WORKSHOP WEDNESDAY: Reassembling restored WW2 Grant tank suspension units

It's been a long process, but after dismantling, scrubbing, wire wheeling and painting, Daryl and Jesse are finally reassembling the restored suspension units.
This WW2 Grant Tank is part of the Australian Armour and Artillery Museum's restoration program.
Follow the progress of our workshop restorations every Wednesday! A must watch for students of history, engineering, mechanics and metalworking! 🧐🛠️
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[@bmwoutlander]

My life is starting to orbit around Workshop Wednesday.

[@Javdoc]

Welcome to WWA - Workshop Wednesday Anonymous. The first step to recovery is admitting you have an addiction.....

[@rwilliams1092]

Workshop Wednesday is the highlight of my week. The skill of the whole team is second to non. Have a great holiday.

[@xtiger8025]

and CCE (Cutting Edge Engineering) also from AUS.

[@lili7207]

😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@wizardtowergames]

My grandmother worked in a Sherman tank factory installing the wheel assemblies, I have pics of her as a 19 year old doing that.

[@LukeBunyip]

Werewashers! LOL Also the temporary paint scheme at the end was very seasonable.

[@bronven]

Daryl’s a natural on screen. If he ever gets tired of crawling round floors I reckon he has a future on TV! Thanks again for all the great content. Hope you all manage to get a decent break.

[@bernardwill7196]

I wish all Teammenbers and their families Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

[@garylawless3608]

When I watch these guys working on these fabulous AFV’s, I tend to break out in a sweat, and I develop a backache in sympathy. The skill and knowledge they bring to the table when restoring these vehicles is just amazing. I can’t wait until the next episode.

[@pancernyraffaello]

Greetings from Poland. Polish tankers used exactly such M 3 Grant Mk II for training!

[@MichalKaczorowski]

And several engineering vehicles on this chassis I believe in Italy.

[@pancernyraffaello]

@@MichalKaczorowski Exactly two of the M31 ARV

[@user-py6oc4jo6c]

When youblokes assemble parts and they work smoothly, I picture smiles on the faces of WWII maintenance personnel. --Bob Bailey in Maine, USA

[@geraldtrudeau3223]

Some people might find it tedious that you go into such detail, but I find it fascinating. Most tank restoration videos are broad Strokes, but you guys get right down into the nitty gritty. Fantastic work!

[@jeffduckworth9442]

I'm here in Kansas but my son lives there in Melbourne with his Aussie wife. I told him next time I make it over there I'd love for him and I to make it to your great museum. I restore muscle cars here but there's something about a tank resto that I can't stop watching. Love your videos!

[@keithspillman]

Really enjoy these "Workshop" shows. I recently restored a 1941 M2A1 Half Track and all this bogie work brings back memories. Who needs a gym membership...right? 😆

[@udondave]

I'll never look at US suspension units again quite the same way. Thank you guys and much respect.

[@americanpatriot2422]

Merry Christmas to the entire Australian Armour and Artillery Museum staff from California USA.

[@Johnc259]

Every thing and I mean everything on these pieces of history is heavy, awkward, and either bent or broken. And I thought working on my big trucks was the crappiest job ever. I really admire you folks. Peace

[@christinepearson5788]

Showcasing the difference between the Grant and Sherman suspension was definitely the high point for me. I too thought they were interchangeable to an extent they aren't.

[@apoorhorseabusedbycenk]

I love these types of videos. You get to see a near step by step process on how these magnificent beasts are put together.

[@davidkimmel4216]

It amazes me how tank repairs were made in the field. Those guys were tough. You guys amaze me now. Please keep the videos coming. 🎉

[@norsehall309]

G'day to everyone who has been working so hard to restore all the tanks, please have a wonderful Christmas and happy New year and keep safe over the holidays, cheers, Neil 🤠.

[@lordlapswans]

This kind of hard work and skill, and 35c heat ! Its just incredible ! The suspention looks awesome

[@laurisikio]

Something I have been wondering... shouldn't it be written 35°C, not just 35C ? I have seen the latter version several times but it must be with the degree mark, otherwise it couldn't be read "thirty-five degrees celsius". Correct me if I'm wrong

[@lordlapswans]

@@laurisikio yes, you are correct !

