SpeedshifterS

The madness never ends

2012-01-26T16:11:00.000-08:00

Codys been busy... in more ways than just choppin' dis Ford!

Gipp gave birth to a solid gold small block Chevy

Sometimes...

2012-01-26T15:45:00.000-08:00

...you're in the right place at the right time and you are front and center when something old becomes new again. I went to the first attempt to hold a vintage drag bike race in Smithfield, Ohio. Wayne Skinner and his family put this thing together... along the way they managed to get M&H Racemaster Tires to cast 60 or so of their old 4"x 18" drag slicks from the late 60's-early 70's. Incredibly they still had their molds... Avon, on the other hand, had discarded theirs. These were the first purpose made slicks for motorcycle drag racing. Needless to say this old bike drag racer had the Skinners put his name on one! I'll eventually build a quarter miler around this- British or American powered of course...

Winter in the Mitten...

2012-01-23T15:34:00.000-08:00

Winter finally struck the Mitten:

The legendary Dutch oven snorting cocaine...

Indiana cops are still trying to find these car thieves...

Gordo is contemplating how he can shoe horn this baby into the Fabulous Hudson Hornet...

Some of the krew went to Auburn to check out the museums and to gain knowledge and wisdom.

SpeedshifterS Summer Show and Party

2011-06-16T14:04:00.000-07:00

SpeedshifterS Summer Car/Bike Show and Party

September 10, 2011

Landfill Stadium- 19725 15 Mile Rd. Marshall, Mi 49068

Food, Fun and Beer!

The bands are are booked!

"Verona"

"Danae and The Grind"

"Out of Favor Boys"

"The Eddy Haskells"

"Koffin Kats"

Auto/motorcycle swap meet- FREE!- come sell your parts!

More information to come!

Terry Wins Best Gasser at Sins of Steel!

2011-06-10T16:06:00.000-07:00

Terry took it with "Tequila Sunrise"!

Way to represent Terry!

Billetproof 2011- "The Rapture Nine"

2011-05-22T18:53:00.000-07:00

With complete disregard for the coming Rapture nine SpeedshifterS and three Ladies of SpeedshifterS made the trek to Ypsilanti for Billetproof 2011 along with Nick DeRyke of the Relix. The weather in Ypsi was perfect all day... the weather on the way home was a different story... all in all a good day filled with the usual adventures: weird sunburns, fried axle bearings, sore ass cheeks, hanging with friends, drinking beers at 9:30 in the morning, etc. I'll let the photos do the talking:

Ferg was rolled out way early and along with his posse (Peezy and Catie) accepted the all important duty of chase vehicle driver, mobile photo vehicle operator, jackman, roadside mechanic, etc. the man was a Mountain Dew fueled blur all day...

A monster of a man Ferg was preparing to jack this house up in the middle of a dandelion field... such an ambitious lad...

Photographer, navigator, enforcer- Peezey wears many hats...

And keeping these two Sketchballs in line (the toughest job of all by far) is this determined young redhead (you know her, you love her- Catherine Shalapoo):

From their vantage point taking up the rear this is what they saw and photographed. Rose Ann got some great shots from the middle of the pack as well in the old mans hammered Model A:

Terry in his "Tequila Sunrise" '55 Chevy Gasser, Cody in "Hot & Heavy" sporting a new dual carbed Poncho mill, KK and Rose Ann in the slammed 5 window A-Coupe, Nick in his high boy 5 window A coupe on '32 rails, Matt rocking the Golden Honda Rebel bobber, Gordo rolling on the 750 Honda chop, Jake debuting his Evo sportster, and Tanny and Kara on the venerable Triumph Thruxton.

Cody sez: "So that's what Windex is for... huh... well I believe I'll just have a beer instead"

I'll add more soon!

Member Profile: Aaron Knowlton Nelson Bo'Rain... ?

2011-03-13T13:03:00.000-07:00

Bo'Rain sent me all kinda biographical information- but I lost it... I think the pictures speak for themselves... no we don't condone the use of doo-rags (We just humor our boy here) however really nifty homemade Christmas vests are allowed. Knowltons a good member, a good friend and is always there when we need him to lend a hand. I'm still not 100% sure what his real name is... ?

Meet SS member George Jetson!

2011-03-13T12:44:00.000-07:00

Cody sez: "...And once I add the flux capacitor and upon hitting 88 MPH's I'll transcend time and space and go back to the 60's and I'll become Ed Roth... it'll be groovy man!"

SpeedshifterS have been projecting...

