I stumbled across your videos accidentally and was fascinated by the build. I've been tinkering on cars, trucks, bikes or anything mechanical since I was a kid and for me it has always been about the building. I like to go fast and feel the acceleration, hear the thunder, and enjoy driving it but never really thought seriously about competing. Seems like a lot of effort, time and money for not a lot of return. Good luck on the job search and don't stop building.
I hear what you say about cars and the model railroad. I myself, at the age of 52, decided to get into model railroad (Donner pass area, 1930's Southern Pacific), which I loved from my early childhood, and my father currently also models. Model railroad is great but not the same thrill as being on the track. Okay, let me rephase that. As I can not handle the g's in my young or old age for some. I have found that building is much more exciting than driving. I leave the driving up to my son. I have taken my son (18) to Sebring for track days a few times in a Porsche 944 I built for him.....that is why I am going to build a GT40 with inspiration from you and the excellent story you have brought to us. Do not stop dreaming and posting.
I have really enjoyed your videos and wish you every success in finding steady work and in your hobby. What a talented guy. I can't imagine that this exposure will not result in a job being created where someone wants you to be on their team.
I have people telling me all the time to go autocross or race my car. I have a 72 Camaro but nothing crazy. I just cant bring myself to do all the prep work cause mainly i don't care about racing through cones. For those that do though i hope they enjoy it..but your video really inspired me to just create things that i want to do for my car. Its not about the speed for me. I hope you just get more time to build things you want to
Hello Ben, have you ever heard of Original Venice Crew?!? They worked for Carol Shelby in the 60’s building the GT350s in an airplane hangar in Venice, CA. They’re still around and have started hand building new GT350s. You should go see them with your GT40 and see if they could use some help. They’ve been featured on Jay Leno’s Garage twice already…
Honest episode and although the last thing I selfishly want is for you to back away from posting, I get it. I am a fan of your creations and enjoy the way you do take the time to explain details. Even if the TH-cam income does not support this fact: I think you are great at ‘doing’ and then entertaining us with the ‘how’. All the very best no matter Ben. And thanks.
I gotta say your videos are great Ben! I hope you can continue. I too am building a GT40 and trying to document it on TH-cam. Its not easy and takes me a ton of time. I also really really enjoy the time in the garage building the car. Best of luck with whatever you do!
You are not too old to race your awesome racecars. You just have to make it less stressful for yourself. Besides that, if you don‘t drive them you run out of things to fix and improve.
Great video and information. It’s ok building this stuff, but then they need development and tuning. Great job. All so, love the wheels and stance, bang on!
I'd think there'd be a lot of opportunities for someone of your capabilities and character. Don't get discouraged. I went through a similar learning process with SCCA racing. I really don't like towing and all the work involved for 20min.s on track. So, I drifted back to street cars and autocrossing. Then our region lost its track. It's a difficult process. At 75, I'm happy driving around in my dune buggy with my wife (it's her favorite). And, by the way, once your tires age-out, they're toast.
Could you also sell your blue prints for the gt40? Maybe it is a way of revenue where you don’t have actively do something. Maybe you can sell kits; but I don’t know if there is enough money there. I’m looking to build a kit; there is one gentleman that makes an affordable kit; but he is about to retire; there is another guy that makes the same car, but his kit is a bit more elaborate and expensive; he is booked. I have to say I enjoyed your videos so far; I hope you figure out!
I empathize with you feeling like going racing is a chore sometimes with my almost 1 year old daughter at home. I want to stay home with the kiddo! I'm only 29 though. Lol.
I was just talking to a friend who gets to more events than I do and he said EVERY time he has to get up early for an event he asks himself why he's doing this.
I went through the same cycle myself. For a while, I hated working on the cars and just wanted to be out driving. Now (even though my body hates me for it), I like spending time in the garage solving engineering problems and building more than doing the shows and whatnot. As soon as I finish my current cobra I'm getting the gt40 going as my "hard mode" project and treating it pretty much the same way... no specific timetable for completion, just enjoying the frustration and elation of finishing a project over time
If you feel like building build, if you feel like driving, drive and if you feel like sitting down watching the world go by, sit down. In the end less is more. Your automotive achievements so far are more than most people attain in a lifetime. Consider yourself as an automotive artist.
Amen! Sometimes I get restless and I want to build something. Sometimes I want to hang out with friends at the track, sometimes I get tired and think, 'haven't I done enough?'
@@benbeames Maybe your next race car project should be one you can drive to the track in. I always liked the Bill Thomas Chevy Nova " Bad Bascom" that he built before the Cheetah. Would make a great tow car as well.
@@benbeamesWell you do not have Shelby development money or a staff of experts to assist. As far as tires go,when Westwood was a racetrack, up here,back when,there was a guy who was expert at recapping race tires. I have long forgotten his prices but he would recap up to twice and never heard of a problem. Is there a performance recapper anywhere near the tracks you use ? Somewhere about half to two thirds of new tires,and he had several different compounds for different tracks. Some homework to do ? I really like your channel. All the best.
