Hey Ray! They are a cool vehicle. I have always had an attraction to the 8x8's. This is the fourth Military 8x8 I have owned. I did get this one off of Government Liquidation almost a year ago now. I was under the impression that 99.9% of them were being sent back to Oshkosh for strip and rebuild - so I was unbelievably surprised when it showed up on the bid list (and I havn't seen one since). When it comes to items such as these, it really is supply and demand. There will most definitely come a day (just as with all things) that these trucks are basically too old to "restore" effectively for actual heavy use out in the field and there will be many of them joining the bid lists. But if the original run's life is any example, they started building the production models in about 1982 and mine is a 1986 and obviously some were built new after that, so for a round number, mine is now 25 years old. If they get anything close to the same life out of the rebuilt ones (the rebuilt ones have almost everything new and a new vehicle warranty) they might not start hitting the auctions for another 20-25 years. I know that patience is supposed to be a good thing, but I would have kind of liked to get one while I was not too old to twist a wrench (at least a BIG wrench)! Such was my reasoning to get into the auction in a serious way. There have been a few that have been for sale since I started looking seriously again about 3 or 4 years ago, but three that I can think of off the top of my head that at one time were available (Stalwart's Cargo, BKubu's Tractor and the LVS Wrecker in Virginia that I think someone in California bought) were both in MUCH MUCH better shape than mine - but they commanded a higher price tag as well (and were worth every penny in my opinion). It is no great secret as it was a public auction, but I ended giving up 25K for the HEMTT Wrecker. And then 4K for loading and shipping. Just remember - supply and demand - if the supply is basically nonexistant and the demand (relatively speaking) is fairly high, the price will reflect it. I gave it as good a looking over before the auction as I could, and basically there wasn't really one thing on the truck that did not need at least some "tinkering". But at the same time most of the things, with the exception of one or two, were not really all that bad - definitely some time and money on each one, but nothing that couldn't be handled without major issues. The other one or two (one is a choice issue) will require some saving of pennies and "professional intervention" (even past the BIG wrench). I thought a wrecker variant could be cool since, although I was not and am still not sure, I would think that the number of HEMTT wreckers built relative to Cargos and Tractors and such had to be fairly small. Some folks think that I am NUTS for paying that much for it, but that was the decision I made to get my project underway within my lifetime. Anyways, if a fixer upper is available, I would say that it will probably be in the neighborhood of 20 to 30K depending on what it needs and its condition. I think Damon (who rebuilt most of the one he sold to Stalwart) mentioned that he paid over 20 for his on ebay and it needed quite a bit of attention (I am open to corrections here). If a mostly complete one is available, I would say that it would probably be in the neighborhood of 50 (needs paint, tires, PM but in good condition) to 80K (for the "DON'T TOUCH" truck with all of the toys!). Hey, I'm no expert - but these are just some "don't be surprised" numbers. And, as others have said, be prepared with the checkbook and your mind and priorities made up - if they are out there, they will go fast. And there is really no rhyme or reason as to where they "mostly" pop up, either. Just get the word out to folks you know and trust and who would believe that you are serious. And if you get in at the lower end as I did, be prepared for a lot of parts searching and fabricating. I have had the rig for almost a year (during which I have almost constantly been researching and gathering parts) and I am just now getting to the point that I think I can start realistically "putting things together". Mind you, I do have a full time plus job - and it is not restoring military vehicles! I wish you the best in your search and let me know if there is anything I can do to help if you find one. I think we need to start a HEMTT Owners Support Group............"Hi, my name is Dave and I own a HEMTT"......(everyone)"Hi, Dave.".......HMMMMMM - the more I think about it, maybe it is our wives who may need the support group! Take Care! Dave.
had to be smoking more than cigs to make that!!)
