SCRATCH BUILT COWL STEERING - Single Seater race car

On this episode we cover everything to make this race car steer through a custom cowl steer set up. From manipulating the model A steering arms and creating a full steering hoop and box mount, we cover it all.
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[@juanbarturen2726]

Hey you know, It's your fault that I am not working on my projects. I can't stop watching you. Same as when I watch Karl Fisher. You guys are the real thing. 👍

[@bennettscustomsco]

Hahaha get to work Juan! Those projects won’t finish them selfs

[@nathanmanners7862]

Steering nut doesn't need a socket as now it can be tightened with a 1/2" extension bar 😉 Loving this build.

[@bennettscustomsco]

Right!

[@SawyerMotorsports]

I was watching the whole video screaming “you don’t need a socket!!!” Hahaha

[@mr_paw_t]

sleep? naaaa who needs that! Good workmanship, good video

[@johnnyseegood]

The intro is a thing of beauty

[@farfromdonemotors6796]

When I first started watching this build I thought you were going to make more of a jalopy. This is a very detailed and well thought out race car. Great work.

[@bennettscustomsco]

I think I was too… funny the direction it’s taken 😆

[@larryreece1403]

Just a suggestion! You might think about adding a curved gusset where you bent the drag link. those bends could be weak points as you push and pull on that link!

[@fonhollohan2908]

That drag link is fine that's pretty dern thick rounded rod that will not bend without extreme amount of force.

[@bennettscustomsco]

I had that in the back of my mind and will be once together if it has flex or not

[@Iowa599]

"I also want absolutely zero flex!" - you

[@Iowa599]

You could just build a new, longer, pitman arm & strait drag link. It would also quicken the steering ratio.

[@bryanstruble8927]

Almost time to name it. My vote is the Bennett!

[@bennettscustomsco]

Shoe horn special maybe…

[@johnkranz4004]

Jordan Very Nice job on the Steering Looks Excellent

[@bennettscustomsco]

Thank you John

[@gregvanderboom5011]

Awesome build! There are a trade offs, decisions, directions to everything in life, chose what is best for you with what you got. Faux rivets do boggle my mind. I've bucked aluminum, copper, steel and monel rivets in structural applications and welded in rivets goes against the grain for this old guy. I'm sorry for mentioning it, my Mom always said if you don't have anything nice to say don't say anything at all. I don't mean to be negative, just to say we all see and do things differently. I'm impressed with your designs and fab skills and appreciate you sharing the build. Looking forward to the rest of the build.

[@bennettscustomsco]

Definitely wish I had done so too, but it was easy to do faux for this application but I don’t usually do so in other situations.

[@gregjobson4844]

Your smile at the end says it all Jordan, re the steering - well executed and a good example of the saying "Necessity is the mother of Invention" . Cheers Greg

[@bennettscustomsco]

Thank you Greg!

[@noads1035]

More fun as usual. A couple of tips for heat treating parts. An old ceramic kiln is easy to find and works great for heating parts like those steering parts. Plain clay kitty litter works great for slow cooling. Cheap and easy to get. I use a cheap Harbor Freight multimeter with the heat probe to keep track of temp in the kiln. Nothing fancy, works!

[@bennettscustomsco]

Definitely need the box of kitty litter. Nice and cheap!

[@stugillett6646]

I concur on the drag link gussets. This project is hopefully going to launch your stock in the Oz hot rod world. Amazing stuff Jord, I love listening to you thinking out loud and problem solving all the little twists. I can’t wait to see the finished car. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@bennettscustomsco]

Need to finish this off and start the roadster soon! Gotta take dad for a hot lap around the block when they come

[@stugillett6646]

@@bennettscustomsco I will be so jealous! I wish we could come and visit too but there’s only so much you can do. We’ll have to wait and meet Casey and the baby😊

[@genedavis7238]

You solved a problem for me on a 23T mower build im working on,,now I have the steering figured out, using a golf cart box,,going to run my Pittman arm out the same way,,more room for my feet to, I am a sculptor also,,amazed utube hasn't bitched about your sculpture,lol,amazing job on your racer, watching every step,,

[@bennettscustomsco]

Looking forward to seeing your T take shape

[@genedavis7238]

@@bennettscustomsco I'll let you know..not much for tools and thjngs..but it's a rolling chassis at the moment.

