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Thinking about building a General Lee

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  • Member since
    June 2012
Thinking about building a General Lee
Posted by Compressorman on Sunday, May 12, 2019 6:25 AM

I am an aircraft guy so I could use some help on this since I do not follow car stuff very closely. However, I do follow it closely enough to know that they have taken the flag off of the top of the General Lee models (Sad How crazy is this world going to get !?). Anyway, can some of you car guys tell me what direction to take on this? I am wondering which kit to buy and where to buy some aftermarket decals, oh yeah...what color orange should I get to paint it? 

Thanks in advance!

Chris

  • Member since
    November 2003
  • From: State of Mississippi. State motto: Virtute et armis (By valor and arms)
Posted by mississippivol on Sunday, May 12, 2019 4:19 PM
MPC had a new tool kit a few years ago that I believe will build an accurate vehicle. There is a place in Nashville and in Gatlinburg, TN, called "Cooters" that's owned by Ben Jones, who played that character on the show. He has a ton of those kits, and I think they have all the markings. I don't know if he has an online store, though. Don't buy the white box MPC kit, though, as it's a Charger 500, and it will have the wrong back window profile. Monogram's original release of a 69 Charger, the Promodeler boxing, allows you to mark it up with the flag and door numbers, but it doesn't have the General Lee roof decal, due to copyright issues. I don't believe it had the correct wheels, either.
  • Member since
    September 2012
Posted by GMorrison on Sunday, May 12, 2019 6:19 PM

Compressorman

I am an aircraft guy so I could use some help on this since I do not follow car stuff very closely. However, I do follow it closely enough to know that they have taken the flag off of the top of the General Lee models (Sad How crazy is this world going to get !?)

Chris

 

"They"being MPC. The whole "controversy" is stupid, dumb show that had a nice couple of cars.

 Modeling is an excuse to buy books.

 

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: USA
Posted by keavdog on Sunday, May 12, 2019 10:12 PM

I was poking around after reading this and found Daisey Jeep and Duster along with the police car from the show.  Diorama?  Hopefully you can find the correct decals if they omitted the rebel flag.  Kinda the whole point of the model.

Thanks,

John

  • Member since
    June 2012
Posted by Compressorman on Monday, May 13, 2019 6:12 AM

GMorrison

 

 
Compressorman

I am an aircraft guy so I could use some help on this since I do not follow car stuff very closely. However, I do follow it closely enough to know that they have taken the flag off of the top of the General Lee models (Sad How crazy is this world going to get !?)

Chris

 

 

 

"They"being MPC. The whole "controversy" is stupid, dumb show that had a nice couple of cars.

 

 

If you dont like the show then that is certainly your business. Not sure why you had to let everyone here know how dumb you feel it was? I am trying to build a little plastic car. I have no interest in others political views, or confederate flags and what they represent/represented, or how 'dumb' the show was.

 

Chris

  • Member since
    March 2003
  • From: Western North Carolina
Posted by Tojo72 on Monday, May 13, 2019 6:29 AM

I think it was a dumb show also and I  don't think that I ever watched a complete episode.Not becaue of the flag or any politically correct stuff,just thought it was "dumb".

This is a forum where he spoke his mind,besides your initial post stated how you thought it was crazy to take the flag off.So you had to express your viewpoint,so did he.

So,enjoy your build and post pictures,but it will generate conversation,hopefully constructive criticism.I doubt the flag stuff will be controversial here,but so what if someone thinks it was a dumb show.

  • Member since
    May 2011
Posted by Mr Mike on Monday, May 13, 2019 8:57 AM

DoH was a show I just couldn't watch.  My reason for not watching that show has nothing to do with whether it was dumb, politcally correct or incorrect, or whatever.  I just didn't want to watch it.  No interested in it at all. 

If the Compressorman wants to build a DoH Charger, by all means go for it!  There is no special orange paint to paint the Charger with.  It was orange.  The people in the body shop used whatever was on the shelf at the time and painted the cars as such.  As long as it was close to what the producers wanted, that was fine with them.   

Decals-there are many sites that sell DoH decals, so do a Google search for DoH model car decals and find whatever site has the decals you like.  

Model kit-there are many sites that sell the DoH Charger.  Again, do a Google search and find the site that works for you best.  Ebay, Model Roundup, Model Empire.  There are plenty of sites to choose from.  I would suggest getting one of the later kits that has the corrected rear window.  The original DoH Charger model kit used the Charger 500 body with the flush rear window and that was wrong.  I have seen some builders use the Revell '69 Charger R/T and kitbash the two kits together for an accurate DoH Charger.

