Posted on August 26, 2020August 26, 2020 by Ruben's Damage Control Customs — Leave a comment

DIY Greasing HMMWV Pulley

Are your HMMWV® HUMVEE® pulleys making an annoying sound? Well, more than likely you just need to grease them up.

Here is a quick DIY way of greasing your HMMWV® pulley just using tools from your home garage. Yes, the proper way would be to press out the bearing and break it apart but this is a quick DIY. If you have inputs on how to do it better while just using home tools, then please share so we can help the group.

Step #1: As you may have guessed it, it’s to remove the pulley. Wait, no it’s not. Step number one is to remove your belt :).

Step #2: You can rebuild all of them or just turn each pulley by hand and see which one is making the noise. If you can isolate it, then take off that pulley. If you can’t isolate it, then do them all 🙂 it’s not like you have anything better to do with all of this quarantine.

Step #3: This is where you would use a press to remove the bearing but if you don’t have one then you can do the next best thing. Using the tip of something sharp remove the black caps on both sides. Be careful here, you want to go from the edges and not cut into the caps. This will expose the internals which will likely be dry and fully of dust/dirt.

Step #4: Using your compressor blow out all of the dirt from the inside. Start slow and do it on both sides. Spin the bearing a few times and then repeat.

Step #5: Now, add some grease. There are lots of options out there and people can make arguments for which is better. I elect to go with Spartan grease because I know the people behind the company and I would rather give my money to them vs a company thousands of miles away. If you would like to buy their product, then check them out here: https://www.modernspartansystems.com/ . When greasing, use a thin brush and try to get the grease in all sides. Then spin the bearing forward and backward. Then grease again. You can use your blower at low pressure and try to push it in that way as well but the brush is your better option.

Step 6: Now replace the caps from step 3, and clean off any extra grease.

Step 7: Install it back

Step 8: Do whatever I forgot to mention

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HMMWV® M923 M998 M1045A2 M1123A2 M1097A2 HUMVEE®

Posted on November 15, 2021November 15, 2021 by Ruben's Damage Control Customs — Leave a comment

MANTIS LASER ACADEMY

LASER ACADEMY TRAINING SYSTEM REVIEW

Review: The New Mantis Laser Academy

First things first, what is the Laser Academy from MantisX?

In short, it allows you to dry fire and track your progress, but it’s MUCH more than that. Mantis Laser Academy is a laser, shot recording smartphone application with built-in training modes. The built-in training modes take the product from an A to an A+.

“With guided drills and real-time feedback, Laser Academy allows you to have a training facility at home and at your convenience.” as the people at Mantis would say. The different modes allow you to keep dry fire practice fresh and challenging. I would say the the app is rather straightforward, and easy to set up, the best part is that you can use the app without creating a user account. I saw again, they don’t force you to create an account and link you to any data, you can download the app and use it as is.

Overall it is an incredibly valuable tool to help anyone work on their shooting skills. In fact, with the price of ammo as it has been for the past year this makes for a wonderful Christmas Gift. You can go to the range without leaving your backyard and without spending $300 on ammo. If you ask me, then your Christmas shopping list just got that much easier.

For around $100 you can that special someone a gift that no one else thought about. Check it out here at Mantis.

Mantis LASER ACADEMY TRAINING KIT review

As a free app, Laser Academy comes with the following training modes:

Open Shooting – Single Target: Basic target shooting with scoring and the ability to store sessions to track your progress.
Shot From Guard/Low Ready – One Shot: Starting from a prompt, this mode times your shot and tracks accuracy in single-shot sessions.
Duel – Single Shot: You and a training partner compete to see who has the fastest draw and eagle eye.
Bullseye – Five-shot: Untimed, no prompts, receive scores and splits from five shot rounds.

There are several training modes for all levels of shooters. This allows you to develop on your skills while keeping things interesting and challenging. Once you’ve mastered the basics you can actually custom configure the app, the in-app settings allow for par time, recovery time in between reps, and the number of reps per session customizations.

If you happen to have a Mantis user account for your Mantis X device, you can use the same credentials to log in to your Laser Academy application. This allows you to track all your Mantis dryfire training information in one place. Again, the app doesn’t force you to log in, but if you wish to you can.

