WORKSHOP WEDNESDAY: Inspecting an ORIGINAL WWII StuG III transmission for our RESTORATION project!

Against all the odds, we sourced and acquired an original WWII StuG III Transmission. But what's its condition like inside???
Follow the progress of our restorations every Workshop Wednesday! 😱
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[@billguernsey6419]

As a member of the society for the protection of bolts I was glad to hear that none were harmed.

[@GilbertdeClare0704]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@outlet6989]

There's another organization like this one. It's PETP, People for the Ethical Treatment of Panzers.

[@tomellis4750]

What do you mean? They were screwed.

[@outlet6989]

Excuse me. Your reply is what I should have said. Sorry for my 70-year-old brain.

[@davefellhoelter1343]

as a "Hammer'er, and hammer Protectionist"? me! TWO!

[@mzimmerman1988]

"feral tofu" I nearly spat out my coffee 🤣 . Please don't change anything about workshop Wednesday, I really enjoy the balance of mechanics and relaxed atmosphere.

[@General_Rubenski]

why is every KZbin comment the same? Does everyone spit out their coffee at some mid joke?

[@Chronometrian]

@@General_Rubenski they're most likely an older person. that's why.

[@PhantomP63]

Zero likes for the joyless

[@svk77]

That was the name of our second album

[@bigmac60]

Steve is now one of the world’s experts on this transmission 👍👍

[@bobguarnieri280]

Maybe the only one!

[@morstyrannis1951]

And since you're "doing your own research" you can now claim to be one of the world's leading experts. 😬

[@mm3rik]

as a old engineer its good to see people that don't always reach for the power tools to work on stuff

[@carlnapp4412]

If you hadn't mentioned it I wouldn't have noticed it, because I'm used to work carefully as well. Cheers!

[@joncutt872]

The fact that the watchmaker hammer is a joke in aus shops too, makes me unbelievably happy.

[@kingoftadpoles]

Hit that resin-handled screrwdriver too hard and it's going to shatter, I know from experience.

[@GilbertdeClare0704]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣It has GOT to be an International joke, same as getting a new apprentice to go to stores and request a Soft Rubber Hammer🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣. As a 16 year old I got half way out the door before I actually thought, "Hang ON a minute !....."🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@77gravity]

@@GilbertdeClare0704 We use soft rubber hammers at work. Very fragile aluminium parts, very thin, so gentle taps are done.

[@GilbertdeClare0704]

@@77gravity My apprenticeship was in heavy industry, and Stores just told naiive apprentices to "F**k OFF !" if they fell for it

[@vincentcarmine8731]

Of a part doesn’t fit, always best to use a bigger hammer !!

[@aserta]

12:57 the reason there's both a (provision for a ) tab and a pin is because of options. In the field, repairs go as field repairs go, but if luck holds for the repairman, then they have at least one option of the two to put some restriction back. One can break, rarely would both break and if they do, you have the option to spread your locking methods between all the bolts, because you started with 2 separate locking methods. At least that's what i was told in regards to old machinery from ... well, the area where these would be native. Germany. edit: tho in this case it's pretty obviously for a different reason. Those are studs. Even if you've pinned the nut, there's still a chance for the stud to walk out. So they locked and pinned it because the pin transforms the nut and stud into a bolt and the tab locks the "bolt". Clean reason.

[@rudolphguarnacci197]

I loved reading your explanation!

[@Duffy3074]

Running the gearbox on the bench properly with some sort of external oil tank and filtering system running at the same time would be well worthwhile

[@russcole5685]

That was my thought. Top it up with ATF, it has a heap of detergents in it. Just run it a couple of hours in each gear with no load.

[@Duffy3074]

That way you’re going to catch every oil gallery and pipe and ‘wash’ every gear with clean oil Run the drain through a filter and back in again Run it until the oil comes out clean

[@russcole5685]

@@Duffy3074 yup. Very true

[@wysoft]

I'd always be worried about getting some gunk or actual debris caught in a bearing cage - you can see at least one pretty large bearing that meets this criteria when he pulls off the rear thrust plate/cover

[@russcole5685]

@@wysoft good call, I overlooked that. I've never worked on anything of this size, was thinking in the lines of a simple motorbike style gearbox, only two case half's you're right, debris would get caught everywhere in something like this

[@detlefmester]

Hello from Germany. 80 year old German quality. This is impressive. It makes me proud as a German mechanic.

