CUSTOM-COMMISSIONED TACTICAL ASSETS

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KAUFMAN & KAUFMAN, in partnership with Badass Trucks, is proud to offer the definitive HMMWV acquisition experience. We specialize in transforming the legendary High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle into a bespoke, serialized asset.

To begin your acquisition, you may commission a custom build from a base chassis or select an immediate-delivery vehicle from our Ready-to-Ship Portfolio. From advanced ballistic armoring to long-range powertrain upgrades, our Chattanooga-based fabrication team delivers a truck built for your specific mission.

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Your Asset Concierge is standing by: 1-800-798-9636 | Ask for Nick Kaufman [START YOUR MISSION PROFILE]

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ASSET GRADING & QUALITY EXPECTATIONS

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A Badass Truck is, at its core, a raw and purposeful military machine. We pride ourselves on absolute transparency regarding the "Fit and Finish" of your acquisition. In the world of tactical assets, your level of investment directly dictates the refinement of the final product.

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The Gold Standard of Transparency

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We operate under a simple reality: Investment equals Grade. While we strive to deliver the finest trucks in the marketplace, it is critical to align your quality expectations with your capital allocation.

• Tactical Grade ($80k Range): Focused on rugged utility and mechanical reliability. Expect the raw, honest character of a combat-tested vehicle.

• Collector/Luxury Grade ($250k Range): Involves extensive refinement, premium paint systems, and interior overhauls.​

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THE BADASS TRUCKS PAINT LAB

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We don't use "flat finish" surplus paints. We utilize authentic, industrial-grade coatings designed for the harshest environments on earth.

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1. Standard Mil-Spec: The CARC System

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Our base models utilize Chemical Agent Resistant Coating (CARC). This is a highly specialized, non-reflective polyurethane system designed for extreme durability and corrosion resistance.

• The "Badge of Honor": CARC is a "working" finish. It is designed to be scratched and used; it does not buff or polish. Every adventure leaves a mark, creating a unique patina of use.

• Technical Integrity: We utilize modern, one-part topcoats from Hentzen Coatings. This ensures a smoother, more uniform application than legacy systems while maintaining full military specifications (Tan 686).

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 2. Premium 2-Stage Automotive Finish

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For clients seeking a "Showroom" aesthetic, we offer a 2-Stage Paint & Clear Coat upgrade in any custom color.

• Note on Authenticity: Because these vehicles were originally fabricated for the battlefield, even with premium paint, the underlying industrial character of the metal may show minor imperfections. We view these as the "DNA" of a true tactical asset.

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THE FORGED LEGACY: BACKGROUND & ORIGINS

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The HMMWV is the most versatile military platform ever developed. Since its adoption by the U.S. Armed Forces in 1984, it has served as the backbone of global operations.

At Badass Trucks, we preserve this military heritage while modernizing the platform for the private collector. By sourcing "Type Locality" chassis with documented histories, we ensure your vehicle isn't just a truck—it's a piece of American history that will stand as a cornerstone of your portfolio for decades to come.

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CUSTOM BUILT HMMWV TRUCKS

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KAUFMAN & KAUFMAN is launching our new endeavor in custom trucks, with a focus on the legendary HMMWV.

To have a custom-built truck, you can either select the base model and add upgrades, or choose from our ready-to-ship inventory and add any upgrades you prefer. We will fully customize any truck for you and deliver it anywhere you need. We also offer complete armor resistance at different ballistic grades. Our Humvee concierge will walk you through the entire process. 1-800-798-9636 ask for Nick Kaufman. To get started, click on the START YOUR MISSION PROFILE link above.

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QUALITY EXPECTATIONS

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Fit and Finish: 1st, these were full-blown military trucks in their past lives. They are, at their heart, a raw, extremely tough truck. Depending on your investment and quality expectations, we fully disclose what you will receive for the level of investment you choose. The higher the level of investment, the higher the quality (fit and finish, if you will) delivered, and even though a higher investment is required, there are standards associated with that investment. By adding multiple accessories and increasing the investment, there are quality expectations you need to be aware of. We are fully disclosing the fitment quality and finish paint expectations. We pride ourselves on exceptional client service and strive to deliver the highest quality truck in the marketplace. We are here to assist in matching your investment level and quality expectations. NOTE: We cannot deliver a $250,000 truck for an $80,000 investment; the higher the quality expectations for the truck, the higher the investment required. It's that simple.

 

Base Model Paint Expectations: Includes the original CARC (Chemical Agent Resistant Coating), a paint used on military vehicles to make metal surfaces highly resistant to corrosion and penetration of chemical agents. This durable paint is easy to repair minor scratches, chips, and scuffs.

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The paint is called CARC, or chemical agent-resistant coating. Its primary purpose is to provide a highly durable, non-reflective finish that is easy to decontaminate. It comes in all the usual mil-spec colors, as we only use the real stuff. Forget the spray cans and other "flat finish" paints at the surplus stores; they are nothing like real CARC.

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​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Details: It is an extremely toxic two-part mix of the manufacturer's paint and activator. Spraying it can be a real ordeal because of its viscosity. Zinc chromate primer is necessary for any exposed metal or painting over non-carc finishes. It can be thinned with MEK (methyl ethyl ketone). It's recommended to use MAK to slow the drying process to get a better finish.

