INMAN, Neb. (KOLN) – A former educator enjoys collecting pedal cars and watching his grandkids ride them in his shop in the small community of Inman.

We caught up with Chuck Dziowgo to talk about the collection. It’s housed inside a unique building that looks like an old barn. Dziowgo says the outside is old barn wood, but the inside is a modern shed.

“About 20 years ago, we tore down three buildings, and built this one,” Dziowgo said. “I never took a shop class, but bought a book, and learned from the book on how to build this.”

Upstairs in the building is Dziowgo’s car collection.

“In 2003, I was a volunteer fireman, and my wife bought me a pedal car, and it was a fire truck, and that started it all,” Dziowgo said. “I have 89 pedal cars. Some are reproductions, and most are originals. I like them all. I like old cars, and these are like old cars. I get them at garage sales or even the Junk Jaunt. I have one that is a 1930s model, and it missed the World War II scrap metal drive.”

Dziowgo says his collection is not for sale.

“I’ve had some pedal cars I’ve bought from people, and they’ve wanted to buy them back after I restored them, but I tell them no; it’s a one way door.”

“I enjoy sitting on the bench and watching my grandkids ride them,” Dziowgo said. “They ride up here, and go in a circle, and they are fun to watch. The brands that made these cars include Murray, AMF, Garten, Pal, and LaSalle. I’ll find them in any condition. I sandblast them, I have body hammer tools to pound the dents out, and it’s fun to do.”

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