What are your options with the Mantis Laser Academy Kit?

Before we get started, you’ll need a smart phone to download the app, clearly not included :). From Mantis you can buy two kits, the Portable kits or the Standard kits. Here is what’s included in each kit:

Portable:

Full Access code to Mantis Laser Academy ($99 value)
Pink Rhino laser (select caliber)
Complete set of 5″x7″ Laser Academy Smart Targets
Mini tripod and smartphone holder
Laser cartridge extraction stick
Portable carrying case

Standard:

Full Access code to Mantis Laser Academy ($99 value)
Pink Rhino laser (select caliber)
Complete set of 5″x7″ Laser Academy Smart Targets
Complete set of 8″x11″ Laser Academy Smart Targets
Mini tripod and smartphone holder
Large tripod and smartphone holder
Laser cartridge extraction stick
Portable carrying case
NEW: A set of target stand holders (5)

Here is one lesson learned based on my usage. Make sure the laser works first. I must have spent at least 30min trying to figure out why mine wasn’t working. Well the batteries weren’t in the laser. It’s actually very easy to check, kind of embarrassing to admit to, but hopefully someone can learn from my failures. In short, the laser will be this cold tube, on the back of the tube it has a black button. Well, if your press that button and you don’t see a red laser then you need to heck the batteries. Once I made sure the batteries were in I was all good to go.

In conclusion, if your partner in crime has any interest in firearms then this will make for a fantastic Christmas gift this year.

Thanks,

Ruben

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Posted on December 9, 2019December 9, 2019 by Ruben's Damage Control Customs — Leave a comment

How To DIY Install HMMWV © HMUVEE © Backup Camera

Have you ever wanted to do a DIY Install HMMWV © HMUVEE © Backup Camera?

If you’re interested in installing a rear-view camera for you HMMWV © then this article may be for you. My goal with this article will to be share how I did it and what my first impressions are. My intentions aren’t to promote one brand over another or make any recommendations, simply share my experience.

So, it looks like back in 2017 I purchased a 12V / 24V wireless backup camera on Amazon. The product purchased was “Camecho RC 12V 24V Car Backup Camera Rear View Wireless IR Night Vision Backup Camera Waterproof Kit”. I would share a direct link, but my intentions aren’t to promote any brand.

So, let’s talk about the how, how did we write up the camera and display.

In this case we’re installing it on a M1045A2 truck. The 1045s have the slant backs and the right sponson already has a designated spot for an antenna, typically a AS-3900 military antenna is mounted there. The very front bolt whole was an ideal spot to mount the camera. I was originally going to purchase one of those clear glass overhead camera dome covers and just mount it in the middle of the antenna base but mounting it like this was super convenient and no custom fab was necessary.

Once the camera was mounted, we simply drilled a whole in the antenna plug plate and fished the wires down. In the future we’ll run some NP1 around the wires to make it watertight. Since just about nothing is watertight on a HMMWV © we’ll get to this step at a later time.

Then we fished the camera wire down through the grommet above the right rear tire.

Then, we simply tapped into the ground and positive from the right rear market lights. This way the camera will work anytime the marker lights are on. We could have ran power directly and installed a sperate switch but we felt that we would not have a need for the camera unless the truck was running and the lights were on. That means it can’t be used in blackout mode but that didn’t matter for us.

Then, we took a separate battery and hooked up the display to make sure the camera and display were talking to each other before spending the time to wire up and mount the display. And they were.

Let’s move to the inside of the cab. So, we took the display mount that was provided and drilled new wholes to match the mounting wings on the HMMWV radio tray and simply mounted it right onto the radio tray. If you look at the top wings of your radio tray you’ll see two mounting spots. We just drilled onto the display mounting bracket to match the radio tray.

How did we run power to the display? We fished the wires behind the instrument cluster and took negative from the main ground coming in. When you open up your instrument cluster, on the top right, behind your heat controllers, you’ll see the main ground coming into the truck. It should have a double nut behind it. The best way to access it is to open up your cluster, then take out your doghouse. That way you’ll have access to the front and rear of the bolt. If I remember correctly it’s a 7/16. Then we took the positive from the right cluster light.

