Son Of Evel

Randy Fortenberry is no stranger to manipulating metal into stunning structural elements. As the owner of United Steel Works, Inc., he and his team create sculptures spanning the gamut from luxurious steel staircases to point-supported glass walls and canopies. In other words, the sort of grandiose architectural appointments that draw oohs and ahhs from those with the most discerning taste. The crew at USW have been doing their thing for nearly a decade-and-a-half, and have a stunning portfolio of work under their belts.

Even with a busy schedule of production, travel, and installations, Randy finds time to let his hair down and get busy on some fun projects with his crew at his other gig – Steel Works Garage in Moody, Alabama. Their collection of completed builds ranges from rat rods and patina trucks to drivetrain swaps and paint and body work. If it’s a cool project, they’ll tackle it.

When the opportunity arose to build an ‘87-1/2 C30, Randy jumped to attention. He had been cooking up a concept for an Evel Knievel-themed tribute for some time. The larger-than-life canvas presented by a virgin crew cab long bed dually was too much to resist, and he began to transform the concept into a plan. 

The truck was torn down to the bare frame and the back half construction began to take shape immediately. The team constructed new rear frame rails incorporating a 4-link setup. Up front, drop spindles were added and 2500 hubs were swapped in place of the original 3500 hubs to narrow the track width. To help get the truck on the ground, Slam Specialties 2800 bags were used front and rear, along with Viair compressors out back, a York engine-driven compressor under the hood, and Accuair e-Level air management.

Polished 22×8.25 Cali Off-Road Summit wheels were bolted on at each corner with Lexani 245/30R22 tires and they create the perfect contrast with the rough patina finish on this behemoth of a truck. Speaking of patina, contrary to what the casual observer might think, the details were all created with paint, not vinyl. Randy has fun explaining the work that he put into the finish – rust holes, water drops, ghost graphics, stars and stripes, and various other elements work together to become a crusty tribute to the late, great godfather of daredevils.

Under the hood, you’ll find more craftwork. The custom sheetmetal and engine hardware are adorned with more stars and stripes. A Texas Speed-cammed LS3 mated to a built 4L60E sits proudly amidst the tinwork. The custom headers and polished stainless steel exhaust system were crafted by Brandon Quesenberry of Steel Works Garage.

The interior is 100% Evel. Stars, stripes, pleats, and leather were stitched together by Trey Cochran at Shade Tree Shop in Oxford, Alabama. Kicker audio components, AutoMeter gauges, and a Forever Sharp steering wheel work together to make the cabin comfy and functional. In the bed, you’ll find tribute artwork, a bitchin cooler rack, custom painted cooler and air tank, and custom sheet metal throughout.

As Randy puts it, “We built this truck in 3 months. The idea was to grab attention and have fun. So far, so good! The old Dirty Thirty is doing exactly what we set out to do.”