Custom Automotive Services
Fabrication, Performance Upgrades & Off-Road Builds in Watseka, IL
fabrication
Bare metal 69’ Camaro →
Nichols Paint & Fab offers both sheet metal fabrication and chassis fabrication for custom automotive projects. From one-off components to larger structural work, each fabrication project is approached with the specific needs of the vehicle and build in mind.
Because fabrication work can vary greatly in scope and complexity, we may not always be able to provide an exact estimate before the project is evaluated. Final cost and timeline will depend on the amount of custom work required, materials, existing condition of the vehicle, and overall complexity of the project.
Interested in fabrication work for your vehicle? Submit a Build Request and our team will review your project details.
performance upgrades
1970 Olds 442
Nichols Paint & Fab provides performance upgrades in Watseka, Illinois, including camshaft swaps, supercharger installation, and supporting modifications. We work with you to plan upgrades suited to your vehicle’s existing setup and performance goals.
When submitting a Service Request, include your vehicle’s year, make, model, engine, current modifications, and the upgrades you’re considering. Details about your fuel system, existing power adders, and any mechanical concerns help our team evaluate your project and identify compatible parts.
Pricing and timelines depend on your vehicle, the parts required, and the scope of installation. Our team will review your request and contact you about availability and next steps.
Ready to upgrade your vehicle? Submit a Service Request to get started.
parts & installation
Performance Upgrades →
Nichols Paint & Fab offers parts sourcing, ordering, and professional installation for a wide range of automotive projects and upgrades.
Please note that we do not install customer-supplied parts. Parts being installed by Nichols Paint & Fab must be sourced and ordered through our shop so we can verify compatibility, quality, and fitment before installation.
If you are planning to complete the work yourself but are having trouble locating the correct parts, need help identifying what you need, or would like guidance before ordering, our team can also assist with parts research and ordering.
When submitting a request, please provide as much information as possible about your vehicle and what you are trying to accomplish. The more details we have up front, the easier it is for us to determine the correct parts, availability, and next steps.
4×4 / off-road
Modified 2022 Jeep Gladiator →
Nichols Paint & Fab offers off-road and 4x4 builds, upgrades, and customization for customers looking to improve capability, performance, and overall function.
When submitting a request, please provide as much information as possible about your vehicle, how you plan to use it, and what you would like to have done. Whether you are looking for suspension upgrades, wheels and tires, lighting, accessories, or a more extensive custom setup, the more details you provide up front, the better we can evaluate the project.
Because off-road builds can vary greatly in scope and complexity, pricing and timelines will depend on the vehicle, parts required, and amount of custom work involved. Once your request is reviewed, a member of our team will contact you regarding availability, next steps, and any additional information needed.
Off-road and 4x4 inquiries should be submitted through our Build Request form.
PAINTWORK
33 Ford Coupe Paint Job →
Nichols Paint & Fab specializes in high-quality, custom automotive paintwork tailored to each individual build. Because every vehicle is different, we cannot provide an accurate final estimate based on photos or a description alone. To properly determine the scope of a paint project, the existing finish may need to be removed or sandblasted so we can evaluate the condition of the vehicle and determine how much bodywork will be required before paint can begin. Materials alone for a complete custom paint job can cost approximately $10,000, with the final project cost depending on the condition of the vehicle, amount of bodywork needed, color, finish, and overall complexity. Interested in having Nichols Paint & Fab handle your paint project? Submit a Build Request below and our team will review your information.
dyno tuning
Dyno testing monitor displaying horsepower, torque, and engine speed graphs.
Nichols Paint & Fab offers dyno tuning in Watseka, Illinois, for custom and performance vehicles. Using our 2WD chassis dyno, our team evaluates horsepower and torque and refines your vehicle’s calibration to suit its engine setup and modifications.
When submitting a Service Request, include your vehicle’s year, make, model, engine specifications, fuel system, current modifications, previous tuning, and any known mechanical concerns. These details help us assess your tuning needs and confirm compatibility with our equipment.
Before requesting an appointment, review our Mechanical Checklist and Dyno Disclaimers. Your vehicle must be in proper working order and capable of handling the demands of dyno testing. Repairs or additional preparation are not included in the quoted tuning rate and will be billed separately.
Interested in scheduling dyno tuning? Submit a Service Request, and our team will contact you regarding availability and next steps.
few things to note:
Before submitting a project request, there are a few things to keep in mind. Nichols Paint & Fab charges for estimates that require physical diagnostics or parts research. Physical diagnostic time is billed at $125/hour, and parts research is billed at $85/hour. Estimates are valid for one week and may be subject to change after that time.
All project inquiries, with the exception of dyno tuning and performance upgrades, should be submitted through our Build Request form. Dyno tuning and performance-related requests should be submitted through our Service Request form.
Please understand that our shop stays very busy and we are currently working with a limited staff, so we may not always be able to accommodate a specific timeline. Once your request is submitted, a member of our team will review your information and contact you regarding project availability, scheduling, and how detailed of an estimate will be needed before moving forward.
HAVE A PROJECT IN MIND?
Not sure where your project fits? Send us the details and our team will help point you in the right direction.