My search for second-hand Humvee Parts -
Owning your own Humvee is more than just having a vehicle – it's joining an exclusive club. With only 281,000 ever produced, the survival count remains unknown, but it's safe to assume that maybe half still roam the roads today. While acquiring a Humvee within the United States isn't overly challenging, the same can't be said for Europe, Australia, and Asia, where prices carry a hefty premium. In my article, "You want a Humvee, you need one, but brace for the Aussie import price tag," I delve into the intricacies of importing your very own Humvee to Australia. One of the challenges of owning such a specialty vehicle is sourcing parts. While some components are readily available, thanks to AM General and other contracted manufacturers, others can be elusive. However, luck was on my side at DSEI, a London military show catering to governments, corporations, and private armies. There, I managed to track down the original manufacturer for the Humvee's 24-volt alternator and military-issue batteries. Talk about a stroke of luck!
I purchased my trucks sight unseen from GovPlanet many years ago, and luckily, they required minimal repairs and even came with a few unexpected extras. Yet, my thirst for customization persisted. As Shakespeare's Hamlet aptly puts it, "To sleep; perchance to dream: ay, there's the rub: for in that sleep of death what dreams may come?" Well, the rub, in this case, is the hefty cost of sourcing second-hand parts and conducting build-outs of specific variants. But therein lies the adventure – the thrill of the hunt!
My quest led me on a journey spanning thousands of kilometers and traversing half a dozen US states. While it's possible to negotiate with sellers to ship larger items, mine were simply too large and numerous to transport. So, let's dive into the best places to find Humvee parts.
Los Angeles Treasure Trove-
Southern California boasts a surprising number of Humvee salvage yards, with a considerable concentration in and around Los Angeles. However, I'll keep the specifics vague for now. Instead, let me tantalize your Humvee cravings with vivid descriptions of some of the most enticing locations I've uncovered over the years. Without a doubt, the most breathtaking discovery was a sprawling 2-acre salvage yard located just an hour from Los Angeles. Picture crates, trucks, sheds, and containers overflowing with parts! Now, before you start accusing me of holding out on you, let me clarify – only a fraction of these parts and vehicles were Humvee-related. Yet, it was like striking gold to stumble upon a cache of brand-new side mirrors hidden in a crate or uncovering a trove of airlift bumpers beneath a layer of vegetation. But the real jackpot came when the yard owner swung open the dusty doors of a container, revealing row upon row of neatly stacked X-doors in various configurations.
Among them were two complete 4-man sets and dozens of front driver and passenger side doors in assorted colors. He offered them at $200USD per door, with a sweeter deal for the entire lot. Here's where the story takes a frustrating turn – at the time, I was cash-poor, having recently invested in both of my trucks. Despite my best efforts, I couldn't secure the funds, and the container doors were sealed shut once again. Months later, when I inquired about their availability, you can probably guess the response! It was a missed opportunity worth at least $35,000USD in today's market. As they say, you win some, you lose some. That day remains etched in my memory as a somber reminder of the highs and lows of the salvage yard treasure hunt.
Texas Museum Adventure-
I had my heart set on transforming one of my trucks into a helmet top Humvee. Despite the skepticism of some who felt that the fiberglass top detracted from the Humvee's rugged aesthetic, I saw nothing but practicality in it – protection from the elements, reduced noise levels, camping in comfort, and the luxury of a fully air-conditioned cabin.
The below are before and after pictures of my helmet top Humvee.
Tracking down one a helmet top proved to be a challenge. They were rare, with Amtech Corporation, now known as McClarin Composites, producing only a limited quantity. The few available for sale often had cracks or broken front arms, adding to the difficulty of finding a suitable one. My brother took on the task with determination and eventually unearthed one for me in a Military Surplus museum in Texas. But let me warn you – this is one of those stories where I tantalize you with tales and photos of parts I didn't end up purchasing.
The museum owner, a boisterous and outspoken character with an odd sense of humor, regaled us with his larger-than-life personality as he led us through his sprawling multi-acre property, filled to the brim with treasures. He was the type who would park a Humvee in a lot, only to discover years later that it had become engulfed by the thick Texas landscape. I couldn't fathom why someone would amass a hundred or two antennas and bases, only to stash them away in dark recesses for a decade, but such individuals are more common than you might think.
As a token of appreciation, we picked up a large southern mixed-berry pie to share during our initial meeting. Little did we know, our gesture would be short-lived. Within minutes of our arrival, his leggy dog leaped through the open truck window and devoured the entire pie. I'm a dog person, but that little bastard landed squarely on my blacklist (PG-13) for the rest of our visit.
Our journey didn't end there. We loaded up a sizable 24-foot Haul truck with my prized helmet top, along with tires, bumpers, antennas, high-back seats, and a slew of miscellaneous parts. Yet, the adventure was far from over. It took us an additional two days to traverse the vast expanse of Texas and reach New Mexico. Let me tell you, I have no desire to embark on that drive again – there's only so much desert scenery one can tolerate. Three days later, we finally arrived back in California, where we eagerly unloaded our haul, only to find ourselves embroiled in heated debates over who would lay claim to which items. Ah, the joys of brotherly camaraderie!
Bakersfield Bargains-
A hidden gem nestled amidst the sprawling orange groves, just a stone's throw from the main freeway. Here, you'll encounter a stoic, burly man with treasures buried beneath layers of California sand – though, truth be told, he didn't need to bother. California's desert landscape takes care of that naturally! While I suspect he has every item cataloged deep within the recesses of his brain, he always seems pleasantly surprised whenever you unearth something cool and inquire about the price. It's almost as if he's been waiting for you to discover it all along! He's the type you have to pry parts from with white-knuckled determination, all while catching glimpses of his wife peering out from the kitchen window with a mixture of hope and resignation. Perhaps she once thought this would be just a fleeting hobby, only to wake up one day to find their entire backyard transformed into a maze of containers and sandy piles. Amidst the negotiations, I managed to secure a real gem – a 50 caliber cradle for my turret setup – after some hearty haggling!
Of course, there are countless other smaller yards scattered across the country, some of them boasting impressive collections, particularly on the East Coast. I'll be delving into those in more detail in the months to come. For now, I hope you've enjoyed living vicariously through my adventures, and perhaps it's inspired you to embark on a treasure hunt of your own someday. However, if you don't have the time or the desire you can find most of my finds for sale on my Humvee Parts page.
Until next time, happy hunting!
Comments