Ponderosa by Rtech Fabrications

Randall Robertson of Rtech Fabrications in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, had already made a name for himself by transforming classic trucks into high-performance beasts. Still riding high on the success of his previous build—the award-winning “Duke,” a one-of-a-kind ’72 K50 Crew Cab that had wowed audiences at the Brothers Chevy and GMC Truck Show ’n Shine—Randall was determined to one-up himself. “We have to do something completely different,” he recalled saying, and that vision eventually took shape in a project aptly named The Ponderosa.

The Beginning: A Bold New Concept

The journey started with a simple idea: take a vintage 1966 Chevrolet pickup, a model that once sported a humble 250-cubic-inch inline-six churning out just 155 horsepower, and transform it into a modern, capable workhorse without sacrificing its classic looks. Randall and his team chose to begin with a well-preserved, low-mileage Chevrolet chassis originally built for a Class A motorhome—a robust 1972 (and in some specs, 1980s) C30 platform known for its durability. This provided the perfect foundation to build something both timeless and groundbreaking.

Reimagining the Body

To honor the truck’s heritage while catering to modern demands, Rtech Fabrications set out to reinvent the body. They maintained the original 1960s Chevy body lines but stretched it into a true crew cab. By repurposing front doors for the rear and reconfiguring the window frames and roof reinforcements, they transformed the classic cab into a spacious, four-door design complete with an extra back seat and ample legroom. The result was a striking, elongated body that measured an imposing 20 feet in length and stood 8 feet tall—a true giant on the road. To ease access into the tall cab, AMP Research PowerSteps—painted to match the truck’s bumpers—were installed, automatically retracting when the doors closed.

Engineering and Chassis Modifications

Underneath the reworked body, every structural element was revisited. Rtech’s engineers fabricated custom mounts for the suspension and added additional crossmembers to secure the upgraded powertrain. Since Chevrolet had never built anything larger than a 20-series as a 4×4, Randall’s team had to design a completely new front crossmember and create mounting points for heavy-duty Skyjacker leaf springs. They even sourced a pristine front clip from a low-mileage motorhome to ensure durability and maintain a refined ride quality. Hydraulic cab mounts paired with reservoir-style Bilstein 5165-series shocks not only supported the increased weight but also gave the ride a surprisingly plush feel. A Dana 60 front axle and a robust Dana 70 rear axle—equipped with a Detroit Locker differential and 4.10 gears—were chosen to handle the immense power and weight, all while clinging firmly to six 20×8.25 American Force wheels fitted with colossal 37-inch Nitto Trail Grappler tires.

The Heart of the Beast: Powertrain Overhaul

The true transformation, however, lay under the hood. Gone was the original modest I-6 engine. In its place, Rtech installed a rebuilt ’96 Cummins 12-valve diesel that now roared with 500 horsepower and 1,300 lb-ft of torque. This modern powerhouse was the product of meticulous modifications: Mahle pistons, a ported and polished cylinder head, COMP Cams’ performance camshaft, and a custom setup featuring BD Diesel’s three-piece turbocharger, a bespoke air-to-water intercooler, and Dynomite Diesel’s Stage 3 injectors. A 4-inch Flowmaster exhaust system ensured that every bit of performance was efficiently harnessed. The Cummins was mated to an NV4500 transmission—replacing the original five-speed manual—with an NP205 transfer case, creating a drivetrain that was as rugged as it was reliable.

Custom Touches Inside and Out

No detail was left unattended. To match the truck’s bold exterior, the engine’s valve covers were powdercoated in a custom green that subtly contrasted the light green Lusid Technologies GM 503 paint sprayed by Matt Thorne. The interior was a thoughtful blend of OEM heritage and modern upgrades. Bucket seats trimmed in ’66 GMC Sports style sat beside a trick center console—crafted from repurposed materials by Jarin Hirschi—that tied the cabin together. Daytona-weave nylon carpet, reproduction vinyl, and cloth upholstery by SMS Auto Fabrics lent a classic yet refined feel, while modern touches like a RetroSound Hermosa RetroRadio with Bluetooth, a Kenwood amplifier, and an advanced electronic instrument panel (wired by Speedway Motors) ensured every modern convenience was at hand.

Practicality was never sacrificed for style. A fifth-wheel towing setup was integrated into the wood-floored bed, and a custom crossmember mounted a Class V receiver hitch up front—both engineered to “do truck things” without compromising function. Even the braking system received a performance upgrade: front disc brakes featuring Bendix/Bosch Hydro-Boost technology with GM 30-series floating calipers and drilled-and-slotted rotors, complemented by 13-inch Bendix drums in the rear, ensured stopping power befitting the vehicle’s size and might.

A Tribute to Heritage and a Vision for the Future

Throughout the build, Randall remained steadfast in his philosophy: trucks must work as hard as they look. “A lot of modified trucks out there look great, but that’s usually all they can do,” he explained. By building with production-based parts—even when heavily modified—Rtech Fabrications ensured that The Ponderosa wasn’t just a showpiece; it was a fully serviceable, road-ready machine that any competent truck-service shop could repair.

The build even earned nods from the community. Noted Chevy C10 enthusiast Dino Battilana stamped his approval by placing his “Chevy Only” badges on the fenders, symbolizing the blend of classic Americana and modern performance that defines The Ponderosa.

The Final Reveal

After weeks of painstaking fabrication and assembly, The Ponderosa emerged as a massive, modern reinterpretation of a classic. Its 8-foot tall presence, 20-foot long frame, and roaring Cummins engine made it not just a tribute to the past, but a bold statement of what the future of truck building could be. With every custom fabrication—from the reengineered cab structure and reinforced roof to the advanced suspension system and high-powered drivetrain—Randall Robertson and his crew had outdone themselves yet again.

Now, as The Ponderosa gears up to cross the block on a live broadcast Friday afternoon, it stands as a testament to Rtech Fabrications’ relentless ambition: to build trucks that are as capable and reliable as they are visually arresting. In the world of custom trucks, Randall isn’t just raising the bar—he’s redefining it.