TIG welding is not period correct. The L72 aluminum that would have been used in period can’t be welded. The aluminum I use, technically can be welded but it destroys the temper ad you loose most of the strength of the material. Also rivets look cool :)
I love your videos and your attitude. I know that actually making enough money from TH-cam to support you and your family is (1) a ton of work and (2) fairly rare. Its like the income of actors in the film and TV industry. Sure Tom Cruise makes millions per movie, but only 14% of SAG-AFTRA members make at least $26,470 annually to qualify for SAG-AFTRA health plan coverage. I'm pretty sure you can not live in LA on $26K a year.
Sound restrictions - you don't know you are born! My local track is 90dB at 7.5K RPM, for my bike engine car. Needless to say I have never driven that track!
This. Busted ass for years trying to build a channel up and got to a point where it just isn't worth it. Unless you want to make the content that goes viral for the smooth brains it's hard to even make enough to cover the cost of the computer to edit.
To be clear, I'm not quitting, I'm just letting people know I'm not going to post at a regular cadence. When I have something worth watching, I'll put it up. But yeah people have this notion that youtube videos make you crazy money. They don't. You need millions of views each month just to be sustainable.
I stumbled across your videos accidentally and was fascinated by the build. I've been tinkering on cars, trucks, bikes or anything mechanical since I was a kid and for me it has always been about the building. I like to go fast and feel the acceleration, hear the thunder, and enjoy driving it but never really thought seriously about competing. Seems like a lot of effort, time and money for not a lot of return. Good luck on the job search and don't stop building.
I hear what you say about cars and the model railroad. I myself, at the age of 52, decided to get into model railroad (Donner pass area, 1930's Southern Pacific), which I loved from my early childhood, and my father currently also models. Model railroad is great but not the same thrill as being on the track. Okay, let me rephase that. As I can not handle the g's in my young or old age for some. I have found that building is much more exciting than driving. I leave the driving up to my son. I have taken my son (18) to Sebring for track days a few times in a Porsche 944 I built for him.....that is why I am going to build a GT40 with inspiration from you and the excellent story you have brought to us. Do not stop dreaming and posting.
Every part of this sounds awesome!
How is the boxster transaxle holding up? I plan on putting a 351w attached to one. I'm not planning on doing any clutch dumps.
No problem at all. But mine is protected by a lack of traction. I can spin the rear wheels in 3rd gear.
Roger that! Thanks
@@benbeames Ever thought of an auto with a shift kit?
Keep your chin up, and stick with making such entertaining videos.I subcribed the day I first found the channel.
I have really enjoyed your videos and wish you every success in finding steady work and in your hobby. What a talented guy. I can't imagine that this exposure will not result in a job being created where someone wants you to be on their team.
I have people telling me all the time to go autocross or race my car. I have a 72 Camaro but nothing crazy. I just cant bring myself to do all the prep work cause mainly i don't care about racing through cones. For those that do though i hope they enjoy it..but your video really inspired me to just create things that i want to do for my car. Its not about the speed for me. I hope you just get more time to build things you want to
Hello Ben, have you ever heard of Original Venice Crew?!? They worked for Carol Shelby in the 60’s building the GT350s in an airplane hangar in Venice, CA. They’re still around and have started hand building new GT350s. You should go see them with your GT40 and see if they could use some help. They’ve been featured on Jay Leno’s Garage twice already…
That would be awesome!!!!
I’ve really enjoyed your videos on both cars. I certainly hope something comes along soon employment wise that allows you to continue.
That's one squeaky jacket. Love the build!
Honest episode and although the last thing I selfishly want is for you to back away from posting, I get it. I am a fan of your creations and enjoy the way you do take the time to explain details. Even if the TH-cam income does not support this fact: I think you are great at ‘doing’ and then entertaining us with the ‘how’.
All the very best no matter Ben. And thanks.
When I have more things worth watching, I'll post them.
I gotta say your videos are great Ben! I hope you can continue. I too am building a GT40 and trying to document it on TH-cam. Its not easy and takes me a ton of time. I also really really enjoy the time in the garage building the car. Best of luck with whatever you do!
This encourages my future ownership of a RCR gt40 so much. Your build is badass!
You are not too old to race your awesome racecars.
You just have to make it less stressful for yourself.
Besides that, if you don‘t drive them you run out of things to fix and improve.
Genuinely have enjoyed this series and EVERYTHING GT40 related / chassis and suspension related / etc. Thanks for your time and effort!
Great video and information. It’s ok building this stuff, but then they need development and tuning. Great job. All so, love the wheels and stance, bang on!
I'd think there'd be a lot of opportunities for someone of your capabilities and character. Don't get discouraged. I went through a similar learning process with SCCA racing. I really don't like towing and all the work involved for 20min.s on track. So, I drifted back to street cars and autocrossing. Then our region lost its track. It's a difficult process. At 75, I'm happy driving around in my dune buggy with my wife (it's her favorite). And, by the way, once your tires age-out, they're toast.
