RAT RODS TO RICHES | The Vegas Bronco that Stole the Show

In the realm of custom creations, where automotive dreams become reality, lies the mighty weapon of a Bronco — an extraordinary off-roader that’s equally at home on the dazzling Vegas Strip as it is conquering the treacherous Rubicon. This beast is the brainchild of the Nefarious Kustoms team and Cheyenne Ruether, the illustrious painter and TV personality from Vegas Rat Rods on the Discovery Channel and the co-host of Backyard Ballistics on the Outdoor Channel & Insight TV. Cheyenne works full-time at the renowned Vegas shop and has poured her heart and soul into transforming this 1969 Ford Bronco into a uniquely cool masterpiece. With a dash of wit and a whole lot of love, let’s explore the captivating journey behind this one-of-a-kind Bronco.

At first glance, this custom creation exudes classic charm blended seamlessly with a fresh modern twist. With a mighty 460hp Coyote V8 and a 6-speed gearbox, it possesses the power and reliability any classic restomod enthusiast could ask for. Its coilover suspension system ensures a comfortable ride on and off-road, while the interior rivals that of a modern luxury vehicle. Truly a triumph from the get-go! Let’s dig into this whole build.

Starting with a beloved 1969 Ford Bronco, the (discreet) owner embarked on a complete overhaul, fueled by a desire to rectify subpar previous work done earlier in the Bronco’s life. “The owner originally came in wanting only a color change but after I assessed the bodywork and panel placement done by the previous shop, I suggested a more rigorous repair plan and quickly began metal repair and bodywork to fix more of the inconsistencies overall.’’ Cheyenne recalls. To spice things up, she had to complete her part of the job just two days before flying to England to film Backyard Ballistics for three months. ‘‘Then,” she tells us, “The entire team at Nefarious worked hard for months installing all the bells and whistles.”

Mo’ Powa’

In 1969, the Bronco was powered by a 302 cubic inch V8. While it was impressive for its time, today’s options offer more power, reliability, and fuel efficiency. A bulletproof 5.0L Ford Motorsports Coyote crate motor takes center stage in the engine bay, delivering a thrilling 460hp. To provide a relaxed driving experience both on and off-road, the V8 is now paired with a 6-speed auto box. Installing a Dana 20 transfer case, facilitated by an engine swap kit from BC Broncos, made the entire package more manageable.

While the new engine remained relatively stock, various upgrades were incorporated during the process. BC Broncos headers, a stainless-steel exhaust system, a Powermaster alternator relocation kit, and a rock-solid Ron Davis alloy radiator with an electric fan were integrated, ensuring ultimate reliability.

Now, let’s focus on the suspension and axles—the crucial components contributing to the Bronco’s awe-inspiring performance. Up front, the ever-popular Dana 44 axle was chosen to easily handle the might of the Coyote engine and 35-inch BF Goodrich all-terrain tires mounted on Method Race Wheels. Originally, a Dana 30 axle was in place, but after realizing it was bent, the wise decision was made to opt for the larger option. Micah Gamponia at Nefarious Kustoms worked his magic, fabricating adjustable suspension arms and HD steering arms. Completing the package was the disc-brake conversion along with Warn hubs. A 2-inch body lift was also installed.

“A bulletproof 5.0L Ford Motorsports Coyote crate motor takes center stage in the engine bay, delivering a thrilling 460hp.” 

The front end was further enhanced with King coilovers to ensure a plush and responsive ride. At the rear, a sturdy Ford 9-inch rear end was bolted up, perfectly capable of channeling power to the ground without compromising durability. It is coupled with 3.5-inch lift leaf springs, and King 2.0 Smoothie shock absorbers. As a result, the Bronco glides both on the road and through the desert, flexing with ease when confronted with rocky terrain.

Rolling Chef d’oeuvre 

Let’s step inside this automotive marvel and soak in the stunning aesthetics. The eye-catching paint job demands attention. The matte metallic charcoal paint, painstakingly applied by Cheyenne herself, is flawlessly balanced by the gloss powder coating on the exterior trim and the strikingly bright center grille. This visual symphony extends into the interior, where rich distressed leather and black stainless steel create an alluring ambiance. It’s all about finding that perfect balance, right?

Delving deeper, the interior of the Bronco reveals a plethora of custom touches. Icon 4×4, in Los Angeles, CA, provided uber-classy door cards, rear panels, and map lights. To add a touch of uniqueness, matching corrugated metal was sourced and laser cut for the glovebox fascia, while gauge bezel inserts, housing Dakota Digital instruments, were meticulously crafted. A custom 3D-printed glovebox and laser-cut external trim rings further exemplify the astonishing attention to detail.

‘Cool’ interior 

Comfort and convenience were not neglected in this build. An Air Hurricane air conditioning system, known for its compact size, was integrated to keep occupants cool during scorching summers and warm during chilly winters. For effortless operation, Nu-Relics power windows, power-folding steps, and a universal power-lock system were added. Safety took center stage as well, with the fabrication and powder coating of a roll cage by the skilled team at 6651 Customs in North Las Vegas.

The interior upholstery is a testament to the dedication poured into this project. The craftsmanship of Ian’s Auto Interiors shines through as four cowhides were meticulously employed to wrap the seats, dash, steering wheel, doors, and quarter panels. Ian also hand-stitched the carpet in a German Square Weave pattern, while an Alcantara headliner was tailor-made for the hardtop. This remarkable interior elevates the Ford Bronco to a league of its own.

This captivating journey through the transformation of a 1969 Ford Bronco showcases the boundless possibilities of customization. With Cheyenne Ruether at the helm, aided by the expert teams at Nefarious Kustoms, BC Broncos, and other esteemed collaborators, this Bronco restomod emerged as a true masterpiece. The melding of classic and modern elements and a relentless pursuit of excellence have resulted in an off-roader that turns heads wherever it goes. It’s safe to say that Cheyenne’s labor of love has unleashed a wild beast upon the world. Check out Cheyenne’s socials at @rat.bratz and @cheyenneruetherofficial.

“The matte metallic charcoal paint, painstakingly applied by Cheyenne herself, is flawlessly balanced by the gloss powder coating on the exterior trim…” 

UPGRADES

Platform: 1969 Ford Bronco Restomod
Engine: 5.0L Ford Motorsports Coyote crate motor, 460hp; Upgraded stainless-steel exhaust system; BC Broncos headers for enhanced performance; Powermaster alternator relocation kit; Ron Davis alloy radiator with electric fan
Transmission: 6-speed automatic gearbox; Dana 20 transfer case
Suspension and Axles: Adjustable suspension arms and HD steering arms; Disc-brake conversion with Warn hubs; 2-inch body lift; Front Axle: Dana 44 axle; King coilovers; Rear Axle: Ford 9-inch rear; 3.5-inch lift leaf springs coupled with King 2.0 Smoothie shock absorbers
Exterior: Matte Metallic Charcoal paint job; Gloss powder-coated exterior trim and bright center grille; Method Race Wheels wrapped in 35-inch BF Goodrich all-terrain tires; Sturdy roll cage fabricated and powder-coated by 6651 Customs for safety
Interior: Distinctive distressed leather and black stainless-steel upholstery; Icon 4×4 door cards, rear panels, and map lights; Custom 3D-printed glovebox and laser-cut external trim rings; Dakota Digital instruments in a gauge bezel insert; German Square Weave pattern carpet and Alcantara headliner; Air Hurricane air conditioning system; Nu-Relics power windows, power-folding steps, and universal power-lock system