Thread: whose Chassis does everyone like?

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Guys, I was wondering what everyone's thoughts on Chassis are?
I have heard some good/not so good things about TCI, any thoughts on so-cal, fat man, or one of the builders/rodshops (I was thinking they give you more personalized attention)? This will be for a nostolgic style rod, most likely a flathead powered car. I will most likely be looking for a "stage 2/3" frame setup.

Thanks!
Jordan

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.

Bob, all IU get when I go to Roy Brizio's site is stuff on:

• Debt Consolidation
• Incorporating
• Online Casinos
• Dedicated Servers
• Online Gambling
• Cash Advance
• Conference Calls
• Hosting
• Refinancing
• Term Life Insurance
• Home Loans

I wonder whats up??

Larry

Thanks Larry,

That'll teach me for not checking the link before posting. I've changed it to his phone number.

That page that comes up looks kinda like the format that a domain name selling company would use. Wonder if he had a falling out with his web server and hasn't gotten it squared away.

Just thought I'd throw my two cents worth in. I live in the Bay Area, and have been to Brizio's open house numerous times. Among the guys I know ( some of whom are very affluent), Roy's shop has a very good reputation for quality and new features. I will never have a Brizio car or even chassis because they get real serious money for real serious quality. (drop off your checkbook and they'll let you know when they're done with it) I still like Chassis Engineering (Iowa) best for quality with value.

Where in the country are you located? There are a couple of good ones on the east coast.
Flatlander's in Norfolk Va. He has been building traditional street rods for about 30 years. No web site but I could put you in touch with Alan who is the owner. They specialize in 32-33's but can so almost anything.

I have a 6 yr old TCI frame under a 29 A sedan and the car drives a well as my 2003 Toyota Truck.

Harris

I used a TCI chassis under my '32 roadster and I wouldn't use one of theirs again if it was free! It's fine now and I haven't had any problems with it in 6 years, but man did I have troubles with it in the beginning! One frame horn at the front was lower than the other, the 4-bar setup in the front wouldn't go in because the brakets were misplaced, and when they disc sanded the frame it was left so rough it took MEGA extra hours of prepping etc to get it ready for powdercoating. I also don't like their ide of welding four pices of flat steel together to make the frame rails. To top it off, when I phoned them about the 4-bar not going in place because it was too long they said to put a pry bar between the front X member and the axle and pry it into place!! Talk about spring bind! I mentioned that to him and he said "that's what we do and it's always worked." I wrote them a long letter detailing all the problems I had and they did squat! I know Roy Brizio and sevral guys that have cars done by his shop and they are second to none, and you can drive them forever! Granted I couldn';t afford to have them build me one (but I like building my own!) but if I could I would! Also I've heard SAC are good chassis.

"I have a 6 yr old TCI frame under a 29 A sedan and the car drives a well as my 2003 Toyota Truck."

That'll teach you to buy a Toyota, huh? Spend 30 grand and it drives like a 60 year old Ford!


(geez, now i'm beginnning to sound lke Streets! Time for new meds! )

I have a frame from So-Cal. Building a 32 5 window high boy. My only problem I had was their rear spreader bar (I purchased also from them) would not fit in their chassis. They fixed it though. Other than that - way cool.
I had the front inched also. If I ever figure out how to post some pics, I'll be all over that.

I have my own jig for Deuce frames, use American Stamping rails and Heidt's components. Like Streets, can only bitch at myself when things don't come out right. Had one bad episode with Fat Man on a customers car, won't deal with them anymore but that's not to say all their stuff is junk. Just a personal experience gone bad.

I like henry fords chassis's and parts LUKE

Hey Luke I was wondering if you could contact me about your truck you built. I am building a 34 ford and would like to ask you questions about yours. I saw the pics..... Thanks

My '34 under construction is a Pete and Jakes with hairpins, tube axle and ladder bar - coil-overs on both ends. I like this one. All the parts I got from them seem to be top quality, and they are very responsive when you call or email with questions.

I had a TCI under my 30 A-bone big-block sedan in the mid-80's. That was before they went mega-production. I used their 4-bar in the rear w/coilovers, but the front was a Progressive independent with Mustang II parts - so it wasn't a majority of TCI parts. I have to say that frame worked pretty well. Their rear 4-bar mounts weren't strong enough. I rolled one of them up like a wet rag when I hit second gear. He did send me another free of charge.

I've been in TCI's shop, and all of their chassis are built in jigs. If they're putting out less than great products now, it has to be due to poor QC.

I have a SoCal chassis under my 32 Ford roadster. It is a very fine peice of work. I went with their buggy spring rear and Curry 9" housing. Up front I used their headlight mounts, shock mounts, batwings and hairpins. It all works together. My front and rear spreader bars fit perfectly.

I am very pleased. I have put over 3,000 miles on it in the past year. The ladder bar rear suspension really hooks up.

I note that shipping was a big issue. I live in Arkansas and it cost a bit over $500 for the chassis and $250 for all the other stuff. I will say this. If you spend an extra $1,000 for your chassis you will really see the difference.

Pete and Jakes also makes chassis. I have see a couple of their 333/34 chassis and they are very nicely done.