CUSTOM BUILT HMMWV TRUCKS

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Kaufman & Kaufman is launching our new endeavor into custom trucks, explicitly focusing on the legendary HMMWV trucks.

To have a custom-built truck, you select the base model and add the upgrades to it or select from our ready-to-ship inventory and add any upgrades you prefer. We will fully customize any truck for you and deliver it anywhere. We also offer complete armor resistance at different ballistic grades. Our Humvee concierge will walk you through the entire process. 1-800-798-9636 ask for Nick Kaufman. To get started, click on the BUILD YOUR TRUCK NOW link above.

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QUALITY EXPECTATIONS

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Fit and Finish: 1st, these were full-blown military trucks in their past lives. They are, at their heart, a raw, extremely tough truck. And depending on your investment and quality expectations, we are fully disclosing what you will receive for the level of your investment. The higher level of investment, the higher level of quality (fit and finish, if you will) is delivered, and even though a higher investment amount, there are standards associated with the investment. By adding multiple accessories and increasing the investment, there are quality expectations you need to be aware of. We are fully disclosing the fitment quality and finish paint expectations. We pride ourselves on exceptional client service and strive to deliver the highest quality truck in the marketplace. We are here to assist in matching your investment level and quality expectations. NOTE: We can not deliver a $ 250,000 truck for an $80,000 investment; the higher the quality expectations of the truck, the higher the investment it will require. It's that simple.

 

Base Model Paint Expectations: Includes the original CARC (Chemical Agent Resistant Coating), a paint used on military vehicles to make metal surfaces highly resistant to corrosion and penetration of chemical agents. This durable paint is easy to repair minor scratches, chips, and scuffs.

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The paint is called CARC, or chemical agent-resistant coating. Its primary purpose is to give a highly durable, non-reflective finish that is easily decontaminated. It comes in all the usual mil-spec colors, as we only use the real stuff. Forget the spray cans and other "flat finish" paints at the surplus stores; they are nothing like real CARC.

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Details: It is an extremely toxic two-part mix from the manufacturer, the paint, and the activator. Spraying it can be a real ordeal due to the viscosity. Zinc chromate primer is necessary for any exposed metal or painting over non-carc finishes. It can be thinned with MEK (methyl ethyl ketone). It's recommended to use MAK to slow the drying process to get a better finish.

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The difficulty is that this product has to be applied in one shot, and most painters are spoiled by the ability to buff out blemishes. Look at any military vehicle; they aren't pretty paint jobs for the most part!

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It is extremely durable when it dries because normal off-road use doesn't damage it but leaves marks that cannot be removed. Normal paint finishes get gouged much more easily but can normally be buffed out. You can't buff or polish it, so every adventure leaves marks. Don't use this paint if you're concerned with cosmetic beauty! Give up washing it, and it looks the same dirty or clean.

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The theory is to produce a coating that does not absorb chemical agents. This is accomplished using a high-quality epoxy primer covered by a high-quality polyurethane paint that does not permit chemical agents to penetrate. The expected life cycle is 5-7 years. The recommended primer for CARC is MIL-P-53022 spec (N-3850 A/B).

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The CARC currently used here is a new one-part product from Hentzen Coatings in Milwaukee. It does produce a smooth, uniform coat that is easy to handle. It dries so quickly that the overspray was dust when it hit the equipment. He really likes the Hentzen stuff.

Bad JuJu; the reason for the mystic aura around CARC is the highly toxic VOC and waste products. Other than these, it is just paint, no magic. The reason for the change to a one-part topcoat is the waste. The 2 part stuff, when mixed, is terminal. It is a chemical reaction that will harden after its pot life. If you only have a small area to paint, you just wasted a gallon. The military was throwing out a lot of dried CARC, thus the reputation for toxic waste. They are trying to have it supplied in smaller containers. The one-part somewhat reduces the waste problem because it can be opened and resealed without drying the entire can. The air exposure begins the chemical reaction, so you can save some paint if you reduce this exposure. As to the VOC, make sure you let it dry for a good while before hanging around the equipment.

 

Colors: The Aervoe Sand 30277 is good-looking but no longer used on military equipment. My paint shop guy said they ran out on the spin-up for a desert storm. They are currently using Tan 686. The primer is white and can be tinted to gray so that scratches would be less noticeable. Any good-quality epoxy primer will work. They did have some large area chipping, which left white spots on some equipment. I haven't seen this yet. The companies (Hentzen and Niles) will mix any color you want, but you must purchase large quantities. Otherwise, refer to Federal Standard Color Chart 595B.

 

Upgraded Base Paint: The quality and things to expect in this upgrade include the following.

1. We can paint the truck in any 2-Stage color paint with a clear coat.

2. The paint may have imperfections, including dirt, runs, fish-eye, minor chips, or scratches. We strive not to have any of these but don't want our clients to be disappointed if they receive a truck with any of these issues with this upgraded investment.

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Frame-Off Restoration Includes:

 

BACKGROUND AND HISTORY

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The High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV), commonly known as the Humvee, is a legendary four-wheel-drive military vehicle that gained widespread recognition and popularity over the years. Here's a comprehensive overview of the iconic Humvee trucks.

1. Origins and Development:

   • The Humvee was developed by AM General, a company based in South Bend, Indiana, in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

   • Its design was inspired by the success of the military's previous Jeep models, such as the Willys MB and the M151 MUTT.

   • The primary goal was to create a versatile, highly mobile, and off-road-capable vehicle that could effectively handle various military missions and terrains.

2. Military Adoption:

   • The Humvee was officially adopted by the United States military in 1984 to replace the aging fleet of Jeeps and other light tactical vehicles.

   • It was intended to serve as the military's leading utility and vehicle across branches, including the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force.

3. Characteristics and Features:

   • The Humvee's design is characterized by its rugged and robust body, making it highly resistant to damage and capable of withstanding harsh environments.

   • It features a powerful diesel engine and an independent suspension system, contributing to its exceptional off-road capabilities.

   • The vehicle has a four-door configuration, but there are variants with two-door and open-top designs.

   • Humvees can be equipped with various weapon systems, such as machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, and anti-tank missiles, depending on their specific roles.

4. Versatility and Adaptability:

   • One of the Humvee's main strengths is its versatility. It can be adapted for various missions, including troop transport, command and control, reconnaissance, medical evacuation, and cargo transport.

   • Over the years, the Humvee's design has been modified and improved to accommodate different operational requirements, resulting in numerous specialized variants.

5. Cultural Impact:

   • The Humvee gained significant public attention and admiration due to its widespread use in various military conflicts, such as the Gulf War, the Iraq War, and the War in Afghanistan.

   • It became an iconic symbol of American military power and was featured prominently in media, movies, video games, and TV shows.

6. Civilian Version - Hummer:

   • The civilian version of the Humvee called the Hummer, was introduced in the early 1990s. The Hummer H1 resembled the military Humvee and was marketed to civilians as a rugged, off-road SUV.

   • Despite its popularity and cult following, the Hummer H1's production ceased in 2006 due to declining sales and stricter emissions regulations.

7. Replacement by JLTV:

   • Despite its success, the Humvee faced criticism for its vulnerability to roadside bombs and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) during the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts.

   • As a result, the U.S. military sought a replacement, developing the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV), which offers improved protection and mobility.

The Humvee's legendary status stems from its impressive performance, adaptability, and prominence in various military operations. Its impact on popular culture and the automotive industry has solidified it as one of history's most iconic military vehicles.

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