Homemade Tank
 

When the SHTF i'd like to have a tank to protect my stuff... what's the best way to start building one?

Re: Homemade Tank
 

Assuming this will be a metal tank, learning how to arc weld would be a great start. It's either that, or drilling lots of holes thru armour plating......


there's always Army surplus. ??

Re: Homemade Tank
 

I can weld -- do they sell tanks?

Re: Homemade Tank
 

Maybe I'm just a total moron tonight...but what the hell kind of "tank" are you talking about?

Re: Homemade Tank
 

You can get anything with enough money.

Re: Homemade Tank
 

Abrams or that ilk. Anything to take on the armies of the world.

Re: Homemade Tank
 

Where is the tank outlet. I'm freakin' loaded.

Re: Homemade Tank
 

Not sure if they sell them or not. But you could ask them. lol

If you're up to the challenge of building one, I'd be more worried about what law enforcement thinks of your offensive 'defensive' weapon.

To me, building it would be the easiest part.
Hiding it, and keeping possession of it, will be the tricky part.

The economy route would be to buy a ready made track wheeled swamp buggy, and add some steel plating. I'll leave the weaponry part up to you. lol

Re: Homemade Tank
 

Oh.



I feel drunk.

Re: Homemade Tank
 

So, how will that help manufacture a tank. We need to get survial preps going RIGHT NOW!!!

Re: Homemade Tank
 

But, with private land out of the way and a barn...Right?

Re: Homemade Tank
 

Good luck with your tank. I hear they really "shine" in guerrilla warfare....

Word to the wise.....skip the curry before entering your tank.

Re: Homemade Tank
 

Good advice, I'm eating one of those microwave mexican dinners tonight...I knew it was a mistake before I even got it out of the freezer. I hope I have a few extra pairs of shorts clean because I might be needing them...:coolbeer:

Re: Homemade Tank
 

I could have gone all night without reading that post!

Too much information.

Re: Homemade Tank
 

Just kidding! It was a play on the curry comment above! Sorry!

Re: Homemade Tank
 

'Your mission Mr Phelps, should you decide to accept it....'

Go for it then. But if you build one, just remember that the heavier it gets, the harder it will be on the suspension and the complete drivetrain.

Plus it should go without saying, we never had this conversation.* lol

* 'If any member of your GIM tank team is caught or killed, the membership will disavow any knowledge of your actions. Good luck.'

Re: Homemade Tank
 

My original idea was to armor a 1 ton 4-wheel drive van. Does that seem possible?

Re: Homemade Tank
 

It's entirely possible. You could re-spring it from a 1.5 or 2 ton wreck. (lots of cube/cargo vans are 1.5 ton, or even small motorhome chassis')

Also using metal plates over the sides of the wheels, and calcium chloride in the tires like forklifts/backhoes, and it should resist small arms fire. If someone starts lobbing armour piercing shells at you though, you're pretty much Spam in a can.

Re: Homemade Tank
 

Remember that guy that took a D8 dozer and welded a 1/2 thick steel body to it and then went on a Payback drive dowtown wrecking all the businesses that conspired to screw him over? I've seen surplus armored vehicles for sale before. I'm sure google would turn up a few military vehicle importers.

Re: Homemade Tank
 

Are there 1.5 and 2 ton vans? Protect the tires well. Although armor plates will be useful I don't put my full stock in that. A good defense requires a good offense. I'm thinking manned gun stations with crew to reload all around 2-3 on each side and 2 on the front and back. In addition, I'd like to make an armored gun nest on the roof.

Re: Homemade Tank
 

I edited my post as you replied.

Re: Homemade Tank
 

I have lots of dozer parts already.

Re: Homemade Tank
 

Yeah, those big box vans would have the parts. Then again, a 1 ton goes up to 10,000+ GVW rating. Wouldn't that be enough?

Re: Homemade Tank
 

Got a sweet deal on my M1A1 Abrams from a National Guard buddy. Gas milage sucks!
:deal:

Re: Homemade Tank
 

The soundtrack from "Stripes" is suddenly stuck in my head!

"That's one heavily armed recreational vehicle!" :aetsch:

Re: Homemade Tank
 

10,000 GVW, but then subtract from that what it already weighs empty. The difference is what is can safely carry. Steel plating is not very light. All depends on how much you add, and how thick it is.

Re: Homemade Tank
 

Yup, but my fave was the guy that stole the tank from the reserve unit he was from, and drove it thru the town crushing cars, and then got hung up on the freeway concrete center barrier. I think he committed suicide though, so it ended poorly.