  • Member since
    September 2006
  • From: Bethlehem PA
Posted by the Baron on Monday, May 13, 2019 12:49 PM

I say build it, if you want, and eff anyone who doesn't like it.

As far as getting the decals goes, you could also look on eBay.  I've seen decal sheets from General Lee kits up for sale there, too.

The bigger the government, the smaller the citizen.

 

 

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: USA
Posted by keavdog on Tuesday, May 14, 2019 1:31 AM

No Sh*t Baron.  Build your model, we'll try to help you find what you may be missing as car modelers.  Kinda want to build one too - huge Mopar fan.

Thanks,

John

  • Member since
    September 2012
Posted by GMorrison on Tuesday, May 14, 2019 1:41 AM

So here's my back story on the comment I made.

It has nothing to do with the battle flag. I have plenty to say abt that but not here.

The show generalized a segment of the population as stupid crackers. Mostly the sheriff, and that was funny but still.

I'm a 50% Son of the South, Missouri and Mississippi. We go back, way back in Kansas City.

Not rural, urban.

BTW Junior Johnson is a hero of mine, second greatest sport in the world behind baseball.

I think that there were a few of those cars on the slots when I ran on tracks in the back of hobby stores back when.

And I owned a Plymouth Duster 323 for a while. Nice car, not. 

 

 

 

 

 Modeling is an excuse to buy books.

 

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: USA
Posted by keavdog on Tuesday, May 14, 2019 1:45 AM

Not about you GM, just want to get the thread back on track.  Let's help the dude find the right shade of orange and correct decals to build the General.  The rest is noise.

Thanks,

John

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: USA
Posted by keavdog on Thursday, May 16, 2019 4:35 AM

Found this on the ScaleAuto sister site which might be helpful.  Not sure it solves your paint problem but there's lots of good discussion and pics

http://cs.scaleautomag.com/sca/modeling_subjects/f/29/t/100424.aspx?page=1

 

Thanks,

John

  • Member since
    June 2012
Posted by Compressorman on Thursday, May 16, 2019 5:01 PM
Thanks John, I had pretty much abandoned this thread. It seems to have ran off the rails due to people feeling compelled to talk about how they dislike the show. I guess I took a risk posting this at all having (through google searches) seen how people seem to react to this show/car.
  • Member since
    September 2012
Posted by GMorrison on Thursday, May 16, 2019 5:15 PM

Sure whatever. But it was pretty obvious you came in with the insult about "crazy world".

Go figure.

MPC stopped selling the kit with the decal for reasons of their own.

 

 Modeling is an excuse to buy books.

 

  • Member since
    March 2013
Posted by LonCray on Friday, May 17, 2019 1:54 PM
I remember enjoying the show - I didn't care (then) about the flag, it was all just silliness. Of course, I was the perfect age to ogle Miss Daisy Duke. But what I've learned since the show began has struck me with horror, and I will probably never watch it again: Did you SEE how many Dodge Chargers they destroyed?!? All those cars would be classics now, and they simply ruined a bunch of them. Between 256 and 321 of those big beauties - destroyed.
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: USA
Posted by keavdog on Sunday, May 19, 2019 3:38 AM

 

No doubt they ruined a bunch of Chargers - which is painful in every way.  Consider the cash value of a 69 Charger these days.  I assume they would have made more money on the cars than they did on the show ;) 

 

It's a shame that we can't discuss the issues around the car and the battle flag.  I noticed that another thread comparing the swastika and the battle flag (note to all - not the flag of the confederacy) was deleted.  That’s too bad because I believe the discussion was around models not politics but I assume some complainer reported it to FSM and got the whole thing pulled.  Squashing, smashing discussion seems to be the norm these days, open discourse hmmm.....  If you disagree or don't like it then we can't talk about it - really represents the swastika if you think about it.

 

Anyhow - I'm hunting down one of these on ebay.  I really want to build The General.  It was a great looking version of an awesome car.  And man... they ruined a bunch of them for this show!

 

Thanks,

John

  • Member since
    March 2003
Posted by rangerj on Friday, May 24, 2019 2:34 PM

Didn't MPC do a large scale model, like 1/20th, of the General Lee, including the beefed up suspension, etc. IIRC it had all the correct decals as well, but that was a long time ago. My son built one of these back in the 70s. I think he was smitten by Daisy Duke.

