York artisan transforms vintage cars into one-of-a-kind furniture art

Couches, chairs, tables, and other home furnishings come in various forms and dimensions and can be crafted from nearly any material available.

Once the engine ceases to operate, an abandoned vehicle turns into a valuable find for a resident of York County.

The back section of a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air was the beginning. "That's where the journey started, which turned into something of an obsession," said car lover and furniture creator Dave Shaffer.

A 55-year-old resident from York County named Shaffer has transformed vehicles into pieces of furniture. An enthusiast of nostalgic items, his basement serves as a time capsule capturing memories from days gone by.

I refer to it as a way to express creativity," Shaffer stated. "Others may see it as art. I don't view it as art. I think of it as my relaxation period.

The fixation has lasted over 30 years, resulting in four car couches being finished, with two additional ones still under construction. Every project starts from zero and requires between two to three years to complete, without any prior blueprint.

Just let the vehicle handle the driving," said Greg Justus, a bodywork and painting specialist. "You need to ensure it's cozy enough for someone to sit inside. It varies from one car to another.

Justus has collaborated with Shaffer since the 1990s, assisting with the visual aspects during car conversions. The procedure between them involved obtaining components and supplies, molding, painting, and reupholstering the automobiles.

We dedicate more time to thinking than to working," said Justus. "You see, it's like, 'Will this work? Will that work?' Let's try this, let's try that.

The couple expressed their wish for others to discover fresh vitality in the long-standing vehicles.

Objects were designed to endure rather than simply be present," Shaffer stated. "I see these vehicles, sofas, as giving an old item a new purpose since they weren't suitable for continued use.