[@AlisonFort]

Merry Christmas to all at the museum

[@patchmack4469]

the fine art of war time (and post war) assembly always amazes me, particularly when it comes to aircraft, i heard a story where De Haviland employed a number of guys to install the 30mm Aden guns into the belly pack on aircraft such as Vampires - instead and some time later the strategy changed when two Polish twins were employed, built like the proverbial brick SH1t house, the twins who were larger than any body builder, were able to lift the Aden's (less barrel) single headedly, hold in place with one hand and reach for the pins to secure, now i have handled these myself, and as with any gun, not light at all, with a huge bronze breach part, i can only imagine what these guys were like, why pay four when the job could be done by two, and they get a free work out to benefit

[@SmedleyDouwright]

I don't know why, but I have an interest in these these old metal beasts. It is great to see them made like new again.

[@jacobcox198]

Thanks keep up the awesome work everyone we love u from Arkansas USA huggs 🧸

[@JDnBeastlet]

You guys are awesome. Watching from Ottawa, Canada where there's plenty of snow on the ground and we're at the freezing mark.

[@alexandermccarthy]

I'm on holiday in Thailand, which is absolute bliss, but still can't wait for the next workshop instalment! What a year for AusArmour, and what a joy for us in the viewing audience. Have a very well deserved holiday break, and expect this viewer to become an in person visitor in 2023!

[@Jonesy-yj2vf]

"Wear washers, Do they come out on a full moon?" 🤣🤣🤣 Classic, hope you guys have a Merry Christmas.

[@blane3274]

Wear Washers? Wear Washers? There washers, There castle . . . why are you talking like that? I thought we were playing a game.

[@jamespray]

"Do they come out on the full moon?" had me LOL'ing 🤣

[@pelonehedd7631]

Its really amazing to think of all the engineering and design work that went into creating these machines. Building the factories to make them all the different assemblies made in dispart locations and shipped to the assembly plants. And to think that all the weight of the vehicle is supported by those bolts holding the suspension components to the Hull. My maternal Grandmother worked at Hamilton Field on Aircraft Skin’s ( Fuselage Repair) . My Paternal Grandfather was a Decorated Italian Soldier who escaped capture at the 1896 Battle of Adwa Abyssinia . He was a Machinist and Blacksmith who Immigrated to the U.S. and worked in the rail yard in San Rafael Calif. During WW2 He Worked at Marinship in Sausalito. My Dad was too young to serve but three of His older Brother’s did and another operated a gantry crane that set the prefabricated superstructures onto the Hull’s . My older Aunts worked making Hard Hats and in the tool rooms . At 15 yrs. Old one of My Uncles had a job welding Conning Tower’s on Submarines at Mare Island Naval Shipyard before enlisting in the Army at 17 and serving as a Machine Gunner 133rd Infantry Regiment 34th Inf Div. He was awarded a Bronze Star with V device for drawing the fire of a German Self Propelled Gun in order that exposed troops could make a escape. One of My Dads older Brother’s was 18 when He first saw action on Christmas Eve 1944 as a Combat Engineer with the 289th Regimental Combat Team of the 75th Infantry Division. At Grandmenil Belgium. See Naming of A Hero for more detail on that part of the Battle of the Bulge. My Uncle Ernie Magri was a mechanic and dispatch rider in the 14th Armored. He is on the internet talking about His Bronze Star with V for Valor. He also is a big part of a story about His younger Brother that can Be read by searching Armando’s Last Ride.

[@babuzzard6470]

We’re in! In like Flynn Daz!👍👍

[@realrayra]

Great job all around. Including the videographer, who seems to be working well, part of the team

[@peterlorenz8267]

Great video as always for our weekly updates. I hope Santa brought Daryl some new work boots for Xmas 😂

[@josephkerley363]

May you all have a joyful and blessed Christmas!

[@dick8193]

Allways look forward to the next videos.

