Rtech’s Chevy Ponderosa Will Make You Forget About The Silverado HD

As trucks and SUVs have become more popular with consumers, classic models have been embraced by the restomod community. The latest comes from Rtech Fabrications and it’s a 1966 Chevrolet Crew Cab pickup dubbed the Ponderosa.

Built from the ground up, the truck is based on a 1972 C30 chassis and features an immaculate two-tone body with a matching 1966 Chevrolet grille. The truck also features factory bumpers, power deployable running boards and a 12,000 lbs (5,443 kg) Warn winch.

The retro styling continues in the cabin as the truck has a painted dashboard, old school gauges and green vinyl / cloth seats which mimic those used in 1966. Other highlights include a Bluetooth-compatible RetroSound Hermosa head unit, a custom center console and a “period-correct nav system” which is a compass.

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While the body is from Chevy, the truck has a Dodge heart as Rtech installed a 5.9-liter Cummins diesel engine from a 1996 Ram pickup. That might sound like an odd choice, but the mill has been completely overhauled as it features Mahle pistons, a new camshaft, a BD Diesel manifold and an upgraded turbocharger. The engine also boasts new injectors, a K&N intake and a Flowmaster 4-inch exhaust system. Thanks to these and other changes, the engine produces approximately 550 hp (410 kW /558 PS) and 1,300 lb-ft (1,763 Nm) of torque.

The engine is connected to a five-speed automatic transmission which sends power a heavy-duty NP205 transfer case. The truck has also been equipped with custom driveshafts and Dana 60 / 70 axles which have 4.10 gearing and G2 aluminum covers.

Other notable features include a hardcore suspension with Skyjacker leaf springs, Bilstein remote-reservoir shocks and rear traction bars that also function as lift blocks. There’s also a 60 gallon (227 liter) fuel tank, an upgraded steering system and 20-inch wheels that are wrapped in 37-inch Nitto Trail Grapplers tires.

Thanks to all the changes, the truck looks phenomenal. However, it’s pretty expensive as Rtech says pricing starts at $150,000.