Jordan,

I've never bought one done (unless it was under a car I've bought) so I don't have first hand experience, but have heard enough to form an opinion.

If you're looking for a flathead setup specialist don't forget Cornhusker Rod & Custom www.cornhuskerrodandcustom.net . He has a very good reputation, and was doing the chassis for Harwood.

As for TCI, lots of bad vibes out there. Of course that could be due to they're volume. There may be lots of happy owners, but we will hear about the problems more loudly than the praises. The complaints I've heard have been major ones about poor fitment or misplacement of components. This seems quizical since they must be using jigs to locate all of these elements, but still, there is a human factor. On both ends of the transaction! Enough red flags send a message though. Personally, I don't care for some of their small esthetic executions, so I wouldn't be interested in theirs. I have the same feelings about the esthetics on Fat Man stuff too.

So-Cal is more expensive, but first rate stuff. They also incorporate some interesting innovations. Another in the same league is Roy Brizio 650-952-7637 . He's great to work with, and isn't locked into the cookie cutter mentality. For your Spencer clone idea, he would be a very good choice.

A friend and I do my chassis, a) because he's an excellent welder, b) because I can controll the little features I want and like. To get that on the local level anywhere, the local rod builder(s) in your area might be best. They will likely cost more because they don't have the economies of scale, but then, you won't have quite the freight bill either. You'll have more direct input, and if it is a reputable shop, they'll care more about your satisfaction, and hopefully good referals.

Be mindful of your alternatives for '32 side rails. Depending on what your eye is, the profile of the "stamped" reveal on the side rails can vary quite a bit. Some of the side rails are formed by welding flat stock together, which tends to put a rather sharp edge at the bottom of the reveal. This would be less critical on a fendered car because the running board and front fender will distract the eye, but on a highboy it stands out there for the world to see. Two manufactuers who seem to be able to get the line better are American Stamping, and Curbside. There may be others, it's worth checking as you go.