Will it last?

[Aubs]

So I've been thinking. With all the rust and corrosion that likes to keep growing on my H2, how well do the H1's hold up over time? I mean, my car is only 1.5 years old. Most of you guys have H1's from 6-8 years ago. How well do they hold up as far as essential mechanical components like frame, suspension, etc? I'm assuming they do alright. I'd like to know how hard you use them too. For instance, how often do you get out?

I'm asking because I forsee using my H2 about 100 days/year off paved roads, with probably most of the time on trails between 2-4 on the 1-10 scale. So not exactly light useage. I don't really know how well it's going to stick together.

Any info would be great

[Ground hawg]

I've got a 99 wagon that's parked outside,driven everyday, rain shine or snow, dry roads wet road, salty roads(they like that in ohio) and no rust in sight except little surface on exhaust.

[Aubs]

Now it appears my ladder frame protection is rusting... And the famous behind the glovebox rust is there. No body rust though, even underneath the car. So at least the body will hold out when the frame crumbles...

Glad to hear you've got no rust Ground hawg.

[KenP]

Originally posted by Ground hawg:
I've got a 99 wagon that's parked outside,driven everyday, rain shine or snow, dry roads wet road, salty roads(they like that in ohio) and no rust in sight except little surface on exhaust.

Were you on 64 towing a trailer yesterday? I saw a beautiful black H1, tinted with a roof rack rolling east bound.

[Ground hawg]

Sorry. no I wasn't. Mine is Mesa dawn (browny-green)

[EXH1X5]

I live by the coast, so exposed to a lot of salt ait, but the H2 frame and underbody parts seem to be very badly protected against the elements., definitely worse than any other vehicle I've owned.

Over the years H1's have had some galvanic corrosion issues at various spots on the aluminum body, corrosion at various places on the steel roof & doors, and inside frame rails especially when often exposed to salt water and/or road salt. The H2's basically have the same frame assembly made by the same company and coated with that same waxing stuff as the other GM light truck chassis do. Therefore, they have the same 'surface corrosion' issues GM's light truck line shares except with the H2's larger/higher wheelhouse openings it is more readily visible!!!

[DennisAJC]

The dealer stopped selling H1s here because of major rust issues and maintainence issues within the warranty period(3 years). Nobody wants to touch em around here.

Home maintainence is required for any vehicle.

During and after winter most people tend to just clean the body of the vehicle and call it good. But they fail to wash/powerspray the salty bottom which is not normally as visible as a rig like the Hummer. It does tend to look worst for Hummers since they have a larger underbelly exposure than most vehicles.

[Aubs]

Well, that's Canada (I guess?), so that doesn't count! You guys get specially designed H1's that fall apart so that you don't try to invade. Besides, I didn't think you could officially buy H1's in Canada. I thought they were soley available in the US.

I have a feeling the H1 will hold up much better over the long haul because:
1. There are many late models still operating;
2. They are military trucks, designed to take a beating;
3. ....Well, they just should!