[@bjorn2290]

Sorry to say but faraway from today German or Swedish

[@JoeyWebber955]

I trick that was used years ago on tractors and other heavy equipment , fill the case about 1/2 full with diesel or kerosene . Attach a drive source to the input flange and run the unit at low speed through all the gears with no load on it . Change out the fuel a couple times until you get it clean . Then you would fill it with the proper lubricant and run it really well , then drain it and refill it one last time . Just something to think about if you see this post so far down .

[@epic_ww2_stories]

Watching this video makes me wonder about the people who operated these vehicles during WWII. Does anyone have any interesting stories or historical anecdotes about Stug III crews that are worth telling?

[@jamessuman2151]

You can go down a bit of a rabbit hole on tank crew stories on KZbin, most of the stories are eastern front tank commanders. I've listened to a couple, bit of ideology, some battle stories, then usually ends up with them suffering defeat after defeat against the Soviets until there's nothing left of them

[@agn855]

Keywords: Panzerschütze, Panzerfahrer, Tagebuch,… Here's one…. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qH7MmWdqedCJrbM This playlist contains three videos about Kurt Knispel… kzbin.info/aero/PLe8cLtNI6hRXepWvzA8BMDYW-58WgWLbJ

[@fetus2280]

There are a few WW2 channels on youtube that do Interviews with Veterans. Just do a search on here and youll find some really good stuff. Rishi Sharma is one guy off top of my head. Just not 100% on the spelling. Cheers.

[@epic_ww2_stories]

@@fetus2280 Yeah thank you i am doing a bit of research on this right now and trying to find as much info as i can.

[@fetus2280]

@@epic_ww2_stories Youre very welcome. There are a Lot of great interviews out there, Enjoy mate. Cheers.

[@Duffy3074]

Workshop Wednesday! Huzzah!!!!

[@jacklifeonwheels]

Workshop Wednesday is. The best bit

[@shed66215]

Can't beat a solid and trustworthy 'slight adjustment tool' (aka a hammer), many a problem has been solved using one of those. Great job by Steve, and seeing the condition of those gears after nearly 80 years is just amazing.

[@James_T_Quirk]

A Tapometer ...

[@shed66215]

@@James_T_Quirk Yes but knowing where to tap is the important point.

[@whythesadface]

That was fun. I followed using my Gregory's StuG III service and repair manual. I got it at Repco a few decades ago.

[@bufonidae5173]

@whythesadface they may be asking you for that shortly

[@JensAndree]

Although every inch of me are screaming total rebuild I totally understand that there's a limit to how much you can spend on every little part... The reason why you aussies are so successful is that your mentality of repairing and refabricating instead of slavishly sticking to original parts - and that's how you're able to restore tanks in a couple years that others haven't managed to do in a couple decades! This I applaud you for - and it makes for awesome content too! I'm sure you'll be able to get this early Pz III transmission into working order after taking it apart for a good clean and some rust repairs. Perhaps some parts/cogs will need attention but that'll be money and time well spent since it'll last for another couple of generations. Museums are all about saving the past for future generations and a ~90% original working piece will always be better than a near 100% pile of bits on the floor... I mean there are sure to be many restoration projects that have been halted for years just because some original bolts and nuts are missing?! I only wish I could visit you at the Australian Armour & Artillery Museum but I live more or less exactly as far from you as humanly possible (Sweden) so it's not just hopping on a bus - but if I ever make it to Australia you're the first place I'm going to visit! Many thanks for making these videos!

[@richardhenry5015]

I totally agree with you. I am originally from South Africa where I restored Armoured vehicles at the National Military Museum . I now live in Sweden .,skål.

[@JensAndree]

@@richardhenry5015 skål! 😁

[@kenmarsh402]

Hi guys from the UK. I look forward too this channel every Wednesday morning. The German engineering is is unbelievable. All the best guys see you next time.

