Jim abilities & talents span a wide range. He isn’t afraid to tackle anything and is truly the "can do anything and everything" man. Jim’s abilities to see the end product from what most would consider “something ready for the garbage” is also displayed in one of his other hobbies and passion - restoring antique vehicles. His first project was a 1940 Chevrolet 2-door sedan – which took 8 years and many miles searching for parts. His second project was a gift for his wife, Carol, and took 7½ years in the making. A 1930 Hupmobile with rumble seat – customized with automatic transmission so that it would be easier for her to drive. He is in the midst of another restoration project close to the heart. A 1934 Chevrolet pickup used by Carol’s late father used on his farm – but thus far each project has taken almost 8 years – this is year 2 – so it may be awhile yet before we’ll see the end result. Jim’s other hobbies and passion – fishing, hunting, telling jokes & stories, playing his guitar and singing for his family – one son, four daughters & their spouses & 8 grandchildren.

Some of our project stories:
We were brought an old wagon wheel & spoke that was going to be used as a table which had the horse collar made into the legs for the table. Unfortunately age had deteriorated one of the “legs”. We were able to repair and make it look like new for the client to now turn it into a usuable table – which she will place a glass top on. – It really was a great nostalgic piece. (We forgot to get before & after pictures of this project)

On our gallery page you see pieces & half pieces of an antique hide-a-bed a client’s grandfather had back in the 1800’s. It came to us as a small pile of junk. Jim replicated end pieces and spent many hours putting together the jigsaw puzzle of pieces to finally reveal the mechanics and look of the antique sofa hide-a-bed.

A repeat client of ours had an old dresser when restored revealed some beautiful inlaid woods. Part of the decorative spindle was missing which we replicated. There never was a headboard so we made one with a design that would match the dresser. The old magazine rack also belonged to this client – who laughed about the speckled paint on it popular at an "earlier" time. When refinished and stripped of the speckled paint – it made a nice accent piece and memory from her childhood.

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June 2004 Parade 1930 Hupmobile & 1940 Chevrolet