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The difficulty is that this product has to be applied in one shot, and most painters are spoiled by the ability to buff out blemishes. Look at any military vehicle; they aren't pretty paint jobs for the most part!

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It is extremely durable once dry; normal off-road use doesn't damage it, but it leaves marks that cannot be removed. Normal paint finishes get gouged much more easily but can normally be buffed out. You can't buff or polish it, so every adventure leaves marks. Don't use this paint if you're concerned with cosmetic beauty! Give up washing it, and it looks the same, dirty or clean.

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The theory is to produce a coating that does not absorb chemical agents. This is accomplished using a high-quality epoxy primer, covered with a high-quality polyurethane paint that prevents chemical agents from penetrating. The expected life cycle is 5-7 years. The recommended primer for CARC is MIL-P-53022 spec (N-3850 A/B).

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The CARC currently used here is a new one-part product from Hentzen Coatings in Milwaukee. It does produce a smooth, uniform coat that is easy to handle. It dries so quickly that the overspray was dust by the time it hit the equipment. He really likes the Hentzen stuff.

Bad JuJu; the reason for the mystic aura around CARC is the highly toxic VOC and waste products. Other than these, it is just paint, no magic. The reason for changing to a one-part topcoat is waste. The 2-part stuff, when mixed, is terminal. It is a chemical reaction that will harden after its pot life. If you only have a small area to paint, you have just wasted a gallon. The military was throwing out a lot of dried CARC, which led to a reputation for toxic waste. They are trying to have it supplied in smaller containers. The one-part product somewhat reduces waste because it can be opened and resealed without drying out the entire can. Air exposure initiates the chemical reaction, so you can save some paint by reducing it. As to the VOC, make sure you let it dry for a good while before hanging around the equipment.

 

Colors: The Aervoe Sand 30277 is good-looking but no longer used on military equipment. My paint shop guy said they ran out on the spin-up for Desert Storm. They are currently using Tan 686. The primer is white and can be tinted gray to make scratches less noticeable. Any good-quality epoxy primer will work. They did have some large area chipping, which left white spots on some equipment. I haven't seen this yet. The companies (Hentzen and Niles) will mix any color you want, but you must purchase large quantities. Otherwise, refer to Federal Standard Color Chart 595B.

 

Upgraded Base Paint: The quality and things to expect in this upgrade include the following.

1. We can paint the truck in any 2-Stage color paint with a clear coat.

2. The paint may have imperfections, including dirt, runs, fish-eye, minor chips, or scratches. We strive not to have any of these, but don't want our clients to be disappointed if they receive a truck with any of these issues with this upgraded investment. 

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Frame-Off Restoration Includes:

 

BACKGROUND AND HISTORY

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The High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV), commonly known as the Humvee, is a legendary four-wheel-drive military vehicle that gained widespread recognition and popularity over the years. Here's a comprehensive overview of the iconic Humvee trucks.

1. Origins and Development:

   • The Humvee was developed by AM General, a company based in South Bend, Indiana, in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

   • Its design was inspired by the success of the military's previous Jeep models, such as the Willys MB and the M151 MUTT.

   • The primary goal was to create a versatile, highly mobile, and off-road-capable vehicle capable of handling a range of military missions and terrains.

2. Military Adoption:

   • The Humvee was officially adopted by the United States military in 1984 to replace the aging fleet of Jeeps and other light tactical vehicles.

   • It was intended to serve as the military's leading utility and vehicle across branches, including the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force.

3. Characteristics and Features:

   • The Humvee's design features a rugged, robust body, making it highly resistant to damage and capable of withstanding harsh environments.

   • It features a powerful diesel engine and an independent suspension system, contributing to its exceptional off-road capabilities.

   • The vehicle has a four-door configuration, but there are variants with two-door and open-top designs.

   • Humvees can be equipped with various weapon systems, such as machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, and anti-tank missiles, depending on their specific roles.

4. Versatility and Adaptability:

   • One of the Humvee's main strengths is its versatility. It can be adapted for various missions, including troop transport, command and control, reconnaissance, medical evacuation, and cargo transport.

   • Over the years, the Humvee's design has been modified and improved to accommodate different operational requirements, resulting in numerous specialized variants.

5. Cultural Impact:

   • The Humvee gained significant public attention and admiration for its widespread use in conflicts such as the Gulf War, the Iraq War, and the War in Afghanistan.

   • It became an iconic symbol of American military power and was prominently featured in media, including movies, video games, and TV shows.

6. Civilian Version - Hummer:

   • The civilian version of the Humvee, called the Hummer, was introduced in the early 1990s. The Hummer H1 resembled the military Humvee and was marketed to civilians as a rugged, off-road SUV.

   • Despite its popularity and cult following, production of the Hummer H1 ceased in 2006 due to declining sales and stricter emissions regulations.

7. Replacement by JLTV:

   • Despite its success, the Humvee faced criticism for its vulnerability to roadside bombs and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) during the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts.

   • As a result, the U.S. military sought a replacement and developed the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV), which offers improved protection and mobility.​

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The Humvee's legendary status stems from its impressive performance, adaptability, and prominence in various military operations. Its impact on popular culture and the automotive industry has solidified it as one of history's most iconic military vehicles.​

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