched. :D

I think that I have at least 20 hours into the truck so far. Maybe 25.

Re: 1994 HMCS Project
 

Nice Aubs.:)

Whats amazing in this pic is the color difference between the roof (not done) and the side. Looking good:clapping:

By the way....do you have a job:beerchug:

Re: 1994 HMCS Project
 

Aubs,
To really get out all of the scatches you will need to wet sand those areas. I would just use 1500 grit on it, instead of 1000. The downside is that you will need to polish the area with a real polisher, a high speed orbital. But, if you wet sand/polish when you are done the results that you will get will be flawless and I promise you'll be happy. Good work no less. I bought one of those power balls last week to do my wheels, holy sh!t I have never seen them so shiney, they look brand new.

Re: 1994 HMCS Project
 

ok now turn a wrench on it. clean out the water filter on the fuel line. and check the t-case fluid. It might be burnt. looks like fun man!

Re: 1994 HMCS Project
 

I have been reluctant to do any serious polishing to avoid burning through the paint. :D I think the Power Ball will reduce the scratches enough to make me happy. Afterall, they are part of the character of the truck. :) But I will have to keep the wet sanding in mind.

I have yet to really do any of the mechanical work. That outer CV boot needs to be changed, but I need some Nordlock washers to replace the ones that come out. My parts guy is out on surgery right now, so I have to wait for him to return.

I do have to examine the possibility of Vampire. I find water drips down the side of the truck from the air filter, but it's not oily. It does leave weird water spots however. It's confusing.

Re: 1994 HMCS Project
 

I would not buy the nord locks from the local dealer, last time I did that I spent something like 50 or 70 bucks for a full set (each axle). I'd call Dave B, or Travis at Rubber Duck 4X4.

Re: 1994 HMCS Project
 

What about:

DEVLRIDR OR RLLNDEVL ?:popcorn:

Re: 1994 HMCS Project
 

just curious whatd your neighbors say when you pulled up with this?

Re: 1994 HMCS Project
 

Nothing so far. There are about 3 acre lots here. However, I have had quite a few positive comments around town.

Re: 1994 HMCS Project
 

You've come a long way all ready! Nice job, and keep up the good work!

Looks great!!

Re: 1994 HMCS Project
 

so what kind of cash did you have to outlay to get the beast if you dont mind saying? How much do you figure you will have into it when you are done? Looks like an interesting renovation project. Have you had a chance to play with it off road? Keep the pics coming.

Re: 1994 HMCS Project
 

She's startin to look realy good all that works startin too realy show.

why dony you call her "DEVELDOG"

Re: 1994 HMCS Project
 

Purchased for $22,000. With taxes, and all the improvments/repairs, it will probably end up around $26,000.

Re: 1994 HMCS Project
 

I just went on a desert tour in a '96 with the same engine.

All I can say is, "I like!" :clapping:

Re: 1994 HMCS Project
 

I should add this update:

I've been trying to remove the rear passenger half shaft so I can replace the CV boot. Well, the shaft will not come out of the hub. So I've spent about 6 hours just trying to free it and I've made it out about 3/4".... No idea what's wrong yet. But I will need a new half shaft and probably some geared hub components...

Re: 1994 HMCS Project
 

excuse my ignorance, but what does HMCS mean?

thanks!


jason

Re: 1994 HMCS Project
 

HMCS is the wagon H1. HMC4 is the four man opentop. The VLCO had the zip out windows and the soft top. I don't know the rest off hand, but they were short-hand within AM General for the different models.

Re: 1994 HMCS Project
 

thanks for the reply! its always fun getting to know all about a new-to-me truck or car.

do you know what the initials actually stand for?

thanks again!

jason

Re: 1994 HMCS Project
 

http://www.hummerknowledgebase.com/general/civdes.html

There are all the designations, but no explanations. I will have to ask around next time I'm at an AM General event.

Re: 1994 HMCS Project
 

You have doubled my production -- I have done 1 out of 4 leather covers on my truck so far since I got them in June '06 :beerchug:

Re: 1994 HMCS Project
 

That was a unique one, Aubs - make sure you post some pics of your halfshaft adventure here!

Let me know if you end up needing a new geared hub.

Re: 1994 HMCS Project
 

Thank you for the offer Manny. I should know in the next 2 weeks.

I'll try to post up some pics tonight.

Re: 1994 HMCS Project
 

Alright, this past weekend things shifted from the cosmetic to the mechanical, and I decided to get started on the CV boot. I thought it would be difficult as it's the first major mechanical thing I've done. Well, it has been more difficult that I ever imagined!

So I parked the truck, dropped the t-case into N, and then put it in park and jacked it up. Now the right rear wheel could spin independently. I took off the tire, removed the halfshaft retaining bolt, and then the six bolts on the rotor. This took about 30 mins. I was feeling pretty good. Then the "fun" started.

The next step is to simply pull the half shaft out the back of the geared hub. I tried this, and it wouldn't budge. So I pulled harder, pulled left, up down, right, etc. Nothing. I decided maybe there was something in the way, so I removed the parking brake cable, and still couldn't get it to come out. Well, I was really stumped at this point.



I called up a buddy from the HML, and asked him what to do. He'd never heard of one being stuck like this, and suggested that I thread a 3/8" screw into the slot where the retaining bolt was that would miss the retaining washer. Hopefully this would push the shaft out. Once it was in, I started banging, and to my dismay, there was no reaction....

I posted on the HML at this point, and it was suggested I try to remove the gear and halfshaft as one. I took the rear access off from the upper gear and then started tapping on the screw again. Finally, I got some progress. About 3-4 hours had gone into this by now.


This shows the progress, with the upper gear in the hub moving out.




Here, you can see the CV joint coming out.



I kept banging away at this point, and decided to give up for the night. I sprayed the whole thing up with Bolt Buster, put the wheel back on, and let it sit. In the morning, I came back out and started the process again, and I guess my renewed effort was enough to get it out.

But now I have to figure out why exactly the halfshaft wouldn't come away from the upper gear. Something either has failed to bind it in there, or the previous owner applied red loctite and bound it in there.

Here's looking at the outer end of the halfshaft with the upper gear from the geared hub stuck on it. That small 1.5" or so circle in the middle is the end of the halfshaft. It should not have the gear stuck to it.






Here is a side view. Everything from that round black thing on the left (CV joint) should be off of there with just the splined end of the halfshaft showing.




Here is the outer bearing/race which won't go back where it belongs:




So it looks like I will need a new halfshaft at the very least. If it turns out that Kascar is at fault, I hope they will reimburse me for the cost of their halfshaft. I have the box, etc, and there is only about 1,500 highway miles on this thing.

As for the geared hub, I will need to take it apart and examine all the parts to make sure nothing is bad. I think it will require an extensive rebuild or an entirely new hub. I would prefer a rebuild personally because full replacement parts are going to get harder to find I suspect, and I hate to do that if what I've got will work out ok.

Re: 1994 HMCS Project
 

More info on designations can be found here:

http://flashoffroad.com/features/Trivia/trivia.htm

(Look under "Hummer History - UPC/ Model codes i.e. HMCO")

HMCS = HuMmer Commercial (or Civilian) Station Wagon

The H1 Alpha models (not listed in the link above) are as follows:

HMDO - for HuMmer Duramax Open Top
HMDS - for HuMmer Duramax Station Wagon