Other companies began to offer high performance rockers arms, but Harland Sharp had a 20 year development advantage. Plus, he continued a dedicated focus exclusively on rocker arms. The products winning reputation at the track resulted in non-stop demand for additional rocker arm products from Custom Speed Parts. Harland responded by offering beefier bodies, bearing journals and trunions. His precision product enhancements, including wider rollers, continued to increase horsepower and reduce friction. The professional production staff grew. Harland’s nephew Randy Becker, who had grown up working side-by-side with Harland, became production manager. Randy initiated new ideas for product development and manufacturing to Custom Speed Parts. By this time, Harland was transitioning the day-to-day management of Custom Speed Parts to Randy. Production was running smoothly and the business continued to grow. Sadly, Harland’s wife Mae passed away. Only 6 years later, Harland passed on too. Randy took on full-time management and his leadership continues to drive new ideas and higher goals for the company.
1970s STAYING AHEAD OF THE COMPETITION & 1980s RANDY STEPS UPHistory
Harland Sharp was a tool and die maker in Northeastern Ohio during the '50's when modified cams were introduced. The larger cams were contributing to the failure of stock rocker arms. Harland responded to racers needs by pioneering a design for the first high performance rocker arm. He launched roller tips and bronze bushings - overcoming a huge hurdle to increased engine performance and reduced friction.
1950s HARLAND SHARP INVENTS THE FIRST HIGH PERFORMANCE ROCKER ARM Harland set up shop as Custom Speed Parts and continued to improve his initial rocker arm design. A new needle bearing fulcrum and roller tip continued to add horsepower and reduce friction in the racers engines. Custom Speed Parts grew as Harland supplied his rocker arms to many cam grinders and engine builders. As his company grew, so did the challenges for additional performance increases. To add strength and stability, Custom Speed Parts introduced the first 7/16" stud small block Chevy rocker arm and first big block Chevy roller rocker.
1960s HARLAND LAUNCHES CUSTOM SPEED PARTS
2000s THE FAMILY TRADITION OF MANUFACTURING EXCELLENCE CONTINUES
Today, with sons Randy Jr., Mike and Steve now growing up in the business like their father, the drive for growth and improvement carries on. The company has moved to a much larger facility. It houses newly purchased state-of-the-art equipment. This is allowing us to improve our availability of products for you and continue our development of new, innovative rocker arm technology for speed and engine efficiency.
Randy continued to advance Custom Speed Parts. He invested in new precision machinery and continued to increase the certified production staff. He continues to keep the company focusing its research and development specifically on rocker arm perfection. Every part is made in the United States. The growth in technology and company pride in every rocker arm we manufacture allows Custom Speed to stand behind them with a lifetime guarantee against manufacturing defects.
1990s CUSTOM SPEED INTRODUCES ROCKER ARM LIFETIME GUARANTEE