There may be a lesson there somewhere....

Re: Homemade Tank
 

Ok, what total weight capacity do you think it would need and how would it be achieved?

Re: Homemade Tank
 

I don't build tanks for a living. But you can theoretically armour plate just about anything with wheels.

Just remember GVW is gross vehicle weight. (Factory weight + full cargo load) If the GVW is 10,000 lbs. and it already weighs 7,000, it can only carry 3,000 more.

Start weighing some large steel plates and you'll see my point.

Re: Homemade Tank
 

When I woke up this morning, I never imagined I'd say this today. lol

Re: Homemade Tank
 

who knew. lol
:beer:

Re: Homemade Tank
 

I used to have a 1/2 ton that had a GVW rating of 6400 pounds. I loaded it to brink on a number of occasions and it was never a problem. I can't imagine that a standard 1 ton van is that much heavier, empty. Furthermore, I think their ratings go well beyond 10,000, mayby to 12 or 13? You're right, though. I need to check out what some individuals pieces weigh and then calculate for the whole.

Re: Homemade Tank
 

Good luck with it. We'll be watching for you on the news bud. lol j/k

Re: Homemade Tank
 

I really thought you were joking cb.....

<forgot I was at Gim for a sec...>

I thought you were joking because in a "homemade tank" is the last place I would ever want to be if I need to "protect my valuables".

Two words....moltov + cocktail.
Any jackass could turn your tank into an oven in seconds....:afraid:

Re: Homemade Tank
 

Well, you're right about the cocktail but a tank could have it's uses. I'd just like to have as many things at my disposal as possible. I think that if the SHTF, I'd rather be in a leadership position and I intend to have the outfit a leader ready to go.

Re: Homemade Tank
 

I would do some fighting (hit n' runs, demolitions, etc...) under your leadership.....just don't ask me to get in a ****ING HOMEMADE TANK!!!!!!
:bawling: :bawling: :Sorry: :Sorry: :Sorry:

Re: Homemade Tank
 

Oh my GOD!!! I am laughing so hard that it frickin' hurts. :haha: :haha: :haha:

Re: Homemade Tank
 

Not a bad idea although the only problem I see there is the lack of windows for weapons.

Re: Homemade Tank
 

Bunch of Tanks for sale.

http://www.milweb.net/index2.html

Re: Homemade Tank
 

OMG!!! There is some nice stuff for sale here. Thanks so much!!!

Re: Homemade Tank
 

when i was a kid there was a guy in town that had an old M60 tank. he didn't have the gun for it though.

Re: Homemade Tank
 

That might have been me... in a past life...:smile:

Re: Homemade Tank
 

:cool2: Never really entertained the idea of building a tank for urban warfare if TSHTF..........but....

I could take my Cat 953 and weld on some half inch steel plate over the cab.......maybe mount a couple of 50's and kick some butt.It's got air conditioning already..........so armor shouldn't hurt the fuel economy too much.

Armor the fuel tank.......and it's good to go....

Hey........might not be a bad idea to convert my New Holland Skid Steer to military specs.Already got solid bulletproof tires on it.........cheap platform for a mini tank..........a little armor around the operators' cage and stand back scumballs..............here I come !!

This thread is insane.............but you might have stumbled on a winner.

Combination.......backhoe/loader/tank.......Hmmmmm

GIM never ceases to amaze me......:D :party9: :D

Re: Homemade Tank
 

Innovation and imagination are our advantage

Re: Homemade Tank
 

While a tank type vehicle could come in handy for dealing with mobs of morons I doubt it would help much against any modern miltary. Guess it depends on what version of TSHTF you think is the most likely. If you have fiat to burn though I say go for it. Just for your info most Brinks type trucks (I work for an armored car company) are 20,000 lbs+ and the ride sucks except for these new units we got recently.