Best of luck in all your endeavors. Your channel is one of my all-time favorites and I hope you are able to continue.
I hope you find a gig soon and I also hope it goes well with your interests. Best of luck to you Ben!
Great videos Ben, I'm about to embark on building my mk I and I'm planning on enjoying the build, driving, maybe
Could you also sell your blue prints for the gt40? Maybe it is a way of revenue where you don’t have actively do something. Maybe you can sell kits; but I don’t know if there is enough money there. I’m looking to build a kit; there is one gentleman that makes an affordable kit; but he is about to retire; there is another guy that makes the same car, but his kit is a bit more elaborate and expensive; he is booked. I have to say I enjoyed your videos so far; I hope you figure out!
Excellent video! Thank you for sharing. Best wishes.
I empathize with you feeling like going racing is a chore sometimes with my almost 1 year old daughter at home. I want to stay home with the kiddo! I'm only 29 though. Lol.
I was just talking to a friend who gets to more events than I do and he said EVERY time he has to get up early for an event he asks himself why he's doing this.
Murcielago and Mustang boss 351 @14:06
I saw you out there on Monday! We were in different run groups though.
Oh cool! Did you have a good time?
I went through the same cycle myself. For a while, I hated working on the cars and just wanted to be out driving. Now (even though my body hates me for it), I like spending time in the garage solving engineering problems and building more than doing the shows and whatnot. As soon as I finish my current cobra I'm getting the gt40 going as my "hard mode" project and treating it pretty much the same way... no specific timetable for completion, just enjoying the frustration and elation of finishing a project over time
If you feel like building build, if you feel like driving, drive and if you feel like sitting down watching the world go by, sit down. In the end less is more. Your automotive achievements so far are more than most people attain in a lifetime. Consider yourself as an automotive artist.
Amen! Sometimes I get restless and I want to build something. Sometimes I want to hang out with friends at the track, sometimes I get tired and think, 'haven't I done enough?'
@@benbeames Maybe your next race car project should be one you can drive to the track in. I always liked the Bill Thomas Chevy Nova " Bad Bascom" that he built before the Cheetah. Would make a great tow car as well.
You having a breaking problem is so funny to the history of this car. No good deed, i guess 😂
you honestly look kinda like ken miles if he was in today's world. i can understand how u feel and such. all i can say is keep going
He just needs to be a bit cheeky like a Brit I guess.
If you keep putting out the same quality of video, there should be no problem with the channel getting much bigger. 📈
Great Video and badass car!
But it hasn't won any shootouts at over 140 mph like some vintage Shelby's I know!
@@benbeamesWell you do not have Shelby development money or a staff of experts to assist.
As far as tires go,when Westwood was a racetrack, up here,back when,there was a guy who was expert at recapping race tires. I have long forgotten his prices but he would recap up to twice and never heard of a problem. Is there a performance recapper anywhere near the tracks you use ? Somewhere about half to two thirds of new tires,and he had several different compounds for different tracks. Some homework to do ?
I really like your channel. All the best.
Sounds like you need to make the car a bit friendlier for cruising around, so you can still enjoy it if you are not going to the track.
@benbeames are we going to see some full length track footage. Would love to see the car turn laps
When I have a lap worth watching, maybe.
I feel exactly the same. I'd rather be building than racing and I'm 30.
This question should have been on earlier vid - but binge watch them all at the moment :) Why rivet & not TIG weld this chassis & the Indy one?
TIG welding is not period correct. The L72 aluminum that would have been used in period can’t be welded. The aluminum I use, technically can be welded but it destroys the temper ad you loose most of the strength of the material. Also rivets look cool :)
I love your videos and your attitude. I know that actually making enough money from TH-cam to support you and your family is (1) a ton of work and (2) fairly rare. Its like the income of actors in the film and TV industry. Sure Tom Cruise makes millions per movie, but only 14% of SAG-AFTRA members make at least $26,470 annually to qualify for SAG-AFTRA health plan coverage. I'm pretty sure you can not live in LA on $26K a year.
Amen!
ARE RIMS ON CAR GENUINE MINILITES?
vintagewheelsus.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=113
Sound restrictions - you don't know you are born! My local track is 90dB at 7.5K RPM, for my bike engine car. Needless to say I have never driven that track!
Laguna seca’s restrictions are 90db.
@@benbeames @ how many RPM? UK tracks for car engines static test at 1/2 revs to red line.
At any RPM. Its a hard limit. Go over 90 and you're out.
I have always wondered how many just quit making videos because it isn't worth it. I was always under the impression that you were wealthy... LOL.
This. Busted ass for years trying to build a channel up and got to a point where it just isn't worth it. Unless you want to make the content that goes viral for the smooth brains it's hard to even make enough to cover the cost of the computer to edit.
To be clear, I'm not quitting, I'm just letting people know I'm not going to post at a regular cadence. When I have something worth watching, I'll put it up. But yeah people have this notion that youtube videos make you crazy money. They don't. You need millions of views each month just to be sustainable.
Ben, I promise to watch when you're ready to to upload the next installment.