[@paulblack2402]

Another great video Jordan. We’ll done.

[@bennettscustomsco]

Thank you Paul!

[@JulianFoley]

Impressive blend of engineering and aesthetics.

[@ericargo9157]

Jordan, your channel is quickly becoming one of my favorites. You have tons of talent. Very impressed.

[@bennettscustomsco]

Thank you Eric! Much appreciated

[@steveveness3829]

G'day from North of the river😉 Just a suggestion to make. It's an old Blacksmith skill! From a man that used to work for the Electricity Commission of NSW. He was Latvian and a 7th generation Blacksmith who taught me this skill. Sooo you heated and reshaped the steering arms cool says me. However when doing so from a metal Urgy perspective the molecular structure no longer lines up with where they used to be ( obviously you bent it🙂) Blacksmith tip for realigning and strengthening to follow: Re heat both arms to cherry red and allow to cool in a drum of sand and used oil. Mineral oil with carbon and silica/ sand will re temper and strengthen while allowing part to cool slowly. Parts must be burried in sand. Messy I understand, smoky yep, even fire when first placed on oil sand mix. Dump a bucket of more oil sand over first part. Allow time ( you will know how much) common sense applies. 2nd part heated dropped over top, more sand oil mix, and cover with steel lid. 24hrs should be ample time to cool off. What comes out wi be strong won't snap or bend. Use it if you wish or don't as you wish. Loving your creativity and ingenuity. Hat comes off to you, ( old sign of respect, from an old 3rd gen engineer)😉🙂👍👍

[@worldsbestwatcher3735]

I thought the same thing (ME here). But, odds are, it'll be fine as-is (fingers crossed).

[@bennettscustomsco]

You’re definitely right, the most important thing to to allow it to cool down slowly but I great tip forsure!!

[@steveveness3829]

@@bennettscustomsco it is , realigned 100yr old molecules, and added molecules from silica and carbon from oil. Another 100yrs easily😉🙂👍👍

[@erikjohnson2462]

The detail in the pitman arm is fantastic, your work inspires me to take on projects and take mine to the next level.

[@bennettscustomsco]

Do it Erik!

[@helenehargreaves4024]

Look forward to watching this when I get back today..Steve,hellene and Fred the dog

[@kevinkelly1523]

Great episode. I think you are the best show on UTube !! Thanks again.

[@bennettscustomsco]

Thanks Kevin!

[@timr.3108]

Love your content. I really enjoy how you have used old parts, heated them to create what you need. Excellent job.

[@MrLangleylad]

Jordan , your eye for design is outstanding ! Loving this build 👊🏻

[@heavyhauleroy1244]

Knocked it out the park as usual! Bravo!

[@joell439]

Getting closer with amazing fabrication. You’re extremely talented and creative. 👍👍😎👍👍

[@bennettscustomsco]

Thanks Joel, much appreciated

[@stanleyfanning5316]

Steering turned out awesome. You talked about the bolt you put in the bar, but it should work fine. If you stop and think about your turning the car with a 1/4" key at the Steering wheel. It's like everyone buys the biggest trailer hitch they can get to pull a load, but you have a 5/8 pin to hold it in.

[@bennettscustomsco]

Exactly!

[@rondejoux8006]

Great video and music, love it all. As a mechanic and machinist I think you have done well.

[@bennettscustomsco]

Thank you Ron much appreciated

[@neil3449]

Epic demo on how to fabricobble. Great job.