Re: Homemade Tank
 

http://www.tanksforsale.co.uk/vehicl...salethumbs.htm

http://www.tanksforsale.co.uk/BMP1/B..._sale_web1.jpg

BMP1 excellent condition

The amphibious BMP1 was developed in the early 1960s, and was first seen by the West in 1967. It is synonymous with Warsaw Pact firepower, and has been widely distributed worldwide. The Czech version of this vehicle was fitted with a turret from an OT64, rather than the Soviet turret.


actual T72 for sale

3 X T72s are available for immediate purchase.As can be seen the vehicles are direct Army release, Include a range of additional kit, depending upon the actual vehicle.

http://www.tanksforsale.co.uk/T72/T72-yardlargeweb5.gif

Re: Homemade Tank
 

Forget steel, as it is highly unlikely you have access to hardened plate steel. The mild steel plate that is commonly available does not provide much protection for its weight. 1/4" plate will stop many handgun rounds, but do nothing against most rifles. If you space out two or three 1/4" plates you'll do better against rifles but the weight is going to get enormous. What you want is a product from Norplex called Micarta BRASS.

http://www.norplex-micarta.com/conte...aa5b8eeb3b3322

You also don't want a tank, tanks and expensive to run and anything you'll cook up will be ponderously slow. What you ought to do is retrofit a sandrail with armor, weapons, smoke and pepper grenades. Then you would have a bullet resistent fast attack vehicle that would be much harder to kill. The SEALS use this concept, here, read the wiki!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desert_Patrol_Vehicle

Re: Homemade Tank
 

I'm open to any numer of designs.

Re: Homemade Tank
 

I have a great idea. Buy one of those armored Caterpillar bulldozers the Israelis use to crush Palestinian homes -- and peace activists like Rachel Corrie.

http://www.rachelswords.org/about/

http://www.rachelswords.org/multimed...helrelaxed.jpg

Re: Homemade Tank
 

That little episode was a couple of years ago about 150 miles from here. It was in Grandby Colorado. He completely Armor plated the D8. He had three gun turrets. He built it in a garage on some land he was renting. The police followed him all over town as he destroyed building after building. They were unable to stop him. Finally, he got stuck as he was pushing down the wall on a store. While he was stuck, the police were able to shoot out his radiator. His engine finally overheated and died. I believe he killed himself at that point.

It was all over the TV here for about a week. He caused some serious damage in Granby. He was not happy with the town because they did not vote his way on a couple of things (regarding some business permits he wanted, I believe)

Google -
 

Steel Soldier

you'll find tanks

Re: Homemade Tank
 

Re: Homemade Tank
 

there ya go!:yippee:

Re: Homemade Tank
 

Is it wrong that the only thing i kept thinking about when reading about this chick....is that she was way too hot to be "crushed to death under an Israeli bulldozer"??? :D

Re: Homemade Tank
 

Maybe these guys can scale up. :D

Re: Homemade Tank
 

There should not be any problem importing those tanks. . .er vehicles! :rock: I wonder if homeland security will inspect those "foreign vehicle parts" shipping contatiners as they are unloaded onto US docks? :cheerful:

Found this "sold" item on the website. an M5 sherman. This must be what CB bought. Good for taking dates to the movies. :haha:

The Great Ag

Re: Homemade Tank
 

I remember watching a show, it was either dateline or 60 minutes where a guy traveled the country buying surplus military parts. He knew exactly what to look for. He eventually put together a half dozen fully functional apache helecopters. The gov't was not too happy if I remember but it was all legal.

Re: Homemade Tank
 

Remember that if you build something solid and is hit by something else then one of the two has to give.......... what to do? simple...... place some "floating" steel plates around your vehicle and it will dicipate 75% of the explosive divice, is like in martial art where you roll with the punch.

Don't believe me? try it and you will see that I am right..... as an inventor I use to fool around with stuff like that...... is a shame that the army didn't listen to me.

In Iraq they could place some floating steel below their vehicles and save some lives.

Re: Homemade Tank
 

Um, who exactly do you envision using this tank with/against?

And um, where do you plan on getting the supply chain of parts/petrol?

Um, if you were ever to use said tank under conditions one might actually require a tank when nothing else will do, what makes you think the conditions will not already have tank-killing equipment?

Please excuse my comments if this entire post was a jest. In Iraq when they need to get somewhere they use a taxi. No matter who or what you carry, your odds are the same because it doesn't stand out. Many good men have crossed the border into safely in a back of an old taxi.

Sukohi, who was the Mig-buyer who had to flee Khazakstan in a million-dollar Mig deal gone bad? He used a 200-mile trip across the border in the back of a Russian taxi.

But then, being simple, Simpletons tend toward wheelbarrows to walk away with.

TS

Re: Homemade Tank
 

When I first saw this I was thinking of something sane like a
homemade water storage tank or something along thoes lines.

And as I read on it became clear that an actual fighting machine
was the subject....

