Gearhead Curios

The historic 1939 Texaco gas station in Galena, Kansas had seen better days. That is, until an army veteran got involved. The now restored Texaco station has a refreshed appearance and bright neon and is home to Gearhead Curios, a custom muffler man, a nod to Cars, and one of the most unique bathrooms on the Mother Road.

Army and Coast Guard veteran Aaron Perry, of Wakarusa, Kansas bought and began to restore the old Texaco station in 2018. A road trip enthusiast himself, Perry wanted to own a piece of Route 66 in his retirement. He found the property while passing through town, saw the For Sale sign, and closed on the it soon after.

He has since restored the native stone, fixed the leaky roof, gave it a fresh coat of paint, and did other necessary repairs. A new neon light display has been added along with a 1951 Hudson Hornet, painted blue to resemble ‘Doc Hudson’ from the move Cars and pay Homage to another famous Kansas Route 66 attraction down the street: Cars on the Route.

You’ll also find a Big Boy statue, a Betty Boop statue, and an American flag mural made from 169 red, white, and blue Kansas license plates. In 2024, a brand new custom 22-foot-tall Big A Texaco Giant Muffler Man was installed on the side of the building. The roadside attraction is meant to mimic the 1960s Texaco Giants that were once advertising icons at spots just like this one.

At the Galena Texaco station Perry operates Gearhead Curios as a place to sell artwork he makes out of car parts alongside Route 66 souvenirs. When you visit be sure to stop into the unique bathroom! Said to be the “most photographed restroom on Route 66,” it features a pink toilet and a funnel urinal.

While traveling Route 66 in Galena, Kansas, also look for the Dueling Pepsi and Coca-Cola Murals, Luigi’s Pit Stop, and the Greetings from Galena mural.

Photos of Gearhead Curios in Galena, Kansas

I’ve made my way to Gearhead Curios numerous times since 2019 and have seen new roadside attractions being added through the years.