[@MaxTSanches]

I like the description of how they made these in the factory. 'They have jigs and they just pop these on.' and ' in the manual they have all these tools - we don't have those!'. :) Merry Christmas guys.

[@mr.m2556]

Looking forward to seeing the next one. Cheers to the A3 team.

[@captiannemo1587]

Originally the M4 used the M3 springs but increased in height to provide more ground clearance and travel. But in testing this lasted 500 miles in the M4 where as the normal M3 with its stock springs was making it 2000 miles. Thus the design was quickly revised by October 1942.

[@RWJP]

"That's all we have time for today"... NOOOOO, I have more time! Please, show us more! Merry Christmas to everyone on the AusArmour team!

[@fredfarnackle5455]

Wear plates that come out at midnight... Classic! Just imagine trying to do that work in the middle of muddy field with bullets whizzing around.

[@Jonesy11B]

Merry Christmas 🇺🇸

[@tdb7992]

The amount of skill you guys (and Lottie, of course!) have never ceases to amaze me. Even working in in a workshop in that Cairns heat and humidity would be too much for me. I really hope you all have a fantastic Christmas, and I'm looking forward to more videos in 2023.

[@stevepringle2295]

I love the Grant restoration episodes. Merry Christmas from Minnesota, USA. We’re expecting 14 inches of snowfall by Saturday btw.

[@mikef.1000]

More great work there fellas. I especially love it when I see blokes making their own special tools... the mark of the thinking mechanic!

[@maineoutdoorsman677]

I get that ware washer ,they come out only during a full moon ,hahahah good one

[@gerhard6105]

I wish you guys nice holidays and the best wishes for 2023. Regards from the Ardennes.

[@vonJaerschky]

35 degrees. -10 here today, so be thankful. Can't believe you guys have fingers left. I would have chopped mine off for sure by now. Have a great Christmas!

[@jemc4276]

I love watching 'Ole Dazza' working in such unity and harmony with the young blood 'Jesse'. I know Jesse is no kid but it really is heartwarming to watch these two master craftsmen from different generations working so well together.

[@tpaul802]

MERRY CHRISTMAS. He is born and will rise again

[@lechbieluczyk688]

Zycze Wesolych Swiat Bozego Narodzenia dla calej ekipy

[@saltleywsc]

Have a great Christmas ..look forward to my workshop wednesdays !

[@markpegram5472]

Merry Christmas to You all as well!! See you again soon...

[@ericfg806]

Awesome, as usual. I'd love to see (if it hasn't been done already) a discussion about the tools used in the 1940s versus the tools used in the 21st Century to create this great machine.

[@bwcdevices3028]

Cant wait to get back to Cairns to see your work in person - love these videos...

[@scottcrawford7310]

Wonderful information Thanks guys Have a great Christmas

[@ronwingrove683]

That Daryl's a bloody wizard! Any mechanised unit the world over would be glad to have him in the motor pool.

[@Nick-rr5cy]

I love workshop Wednesday

[@stephengostelow7925]

Nice job guys. Long long haul really glad to be along for this fascinating journey. Well Done !

[@jfn480427]

A merry, merry, merry Christmas to everybody!

[@sampointau]

As far as the "Pressure relief valve" goes on the track return rollers, it was common on heavy equipment and farm equipment, we had old international harvester tractors (1930's - 1940's) on our property and they had this type of arrangement on certain fittings. Learnt about them when young and allowed to help with maintenance, told to "Pump the grease until you see clean red grease come out of that fitting!"

[@skyraider8793]

Your entire crew are very good.

[@thomasfranzstockhammer7846]

Happy Christmas ! Best regards

[@Ronaldl2350]

It's so hard to just get one AUS armor update a week. It's such great content. Merry Christmas everyone!

[@rippercoil]

These videos are fantastic. Anyone who has worked on rusted machinery feels your pain in trying to get those pieces apart. I don't know how those guys keep their heads when fighting those seized parts.

[@dbaider9467]

Lots of love going into those parts. Question - I heard a rumor - in Australia does Santa arrive on a surf board?