Sorry, didn’t take pictures of this process.

As a result, once the marker lights are turned on the camera is on. Once the dash / cluster lights are turned on the display is on. This way, it’s automatically turned on and always stays on. We could have run a switch to the reverse or added a manual switch, but we actually wanted the camera always on for as long as we’ve turned on the lights to the truck.

Ease of install: Easy

Effort of install: Medium, it took some trial and error before we finalized on where we wanted to draw power and how we wanted the display to operate. All in all, it took a few hours but mostly due to planning.

The good:

It actually comes with built in functionality to support two cameras, the kit came with one
I haven’t tested it at night but it says it has night vision mode
Price point, super cheap. I think I paid like $60
For the price the video quality is good. Could be better but for the price paid it’s GREAT.

The bad:

The display mount is SUPER thin.
The wires are way too thin for something that is intended to go into a car. I would expect thicker wires and way more insulation over the wires.

Conclusion:

In all honesty, next time around I will likely pay more money and buy a system with better hardware and will likely go with all wired vs the wireless. I would also pay more attention to screen capture with of the camera.

Thank you for reading this article. If you enjoyed it, then please comment and share.

Check out trucks that Damage Control Customs has to offer here.

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If you have any questions please feel free to reach out directly or fill out the form below and you will be contacted.

Posted on November 7, 2019November 7, 2019 by Ruben's Damage Control Customs — Leave a comment

Military Discount 2019

Veterans day is coming upon us and some retailers are happy to offer discounts.

So, I saw an article today about a military discount and I thought I should put together a quick list. If you like what you read, then please share. Also, if you have additional discounts that people could benefit from, then please comment and share.

What inspired this article was a $40 discount offered on Amazon prime for all active and prior military. According to http://www.military.com through Nov. 11, veterans, active-duty troops and Guard and Reserve members can get or renew a one-year Amazon Prime membership for $79 — that’s $40 off the regular price! You will have to authenticate you service, which will required some additional PII such as DOB and for me when I was discharged. I didn’t like giving the additional PII but I understand why they would need it to verify my service. To access this discount you’ll have visit this Amazon Site.

Did you muster up and your haircut wasn’t clean? Guess what? Great Clips is actually going to give free haircuts on Nov 11’TH. You can visit a Great Clips location on the 11’TH to receive your free haircut, or request a free future haircut. You can redeem your free haircut up until Dec 31’St 2019. The best part is that actual customers can request a free haircut card to give to another veteran. This is available for all active duty and veterans. For official details please visit the Great Clips site directly.

Do you like shopping at Target? I personally don’t care for Target but anything is better than walmart. Did you know that Target is offering a 10% discount for all military veterans and their spouses and dependents from Nov 3 – 11’th 2019. You will have to apply for a discount coupon and you can do that here. Target does have limitations such as you can’t use the 10% off to buy beer and such but I don’t think most people go to Target for beer, check the site for details.

If today is Nov 11 and you’re hungry, and you’re close to a Friendlys then you’re in luck! Friendlys is offering free breakfast, lunch or dinner for active duty or veterans. For complete details please visit here.

Who doesn’t like a 7-eleven? You can get a free coffee on them! Visit here for more details.

Still hungry? What about a free entree on CPK? It looks like they will have a special veterans day menu to pick from. So, checkout the menu before going in, and you can find that here.

Guess what, DamageControlCustoms.com is also offering a 10% discount on all of their merchandise and parts available for sale. Use promo code “win10“, this code will be active until Dec 31 2019.

Saved the best for last! Hooters is offering a free meal too. According to Hooters, the free meals will include:

10-Piece Traditional Wings
10-Piece Smoked Wings
10-Piece Boneless Wings
Hooters Burger
Buffalo Chicken Salad
Buffalo Chicken Sandwich

Please visit Hooters directly for additional details.

I hope this was all helpful and valuable.

Note: Cover image from http://www.eshaanspa.com/

Posted on October 30, 2019December 10, 2020 by Ruben's Damage Control Customs — Leave a comment

HMMWV© Gift Ideas

Hello,

as we approach the Christmas 🎄. I wanted to take a moment and list out some Christmas gift ideas for HMMWV© / HUMVEE© owners.