[@TheCloser1]

Can’t wait to see it run

[@shoominati23]

You can use a Chevy Vega steering box to do side mount steering .. I plan to do a 50s Grand Prix racer based off the Mercedes Silver Arrows with 2 Toyota 4 cylinder engines back to back to make a home brewed straight 8 ;)

[@helenehargreaves4024]

Love the quality of everything,such a beautifully crafted vehicle.. Loved the entire process of this build..thanks for documenting this build for us all..look forward to seeing this finished but not wanting it to finish at the same time lol..cheers.Steve,hellene and Fred the dog

[@bennettscustomsco]

Don’t worry we have a couple more projects in the pipe line!

[@fredgillick3071]

Hey Jordan, excellent video. Very cool design with steering for the race car. Still can't wait to see it done and painted. Take care and be safe.

[@bennettscustomsco]

Hopefully it will get some paint on it end of this week!

[@freeidaho-videos]

Brakes, steering and safety cages should be over-designed and overbuilt! Nicely done.

[@bennettscustomsco]

Agreed!

[@frankhartranft2133]

Nice video. I love the old ball-and-socket steering links on the model A. And yes, I like your music. There are other automotive websites with really nice projects that I don't watch because I can't stand their music. It does make a difference, and I suppose it also costs a little more to have good tunes. Thanks for making the investment.

[@bennettscustomsco]

Happy you’re enjoying the music Frank!

[@trevorwoods2580]

The detail that has gone into this is second to none it going to look amazing. I just love watching your and Karl's videos thanks for sharing it with us.

[@bennettscustomsco]

Thank you Trevor!

[@SchysCraftCo.]

Very beautiful job so far. Can't wait to see more videos soon guys. Keep up the great craftsmanship and hard work my friends. Fab On. Weld On. Keep Making. God bless.

[@TheTubeTube2]

Beautiful inventive engineering!

[@joecioe8566]

Love the attention to detail. I always look forward to your videos. Keep them coming.

[@bennettscustomsco]

Lots more coming Joe!

[@petersmith1076]

If I may, bright steel is mainly used for making pins it's around 1040 not so good for machining. 4140 is really nice to machine, but if you weld it, it will lose it's temper. Thanks for a great video again.

[@bennettscustomsco]

That you for the great info Peter, yeah bright can definitely be a pain to machine

[@tomwilkinson2184]

Excellent job! can't wait to see you race!!

[@32dafunk]

Beautiful job sir! Really enjoying this build . Exciting stuff, and the car just looks awesome!

[@C0zyDunt]

Bloody Brilliant. 👍👍👍

[@JasonJones-sv1xe]

Looking good, and I love the excitement!

[@larrycluness5438]

Bloody fantastic! Thank you for going to the effort to video all of this, thoroughly enjoyable!

[@bennettscustomsco]

Happy you’re enjoying it Larry, lots more to come

[@jamesmather4581]

Best episode yet 😉

[@jhargarage]

Another great vid. Thanks

[@thestreets5206]

Super impressed 👏 👌 🙌 👍

[@brunocoutant4204]

Very nice job... It's look vintage... But it was racing. Bruno from France

[@seanwood8265]

Looking forward to seeing the car at Perko , keep up the awesome work .

[@bennettscustomsco]

See yeah there Sean!

[@danmurphy5660]

Cheers for the vid man....and also cheers for using non cubit style measurements, metric is the go.

[@bennettscustomsco]

Hahaha I seem to use both all the time but works!

[@danmurphy5660]

@@bennettscustomsco I was a driller in a past life and everything is still in feet, inches and gallons, so I can speak both languages too but I prefer the most logical of the two.

[@65cj55]

Looking real good, you're a visionary mate.

[@KCwant2fly]

Good job guys!!!

[@billriley3347]

Brilliant!

[@lesmcdonald9975]

Totally awesome can't wait to see it finished

[@justkartbuilds4710]

Nothing like mechanical redundancy for important elements like brakes and steering. Also you should just be able to use the half inch socket end to get that steering shaft off.

[@bennettscustomsco]

That’s what I was thinking!

[@markgriffin4888]

That 12mm bolt you intend to use to join the pitman arm to the steering box , make sure you have no threaded section in contact with-in that part , just the plain shaft of the bolt.

[@bennettscustomsco]

Absolutely

[@MakeItKustom]

killin it man !!! great video!