[@outlet6989]

Hi. I'm from the US, and we still need to learn how to build transmissions.

[@RussianPenguin]

It was so satisfying watching every bolt come out with ez

[@scottcrawford7310]

Love my Workshop Wednesday

[@TX-biker]

I haven’t seen a mechanic use a speed wrench in 15+ years. Thanks for the flashback 👍🏽

[@stevenhicks8625]

As a fellow wrench turner and Steve, I can say without question that Steve was on a high after all of those opportunities for failure didn’t materialize ! I’ve had worse experiences with 20 year old hardware, that was truly amazing ! Like hitting the lottery. Can’t wait for the back story on acquisition of the transmissions…..if only they could talk ! Great episode !

[@NSYresearch]

Seeing those 80 year old bolts come out relatively easily and in tact, you can only admire German engineering

[@Igeltod]

not that i disagree with you, but i think that can be more attributed to whoever kept this transmission in storage. even fine crafted german equipment will be rotten out eventually if left and forgotten outside somewhere.

[@samrodian919]

@@Igeltodyes like the pictures of the original Stug111 transmission at the beginning of this episode, it was total toast!

[@ashleybevis9769]

It’s how it was kept … really

[@englishjim6428]

I guess it’s a matter of perspective but I watch these videos and think how ridiculously over engineered most of the German armour is, especially for a country that’s losing, badly. As has been pointed out it’s more about the storage in this case.

[@NSYresearch]

@@englishjim6428 compared with the American engineering which seemed as good as the Germans but was simpler and more interchangeable. Easier to manufacture in numbers

[@stephengostelow7925]

Nice ! Looking forwards to hearing thr back story on where the transmissions came from ..

[@shaunbrosnan220]

I’d be interested to know also it’s not something you can pickup from the local wrecker let alone just have it sitting around with a whole spare tank in peace’s

[@scottburton509]

I'm surprised the Panzer Farm didn't send a manual and some spare gears...🤣I'd love to see a couple of guys from the Panzer Farm pay a visit to AusArmor.

[@dash5257]

I was an aviation mechanic in the Navy. It's amazing that after about 80 years the ease of taking it apart. Germans really built things to last.

[@01Bouwhuis]

They came with a warranty....

[@richardwilmshurst9005]

I've removed 5 year old bolts from Land Rovers that didn't come out that cleanly!

[@espe1317]

There's a reason why the Zahnradfabrik Friedrichshafen is still in buisiness, they always knew how to make prime gearboxes :D

[@johndehoog5567]

The conversation between Bo and Steve starting at 1:52 is hilarious!!. "Where'd you find that hammer?" Talk about giving the new guy the gears. Then Bo shows him a "real" hammer. The comradery between the guys and their excellent work and knowledge make this channel stand head and shoulders above the rest. Kurt, thanks for the incredible vid on the inspection of this very rare transmission. Cheers from Canada.

[@Craig-xw9jq]

I miss workplaces like this!

[@ggginforlab]

8:55 PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Alkett machines) is happy 😁

[@outlet6989]

There's another organization like this one. It's PETP, People for the Ethical Treatment of Panzers.

[@LucyZamb]

Yum , transmission brisket...

[@LukeBunyip]

Not to be confused with feral tofu

[@sjb1604]

or sump steak!

[@LucyZamb]

@@LukeBunyip feral tofu could use a bit of seasoning, maybe , the rust on those gears will give it a kick..

[@LucyZamb]

@@sjb1604 that could use some duck butter....

[@bigmac60]

At least it’s not minced

[@joesanchez979]

I look forward to every Wednesday to see what you're working on 😊

[@dickdegraaff5452]

Dear Guys, The StuG III transmission is very well inspected by Steve so I guess it makes a lot of sense to go for a complete overhaul. By the way it’s amazing to see how solid the Germans made such a transmission at that time. On the other hand, Germany is still famous for the accuracy with which Germans build machines. I look forward to your next vlog and send you love from the Netherlands

[@ai-d2121]

Glad this transmission seems to be usable.

