Hello everyone, I've been in the market for over a year now and the main reason I haven't pulled the trigger on a few H1 wagons in my price range is due to body rust. It seems like a common area that rusts on the wagons is below the rear side windows along the seam were the top/roof body panel meets the rear quarter panel. The indicator I see is paint bubbling along the seam.

Has anyone taken on a project removing body rust and repainting? It seems like this would be an expensive undertaking given you have to bring it to a shop that knows how to deal with aluminum and steel restoration. If there is rust along the rear wagon panel is it safe to assume the roof and/or other panels are in bad shape too?

Thanks in advance for any input!

 

"If there is rust along the rear wagon panel is it safe to assume the roof and/or other panels are in bad shape too?"

most likely if not already rusting the top roof seams are probably close to it and would need attention

 

You're correct. If rust is visible under the rear side windows and under the opera windows, it is a safe bet that what you can't see it's going to be in much worst shape. Roof seams are also known to leak and corrode. Repairing it, is not easy nor cheap. You will be better off expending more money purchasing a different truck. It will probably be cheaper than repairing one. When I was in the market for mine, I came across another wagon that thankfully I did not purchase. I thought it would be an expensive repair but when I really looked into it, It was insanely expensive. I passed on it and decided to increase my purchasing budget instead.

 

Thank you both for your feedback and that's exactly what I was hoping not to read. I set a personal (wife) cap of $35k for a wagon and unfortunately inventory has been pretty sparse the last year.

Paranormal, do you mind sharing how much you were quoted for the repairs? I am asking because I have the opportunity to purchase a Q1 97 Wagon for less than $20k. On the surface it seems like a great deal, however, the truck is located in the northwest and has been stored outside for the majority of it's life. I'm located in Colorado and I've had to go back and forth with all the potential H1's via pictures and videochat. In doing my pre-inspection video chats with the current owner of this 97, I was able to see that the body has been terribly repainted and I could see the paint bubbling in the problem areas you described as well as corrosion/rust throughout the undercarriage. I'm sure the exterior condition is a great indicator how the mechanics will fare if I was to bring it back to CO and my cap of $35 will disappear pretty quickly. Of course the seller says all mechanics are in great shape...just like the body.

Side note - if anyone knows of someone wanting to sell their H1 in Colorado for a reasonable price I'm all ears!

 

By the sounds of it, without seeing it, it sounds to be much worst than the one I looked at. Your truck spent all it's life parked outside which means that water probably leaked through the window seals and just sat there for years. I hate to see what it looks like under the carpet. These trucks require a lot on maintenance. If maintenance is done properly, the e truck runs fine and little can go wrong. This is based on my experience and all the nightmare stories that I have read. Once the truck is neglected, it becomes a money pit. Just for info, to properly repair the damage that you are describing, the whole top needs to come off which means that you have to take most of the interior apart. This is not a Jeep's top, this top is heavy. There is a guy is Canada that fabricates the tops. I think they go for about 10K. Now you have to ship it, prep it, paint it, install it. So pretty much you can double the price for labor. You're talking about 20K without having to fix anything else.
Here's my advice. Your budget of 35K ( which is a lot of money if you're looking at other trucks) is no where near what you need to purchase a H1. Look into Humvees, they are much cheaper but less luxurious. In regards to the labor, you have to find a competent and willing shop that would take on this job........Good luck with that. If you're mechanically inclined, you probably can do most of the repairs yourself. Most mechanics do not want anything to do with these trucks.
My quote from a friend who owns a shop and is a perfectionist was close to 20k. His initial quote/ advice was not to buy it. Here in New York, there are no Hummer specific mechanics/ shops. I learned how to do all the maintenance and repairs myself.
Sorry for the negativity but just being realistic.

 

35K will maybe get you a 92/93 H1. You can buy a pretty nice HMMWV for that same price.

 

I appreciate your honest feedback. I work on all my trucks but I've never attempted body repairs and I don't think an H1 is the vehicle to learn on. A humvee would be a great option for most, but my family and two 100+ lbs. dogs won't fit comfortably in anything else other than a wagon. I negotiated a 98 and a 97 down from around $55k to $35-38 because the sellers were tired of sitting on them...and these wagons are still for sale...Both of them had rust below the windows and that was ultimately the deal breaker on my end. I think a lot more owners will be willing to sell for less because of the reasons you mentioned.

I was starting to get excited with the 97 I mentioned in my last post because I would have a lot more wiggle room for restoration, but I think you're right. It's never easy to pass on something after you spend a lot of time thinking about the possibility.

 

Check this out!!!
I hope I don't get in trouble here by posting this from another forum but you may benefit from it. If you get all your ducks together and find a shop that will replace the top with a top that's already fix, it may save you some$$$$. Look through the entire post. There is an entire top for sale also.

Hummer Marketplace ? View topic - 1997 Wagon Interior for sale

 

Very interesting find! Thanks for sharing. I told the seller that if he agrees to $15k then I am willing to fly out and take a look. It's doubtful but hard to pass up at least going to see it in person for that price.

 

If the truck has been sitting that long I am not sure I would attempt to drive it halfway across the country. You might want to check into shipping costs.