So, if you’re looking for a gift idea for your husband / boyfriend, or super cool wife / girlfriend, then you’re at the right place.

I’ll strive to give 3-5 options in the <$50, <$100 and >=$100 price ranges. I will include mostly HMMWV gifts and a few other relatable items as well.

If you have any recommendations, then please feel free to comment or email me directly at damagecontrolcustoms.gmail.com

Gift ideas <$50

If the person you’re shopping for has the HMMWV ® X-doors and all of the bolts are rusted, then consider buying them a door bolt kit for only $25.90
If you’re okay with an item that wasn’t made for the military, then these are a good choice. CIPA 11050 Suction Cup Marine Mirror on Amazon
Here is a re-purposed surplus items that can be used as a cellphone holder and mounted in different locations within the HMMWV©. You can also use promo code “Win10” to get an extra 10% off until Dec 31 2020.

We all know the OEM cluster lights just don’t cut it. So, what options do we have? Just go LED. Joey has used these and loves them. For $10 it’s an easy decision vs the others offered.

Need to upgrade you rear bumper? How about some tear drop shackles? You can also use promo code “Win10” to get an extra 10% off until Dec 31 2020.

Gift ideas <$100

Are you reconditioning your HMMWV ® X-Doors? You should consider replacing the seals.
Want him to man up? Then, get the MAN CAN. They have $30, $60 and $100 options available. Additionally, to the best of my understanding, during the month of November they list all their overstock items from past man can items and usually run a 10% off code.
Having grounding issues, then you may wish to beef up your grounding. You can also use promo code “Win10” to get an extra 10% off until Dec 31 2020.

Gift ideas >=$100

Need some extra protection 🙂 ? Who doesn’t! Check out these guys for some armor. You can also get get 10% off by using promo code “Rub10“. Here is a link for a full review.

What about your seats? What your seat colors don’t match? Here is a cheap was to solve that problem, MOLLE Seat Cover. Don’t know who this seller is but a HMMWV© owner recommended them and they are just under $50.
In need of new shocks? Ya, we know, the ride is rough but that’s mostly due to your tires. With that said, if it’s time for new shocks, then these are available for a cheap price. You can also use promo code “Win10” to get an extra 10% off until Dec 31 2020.
Interested in doing some upgrades, what about locking spindle nuts? You’ll need 4 if you’re doing them all.
Do you really want to impress someone? Consider getting them a VIC-1 or VIC-3 Intercom systems. You can also use promo code “Win10” to get an extra 10% off until Dec 31 2020.
VIC-1
VIC-1/VRC Intercome
VIC-3
VIC-3 set
What about some Vision X 7″ Vortex LED Headlight XIL-7RDBKIT? The OEM lights aren’t any good and even if you don’t go with these lights, consider upgrading to something that LED.

Please note the featured image comes from: https://www.defense.gov/observe/photo-gallery/igphoto/2001083620/

Posted on April 17, 2019April 17, 2019 by Ruben's Damage Control Customs — Leave a comment

DIY: HMMWV X-Door Bolts

Hello all!

Thank you for taking the time to read this article. This article promises to be low fat, NON-GMO, and gluten free; just kidding. This is simply an educational page within which I share the bolts I personally purchase when replaced them on a “X-Door”. This article is not intended to an exact parts list from the TM, just what I use.

With all of the above said, if you have better recommendations, please feel free to educate us.

My personal recommendation is for you to simply take apart your first door and store all of the bolts in a box. Then, take those to a place such as Fastenal and have them replicate everything in that box.

Finally, if you don’t wish to get the bolts yourself and want someone else to do it for you, then you can order a set of the bolts, nuts and washers I list below here. Please know that it will be cheaper if you simply buy the bolts direct.