[@nicolasschneider8452]

Awesone build Jordan !!! Impressive quality craftmanship with such a tight schedule... Just a comment about steering geometry... You can make the drag link any shape you want, it will not change the situation: What matters is the centerline from one ball joint to the other. Here your drag link centerline is definitely not level and this will induce bumpsteer but as you don’t have much front suspension travel it may be ok.... More annoying perhaps is the angle between your drag link (centerline) and your steering arm... as it is far from 90°, for the same steering wheel input (angle), you will have more steering to the left than to the right.

[@stevewilliams2498]

I know the car is lighter but he as increases the effort required to steer too. He made the Pitman Arm longer and the steering arm on the axle ended up closer to the King Pin. Time will tell

[@LG-ct8tw]

Beeeffffyyyy. My next farm tractor I want you to build the steering🤣

[@bennettscustomsco]

It’s ugly but it’s the last thing that will last on this haha

[@ralphhammond8398]

Hey Jordan, enjoyed the video, coming out great...Ralph

[@bennettscustomsco]

Thanks Ralph!

[@WaxMeister]

Great video - and your acquired 'Auzzie' accent is starting to poke through!

[@bennettscustomsco]

Nooo! Hahaha

[@staypositive6984]

Very clean craft👍

[@warrencole2974]

Great job Jordan, following your build keenly and picking up lots of good tips as I'm building something very similar, keep up the great work W.

[@elvinlvin9643]

Super nice🤘🏻

[@pa6390]

Nice work kid!

[@dannychiguina3962]

Awesome tips and build thank you f

[@bobbyoz8251]

great video, looking good!

[@adamwhite1977]

Another epic video guys! Well done 👌🏼

[@THROTTLEPOWER]

Great vid.............. 👍👍👍👍

[@andrewpring6449]

Thanks for another great video.

[@chuckstith838]

You need a rosebud for the torch. Heats faster and no chance of pressing the cutting handle. Enjoy. Times running out.

[@bennettscustomsco]

You’re right! I had one somewhere..

[@roberteyres424]

Thanks for the great videos. Looking sweet.

[@terryhodgson8798]

Going to steer harder when still but will steer faster on the move!

[@fonhollohan2908]

btw Jordan Your doing a great job. Even though you have a tendency to be a bit overkill. I rather see over kill than under kill any day. At least that way, it will give you peace of mind. I recall about twenty years ago my buddy bought a Chinese knock off of a small quad or four by four and the kids used it only a couple weeks and the ball joints and tie rods completely wore out in only a matter of a couple wks of use. They weren't even fit for use, they were so poorly made. I was blown away that they were able to be allowed to sell these things on the market, due to just how unsafe they were. smh..

[@bennettscustomsco]

Yes I definitely have a tendency to keep building on a specific piece even if it’s finished, but that’s okay I suppose!

[@liamhenry5669]

Love the work youve done, did you look into sprint car steering boxes at all? They exit on the left hand side of the vehicle same as you need and there a fairly close ratio so you would be able to extend the pitman arm to get it level with the frame and also get a "stock ish" steering feel. Just what i think i would have done but i enjoyed watching you do it your way nevertheless. 👍👍

[@bennettscustomsco]

Yeah I’ve owned a few over the years, not cheap! This box was free! But definitely a good option if you can afford them

[@stefan-vasileionita2510]

Nice car In the background 👌

[@bennettscustomsco]

34 Terraplane

[@johnjackett3138]

Excellent

[@michaelanderson3771]

Race must be getting close and still lots to do. Headers, pipes, firewall floor and then shakedown run. Will side pipes be old school round or more squashed flat sided with shark fin tips?

[@bennettscustomsco]

You’ll just have to wait and see! They look pretty cool!

[@frankboff8185]

Good video, really enjoyed it.

[@bennettscustomsco]

Thanks Frank

[@pascalmenager1676]

Wonderfull job guy , realy

[@Group-Five-Industries]

Nice!

