Handmade By Norm Grabowski
Owner Joe Paplosky
Circa 2006
Archives for : Collection
This is one of many Norm Grabowski skull shifters that Flat-top Bob Owens has in his collection. This particular handcarved shifter knob was in Norm’s Kookie 2 vehicle for a few years and can be seen in several promotional posters and photos of Norm.
Several years ago I received a group of images from old pal Flattop Bob. Some where between breaking my arm twice, I misplaced the images and frankly I forgot I even had them. Here are a few pictures of a very unusual trophy piece. I believe this Normskull was created in 2007.
Doc Kinsfather owns several examples of Norm Grabowski’s woodworking skills. This picture was taken in 2008 and still remains one of my favorite pieces. Since then I know of several really cool pieces and they are nice but this one talks to me… in my sleep.
Doc gave me the chance to climb into him custom hotdog rod for more pictures of his Norm Skull shifter and a smaller one in hand.
Nashville, TN 02-05-2010 – Rumpsville’s archive and magazine collection which was located in the basement of the main building was flooded in the recent storms that passed through the Nashville area. All items were in plastic tubs which worked very well protecting the bulk of the 1970 and later years of Hot Rod, Rod & Custom, Street Rodding and Street Scene.
Unfortunately one container of early 1950’s Hot Rod Magazines were dampened when waters actually rose high enough to tip the 80+ pound tub. Only a small amount of water made it into the container but that is all it takes. After placing each magazine on a large cardboard sheet and letting them dry most are salvageable, all a little crisper than before but still readable.
As for having a magazine collection strung across your shop floor… sure does open our eyes to the articles and pictures that are still fun to read and muse.