Cornerstone
The prized jewel of the McClanahan's collection is their '92 four-passenger hard-top Limited Edition 6.2L naturally aspirated diesel, otherwise referred to as their cornerstone vehicle. Literally the last of the Limited Edition's to be made, serial number 1,000, this vehicle was part of the elite group of Hummers that were initially offered to the public for sale.
After paying for the rig in cash up front, then waiting more than a year to get their hands on it, Terry and Lynn went right to work customizing it for their lifestyle. Following a similar buildup as the other rig, the goal was to create an expeditionary vehicle with all the amenities of home. Since this vehicle was a limited edition, the upgrades to the drivetrain and other mechanical components were kept to a bare minimum. Aside from the factory-issued 2.56 Detroit differentials and heavy-duty front springs that accommodate the 12,000-pound Warn winch, the drivetrain has remained virtually stock. The two-piece 16-1/2-inch steel wheels were upgraded to run-flat capability.
Being the very first Hummer to ever receive a roof rack, Terry modified a Garvin Industries 6-foot-long rack fabricated of steel tubing by adding numerous weld-on tabs to make way for the 6-inch Warn off-road lights, the bevy of satellite antennas, and for miscellaneous tools, which include an ax and a Hi-Lift jack mounted using the Garvin brackets. Up front, a Wilderness Accessories heavy-duty brushguard makes the perfect platform for two additional 6-inch rectangular Warn off-road lights. The undercarriage and rocker panels are protected via steel panels.
A 27-inch snorkel was added to assist in wading duties across some of the finest rivers in the world. For additional range, a 37-gallon fuel tank was installed, complete with an electric fuel pump in a custom-built box that resides in the truck's bed. Two aluminum storage bins were placed atop the rear wheel fenders. A custom pivot-mounted fullsize spare-tire carrier completes the rear treatment to the Limited Edition.
Resembling more of an emergency command center than a vehicle, the interior of the rig is outfitted with some of the most state-of-the-art electronics on the market. Take for instance the Furuno Satellite Weather Fax System or the Mitsubishi Satellite Telephone System. The GPS system is an Eagle AccuTrail System, which provides step-by-step guidance to any destination on the planet. Under each of the two rear seats are storage boxes that house additional supplies and the satellite fax and phone systems. For everyday communication while on the trail, a Maxum VHF radio and Presidente HR2510 CB radio perform the tasks. Keeping the seats in their pristine condition are one of the very first pair of camouflage Wet Okole seat covers. Of course, the military-spec blackout lights keep things interesting, as does keeping track of the inventory of all the spare parts.
Rarely driven, one of this truck's most outstanding features is the underside of the original hood, which contains more than 900 autographs from virtually every AM General Hummer employee working at the plant at the time, including President Jim Armour. Oh, what a feeling it must be to own not only one Hummer, but two! We just keep saying to ourselves, "Some day."