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

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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 June 27, 2018July 3, 2018 by Ruben's Damage Control Customs — 3 Comments

How To Install Locking Spindle Nut

This article will focus on installing a Locking Spindle Nut, which can be purchased here. At the end of this article, there will be a few bonus items.

Note: This article is not intended to replace your Training Manual / Owner Manual, please use this article to only supplement.

For a video of the content below, please watch this YouTube video.

You want to first start with draining the existing gear oil by removing the drain plug using a 5/16 Allen wrench. The drain plug is items number 4 within the first image below. You want to open this plug and allow it to completely drain.

Next you want to remove the steering arm cover, which will expose the existing spindle nut. To do this, you’ll need a 3/4 socket. Within the first image below, item number 5 is the steering arm cover, and items 6 and 7 are referencing the nuts to be removed in this step.

Note: You may have to remove the tie rod end / radius rod end from the steering arm cover. On trucks with CTIS, disconnecting of the arm may be required since it is almost impossible to get the cover back on without folding the lip of the seal.

Next you want to remove all of the old gasket from the steering arm cover and the geared hub. After which you want to dry off any of the old gear oil.

Next you want to bend back (away from the retaining nut) the locking tabs on your existing lock-washer. Then, using a retaining nut wrench / socket you want to remove the retaining nut, lock-washer, and keyed washer.

Next you want to start to install your Locking Spindle Nut. You want to take the notched washer and install that onto your spindle.

Next you want to install your grooved spindle nut per the instructions for your specific vehicle. In our case, using a 1 3/4 socket, we hand tightened the nut, then using a torque wrench we tightened it to 40 pounds per foot. After tightening, we spun the spindle 5 times clockwise and 5 times counterclockwise. Then, we loosened the nut, and tightened it back to 25 pounds per foot.

Next you want to install your locking retainer and and the snap ring. The locking retainer will have one of 6 position to which it may securely lock onto. To install the snap rings you will need large snap ring pliers. It is critical to make sure your locking retainer and snap ring are in place correctly.

Next you want to install your steering arm cover. To do that, we applied The Right Stuff One Minute Gasket around the steering arm cover. Then you want to place the steering arm cover in position and hand tighten the 4 bolts previously removed. Then using your torque wrench, you want to tighten all four bolts to the appropriate torque, in our case 65 pounds per foot.

Next you want to clean off your drain plug and reinstall it. After which you want to remove your fill plug and replenish your gear oil to the appropriate level. Once the gear oil has been filled you want to reinstall your fill plug and torque it to the appreciate setting. In our case, we used 80W-90 gear oil, and torqued the fill plug to 10 pounds per foot.

Bonus content:

Since you have the geared hubs exposed, you might as well as check your bearing.

Since you have the tire off, you might as well as check to make sure your shafts are seated completely.

Since you have the tire off, you might as well as check all of your joints. In this case we’re going to look at the boll joints. If needed, such as in this case, refill the grease, or maybe consider changing the boll joints.

Thank you for reading and have a wonderful day!

Posted on May 7, 2018May 7, 2018 by Ruben's Damage Control Customs — 2 Comments

Installing a turret

I’m going to share some of my experiences and lessons learned on how to install a turret for your slant back HMMWV.

Here is a quick video of everything below.

You first want to select your turret setup. Make sure you have the right bearing, the right turret support. If you have an older style turret with a smaller bearing you may want to think twice before adding a heavy coupla or shield. Also, before getting started, make sure you currently have a c-pillar, if not you can get one here.

I like to start off with the turret support. Scrape off all of the old gunk, grind and sand.

Then you want to disassemble your hatch. Make sure to take lots of pictures because you will need them as a point of reference upon assembling. Take all of your bolts to your local Fastenal or tractor supply and purchase brand new stainless hardware. Do yourself a favor and don’t go to lows and other such stores, you will be hard pressed to find everything you’ll need and you’ll pay a lot more. Make sure to buy extras of each nut and bolt, you will lose some. Once you have it completely disassembled, go ahead and start sanding each component one by one.

Once you have everything sanded and prepped. Then, move to priming and paint. In my case I’m using tan primer. Also, the interior of my truck will be green while the exterior will be tan, so I will have to pay attention to what I paint what color. Finally, make sure to use the right kind of primer based on the paint you’ll be using. If paining with CARC, the you will have to use the correct primer with the epoxy. If you need details on this, then message me and I will be more than happy to give you the details.

Then, remove your roof and if necessary remove your old insulation. If necessary, then use Polyurethane Sealant to close the gaps between where the roof lines meet.

You can find the sealant here:

Polyurethane Sealant in Aluminum Gray
Polyurethane Sealant in White
Polyurethane Sealant in Redwood Tan

Then spray on your adhesive on your roof and insulation. You want to go vertically, then go over it again horizontally. Lesson learned, cut out where your support and b-pillar come into contact with your insulation. Otherwise, your roof will not sit low enough.

Here is the Spray Adhesive for the roof insulation, you may want to get 3-4 cans of this

Next you want to install your c-pillar. To do that, you will have to remove one of your sponsons, slide in your c-pillar, make sure the bolts line up, and reinstall your sponson. The you want to install your support. Followed your roof. Finally your lock rings.

Once you’re happy with the fit of the roof and turret support then you want to run some of the sealant around where the roof and support meet. Then place your bearing over the support and apply sealant again. Attached a few bolts to hold the bearing close to the support and leg that dray over night.

On the follow day, you want to create a gasket to go under roof retainers. To do that, you can buy a large sheet of 1/8 gasket, you can buy shower liner, or you can use bike tire tubes. I would discourage using bike tire tubes because I believe that would be harder to work with. You can buy the shower liner, which is what I used, here.

You want to make sure your gasket is big enough to go passed your roof retainers, you can go back and cut it to exact fit once everything is dry. You also want to add s’more more of your sealant under your gasket as well as under and around your roof retainers. You want to go around the whole turret support and make sure your roof retainers are on nice and tight. Leave this again over night.

Note:

(1) this sealant will not be 100% day in 24 hours but will be dry enough to work with.

(2) make sure not to add sealant on the bearing and the gasket you just made, the gasket can temporarily go onto the bearing but you will want to come back and trim it just passed where the bearing spins.

Now you can start to assemble your hatch back together. Remember those pictures you took before taking it apart? This is when it will come in handy.

Again, here is a quick video of everything above

Finally, a huge thank you to those who continue to train me. In this specific build, I have to thank Todd. I think we both educated each other but I had a lot more to learn.

Tag: Hummer

How To DIY Install HMMWV © HMUVEE © Backup Camera

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

Like this:

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.

Gift ideas <$50

Gift ideas <$100

Gift ideas >=$100

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

Like this:

How To Install Locking Spindle Nut

Bonus content:

Like this:

Installing a turret

Like this:

Your Cart

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

Share this:

Like this:

Hello,

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

Gift ideas <$50

Gift ideas <$100

Gift ideas >=$100

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

Share this:

Like this:

Bonus content:

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Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Your Cart