[@knudvoecking]

Merry Christmas everyone at AusArmor!

[@darkserra1]

Definitely the highlight of my Wednesdays. Such a great team working on these projects. Is there a technical reason not to assemble the suspension units off the chassis rather than assemble them piecemeal onto it? Happy Holidays all!

[@doctoredic]

A Very Christmas to all , stay safe and enjoy .

[@grzegorzmorozinski5277]

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2023, guys :)

[@abntemplar82]

and Merry Christmas to all the folks at the Aus Armour.

[@mycroft1905]

Season's Greetings to you all. May your New Year be full of old AFVs. TFP

[@markwatters6875]

Great work everyone. Thanks. MERRY CHRISTMAS and a Happy New Year to all of this staff at AAAM and also to their families. Have a good break people and we will see you all rested and refreshed soon 👍🇦🇺

[@neilfairless4589]

Mint, enjoy your well earned holiday guy's.

[@commanddos]

Merry Christmas to whole Workshop crew!

[@williamshine1346]

Gentlemen, thanks for preserving history. Merry Christmas !

[@stephenparkes626]

First merry Christmas guys from all here in the UK.

[@albertlecuyer6761]

My favorite restoration crew restoring my favorite tank. Merry Christmas Aussies!

[@topturretgunner]

Crickey! Well done lads! 👍👍👍❤️

[@topturretgunner]

Good morning gentlemen and Happy Christmas from Florida. So happy to see the latest installment of the M3 Grant rebirth. I hope you folks have a great Christmas season. Be safe and stay well With a wave of the hand from the Sunshine State I close. Cheers.

[@LaLaLand.Germany]

Lovely. This is Tank Porn, I ´ve never seen anyone happier putting nice, painted, beautifully restored pieces together! ...And the pressure release valves are the cherry on the icing of the cake. Merry Christmas, Guys, this was exiting. If I should become a bolt in next life I hope to end up at Your shop.

[@mestevep12]

Have a Great Christmas to you all.....

[@Michael_CS615]

Back again after new year for another visit (or two) - Annual pass is really worth it. Too bad there is no workshop tour..... Got to appreciate your work in the current weather - just a little HOT in Cairns. Never fear - apparently the Monsoon is due around Boxing Day so add rain to heat & humidity!

[@grzegorzmankiewicz3042]

Merry Christmas and greetings from Poland!

[@jdsstegman]

Pulling studs down would have help line everything up with the notches in the pivot bolt. I use to assemble a farm implement that had the same design. And we used long all thread to help light it all up and the they were removed and the bolts were they used to pull it all together. But, in the end, as always, they got it done!

[@dazzas661]

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all.......Stay Safe!

[@toweroftrollgaming]

She starting to look good guys great job so far keep it up

[@Apowers43]

Merry Xmas guys from the UK. Love every minute of every video. As an ex mechanic I'm hooked.

[@scottrabinow2773]

Happy Holidays from Maryland, USA.

[@RMRifles]

Merry Christmas all

[@Rob-vq1uh]

Merry Chrismas to you all....

[@rexmasters2003]

Love watching the progress

[@finncarlbomholtsrensen1188]

I'm sure it's better than when new!

[@safetyharborfirearms]

Merry Christmas fellas

[@bazwabat1]

Great job lads. Merry Christmas from New Zealand!

[@markgreen7701]

Grease relief valve is typically installed to prevent hydraulic pressure from popping out the oil seals.

[@lukefriesenhahn8186]

This is honestly one of the things I look forward to on Wednesdays. :D Merry Christmas!

[@cpawp]

Merry Christmas from the other side of the world - from Germany.

[@TheLarko10]

Merry Christmas guys. Have a well deserved holiday.

[@abuzed6533]

Merry Christmas guys and girls , enjoy your time off! Looking forward to next year!

[@drbichat5229]

Shermans and Grants used both types of suspensions. The one with the return wheel on top is older and the one with the return wheels behind the newer ones. Shermans eventually adopted the HVSS.

[@1339LARS]

Marvelous guys!!! //Lars