Week 2 & 3 of Restoring a 3" M5 Anti-Tank Gun. WERE ALMOST DONE...

Published on March 30, 2026
Duration: 7:41

This video details the multi-week restoration and reassembly of a 3-inch M5 anti-tank gun. The process involves extensive cleaning, blasting, bodywork, welding, priming, and painting of various carriage components, including the axle, legs, hubs, brakes, and shield. The final stages focus on bottom-up reassembly, installation of functional parts like the traverse mechanism, and the mounting of the gun and its dummy breach. The project is nearing completion for museum display.

Quick Summary

Restoring a 3-inch M5 anti-tank gun carriage involves thorough cleaning, blasting, and painting of components like the axle, legs, and hubs. The assembly proceeds bottom-up, starting with the legs and axle, then adding hubs, wheels, brakes, and finally the gun and shield. Damaged parts, such as legs and pins, require welding and fabrication expertise.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Restoration Project
  2. 00:14Axle and Brake Component Preparation
  3. 00:38Leg Repair and Fabrication
  4. 00:52Lower Carriage and Hub Assembly
  5. 01:41Hardware and Pin Restoration
  6. 02:02Painted Components Showcase
  7. 02:38Gun Barrel and Shield Status
  8. 02:50Legs Bodywork and Painting
  9. 03:09Dummy Breach Construction
  10. 03:22Progress Update: Painted Components
  11. 03:39Shield Bodywork and Primer
  12. 03:54Taping Gun for Blasting
  13. 04:07Primer Application and Painting
  14. 04:31Painted Carriage Assembly
  15. 04:47Legs and Hubs Reassembly
  16. 05:03Shield Brackets and Brake Installation
  17. 05:21Traverse Mechanism and Accent Pieces
  18. 05:36Tow Hitch Installation
  19. 05:45Final Carriage Parts and Recoil Component
  20. 05:56Gun and Shield Painting
  21. 06:05Shield Appearance
  22. 06:13Gun Appearance
  23. 06:39Dummy Breach Details
  24. 07:09Related Restoration: Rockets
  25. 07:24Project Completion Outlook

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main stages involved in restoring a 3-inch M5 anti-tank gun carriage?

Restoring the 3-inch M5 anti-tank gun carriage involves several key stages: thorough cleaning of all parts, addressing any structural damage through welding and bodywork, blasting components to prepare surfaces, priming for corrosion resistance, painting for protection and aesthetics, and finally, reassembling the carriage from the bottom up.

How is the reassembly of the M5 anti-tank gun carriage sequenced?

The reassembly of the M5 anti-tank gun carriage follows a bottom-up approach. It begins with the legs and axle assembly, followed by the installation of hub assemblies, wheels, and the brake system. Subsequently, elevation and traverse mechanisms, the tow hitch, and shield brackets are installed, culminating in the mounting of the gun and shield.

What kind of repairs are typically needed for an M5 anti-tank gun carriage during restoration?

Typical repairs for an M5 anti-tank gun carriage include fixing broken welds and damage on the legs, which may require welding and bodywork. Additionally, threaded sections on pins can get crushed during removal and need to be expertly repaired to look like new. Wheels may need scuffing and repainting if they've been left exposed.

What finishing techniques are used on the restored M5 anti-tank gun?

The restoration process for the M5 anti-tank gun involves multiple finishing techniques. Components are blasted, primed, and then painted. Specific parts, like cleaning rod holders and the dummy breach block, are finished with parker black for durability and a functional appearance. Accent colors are also applied to details.

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