GET REAL....a Hind helicopter is what you REALLY need!

Far better than ANY tank!

Your mobility is much greater and it still retains an awesome mix of
firepower and armor.

I recommend getting the "Sport" version of the Hind, lots of
extras, CD,DVD, Luggage rack,On-Star ect...

Re: Homemade Tank
 

He obviously has his future planned out

http://www.image-upload.net/files/2206/ratpatrol.jpg

Re: Homemade Tank
 

I think for my own purposes I would rather have an all wheel drive car like an Imprezza. Just beef up the suspension, wheels and tires like you would for rally racing. Then just throw on some light armour to stop small arms fire like most handguns and maybe .223. Go any heavier on the armor and your going to get weighed down to much. Might want to throw on a winch and a push bar too. Basically you would be relieing on speed and off roading ability more then armor. Plus you wouldn't stand out too much and you could use it for day to day stuff as well. Maybe a small 4 wheel drive truck might work better if you are planning on mounting weapons.

Speaking of which does anyone know of a small 4 wheel drive truck or car that uses a diesel engine? Or could be converted to one easily?

Re: Homemade Tank
 

Now that is an RV. :banana:

Re: Homemade Tank
 

I'm aligned with Thorgrim on this topic. If you build something that looks armored or military, then that has a much higher probability of attracting attention, especially from those you don't want attention from. Better to make a "sleeper" - something that looks normal, but does not reveal it's capabilities until right when TSHTF. Hidden armor plates/ Kevlar sheets in stock steel doors (Ponce's ideas regarding "floating" plates are worth looking into), heavy polycarbonate windows made to fit, look and work like the normal ones, etc.

Ragnarok

Re: Homemade Tank
 

I wonder if it is even possible to build something in your back yard that could go toe-to-toe with modern tanks. You might be better off building a IFV and avoiding confrontation with armoured collumns :frown:

Re: Homemade Tank
 

I have to agree with Sukhoi_fan on this one. There is no way your going to stop DU munitions. Scary thing is they are even making them for 7.62x51 now. Like I said before better to make somthing fast and light.

Re: Homemade Tank
 

I agree with some other posters here that simplicity is the way to go however if you're really dying to have something why not get something that is easy to service with off the shelf parts.

http://www.armored-cars.com/

Re: Homemade Tank
 

Dude...don't knock my homemade tank...:yippee:

Re: Homemade Tank
 

So you going to build one? If you do I want to see pics.

Re: Homemade Tank
 

Sure! I'll keep this thread around or start a new one when I have pics.

Re: Homemade Tank
 

I think that it would be a really fun project. As to whether it would ever be used for some attack, I doubt it, but hey...

Re: Homemade Tank
 

Agree, completely.

I think an old Brink's/armored car is the best way to start. Make all the body modifications and such (lexan windows, etc), then paint it a pale pea green-the kind of paint job you would hire your good-for-nothing brother-in-law to do so he could have beer money. Add sturdy racks to the top, maybe a few on the side. Attach a totally beater ladder and maybe a few PVC pipes to the top. Then, on the sides and back, you put the last piece of camouflage: The professional-looking signs that announce to the world that you're from

Ponce's Septic Repair & Cleaning Service



Who is going to steal ANYTHING from that truck, or even get near it? :clap2:

Re: Homemade Tank
 

This thread is the funniest sh!t EVER!!!!:cry1::111::4_1_72::rofl:

Re: Homemade Tank
 

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Re: Homemade Tank
 

The best past is when they say "tricking out a Kumatsu bulldozer"

!!!!!:504::4_1_72:

Re: Homemade Tank
 

why not look for a used armored truck. like brinks etc.

Re: Homemade Tank
 

Interesting you bring that up. It was mentioned earlier in the thread as well

Re: Homemade Tank
 

Any homemade tank will be on par with a WWI tank at best, even a converted dozer.by the time your done building it you could have bought a surplus M-60 or T-80. It would be a fun ride though!

Re: Homemade Tank
 

Thorgrim,
Isuzu had a small truck that was offered with a diesel engine. They were called the P'up and manufactured for sale in the states during the 80's.
I heard about a professors at a South Carolina university running one on cooking oil earlier this year.

Re: Homemade Tank
 

Why in the name of god do you want a tank for SHTF? Do you have the requisite infantry to protect it?

A tank without ground troops is a hardened steel casket. A couple of Molotovs will make you dead.

If you want one for fun, that is a different story and I think you would have a lot of fun doing it.

