4BANGER: Man, you have got a tough row to hoe, hope you start catching some breaks.
I've had two cars built by two different builders. I was quietly FINE until I saw the ownership paperwork and picked up the cars at the pier. I spent a chunk of change on travel & lodging following my money. Can't say how it affected the build, but it helped my paranoia.
My experience has been that contracts are mental *********ion unless all involved, are willing & able to do what was agreed. Stuff happens, it's not just bad actors like 4BANGER is dancing with. Builds can get delayed for a bunch of legitimate reasons.
I'm not doing the hindsight thing. I got the cars built becauseI WAS DAMN LUCKY. Essentially, aside from lots of delays, the builders I used chose to do what was agreed. I doubt I had any more data on the builders I used than 4BANGER had. It's scary random.
IF YOU CAN'T AFFORD TO LOSE PART OR ALL OF THE COST OF THE BUILD, IT MAY BE WISE TO FIND ANOTHER WAY. HAVING A CAR BUILT IS NO NET FLYING, YOU CAN GET SERIOUSLY HURT.