Vintage Gas Pump Cabinet with Side Bookshelves

Build the main cabinet using pocket holes or nails and glue at every joint — both approaches work here because every joint gets reinforced by the back and face frame in later steps. Attach the back with 3/4" nails and wood glue, nailing into every shelf edge as you go.

Build the face frame separately, flat, then attach the completed frame to the front of the cabinet with 1-1/4" brad nails and glue.

Build the two side bookshelves as separate boxes. Nail and glue is fine since each will be reinforced by attachment to the main cabinet, though pocket holes are worth using on the top and bottom 1x2 backs where extra strength matters.

Attach the side bookshelves to the main cabinet, working from the back forward, cutting trim pieces to fit as you go rather than pre-cutting everything. Nail on with 1-1/4" nails and glue.

Cut the round gauge-face disc with a jigsaw and mount it to the top of the cabinet as the pump's dial — this is the single detail that reads "gas pump" from across the room, so take care getting it centered. Attach the base feet. The door is simply the 1x12 board, hung on with the hinges and magnetic clasp.

Mount the 2-hole strap and run the black flex tubing from it to suggest the pump's hose. Cut a handle shape from 1x4 scrap, paint it, and attach it to the door. Fill nail holes with wood filler, sand, and finish or paint as desired — a hand-lettered or stenciled sign on top completes the look.