AO STUDIOS Unveils "Bigfoot" – A Restored 1974 Ford Monster Truck Icon

AO STUDIOS LLC, a leading restoration and custom vehicle builder based in Newark, New Jersey, just dropped something seriously cool for truck fans. They've meticulously restored the original "Bigfoot" – the 1974 Ford F-250 that kicked off the entire monster truck craze. Seriously, this isn’t just a truck; it’s a piece of automotive history. For those who don't know, Bigfoot isn't just a legend; it was the first. Back in the early 70s, Bob Chandler, a truck enthusiast, had a vision. He wanted to build a truck that was bigger, badder, and more impressive than anything else on the road. He started with a '74 Ford F-250 and, frankly, just kept making it bigger and bolder. He swapped in massive tires – 66-inch Super Swamper tires to be exact – and beefed up the suspension to handle the extra weight and stress. It wasn't about racing at first. It was about putting on a show, doing demonstrations, and crushing cars – and people loved it. AO STUDIOS took on the massive project of bringing this legendary vehicle back to its former glory. And when we say "massive," we mean it. The truck was… well, it had seen better days. Years of shows, jumps, and demonstrations had taken their toll. Parts were worn, the frame was bent, and the whole thing needed a complete overhaul. “This wasn’t just a restoration; it was an archeological dig, honestly,” says a spokesperson from AO STUDIOS. “We wanted to be completely faithful to the original design and construction. We did a ton of research, looking at old photos, videos, and talking to people who were involved with Bigfoot back in the day. We even tracked down some of the original parts suppliers.” The team at AO STUDIOS started by completely disassembling the truck. The frame was straightened and reinforced. The original 460 cubic inch Ford big-block engine was rebuilt to factory specifications – they wanted to keep it authentic. The transmission and transfer case were also overhauled. But it wasn’t just about getting the mechanicals working again. The body was stripped down to bare metal, repaired, and repainted in the iconic blue and yellow color scheme. The interior was also completely refurbished, with new seats, carpets, and a dashboard that looks just like it did back in 1974. They even recreated the original graphics and lettering. “We spent hours getting the details right,” explains the AO STUDIOS team. “The font on the lettering, the shade of blue, the way the graphics were applied – everything had to be perfect.” One of the biggest challenges was finding tires. The original 66-inch Super Swamper tires are no longer manufactured. AO STUDIOS had to track down a set of vintage tires and have them professionally restored. That alone was a huge undertaking. The suspension was another major project. The original Bigfoot used a custom suspension system that was designed to handle the massive tires and the stresses of jumping and crushing cars. AO STUDIOS had to rebuild the suspension from scratch, using a combination of original parts and custom-fabricated components. “This truck wasn’t built to win races,” the spokesperson emphasizes. “It was built to put on a show. We wanted to make sure that the restored Bigfoot could still do what the original Bigfoot did – impress crowds and crush cars.” And they delivered. After months of painstaking work, the restored Bigfoot was unveiled to the public. The reaction was incredible. Long-time fans were thrilled to see the iconic truck back in its former glory, and a new generation of fans was introduced to the legend. AO STUDIOS didn’t just restore the truck; they also created a detailed history of Bigfoot, documenting its origins, its evolution, and its impact on the world of motorsports. This information is available on the AO STUDIOS website, alongside photos and videos of the restoration process. “We wanted to share the story of Bigfoot with the world,” says the AO STUDIOS team. “This truck is more than just a vehicle; it’s a cultural icon. We’re proud to have played a role in preserving its legacy.” So, what’s next for the restored Bigfoot? AO STUDIOS plans to showcase the truck at various automotive events and exhibitions. They’re also considering making it available for private bookings and appearances. One thing’s for sure: the legend of Bigfoot is alive and well, thanks to the dedication and craftsmanship of the team at AO STUDIOS. If you're a monster truck enthusiast, a fan of automotive history, or just looking for something truly unique, the restored Bigfoot is a must-see. You can find more information about the truck and AO STUDIOS at their website or by contacting them directly at 865-426-9945. Located at 1 Washington Park, 16th Floor, Newark, NJ, 07102, AO STUDIOS is proving they aren't just restoring vehicles, they're bringing legends back to life. This isn't a copy; it’s the Bigfoot. And that makes all the difference. It’s a rolling, crushing, tire-slinging piece of history, and AO STUDIOS has done an amazing job bringing it back to its former glory.