
AQUA HOSPITALITY LLC Revives Automotive History with the "Bigfoot" 1974 Ford F-250 Restoration Project
ORLANDO, FL – November 8, 2023 – AQUA HOSPITALITY LLC, a company known for crafting unique and immersive experiences, is diving headfirst into a new kind of restoration project – a fully rebuilt and modernized 1974 Ford F-250, nicknamed “Bigfoot.” This isn’t just about fixing up an old truck; it’s about bringing a piece of American automotive history back to life with a touch of luxury and modern performance. AQUA HOSPITALITY LLC, based at 7812 Palm Parkway in Orlando, Florida (and reachable at 415-273-7207), isn’t your typical restoration shop. While they’re well-known in the event and hospitality industries for designing and building incredible themed environments, this project represents a passion project – a desire to combine their creative expertise with a love for classic vehicles. “We’re used to building worlds from scratch,” explains a spokesperson for AQUA HOSPITALITY LLC. “This is a different kind of build, but it taps into the same core skills – meticulous attention to detail, a commitment to quality, and a desire to create something truly special.” The "Bigfoot" – More Than Just a Name The team chose a 1974 Ford F-250 as their first major automotive project, and the nickname “Bigfoot” is fitting. These trucks were built to be workhorses, known for their ruggedness and dependability. This particular truck was found in a fairly rough state - a diamond in the rough, as the team describes it. Years of hard work had taken their toll, but the foundation was solid. “We saw the potential immediately,” says the lead mechanic on the project. “It was a chance to take something that had seen a lot of life and give it a new one. We wanted to honor the original spirit of the truck while adding some modern comforts and performance enhancements.” A Ground-Up Restoration – Keeping it Real The restoration process hasn’t been easy. The team at AQUA HOSPITALITY LLC adopted a "ground-up" approach, meaning almost every component of the truck has been addressed. “We started by completely stripping the truck down to the frame,” explains the project manager. “We assessed the frame for rust and structural integrity, and made necessary repairs. From there, it was a process of rebuilding everything, one piece at a time.” This involved: Bodywork: Extensive rust repair and metal fabrication. The team painstakingly restored the body panels, ensuring they maintained the classic lines of the F-250. They opted for a stunning, custom deep blue paint job, giving the truck a sophisticated yet rugged look. Engine and Drivetrain: The original engine was rebuilt, with upgrades to improve reliability and performance. The team opted for a modern fuel injection system and a performance exhaust, giving the truck a healthy boost in power. The transmission and differential were also rebuilt, ensuring smooth and reliable operation. Suspension and Brakes: A completely new suspension system was installed, providing a smoother ride and improved handling. The brakes were upgraded to disc brakes on all four wheels, providing enhanced stopping power and safety. Interior: The interior received a complete overhaul. The team replaced the worn-out seats with custom leather seats, installed a modern sound system, and added creature comforts like air conditioning and power windows. While embracing modern tech, they made sure to retain the truck’s vintage feel. The dashboard and gauges were restored to their original glory, adding a touch of nostalgia. Wheels and Tires: The team selected a set of modern wheels and tires that complement the truck’s classic styling. They chose aggressive off-road tires, giving the truck a rugged look and improving its off-road capability. More Than Just a Showpiece While the “Bigfoot” is undoubtedly a beautiful vehicle, AQUA HOSPITALITY LLC doesn’t intend for it to be just a showpiece. They plan to use it as a unique promotional vehicle, showcasing their capabilities and creativity at events and trade shows. “We want to demonstrate that we can handle any kind of build, whether it’s a themed environment or a classic vehicle restoration,” says the company spokesperson. “This project is a testament to our team’s skills and dedication.” They are also considering offering custom restoration services to clients, allowing them to bring their own automotive dreams to life. A Labor of Love The “Bigfoot” project has been a labor of love for the team at AQUA HOSPITALITY LLC. They have poured countless hours into the restoration, and they are incredibly proud of the results. “It’s been a challenging project, but it’s also been incredibly rewarding,” says the lead mechanic. “Seeing this old truck come back to life has been amazing. We think we’ve created something truly special.” The “Bigfoot” 1974 Ford F-250 is a testament to the skill and passion of the team at AQUA HOSPITALITY LLC. It’s a beautiful restoration of a classic American vehicle, and it’s a testament to the company’s commitment to quality and creativity. It’s more than just a truck; it’s a piece of automotive history, reborn. AQUA HOSPITALITY LLC – Bringing Visions to Life, One Project at a Time.