[@donaldhalls2189]

Now you can machine of the corners of the nut,I've noticed you mostly use tig welding is there any reason? just curious, the racer is looking great, I did think it a bit small but seeing you sitting in it, looks cool, great engineering, all the best to you and your loved ones

[@bennettscustomsco]

Thanks Don, I usually use both Tig and mig, I just tend to use the Tig a lot more as it’s much more controlled.

[@dennisschickling2249]

Nice Video. It's Coming along. #STAYSAFE #PHILLYPHILLY 🇺🇸

[@bennettscustomsco]

Thanks Dennis!

[@poguedil]

Do you think I can flip my spindles upside down on my model A to do the same thing to flip my linkage under my strut links without heating and bending everything as much as you did? plus that steering support pipe you welded in off your roll bar should make for a good gas peddle pivot point too!

[@bennettscustomsco]

If you flipped yours upside down your spindle would aim towards the sky a fair bit

[@darrenbrisson4336]

I love watching fabricating taking something out of your mind and producing it over kill never hurts hahahahahaha 😄😆😅🤣😂😁

[@faroironandcustoms6577]

Nice!!!!

[@macbetula6926]

There sure is alot of drinking and thinking in a car 🍺

[@bennettscustomsco]

A few new holes in the belt!

[@dav1dsm1th]

How did you calculate the Ackermann angle for the steering geometry? Or does this car not need it?

[@bennettscustomsco]

I luckily nailed it first try for the bump steer and will adjust those steering arms in the get the triangle from the centre on the rear diff.

[@danielwilson6401]

Back to basics again...if your drag link is not close to parallel with the ground, you will induce bump steer. Putting a bend/kink in the drag link will not change anything, as the pivot points at each end will be at different heights from the ground.

[@dan5her]

what event are you building this for again? I might have to come watch

[@bennettscustomsco]

Red dust revival! Definitely not one to miss out on

[@terryhodgson8798]

Need to check Ackerman on that bent arm!

[@bennettscustomsco]

Yes that’s covered in the next video, and works well too!

[@worldsbestwatcher3735]

Well done to both you and Ben. Ben, excellent music choices. I grabbed my guitar and played along with every tune. Do you have a Spotify account (or other) that I could follow? Cheers.

[@maliiiwa]

I could't click on this video fast enough.

[@icu22day]

Very nice work! Do you think there could potentially be any issues with the Model A steering components given the increased horsepower and torque generated by the V8 engine?

[@bennettscustomsco]

I would personally think it would be suitable to the needs Most definitely

[@Wh33ls]

Brrrrraaaaaaap!

[@kevinkelly1523]

Love your show. Do you guys sell merchandise and if you do how can I get some stickers?

[@bennettscustomsco]

We do! We are sold out at the moment but next month we will have a full stock of shirts and merchandise on our website! We ship worldwide!

[@ronwhittaker6317]

31:39 bubby you could have just done the same thing with plate steel it might not go with the vintage theme but it would have been stronger. even if you just refresh that little v 8 as light as that thing is going to be it will go like stink everything on it needs to be strong dont take any shortcuts for your sake. if you are just going to buzz around a dirt track no one will see it that matters. be safe.

[@stevewilliams2498]

Hi. When I look at all the lightening holes in the axle I don't get why you haven't gone to town on your new 10mm bracket and Pitman arm. Was the axle purely for looks ? Or were you concerned about weight.

[@bennettscustomsco]

Once everything is finished welding I’ll go through and go crazy with the drill

[@careernegotiations276]

I admire your engineering skills, but need the steering design be so complicated?

[@bennettscustomsco]

It’s pretty simple set up really, just my over engineering haha

[@bobhalstead1879]

Is the steering arms keyed in spindle.if not is the taper enough to keep arm from rotating in spindle?.every thing looks great.

[@bennettscustomsco]

They have a flat machined area that locks into the spindle

[@erikjohnson2462]

Forgot to ask about your bothers motorcycle…any updates on that?

[@bennettscustomsco]

Yes we bought another one as the motor wasn’t going to be done in time and didn’t want to rush it, we have a video coming out soon!