About Us
Meet Justin Nichols
Founder | Builder | Visionary
Born and raised in Watseka, Illinois, Justin Nichols was destined for a life in the fast lane. Inspired by his father’s passion for fast cars and custom paint, Justin developed a deep love for all things automotive at an early age. That passion became the foundation for Nichols Paint and Fab—a custom hot rod and fabrication shop that’s now known across the country.
In just a few short years, Justin has built a name for himself that most fabricators only dream of. He starred in two seasons of his own TV series, Wrench’d, on MotorTrend, earned recognition as a three-time builder on Search and Restore (Spike TV), and was featured twice on PowerNation. His one-of-a-kind builds, attention to detail, and bold creativity have made him a standout in the world of custom vehicles.
Justin’s work has also been featured in top-tier automotive magazines including Classic Truck, Street Rodder, Hot Rod, Raw Bike, Bagger, American Bagger, and Built Not Bought.
His recent accomplishments include:
🏆 Fine 9 Award – Darryl Starbird National Rod & Custom Show
🏆 First in Class Roadster – 2023 Grand National Roadster Show
🏆 Sweepstakes Rod & Blackie Gejeian Award – 2023 Grand National Roadster Show
🏆 Best Engineering – World’s Most Beautiful Truck, 2023 Grand National Truck Show
But behind every incredible build is a powerhouse team. Justin has assembled an elite crew of craftsmen and specialists who bring each project to life with skill and dedication:
- Maegan – CNC Designer
- Damon – Metal Fabricator
- James – Metal Fabricator
- Darrin – Shop Foreman
- Cory – Welder / Fabricator / Assembly
- Russ – Performance Technician
- Kurt – Performance Tech / Tuner / Assembly / Mechanic
- Jason – Body Shop Manager / Painter
- Kale – Body Shop Technician
- Donnie – Body Shop Technician
- Dan – 3D Software / Programmer
- Andrew – RC Manager / Parts Specialist
- Taylor – Social Media Manager
At Nichols Paint and Fab, every project is more than just a build—it’s a statement. A fusion of innovation, artistry, and raw horsepower. Whether you’re a lifelong gearhead or just discovering the world of custom cars, Justin and his team are here to turn vision into reality.
The Shop
Custom Builds. Complete Fabrication. No Compromises.
At Nichols Paint and Fab, we deliver some of the highest-quality custom automotive builds in the industry. Whether you're looking for precision sheet metal fabrication, a full ground-up hot rod build, or anything in between, our team is equipped to bring your vision to life—with unmatched attention to detail and craftsmanship.
We’re proud to call Watseka, Illinois home, now operating out of our brand-new facility at 1800 N State Route 1. This impressive 100x300 ft shop was purpose-built to streamline our workflow and house every step of the build process under one roof—eliminating delays and keeping your project moving forward without compromise. In addition, our dedicated 60x80 ft dyno tuning center, located behind the main shop, allows us to fine-tune performance builds with precision and care.
As a family-owned and operated shop, we take pride in offering personalized, professional service. Every build—big or small—gets our full attention and dedication.
From initial consultation to final delivery, we’re committed to providing a top-tier experience and results that exceed expectations.
Our team is made up of highly trained, passionate craftsmen who live and breathe custom cars. With years of experience and a growing list of repeat clients, Nichols Paint and Fab has become a trusted name in custom automotive fabrication—known for bold design, flawless execution, and a commitment to quality that never wavers.