[@tankgirl2074]

I really didn't think some of those bolts would come off as well as they did. Great job, fellows. :)

[@TBornes]

If you need help with your StuG III G you should contact Panserparken in Rena Norway as Norway used them and maintained them until we sold them to the Finnish in 1958. And that kept the Finnish StuGs in service until 1966 and still then they kept a few as dug in defence of air-fields until 1980. So I highly recomand looking in Finland and Norway for help and tips. I am 100% sure a Norwegian would love to come on "vacition" down there and help you. And if you need help with Panzer IIIs too the Norwegians used them until 1953(Denmark also used Panzer III). And both Norwegians and the Finns know English so you dont have the hevy communication problems you would with old Germans and Slavic nations that may have used them before Soviet tanks replaced them.😊

[@Rich77UK]

173k subscribers...this channel is criminally under subscribed. The team are top notch and I love watching them work, fix things and make anew. The production values belie how tight this team works. Long may it continue and great work chaps 'n lasses.

[@MGB-learning]

Always an Outstanding video and presentation.

[@matttiggerward6147]

The quality of manufacturing the Germans put out considering this is late war when things were not easy and material supply was not great is amazing. To come apart without snapping steel bolts in an alloy casting that’s sat in a field for 75 years is frankly jaw dropping! 😮

[@FINNIUSORION]

that's crazy! the Germans were so short on oil towards the end of the war they were actually substituting it for water. lol. but seriously that's not that bad. I love Wednesday's. it never ceases to amaze me the precession they were able to accomplish before things like cad and modern metrology. in the 40's many people were still living in a manner that would resemble the 19th century closer than the 21st and yet those gears look like something we'd turn out today.

[@robertsmart4628]

I don't nothing about mechanical stuff .but find this fascinating.

[@joey243win]

As a mechanic I love these episodes

[@FeralVG]

That initial massive sludge brisket didn’t instil confidence for the internals, but the endoscope soon allayed that apprehension. Looking good.

[@ulrichspanka2828]

Greetings from Germany👋👌

[@MartinFialaMeganeRs]

Zdravím skvělá práce pánové 😊😊😊❤Stug Made in Germani kvalitet❤

[@robertspeicher5047]

Speed handle...Many years ago...Using one to remove screws from panels on aircraft.

[@TheSavageRepairman]

I was mesmerized as each component was removed to see what was under the cover. Kurt and crew, my heartfelt gratitude for bringing myself and the community together for these amazing adventures. This is my most favorite channel on the internet.

[@yattaran1484]

Another awesome restoration work !. Thank you for showing us a once in a lifetime scene of disassembling the Stg 3 transmission. So happy to know the trans seems quite nice condition being after nearly over 80 years ! 👍

[@entropyachieved750]

Love my workshop Wednesday

[@janvanginneken5387]

Thé workshop that makes my Wednesday 👍

[@2islandresort757]

Another excellent episode - many thanks!

[@gazza124561]

I love workshop Wednesday , thanks guys , great episode .

[@quentinstacy35]

Super geeky, but I love it. Thanks Kurt and Steve.

[@turkeyboyjh1]

I love how you can always recognize German castings with thier rounded shape and the unique way they bolt castings together best way to describe German engineering is simply complicated

[@larsbkurin1740]

Congratulations Steve. Nice gearbox. The paint on the ball bearing holder looks good, that box can't have gone much if anything. If I were you, I would have overfilled it with kerosene and put a power take-off from a tractor and driven it for 10-20 minutes, drained it and filled it with clean kerosene, driven it once more. Of course, blow pipes, ducts, but I don't have to tell a skilled mechanic that. By kerosene, I mean what we called engine-kerosene, a little fatter than jet fuel, which was used to drive tractors, boats in the past

[@lexus5413]

Agree - they can't not strip that box down, gears might look reasonable but the bearings really need to be pulled, cleaned and checked.

[@asya9493]

@@lexus5413 Yep, it's not too bad but one blocked oil line and ..

