1952 Ford F1 Daily Driver Hot Rod with Ice Cream Cone RedCar Creamery

Eric Pettis

1952 Ford F1 

Facebook: RedCar Creamery

"This truck is old and tough and is a multi-show winning daily driver—yes, I drive it every day, anywhere I need to go." – Eric Pettis

From Corporate Career to Creamery: An Automotive Love Story

Eric Pettis was born in Charlotte, North Carolina in 1989. After moving all over the country working in the commercial electronics industry, he finally settled in Alabama after meeting his wife. But a year or so ago, he hit a rough patch with his career. "I simply snapped one day and walked away from years of experience to try something new," Eric explains.

He wanted a coffee shop, his wife wanted an ice cream shop, and their son yelled "Red Car!" while playing with a Hot Wheel. RedCar Creamery was born.

"My family's love for all things automotive had a place to express ourselves while giving back to a wonderful community of Morris, Alabama," Eric says. They now host monthly car meets of all kinds and even had an "only red cars" show that turned out amazing.

The Frank Sinatra Connection

"I've always had an old soul and love listening to anything Frank Sinatra," Eric says. "I saw a picture of him as a young guy in a '52 Ford and knew I'd have one someday."

When he found this truck for sale in Dallas, Texas—built by a gentleman who had unfortunately passed away—Eric made a deal with the consignment company, flew to Dallas, and drove it all the way home to Alabama in 24 hours. "The only thing I've had to do was add my logo to the doors and enjoy it."

The Build: Ford F1 Old School Done Right

The build is simple and clean—exactly what an old-school hot rod should be. The front chassis was cut and replaced with a '73 Camaro front clip, giving it modern handling and braking. The refreshed small block 350 features a 4-barrel Holley carburetor with a very light cam, tubed exhaust running to glasspacks that turn out before the rear tires.

The truck sits on a square setup with 16-inch American Racing wheels in satin black with red center caps. It was painted in Coca-Cola red in 2012, and the signature melted ice cream cone on the front driver fender advertises their business perfectly. Inside, '65 Ford Mustang seats keep things comfortable, with the entire interior painted Coke red to match. Mustang GT grill vents in the hood add a subtle custom touch.

"The build is simple and the gentleman that did the work really did an amazing job," Eric says.

Ford F1 Complete Build Specifications

Engine and Drivetrain

• Small block Chevy 350
• 4-barrel Holley carburetor
• Very light cam
• Tubed exhaust to glasspacks
• Exhaust turned out before rear tires

Chassis and Suspension

• '73 Camaro front clip
• Original Ford rear

Brakes

• Camaro brakes (front)
• Drum brakes (rear)

Wheels and Tires

• 16-inch American Racing wheels
• Satin black with red center caps
• Old school square setup

Exterior

• Coca-Cola red paint (painted 2012)
• Mustang GT grill vents in hood
• Melted ice cream cone graphics on front driver fender
• RedCar Creamery logos on doors

Interior

• 1965 Ford Mustang seats
• Interior painted Coke red

Ford F1: The Ultimate Daily Driver

This isn't a trailer queen or a weekend warrior—Eric drives this 1952 Ford F1 every single day, anywhere he needs to go. It's a multi-show winner that still serves as practical transportation, proving that old hot rods can be reliable, functional, and beautiful all at once.

The 24-hour drive from Dallas to Alabama when he bought it? That's not just a great story—it's proof that this truck was built right from the start.

Future Plans: Growing the RedCar Fleet

Eric is finishing up a '32 Ford roadster go-kart this weekend that matches the F1 and actually fits in the bed. They've also made a deal for a 1950 Ford F3 Boyertown delivery truck that will be restored and turned into their RedCar Creamery coffee truck.

The automotive passion that started with a Hot Wheel and a childhood love of Frank Sinatra is now becoming a full fleet of red classics serving the Morris, Alabama community.

Community and Culture

Through RedCar Creamery, Eric and his family have created a hub for the local car community in Morris, Alabama. Monthly car meets bring enthusiasts together, and the "only red cars" show proved there's appetite for creative, themed events.

"My family's love for all things automotive had a place to express ourselves while giving back to a wonderful community." That's what it's all about—using your passion to build something bigger than yourself.

Final Thoughts

From walking away from a corporate career to building an ice cream shop around automotive culture, Eric Pettis's journey is as unconventional as his 1952 Ford F1 is iconic. The Coca-Cola red paint, melted ice cream cone graphics, and small block 350 create a rolling advertisement that's also a legitimate show-winner and reliable daily driver.

"This truck is old and tough." Just like the old-soul spirit that Frank Sinatra represented, and just like the determination it took to walk away from everything familiar to build something new. The truck, the business, and the community he's building in Morris, Alabama—it all came from listening to that voice that said "Red Car!" and having the courage to make it real.

Call to Action

Do you have a build story like this one? Got a build on a budget? We want to see it. Submit your story to Stance Auto Magazine, and you could be the next featured owner showing the world how to do it right—without breaking the bank.

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