2011-01-02T12:36:00.000-08:00

Mikey's projects are moving along- Triumph T100's and an old Dodge sedan:

KK's "Coupe de' Race" is getting some re-work- different visor and a soft top cover:

Corby's building a Gasser Fairlane out of his high school car:

Tanny's Triumph TR6 Chopper "Redonkulous" is coming along:

Cody is extremely sticky these days... in a good way... building hisself a Rothian dream machine:

SpeedshifterS have been keeping busy... ;-)

SpeedshifterS Summer Show and Party

2010-12-19T08:17:00.000-08:00

Guy Picketts: Honorary Member of the SpeedshifterS

2010-11-14T08:31:00.000-08:00

Guy Picketts Sr.

Guy and his wife Annette have been constant supporters of the SpeedshifterS Wheel Club and our events for a few years now. We are deeply saddened at the loss of a good friend, father to one of our own and a helluva grandfather.
We will be posting more photos soon.

Guy was born on April 4, 1949 in Longview, Texas to Leonard S. and Elaine J. (Howard) Picketts II. Guy moved with his family to Marshall, attended Marshall Schools and was a 1967 graduate of Marshall High School.
Upon graduation Guy enlisted in the U.S. Navy on Oct. 10, 1967. He served as a Radio Operator serving on the USS John F. Kennedy and was based in Rota, Spain for a time. He was honorably discharged on August 3, 1971 and returned to Marshall.
Guy was married to Annette M. Gordier on September 28, 1968 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Marshall. The couple enjoyed a loving and fruitful partnership of 42 years together, creating a family that was the center of their lives.
Guy started his career in law enforcement in January of 1978 when he became an officer with the Marshall Police Department. There he served as a dispatcher and also meter enforcement officer.
He earned his Police Officers Certification at Kalamazoo Community College and in April 1983 became a Deputy Sheriff with the Calhoun County Sheriff Department. Guy served as an Animal Control Officer and also within the Law Enforcement Division, the Traffic Safety Unit and Road Patrol until November 1993.
Guy then worked as an Undercover Officer with the Southwest Enforcement Team until July 1997.
Upon returning to duty at the Calhoun County Sheriff Department he was promoted to Detective. Guy served as the department's only detective from then until his retirement on August 28, 2008 after 25 years of service. After his retirement he accepted the position of Code Enforcement Officer for the City of Marshall. He served there until his ill health forced his retirement.
During his professional career he earned numerous awards. He was recognized with the Citation for Professional Excellence from the Michigan State Police in April 1998, in 1999 he was Law Enforcement Officer of the Year, and was a nominee in 1999 for the Michigan Sheriff's Association's Presidential Citation Award in 1999.
He also received the Professional Excellence Award, Distinguished Service Award, Department Unit Commendation in 2004 from the Sheriff.
Guy always strove to serve the public as best as he could and in the course of that continued his professional education during his career. He earned certificates in Tactical Driving and Pursuit Skills, Criminal Profiling, Radar Operator Training, United States Department of Justice FBI Sniper School, Michigan State Police Motor Carrier Enforcement, Michigan Justice Training for Jail Supervision, Tri County Regional Training Consortium, Officer Survival Training, Reid Method of Criminal Interviews and interrogation plus various courses in firearm training.
Upon his retirement he was honored by the Calhoun County Board Of Commissioners with a Resolution that noted his instrumental involvement in solving numerous difficult cases in Calhoun County.
Guy was a member of Moose Lodge #676 and the National Rifle Association. He was a true outdoorsman who hunted and fished during his life with a respect for nature's gifts. This was a love he passed on to his sons who hunt and fish with the same respect. On the morning of his death he met son Guy after Guy tracked the buck he shot and helped his son load it into his truck. Everyone will remember Guy's great sense of humor.
In the early 1980's Guy also served his community as a Part-Paid Marshall Firefighter and member of the Marshall Firefighter's Ambulance.
Guy's life was a full and useful one professionally and personally. He and Annette placed their children's and grandchildren's needs always above their own. A dedicated parenting team, they have produced a family that will live lives as full, useful and fulfilling as Guy's was.
Guy is survived by his wife Annette, their daughter Michele K. Smith of Marshall, their sons Guy H. (Jennifer) Picketts Jr. of Battle Creek and Matthew B. Picketts of Marshall; their grandchildren Trevor Smith, Nathan Smith, Rachel Picketts, Aubrey Picketts, Logan Picketts and Elias Picketts; his parents Leonard and Elaine Picketts II of Marshall; and his sisters Lisa (John Whitney) Picketts and Julia Jenkins both of Marshall. He was preceded in death by his brother Leonard "Sonny" Picketts III.

The past few weeks have been painful for our club... We'll miss you Guy.

This is what we are all about...

2010-10-23T16:20:00.000-07:00

More updates to come... been some changes in this club but if it weren't for the leadership of the man in this photo it wouldn't be what it is today. Thanks brother.

