I guess it all depends on what you want the end result to be.... I build all my own frames, on the 32's and '33-'34's I start with American Stamping rails then do all my own boxing and crossmembers. Both frames have some real swoopy lines, and require a solid chassis table or jig to put together correctly. When it comes to glass bodies, seems you can by a cheapie for $3500.00 and put another $3500.00 worth of time and materials in it...or spend $6500-$7000 and get a nice body that requires minimal tweeking.

Can't help you much about California laws, last time I lived there was '66 and I would imagine things have changed a bit since!!!!! Take a look at Jack's yellow coupe, super nice car now but the body was a real POS when he got it. He just finished his, so he will have some very current info for you on a '33-'34 build....

BTW, Jack is Henry Rifle here on CHR