Thanks for the pictures, SoCal. Putting them up a month ago would have helped your cause, and maybe headed off some of the resistance you're meeting here.
The pictures show 2 Spyders (one complete, one looking very much like a deluxe kit with running gear), one CMC wide body, one cream colored classic with 4-lug 190s, and multiple shots of the same blue classic with red interior. In addition, you've got at least 2 of what very much looks like Dr. Kleber's Spyder chassis in pallet-racking.
That's 5 cars, which is about what you said was presently in the shop at various stages. It proves you're at least an ongoing concern with some cars. Pictures of sweaty/dirty guys working away in SoCal tee-shirts would also help your cause, but this is better than a month of "it's coming". Pictures of finished cars are fine, but it's progress pictures that prove to people you're a shop and not a car lot.
Putting pictures of other people's finished cars on your page pegs the fraud-o-meter. Al and Greg's posts gives everybody a lot of pause. Like, "a lot" a lot.
At a minimum, the pictures seem to verify that you're not Vintage in Arizona or SAS in TN - you have a shop, it's open, and there are cars in it.
Beyond that, think of us as a pack of stray dogs who've been beaten by bad experiences in the past. Winning the crowd may take more time than it seems like it's worth - and maybe it is. But that's the lay of the land: lots and lots of sharks have cruised this harbor looking for chum, and we're all a bit skittish. Like strays, maybe we might sometimes bite when we shouldn't - but like a beaten dog, some of us would rather bite and ask questions later than be beaten again. I'm sure you understand.
Be honest. Post pictures. Lots and lots and lots of pictures. Pictures and an open door policy is the fastest way to win over a tough crowd.