SpeedshifterS Summer Party, Car and Bike Show- Rumble at the Dump!

2010-08-22T06:04:00.000-07:00

That's right! On September 11th. the SpeedshifterS will once again be hosting THE summer party to attend at the legendary landfill pavillion! Car and motorcycle show, music, food, beer, games and much more!
Check the flyer below for our:

"Rumble at the Dump" Car and Motorcycle Show.

For $5 per person you get:

All you can eat hog and fixins, while it lasts; To participate in or watch both the Burnouts
& The Kegtoss; Watch a few good bands and camp out for the night if you need to
(AND WE HIGHLY SUGGEST IT).
To register your Car, Truck or Cycle is an extra $5. If you win, you get cool hand-made trophies and braggin' rights. So, fuck it - it's worth 5 extra bucks.
Some snacks and beverages are available through the whole day for very little cabbage out of pocket as well.
We will have door prizes and giveaways from our awesome sponsors - by the way, please check our friends list on our website: http://www.speedshifters15.com/ to check out those who support us and have given us help in the past!
This year's show rules:
* Car or Truck must be 1975 or older
*Motorcycle can be any year, but it is advised to be heavily customized or chopped in some sort way; preferably from 1920 to 1979. Notice is taken of old stockers, too.
See Maps and Directions Below for September 11th's "The Rumble at the Dump"

This is the I-94/I-69 Interchange. From 69 to Exit #42, "N Drive"

From the N Drive exit, turn left (West). In about 1 mile (at Cornwell's Turkyville USA, a blinking yellow light) turn right (North). The destination is at the triangle, where 15 mile rd and 15 1/2 mile road meet.

Signs from I-69, Cornwell's as well as the destination will be visible19725 15 Mile Road North

Marshall, MI 49068

Bands for the show will be as follows:

Verona - Marshall, MI

The Cobains - Wisconsin

The Aquaholics - Wisconsin

Out of Favor Boys - Kalamazoo, MI

P.S. - One of the SpeedshifterS will be "Tying The Knot" at the show at about 4:30 p.m. So be there to witness the ceremony and wish them well!

Hope to see you all there!

Corby's Fifty-One Poncho Circle Track Hot Rod

2010-08-22T05:18:00.000-07:00

Corby Howk took his 'ol '51 Pontiac and made a circle track car outta it and raced it at Springport Speedway last month! Pretty cool to see vintage iron out on the track- way to be Corby!

Corby would like to thank: The Dark Horse Brewing Co., The SpeedshifterS Wheel Club, T&N Dairy Creme, Walt Obrinski and Son Excavating, Fogles Color Connection, Pro One Cycle, Marshall Tire "Thanks Nick!"

Mex, Kyle, Cody, Scotty F., Knowlton and Tannis.

BIG Thanks to Bob Garrett!

Thanks to Derek Ketchum for these great photos!

Look for Corby at Springport again on September 12th.!

This is a SS Special Bulletin...

2010-07-11T16:24:00.000-07:00

... Some not so secret developments at SS Central... stay tuned kids... ;-)

The stunningly well coordinated (and soon to be) Mr. and Mrs. Mad Johnny!

Woot-Woot!

The Relix Hot Rodders Ball

2010-07-11T16:10:00.000-07:00

Our good friends and fellow wheel club The Relixs threw a bash and a few of us went- good times with good peoples!

On the road to Grand Rapids

Karma raise's it's ugly head as Corby Receive's a near fatal leg burn...

After tearing our shit up we fixed it.

Couple's that bowl together- stay together...

X-Rated Car art- our favorite kind!

All Photos: Rose Anne

Salt Sedan

2010-07-09T06:32:00.000-07:00

Corby's Dutch Oven back when it was used to haul the Worlds Fastest Indian... ;-)

Diggers Speed Shop Open House

2010-07-08T16:27:00.000-07:00

We had a great time at Diggers Speed Shop open house!

Thanks Dan, Lance and crew!

Scenes from Billetproof 2010

2010-05-16T09:40:00.000-07:00

Toro's Shirt

Skunk works projects...

2010-04-18T13:21:00.000-07:00

...some secret stuff going on- stay tuned...

The "Somoan" is taking shape...

2010-04-18T13:14:00.000-07:00

Cody has been working hard on his '52...

Codys putting together another award winner- "The Somoan"... as a past Billetproof Award winner looks on... "King Crimson"...

Cabe's "Lodestone" Chopper

2010-04-18T13:01:00.000-07:00

This will eventually find it's way into the wishbone frame that Tanny's re-working for Cabe's "Lodestone" Chopper.

Out with the old butchered backbone/steering head and in with a new one with new tube to follow shortly...

