Hey guys im Chris and from upstate NY. Fell in love with the H1's recently when I first discovered they made them(ive only seen the H3's on the road)




I would like to know what a fair price to pay for a low to avg mileage would be (not sure if the ones on cars.com are overpriced or not) can you buy them fully restored? How much would it cost to completely restore one to factory condition? Or to an even better condition performance wise?




Someone mentioned in a post for a guy to just buy a new one but they don't sell them new unless you buy the kit and supply the engine and transfer case and transmission? Has anyone on here ever done that?






Sorry for all the questions but ive been reading for hours and have a headache lol I just want some more answers handed to me lol.

 

There are no kits. That program never happened. h1s run anywhere from mid 20k to 225K. Condition and mileage make a big difference. Early models in fair condition start in the mid 20s. They are slow, louder, have fewer options, etc to 2006 Alphas with low miles that run way over 200K. Lots of things to consider.

 

Well I definitely dont want to spend 200k. I know the 2006's came with a duramax. Could I drop that engine in an earlier model one? Ive heard you're like the hummer guru so could you reccomend a place to start? I would want to fully restore it from the ground up depending on condition. I dont want one thats a complete wreck but I dont need to spend 150+

 

I can't seem to find a cost on what a full restoration would run.

 

I think you need to do a bit more reading ... Lynch Hummer has a very good database on specific model years. Also check out Flash Offroad, it's a great resource on anything Hummer related!

 

Hummercore, Big Dog Offroad and Predator do restorations and engine swaps. You would need to read up on each and make a decision on who to use. I am sure there are others. You need to decide what you really want to use the truck for. The earlier models are fairly straightforward and simple to work on. All mechanical. They are underpowered, a little plainer on the interior and far easier to work on. The turbo diesel trucks have more power, a better AC system more mechanical refinements but have more potential issues such as PMD's, # 8 cylinder issues ( 1996-2000 ). The 99 and up years have TTS and ABS which some consider good and others don't. 97.5 and up have an even more upgraded AC system. They come in all price ranges depending on condition. It is hard to advise someone with such generic questions.

 

I just bought a 03 H1 for 41,000 it had 52,000 miles on it. I will end up spending around 5,000 on miscellaneous interior parts so there are deals out there but you will need to put time in looking and it helps to have cash. It’s now on its way to Goodwin for a LML Duramax upgrade.

 

Where are you? I'd say try to find an H1 owner and talk to them first, maybe drive one to see if it is right for you. They can be like a Trophy Wife, nice to look at but a lot of upkeep. If you don't have an H1 mechanic in your area you may be the one who does all the maintenance. Don't expect to take it to Pep Boys and have them do it, they will but they will do it poorly.

If I had known I needed to change 8 quarts of oil every 3k, fuel filter ever 6k, 4 hubs with oil every 12k, transmision fluid, transfer case fluid, etc. I might have not bothered buying one. Luckily I fell in love with getting my hands dirty and I've been working on it every weekend when I can.

As far as swapping engines, I hear too many horror stories. I'd try to stay stock unless you have a #8 problem. Even the people I hear who have raised them 2" will sometimes complain. I'm keeping mine as close to stock as I can.

If you are looking at a dealer, usually they are trying to make $10k on the deal. Talk them down. You'll need that $10k for maintenance, toys, etc...