Total Cost Involved Engineering, Inc. has been providing street-proven chassis and components since 1974. That year, TCI entered the street-rod business working out of a small 1200 square foot shop in Norwalk, CA. They built one of the first reproduction Model A frames in the industry. They also made and introduced one of the first adjustable ride control systems and the All-American coil-over shock. This shock was the first true “hot rod coil-over” designed and built by hot rodders. In 1977, 1932 frames and chassis were added to the company's growing product line.

Outgrowing the Norwalk location, in 1977, the company moved to a larger 5000 square foot building at its present location in Ontario, California. TCI expanded again in 1981, adding a second building of more than 6000 square feet.

The next year, the 1933-1934 frames and chassis were put into production, offering street rodders a new, safe, well-built foundation for their cars. As business continued to increase, TCI added a third building. This increased the facility’s total space to over 16,000 square feet.

In 1989, the NSRA recognized Total Cost Involved for spearheading the first dealer oriented wholesale sales system for the street rod industry and presented TCI with a Manufacturer of the Year Award. TCI also designed and launched the first color catalog for the industry, earning an Outstanding New Catalog Award from SRMA for both 1994 and 1998. TCI was also awarded with Best Engineered Product by SMRA, in 1999. At the GoodGuys West Coast Nationals, in 2002, Total Cost Involved went home with the Magnificent Manufacturer Award.

Classic truck products were added to the product line in 1994, including independent front suspensions, pedal assemblies, rear suspension kits and more. A couple of years later, the company developed variable rate springs for the All-American coil-over shocks. By 1997, TCI had added early Chevrolet parts to their product line. These integrated the dropped spindle/disc brake kits, IFS systems, mounts and more into their ever-growing product line.

In 1998, air spring suspension was developed for TCI’s chassis and custom IFS systems. A retro-fit kit form for Mustang II front ends was also developed.

The following year, in 1999, TCI added another 11,000 square feet to expand its’ manufacturing capabilities. Earlier this year, 5,600 square feet were added to shipping, receiving, storage and R&D. The total facility in Ontario now has over 32,600 square feet.

In 2002, TCI introduced and made their first '62-'67 Nova coil-spring IFS and '62-'67 Nova custom IFS kits allowing Nova enthusiasts the opportunity to do a lot more with the handling of these later classics.

From frames and chassis to front ends to complete suspension lines, it’s not just a business with Total Cost Involved, it’s a passion. We produce more chassis than anyone else in the industry. Last year, we produced 180 front ends per month and 500 chassis for the whole year.

And we have no intentions of slowing down! Total Cost Involved plans to continue to expanding its product line with quality engineered, well-built products for street rods and early cars. With six CNC machines, the Mitchell Suspension Design program, our innovative R & D Department and the Lean Manufacturing System Principles we’ve implemented, we truly believe we are and will continue to fulfilling our Mission Statement:

We exist to fulfill the dreams of automotive enthusiasts and our employees by providing the safest, highest quality products and work environment.