Good ole Jeep ...

JohnB · **Posted:** Mon Sep 23, 2019 10:59 am

BDK
As you know, the DoD wasn't happy with the early M151 because of their propensity to roll and required surplus units to be cut into quarters...though some have been restored. I knew a dealer in Texas that did a good business in them, sold for on-ranch, off-road use.

While I'm sure it can be done, you'd have to work hard at rolling a HMMWV, given its width. I drove a restored, stock CJ-5 as a daily driver for several years and never scarred myself, despite what Consumer Reports and CBS news said about them being death traps.

I know about the speed and noise issues, but I'm it looking to replace my Mercedes SL with one.

I'd like one for displays (I'd put he markings of my last Air Force unit which had a few) and as a backup vehicle here in the country when we get heavy snow. So, not a daily driver or "soccer mom" car. The carport attached to my six car garage is just wide enough for one. One nice thing about them is their engines, basic GM stuff, so it's not rocket science to support them. The military service manuals are online and there are plenty of parts vendors. There is also a great forum if you have questions.

Scott Rose · **Posted:** Mon Sep 23, 2019 11:07 am

My memory (questionable at the best of times) brings up a tidbit of info. When the Hummer was initially introduced the EPA had a fit about the emissions and in order to sign off on it the Pentagon had to agree that the Hummer's would never be put up for sale and would be quartered when disposed of. Obviously this is not the case now, but was this originally the case? When did it change? Or is it just something that is ignored?

I know in some states this makes them difficult or impossible to registered.

JohnB · **Posted:** Mon Sep 23, 2019 6:38 pm

Yes, some states don't allow them because they don't meet (civil) vehicle safety standards, but the do meet DoD standards. But many states do allow them.

It's all a crock. If states were THAT interested in safety, they'd ban all pre-1968 cars (when the feds started safety standards) from the roads....Because like the HMMWV, they don't meet safety standards.I

But Because of the sheer numbers of old cars, their owners, and industry political clout (SEMA), they don't.
But they feel they can bully Military collectors because of their small numbers.

In fact, a HMMWV is probably safer than a '57 Chevy, Model A or most anything else pre-'68. They weigh less than a 3/4 ton pickup and are reasonably clean since they use an off-the shelf engine and transmission.

After listening to the reasons offered by the woman at the State Patrol, I came away thinking her objections were based more on suppositions and ignorance (with a dose of anti military prejudice) than facts.

bdk · **Joined:** Sun May 02, 2004 1:16 am **Posts:** 11324

JohnB wrote:

One nice thing about them is their engines, basic GM stuff, so it's not rocket science to support them. The military service manuals are online and there are plenty of parts vendors. There is also a great forum if you have questions.

The core engine is basic GM, and not their best effort, but all the electronics are HMMWV specific. Everything else is unique except for a few M-Series common parts like lights, gauges and switches. The injector pumps are prone to failure or leakage due to their age and lack of use. The HMMWV I bought had a recent engine overhaul so I was spared pump problems. Also there is no park position in the transmission and the parking brake is poor at best. I knew someone that had their HMMWV roll out of their driveway backwards, across the street and into a tree doing significant damage.

If you never have a need to go over 45 MPH for any length of time, military vehicles are a hoot. They just don't play well in LA traffic or on the freeway. Oh, and no air conditioning!

Mark Allen M · **Joined:** Fri Feb 03, 2012 1:48 pm **Posts:** 7822

Jeeps have plenty of air conditioning. I've had a couple.

JohnB · **Posted:** Tue Sep 24, 2019 12:58 pm

Of course the truck has its limitations, but being reasonably smart, I did my research so I know what they are and appreciate it for what it can do. I don't expect it to be a Camry or match my Mercedes in comfort.
I certainly would not have one in LA, the same way I wouldn't have a Bentley on a ranch or use a B-25 as a corporate ship in lieu of a Beech King Air.

BTW: They did make AC kits for the army. The dealer I know has some and can fit one.

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