Re: Homemade Tank
 

You missed the other threads:

"Homemade Ground Troops"

and

"Homemade Air force"

:4_1_72:

Re: Homemade Tank
 

I'd do it in a New York minute,

But I can't find anyone makes a holster for it.

scyth

Re: Homemade Tank
 

Here ya go



http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...2L._SS400_.jpg

JL421 Badonkadonk Land Cruiser/Tank

Available now at www.amazon.com/JL421-Badonkadonk-Land-Cruiser-Tank/dp/B00067F1CE

"The JL421 Badonkadonk is a completely unique, extremely rare land vehicle and battle tank. Designed with versatility in mind, the Donk can transport cargo or a crew of five internally or on the roof, and can be piloted from within the armored shell or from an exposed standing position through the hatch, thanks to special one-way steel mesh armor windows and a control stick that pivots up and down to allow piloting from the standing or seated positions. The interior is fully carpeted and cozy, with accent lighting and room for up to five people. A 400 watt premium sound system with PA is mounted to project sound both into the cabin and outward from behind the windows. The exterior is a steel shell with a rust patina, and features head and tail lights, turn signal lights, trim lighting, underbody lighting, fixed slats protecting the windows, and a unique industrial-strength rubberized flexible skirt that shields and protects the wheels to within an inch of the ground, while still allowing for enough flex to give clearance over bumpy and uneven terrain. Master power, ignition, all lighting, and stereo features are controlled from a single switchboard to the left of the driver, again accessible from either the seated or standing position. Standard drive is an air-cooled, 6hp Tecumseh gasoline (unleaded only) engine, with centrifugal clutch, giving the Donk a top speed of 40 mph. This vehicle is not licensed for use on public roads, and is intended as a recreational vehicle only. Badonkadonks are produced on an order-by-order basis, with each one having it's own unique set of features. With your order is included unlimited consultations with the designer and manufacturer concerning all relevant options (a representative from NAO will contact you shortly after your order). Price does not include shipping and handling."

Re: Homemade Tank
 

Check out this review!



1,830 of 1,922 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Finally, a tank you can trust, December 1, 2005
By Thomas Dunham "Los Pepes" (Catonsville, Maryland United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
I'll admit it. Shopping for a personal tank can be a bit daunting. Many times in the past I've purchased overpriced, so-called "battle tanks", then driven them into battle only to be wrecked in ten minutes by the first blow off of some insurgents home-made morter.

But not this baby, no way.

This tank R-O-C-K-S! Literally- the 400-watt sound-system keeps me rockin like a crazy man as I'm dishing out justice commando style. Wow. I just can't say enough. And the kids love it, too- imagine the look of terror in the eyes of the enemy as I'm dropping off my kid's team to their soccer game. Shock and awe, my friends, SHOCK AND AWE!

I had NAO install the optional GPS-guided white phosphorus missile system, and talk about *SWEET*! Burn baby burn!!!

Oh, it also has plenty of room for groceries, and if you need to like move a loveseat or something it'll fit if you use a little bungee cord.

The only real negative with this tank is that it shows up on radar a little more than I like (although there is a polyresin graphite stealth model available). Also, the included spare isn't full size.

Overall, a great tank.

Re: Homemade Tank
 

good luck getting ammo for the tank ... i smell something and it not right

Re: Homemade Tank
 

A picture is worth a thousand words.


http://www.maniacworld.com/Armored-B...on-Rampage.jpg

in action

http://www.maniacworld.com/Armored-B...n-Rampage.html

Re: Homemade Tank
 

How bought one of these, they are called a Ripsaw and I would think it would keep the horde at bay.

http://www.redferret.net/wp-content/...11/ripsaw2.jpg
http://www.army.mil/-images/2009/06/...-02-220638.jpg


video

Re: Homemade Tank
 

WTF do you think you are going to need to protect yourself from? A tank is not a defensive machine. It has poor maneuverability, the treads are fairly easy to damage, the air intake can be blocked, and any mud puddle will stop it dead.

Re: Homemade Tank
 

Wow, am I the only one that noticed that this thread is from 2006 and the OP and a few others are already banned?

drewfu this is for you!

http://pix.motivatedphotos.com/2009/...necromancy.jpg

Re: Homemade Tank
 

http://www.tanksrus.com.au/

Capitalism will provide.

http://www.milweb.net/home.php

wonder how much it costs to UPS a tank ?

and how many gallons per mile does it get ?