Build Journal

HMMWV Build Journal:
From the Shop Floor

Weekly updates, technical learnings, and honest documentation of every restoration we do.

2025-01-15M1167 REVM1167record saleBring a TrailerrestorationGen 3

$122,222 — The Sale That Set the Record

In January 2025, we sold a 2012 AM General M1167 REV Heavy Variant on Bring a Trailer for $122,222. It became the highest price ever paid for a non-armored Humvee at public auction. That didn't happen by accident. It happened because every system on that vehicle was rebuilt correctly — the electrical, the drivetrain, the body, all of it. We don't rush. We don't cut corners. We aim for perfection, and that vehicle was the proof. That sale is the benchmark we hold every build to. Every vehicle that leaves this shop gets the same level of attention — whether it sells for $10,000 or $100,000.

Technical Notes

A Gen 3 REV HMMWV runs a 24-volt electrical system — two 12V batteries wired in series. Generator output when running: 27.5–28.5V. Battery voltage at rest: 24.0–25.5V. Always check these numbers before purchasing any HMMWV.

2026-03-15M1165 ECVM1165ECVcurrent buildGen 3REV

M1165 ECV Build — 30 Days Out

The current build in the shop is a 2008 AM General M1165 Expanded Capacity Vehicle — serial 354234, Generation 3 REV variant. This is a serious truck: armored Command and Control configuration, B3 armor package, FK5 equipment spec. It came in needing a full mechanical going-over. The 6.5L diesel has been serviced throughout. The 24V electrical system has been inspected, cleaned, and tested — every circuit verified. The body is being prepped for final finish. We're about 30 days from completion. When it's done, it will go straight to the shop. We'll be posting progress updates here as the build comes together.

Technical Notes

The M1165 ECV (Expanded Capacity Vehicle) features enhanced structural capacity over the standard M1165. Serial numbers 300,000+ indicate a Generation 3 REV variant with updated suspension geometry and improved electrical architecture.

2026-04-09Dynamatpartnershipsound deadeningdealerannouncement

Battle Worn Restorations is Now an Authorized Dynamat Dealer

We're pleased to announce that Battle Worn Restorations is now an authorized Dynamat dealer. For over 35 years, Dynamat has been the gold standard in sound deadening and thermal insulation — the same products used by military and professional automotive builders worldwide. Their products control noise, heat, and vibration in ways that genuinely transform the interior of a vehicle. For HMMWV restorations specifically, Dynamat is a natural fit. These vehicles were built for combat, not comfort. Adding Dynamat to a restoration brings the interior noise down significantly and improves heat management — especially important in a vehicle with no traditional insulation from the factory. Going forward, every Battle Worn restoration will have access to Dynamat products as part of the build. If you're working on your own HMMWV and need Dynamat materials, contact us directly.

Technical Notes

When using Dynamat in a HMMWV, focus on the transmission tunnel, firewall, and floor panels — these are the primary heat and noise transfer points. The Dynamat Xtreme product is the most effective for heavy-duty applications.