[@paoloviti6156]

I've been using both Kerosene and diesel oil old gearbox of the jeep but first I use diesel oil for the whole night and in the morning after after draining I flush with Kerosene. I did the same to my other two jeeps of which one is Italian and worked very well by cheating carefully the sludge for metal and broken parts 👍👍

[@larsbkurin1740]

@@paoloviti6156 Splitting up an 80 year old cast aluminum house that has been sitting together the whole time when everything looks new on first inspection is unnecessary. The small rust damage on the upper gears is problematic, but everything is calculated to hold on the east front in 1m of mud. I would see what can dissolve the crust and pour in a few liters. Diesel is usually good for most things, but environmentally friendly diesel contains too much else to work well.

[@paoloviti6156]

@@larsbkurin1740 thanks for replying as I find it very informative 👍

[@richardphelan8414]

Taking it apart for a through cleaning makes sense and then getting a proper inspection of the gear teeth can be done along with the oil pump looking forward to that in the next Video ,well done Mates

[@paamodt7170]

You could use a table 2' high that can support the weight. With 6" locking castors it makes this type of work easier. Your back will also thank you

[@jacko6652]

Thanks for the close up camera work! Your channel is one of my favorites.

[@davekreitzer4358]

Definitely has to come apart and be thoroughly cleaned and new bearings where required ! 😎

[@pattygman4675]

No bolts were harmed in the making of this episode. 😂

[@obsidianjane4413]

That kind or ruined the tension... Anyone who has taken apart an old machine knows the terror or waiting for that "tink!" of a broken bolt or a piece of a casting chipping off.

[@davefellhoelter1343]

@@obsidianjane4413 "I was" and AMEN! tooth pick up the bung with a double jack, clapped that tight..

[@ianbell5611]

Great video. Amazing how well preserved the first two gears shown are after so many years. Cheers

[@jmsmaxwell]

It wouldn't hurt my feelings if you took a whole hour to show your breaking down the Transmision and more of the details involved in so doing, I appreciate the time and effort you put into restoring these vehicles to running condition, Keep up the good work you do.

[@DuckButter123]

These are the best videos, seeing all the old dirty stuff get taken apart and cleaned up

[@ancliuin2459]

Super super interesting to see how the covers are removed step by step to reveal the interior!

[@tonyromano6220]

18:38 wow amazing how clear the gears are. All this made before computers. Amazing what we did as a group!

[@fetus2280]

My fav day of the week :) looking fwd to seeing this one Run. Thanks again for your hard work. Cheers.

[@TheSavageRepairman]

I'm not going to lie, I was mesmerized by seeing the inside of each component as it was removed. My face was mere inches of the screen as if I could see deeper inside if I tried hard enough. This channel is 1 of my 2 most favorite channels. Kurt and crew thank you so much for my exponential knowledge of what goes into the making and restoration of these incredible War machines.

[@russwoodward8251]

I want to thank Steve for all the patient explanations of the parts. Thanks you all at Aus Armour. Really great.

[@denismayhew1394]

Always look forward to what happens next.

[@kimkeam2094]

Wow!A Sidchrome speed brace, I still use mine but man, they are a rare tool!

[@lilPOPjim]

definitely want more videos of things just being disassembled, with only the sound of tools and whats happening. Great stuff.

[@totalutternutter]

" I'm not going to take this out completely because..." "There's no way we weren't taking this out immediately"

[@jeffreyplum5259]

It is nice seeing you Aussies just Stug it up and get 'er done. You are an amazing bunch of blokes. Best wishes to you all Ladies and gentlemen.

[@64mustangfan]

I seldom read every comment in a video post, and in this case it has been thoroughly worthwhile. Informative, supportive, good humoured and very enjoyable, quite rare on KZbin. I am in awe of the engineering quality of this box, and of the way you guys approach the task, not even a power tool in sight, using methods I'm accustomed to. I'm a fan of super clean and would be stripping it down, but this has also let me down - a spring disappearing into eternity, an unexplained spare part or at worst mucking something up, creating a pile of super clean unassembled spare parts. Thanks for preserving history, the fun and entertainment with it, you guys rock! 🛠

[@tomc8157]

This is my dream job right here. Just fixing old tanks and military hardware.

[@christianvonschuckmann8241]

ZF-Aphon SSG 77......From ZF, Germany quality...I work for ZF

[@JasonSkye]

This is peak comfy viewing, thank you so much for making these

[@gerza71]

3:45 Transmission Brownie.

