Nick-A-Jack resident possesses unique restoration talents

By Eddie West Staff Writer

Breathing new life into that which has been placed aside, stored away or even discarded requires the skills of a craftsman and sometimes artistic vision. 

Self-taught auto restoration and repair and carpentry, a Pleasant Shade area resident possesses both a talent to envision what others may not see and skills required to create.

Whether its restoring a rundown vehicle or creating a stylish, yet functional, work of art, Joe Christensen’s restorations and creations are eyecatching.

“I get an idea in my head and it drives me crazy until I complete it,” explains Christensen, who has always had a particular passion for restoring old vehicles.

Most of Christensen’s projects are created inside a mid-1900s themed garage/service station which he created.

The garage is a mixture of vintage pieces from the mid-1900s era and crafted imitations built by Christensen.  

For instance, two gasoline pumps and old-fashion outdoor lamps are original.

A “Shell” sign was created from a discarded O’Reilly’s Auto Parts store, salvaged by Christensen from the place where he once worked.

What appears to be a telephone booth at the service station was created from recycled storm doors.

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