Let’s start with: window stop assembly

bolt: 1/4- 20 X 3/4″ Philips Drive Head grade 18-8 stainless steel.
- You will need 4 of them
- Fastenal part number is 1172590
nut: Wax 304SS Nylon 1/4-20NC
- You will need 4 of them
- Fastenal part number is 1170860
washers: 18-8 SS flat washer 1/4×5/8×9/32x.040
- Note: These washers are slightly wider, so they will not fit behind the nut on the side for one of them nuts per side.
- You will need 6 of them, normally you’ll need 8 but because of the with two of them won’t fit with the rail (from the inside / behind the nut).
- Fastenal part number is 1171013

door Lock

bolt: 1/4- 20 X 1-1/2″ Philips Drive Head grade 18-8 stainless steel.
- You will need 4 of them
- Fastenal part number is 1172597
nut: Wax 304SS Nylon 1/4-20NC
- You will need 4 of them
- Fastenal part number is 1170860
washers: 18-8 SS flat washer 1/4×5/8×9/32x.040
- You will need 8 of them
- Fastenal part number is 1171013

door handle

bolt: #80-30X1″ S/S Pan Head 7’th.
- You will need 4 of them
- Fastenal part number is 1172418
nut: Wax 304SS Nylon Nut #8-32NC
- You will need 4 of them
- Fastenal part number is 1170856
washers: 304 SS flat washer #8x.375x.174x.031
- You will need 8 of them
- Fastenal part number is 1171007

door hinges

bolt: 1/4- 20 X 1-1/2″ Philips Drive Head grade 18-8 stainless steel.
- You will need 6 of them
- Fastenal part number is 1172597
nut: Wax 304SS Nylon 1/4-20NC
- You will need 6 of them
- Fastenal part number is 1170860
washers: 18-8 SS flat washer 1/4×5/8×9/32x.040
- You will need 12 of them
- Fastenal part number is 1171013

door arm rest / latch assembly

bolt: 8-32 x 1/2 SS Philips pan head
- You will need 4 of them
- Fastenal part number is 2172398
nut: N/A
washers: 8-32
- You will need 4 of them
- Fastenal part number 1171007

Note: If you have found a different part number that works better please let me know and I will update the post.

Note: Price on these parts will depend on where you get them, you should expect to pay a lot more when going to places like Home Depot vs Fastenal…

Part	Unit Cnt
1172590	4
1170860	18
1171013	26
1172597	10
1172418	4
1170856	4
1171007	12
2172398	4

Thank you for reading this article. If you enjoyed it, then please comment and share.

Check out trucks that Damage Control Customs has to offer here.

Click here for parts offered by Damage Control Customs here.

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If you have any questions please feel free to reach out directly or fill out the form below and you will be contacted.

Posted on April 16, 2019April 17, 2019 by Ruben's Damage Control Customs — Leave a comment

DIY: How I Assemble A HMMWV / HUMVEE Door / X-Door

Thank you for reading this article. If you enjoy it, then please comment and share.

This is simply me putting together an X-Door which was recently painted. The goal of this article to simply share what I do. Said in another way, this isn’t a detailed instructional article which necessarily follows the military process or any other professional process. Just what I do.

All content here are for reference purposes only: Always consult with an expert if you are not one.

For a detailed list of bolts I used please see here.

With all that said, here we go!

Step 1: You’ll need bolts, lots of them.

Make life simple for yourself. What do I mean, when you start to disassemble your first door what you should do is grab a small empty box and gather all of your bolts off of that door. I don’t try to save all of the washers and nuts. I try to have one complete bolt, nut, and washer(s) per given set. Where to me, a set is the number of bolts, nuts and washers you would need to reassemble a given part, or example the the armrest / latch, the hinges, latches … For example, the latch has 4 bolts, 8 washers, and 4 nuts. In this case, I would retain 4 of the bolts, two washers, and one nut. When done you should have all of the bolts, and a single set of nuts and washers per set. Then, I take this box to my local Fastenal and ask them to gather everything X 4.

Note: I stick to stainless

Note: More than likely Fastenal will not have the exact length for every single bolt. Whatever you do, don’t get anything shorter, a tad bit longer will be fine.

Note: Consider getting extras of everything. You will likely lose a few washers and a few nuts.

Step 2: Installing the window.

I like to start off with the door upside-down. That allows me to slide the window into place by myself.

Note: Don’t forget to install the window rollers. Otherwise, your window will have too much play within the frame.

When installing the window I like to put the top window rollers in first, then slide in the window frame just passed the halfway point.