Toughest part for Cabe on this one will be deciding on a seat... stay tuned we'll have this one rolling soon.

Tanny's Looong Triumph

2010-04-03T10:56:00.000-07:00

The long bike's are coming out of the wood work at SS central... Tanny just scored this 70's survivor 750 chopper. Watch out summer of 2011- it'll look like 1972 all over again when the SpeedshifterS roll through town!

Way cool vintage projects are still out there waiting to be discovered!

Everything in these last four post's were bought very reasonably and with the combined skills of the boyz in the SpeedshifterS they'll all become

Glory Stompers!

Ferg's Plum Krazy Purple Rockabilly Bobber

2010-04-03T10:45:00.000-07:00

Ferg just scored this sweet late 60's T100 based bobber! Some wiring and an ignition system should put this baby Triumph on the road to glory!

80 Spokes of pimp'in bling suckas!

Cabe's 70's Flashback panhead Long Bike

2010-04-03T10:35:00.000-07:00

We got the frame blasted for Cabe's nod to chopper history. We also cut the neck free to get the correct rake- now it will be re-built with a new frame back bone and steering head. This will be the culmination of collecting parts for 10 years- a classic early 70's panhead chopper.

Naughtytown Bobber

2010-04-03T10:25:00.000-07:00

Making a little progress on the Naughtytown Bobber. Adapted a '71-'72 OIF Triumph front forks and made an oil tank out of two fire extinguishers- can be seen behind the vertical down tube on the frame. A little at a time- she slowly comes together.

Cody's making progess on the '52

2010-03-21T13:05:00.000-07:00

Cody's hitting it hard and got some shiney stuff on the '52 two-door hardtop:

SpeedshifterS Projects

2010-03-07T04:38:00.000-08:00

Here are a couple SS projects that are currently underway...

Matt is doing a freshening up of his softail.

Corby is working on the mid 5's Cheby panel:

And Cody has torn into his '52 hard top. This car would make Rodney Dangerfield proud...

Couple of Triumph projects are getting spanked at Tanny's shop:

Rose Ann's Trump

Cody's Award winning 1960 Chevy Gasser Wagon- "Hot & Heavy"

2010-02-28T05:44:00.000-08:00

What can we say? 3 time Billetproof award winner Cody blew 'em away this past summer with his '60 Chevy Gasser Wagon "Hot & Heavy". Our boy makes us proud. As with any of the SS projects many members had a hand in getting Cody's whip on the road- he certainly had an awesome vision for what he wanted- talk about a crowd gathering piece of vintage American iron!

Cody found this amazing likeness of himself in an old cast iron bottle opener- 'course it had to go on the car.

"Hot & Heavy" was fellow west Michigan wc/mc Relix's pick for "club pick" at the Relix Riot last year.

DJ Saint photos of H&H at our summer party.

The man, the myth, the legend and his little woman Taylor.

Wait till ya'll see what Cody roll's out this summer!

Richie's Roadster

2010-02-28T05:09:00.000-08:00

Richie (KK's) Hot A roadster at the Gilmore Car Museum back in November- on a rare day in late fall where a few of us were able to go for a drive/ride. Of course we are paying for it now...

Allot of Richie's and other SpeedshifterS blood sweat and tears went into this sweet whip... That's Richie's brother Bill on the left, Richie's fi'ance Rose Ann and the man himself Richie. Here are his words: bad ass ride thanks to very good friends rand eaton corby howk dave hummell my brother bill tandawg also my girlfriend roseann lets not forget the one who sold the project to me CODY myratrod

This car is already going through more changes... look for it terrorizing the streets of the South Central Thumb this summer!

As with any of our projects they change, are modified and altered. Here are early version's of KK's roadster- photos courtesy of DJ Saint.

Daytona 500 @ Morse Back 40

2010-02-15T03:38:00.000-08:00

It's the party of the winter...

Cabe and the brother we don't discuss...

Animal Farm

Corby was critically injured by being punched in the jaw...

Trouble comes in two's.

Apparently Clint was lactating.

Corby was critical injured in a 109 MPH Snowmobile accident...

Scary girls everywhere

Tanny's ball's in some hotties mouth is becoming a much anticipated annual tradition.

Summer Party 2009- looking back... We miss summer!

2010-02-07T12:35:00.000-08:00

Kyle's Sled...

2010-01-29T20:20:00.001-08:00

Prior to the re-gift party we did some work to Kyle's bike.

We love this bar!

2010-01-29T19:54:00.001-08:00

Corby and Nancy's "The Coop"- home to many a SpeedshifterS social function.

Put on your party hats!

Cody has a bit of trouble doing shots...

The SpeedshifterS

2010-01-18T17:58:00.000-08:00