Wyoming Man’s Discovery in Weed Field Sparks Passion for Restoring Vintage Gas Pumps

In a quiet corner of Worland, Wyoming, Randy Nissen has turned a chance discovery into a 15-year passion project, Cowboy State Daily reports.

His growing collection of more than 50 restored vintage gas pumps now fills his man cave, each pump a colorful tribute to automotive history.

The obsession began unexpectedly when Nissen spotted a rusted old gas pump abandoned in a field of weeds near Ten Sleep. What began as a single restoration has since become a mission to preserve and reimagine iconic gas pumps from a bygone era.

“I had gone to Ten Sleep and saw a pump sitting out in the weeds,” Nissen recalled. “I ended up buying it and restored it in the Husky brand.”

That first pump was plain, unbranded, and weathered by time. But Nissen saw an opportunity to transform it into something personal. He chose to brand it as a Husky gas pump, inspired by his teenage years working at a Husky station in Worland.

Nissen’s process of restoring these forgotten relics goes far beyond simple repair work. While many collectors aim for historically accurate restorations, Nissen takes a more creative approach. He reimagines many of the pumps with vibrant colors, whimsical designs, and nods to personal memories.

One standout piece in his collection is a pump painted in brown and gold, adorned with the University of Wyoming cowboy logo. Others pay homage to classic gasoline brands like Phillips 66, Shell Oil, and Litening Gasoline, a now-defunct brand with a devoted following among collectors.

The collection also includes a rare twin visibles pump from Canada. Nissen went a step further by motorizing it so the replica globes rotate, revealing designs on both sides.

“Most guys that have pumps, they have it restored to where they worked,” Nissen explained.

He noted that his personal connection to the Husky brand influenced his early restoration choices.

Much of Nissen’s collection has been pieced together from unexpected finds in fields, garages, and even alongside rivers. One pump in his collection was discovered after being dumped by a riverbank in Colorado.

His daughter also played a role in tracking down valuable pieces. While in Pavillion, Wyoming, she spotted some vintage pump globes and tipped off her father. This discovery led to a treasure trove of items stored inside a former Ford dealership garage.

“The old guy had bought the place back in 1950,” Nissen said. “The globes had been sitting on a shelf since then. They also had a battery charger from the turn of the century that I bought.”

Nissen has learned from experience to be more mindful of vintage items’ value. He recalls tossing out a can of old yellow grease from a former job site, only to later see a similar can fetch $900 at an auction.

Sometimes, however, treasures remain out of reach. One of his most nostalgic regrets is a visible gas pump from his childhood. As a boy, he and his siblings were warned against playing too close to the pump to avoid “getting blistered.” Decades later, he inquired about its whereabouts, only to learn it had been pushed off an embankment and buried under 10 feet of dirt.

Restoration is a meticulous process, and Nissen’s attention to detail is evident in every pump. He researches each piece’s backstory and even creates small placards for each pump in his collection, sharing its history and significance.

When possible, he learns how the original gas pumps operated. For instance, early 1920s pumps featured visible glass globes so skeptical customers could see the gasoline before filling up their tanks. Later models introduced mechanical spinners to show fuel flow, improving customer trust.

“Back in the day, people didn’t trust the machines,” Nissen explained. “The spinners were proof that the gas was actually being pumped.”

His collection illustrates the evolution of gas pump design, from early manual versions to the more recognizable models seen in mid-century gas stations. Nissen has even taken the time to recreate the original fuel price charts once attached to pumps, offering insight into historical fuel costs and how customers calculated their bills.

Nissen’s fascination with vintage memorabilia doesn’t stop at gas pumps. Over time, he has expanded his collection to include air pumps, gas cans, signs, bottles, and even an 1890 kerosene tank. This antique kerosene tank, found in Fremont County, dates back to an era when customers filled cans with kerosene for home lamps. These cans have since become collectible items in their own right.

The restoration work continues, with Nissen averaging about two gas pump restorations each winter. Each project is a nod to automotive and Americana history, showcasing a blend of artistry, nostalgia, and craftsmanship.