Then, I install the bottom window rollers and finally slide the window all the way up and lock it in place.

Step 3: Installing the window stop assembly

My next step is to install the window stop assembly. I do this next because I want to make sure the window doesn’t slide off and brake if I accidentally slip the door to the right side up position.

Step 4: Installing the arm rest / latch assembly

It could be argued if this should be the next step or if should come only once your lock / latch has been installed. I personally do it next.

Step 5: Installing your Lock

This is very straight forward and not much to be said here. The only thing to note is that you should make sure not to forget the door spacer that goes between the door and the latch from the inside.

Step 6: Installing the door handle

Next you want to install your handle from the outside. Not matter if you purchase the locking handles or the standard ones the process should be identical.

Once you have your handle bolted up, not tightened down just bolts, washers, and nuts in place, then you want to connect the door latch road from the actual latch to the actual latch.

Once you have the latch road in place, then you want to make sure your spring is attached and under tension.

Then you want to confirm that your latch will lock in place and released when you unlatch it from the inside or outside. Test this out a few times.

Step 7: Hinges

Finally, you want to install your hinges. You don’t want to tighten down the bolts. Just get the nuts on and tighten it just so it’s not wobbling. Once you hang the door and line up the door latch with the striker and only then you want to tighten down the hinges.

Note: don’t forget the spacers behind the hinges

Note: don’t forget to install your limiting strap retaining. Otherwise, you wont be able to connect the limiting strap from the body to the door and your door will swing open all the way and potentially scratch by rubbing on the mirrors or other doors.

Note: You want to pay attention to the hinges for you do have a right and left.

Here is a time-laps video of everything explained above.

Thank you for reading this article. If you enjoyed it, then please comment and share.

Check out trucks that Damage Control Customs has to offer here.

Click here for parts offered by Damage Control Customs here.

Click here for a consolidated HMMWV how to articles and videos.

If you have any questions please feel free to reach out directly or fill out the form below and you will be contacted.

Note: Several of the pictures posted on this blog are been pulled directly out of a google search and don’t belong to me.

Posted on April 4, 2019April 5, 2019 by Ruben's Damage Control Customs — Leave a comment

SHOOTOUT FOR SOLDIERS 2019

Are you interested in having a great night out and showing their support for our veterans?

Join the SHOOTOUT FOR SOLDIERS in Atlanta. Come, support American veterans and foster community engagement. The Damage Control Custom’s team will be attending this event for the 3’rd time. Therefore, we’re inviting you to come out, have fun and show your support.

The event will be May 18-19th and will be open to men’s and women’s teams for all ages. To register please click here.

In conclusion, come and have FUN!

Check out trucks that Damage Control Customs has to offer here.

Click here for parts offered by Damage Control Customs here.

Click here for a consolidated HMMWV how to articles and videos.

Thank you

Ruben

Would you like us to contact you?

Posted on April 3, 2019April 4, 2019 by Ruben's Damage Control Customs — Leave a comment

New order for HMMWV

The National Guard has put in an order for 739 M1152 HMMWV’s

The dollars keep on flowing, therefore HMMWV production continues.

Thanks to an article published by shephardmedia I’m happy to announce that we should have just shy of 750 new HMMWV. The National Guard has put in an order for 739 M1152 HMMWV’s. This new order is valued at $89 million. This order is in addition to order placed back in Oct 2018. Delivery of the new order is expected to start Q3 2019. In conclusion, the HMMWV life line continues. However, as civilian’s we will likely not see the impact of this for years to come.

What is a M1152 details:

According to AM General, “The M1152 is an Expanded Capacity HMMWV enhanced with Integrated Armor Protection as a Cargo or Troop Carrier. It is a two-man vehicle used primarily to transport personnel, but can also be used as a shelter carrier. The M1152 provides superior troop protection and is capable of carrying up to eight passengers under the Armor Troop Carrier or Troop Seat options.”

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If you have questions for the Damage Control Custom’s team, please click here.

To view current HMMWV’s for sale, please click here.

How to download the full spec sheet for the M1152 please click here.

Finally, the full article from shephardmedia please click here.

Have any questions or suggestions? Submit below.