[@earlatkins9559]

It's so nice when all the bolts decide to co-operate. Nothing like a broken bolt to ruin your day. I really helps to have a decent unit to work on. This transmission looks in awesome condition for its age. Well done guys!

[@rudolphguarnacci197]

Man i loved watching this!

[@gunrunner35]

I always love Workshop Wednesday! So very cool and satisfying to see all those bolts come loose without having to do a ton of work to get them to loosen up. You guys all do such an amazing job and I love how chill and relaxed everyone is. Such an incredible place to work in! Can't wait for the next episode. Cheers!

[@sandwormgod4771]

Proper stuff, done properly.

[@AllieRogers-mq1kf]

Can you guys talk more about the history of the artifacts? Like where stuff came from that you've acquired and the lore behind it? It could be for whole tanks you have or components. I would find that fascinating. Thanks!

[@parker1ray]

I built a Ryfield Model of the Stug that is so detailed that it has all of the injector lines on the transmission! You can see a video of the model on my page

[@a3103-j7g]

my great grandpa adolfo in argentina approves of your inspection and restoration skills.

[@birdsoup777]

Congealed oil looks like bbq ribs. You should have brought to a beach bbq party. You guys are amazing. The talent your crew has is tremendously awesome

[@Laxpowertoo]

It's wenzday again 🎊✨ Fill it up with Evaporust and leave it to soak for a week or two then flush it out. It's brilliant stuff and doesn't damage anything. If we poms can get it, you must have it in the antipodes.

[@scottburton509]

"Not a single bolt head was sheared during the making of this episode." A testament to the quality of the transmission.

[@noyt4rd858]

ahh yes all the parts i cleaned over the last few weeks so it could pass quaratine good to finally see some of what inside looks like!

[@GTR003121]

Fascinating!

[@garycharland3018]

Wow that you guys can figure this stuff out, put your minds together and reason what needs to be done is exceptional. I love watching your minds work.

[@richardwilmshurst9005]

Looking forward to seeing Steve open this box up. Really enjoy Steve's explanations as to how everything works. Great video.

[@andrewsteele7663]

Yet another amazing episode of Workshop Wednesday. I am gobsmacked that you had the complete gear box. But I was equally blown away by the fact you have two. My question is. Where is the engine???? Thanks Kurt & Steve for another amazing episode. Cheers

[@Desertduleler_88]

Well preserved transmissions considering the age of them, amazing find.

[@leenmeenmememachine]

the shots this ep are stunning, its amazing how you can get macro looks at all the bits like that in a functioning shop! The folks must have a lot of patience, and Kurt has a lot of talent.

[@johnbradshaw354]

Great update on the Stug Transmission from Steve, tank you Kurt for sharing.

[@LukeBunyip]

1:46 Noice briefcase

[@fireabend_1226]

Another very interesting video. I'm pleased that a mechanic finally knows his craft and works without a welding torch. Well done and stay healthy.

[@jg2072]

My 10 year old truck parts don't come apart that easily. That's amazing.

[@JohnPittaway]

I can't believe you got all those bolts out with no breakages! The Workshop Gods must have been smiling on you that day! I've had outboards a tenth of its' age give me a day of bolt extractions & helicoils!

[@davidbarnsley8486]

Steve needs an impact drill and now matter how much he doesn’t want to , that gearbox has to be completely disassembled And inspected parts replaced and then rebuilt 👍👍

[@asya9493]

Yep, that's going to have to be a complete strip, regardless.

[@ericleen7941]

Great video as always , very interesting to watch !!

[@scottfortune9016]

For sitting for the last 80 years, I think those gears look amazing!

[@LyleHatch]

Nazi ideology aside, you really have to hand it to German engineering and manufacturing during WWII. Watching this video was like opening a treasure chest full of priceless gems in near-mint condition. What are the odds of securing not one, but two original Stug III trannies/gearboxes in this condition? Steve provided his usual, terrific commentary. Very exciting purchase by the AAAM!

[@stoobroo3282]

I met Steve at Oz Armourfest 2024 and had a quick chat, nicer in real life than on screen, if thats possible, keep up the great work Kurt and tremendous drone flying by the way 🙂