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: USA
Posted by keavdog on Friday, May 24, 2019 2:47 PM

Yes - they did a 1/16 scale.  Still available

https://www.squadron.com/1-16-MPC-Dukes-Hazzard-General-Lee-Dodge-Charger-p/mpc752.htm

Ha - I like the description:

1/16 scale. The Dukes of Hazzard General Lee Dodge Charger. MPC. 2-door coup' 1969 Dodge Charger muscle car in the memorable livery of the 'General Lee' as seen in the 1979 'Dukes of Hazzard' television series. Kit has fully detailed engine, chassis with detailed suspension (with torsion bars and dual shocks), passenger interior (with roll cage), hinged hood, poseable front wheels, red-tinted taillights, ample chrome-plated trim parts, vinyl tires and vinyl tubing for ignition wires and engine plumbing. Includes painting notes and decals - including the politically incorrect Confederate battle flag for the roof.

 

Thanks,

John

  • Member since
    September 2012
Posted by GMorrison on Saturday, May 25, 2019 9:48 AM

This I why its a bad idea to keep talking about it.

I reported abuse because the discussion started to get into politics and slamming people who don’t see the world through one own view. Way too much of that going on.

And it breaks forum rules, which is a real diss to FSM and no doubt is why it was pulled.

And BTW I said I did.

Whatever discussion about comparing apples to oranges went on was another issue.

 Modeling is an excuse to buy books.

 

  • Member since
    June 2012
Posted by Compressorman on Saturday, May 25, 2019 2:20 PM

GMorrison

This I why its a bad idea to keep talking about it.

I reported abuse because the discussion started to get into politics and slamming people who don’t see the world through one own view. Way too much of that going on.

And it breaks forum rules, which is a real diss to FSM and no doubt is why it was pulled.

And BTW I said I did.

Whatever discussion about comparing apples to oranges went on was another issue.

 

I am curious, if this subject upsets you then why do you follow this thread? You have made it clear that you do not want to build this model.

  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: East Bethel, MN
Posted by midnightprowler on Saturday, May 25, 2019 5:43 PM

Sheesh people, the guy asked for help, not your opinions on the show or anything else. To the op, just about any shade of bright orange would work, as previously stated they used what was available then. I built one using the Revell 69 Charger, sanded off the vinyl roof and used the AMT/MPC wheels, antenna and push bar with aftermarket decals, I don't remember where I got them. I may have a set from that kit, not sure. A internet search should yield aftermarket decals. I used hemi Orange on mine.

Hi, I am Lee, I am a plastiholic.

Co. A, 682 Engineers, Ltchfield, MN, 1980-1986

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 1 Corinthians 15:51-54

Ask me about Speedway Decals

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: USA
Posted by keavdog on Saturday, May 25, 2019 6:06 PM

Compressorman i'll follow your build.  Just picked up the MPC kit on Ebay.  Now to hunt down that orange lol.  Midnightprowler love to see pics of your build.

Thanks,

John

  • Member since
    June 2012
Posted by Compressorman on Saturday, May 25, 2019 6:20 PM
How big is a 1/16 scale car like the MPC kit? I am picturing a shoebox sized car
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: USA
Posted by keavdog on Saturday, May 25, 2019 6:25 PM

Here's a video of a completed one - pretty nice

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOrsbiTZof8

Another, more of a build video - painted with testors comp orange.  You get an idea of the scale here as well

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOFPayxbByw

Or you could go the other direction Stick out tongue

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTd6utz-z3c

 

 

Thanks,

John

  • Member since
    June 2008
Posted by lewbud on Saturday, May 25, 2019 7:55 PM

Compressorman,

Since there was no factory orange color for the 69 Charger, I'd get me some Hugger Orange and call it a day.  Model Car World offers it in their line of excellent paints, it's #6900. Ordering from them is a bit old school as you can't order directly from the website, but have to call, fax or mail your order. Website is www.mcwautomotivefinishes.com  Hope this helps.

Buddy- Those who say there are no stupid questions have never worked in customer service.

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: USA
Posted by keavdog on Saturday, May 25, 2019 9:18 PM

I've been to that site - and yes, it's like 1999 all over again.  But the specific subject/color options are amazing. Just browsing the web, the color variations are quite broad.  In the pics below you can see the different shades and one with a white/putty roll cage.  I think you either pick a specific episode and model that car or do whatever you think looks good.

 

Thanks,

John

  • Member since
    November 2003
  • From: State of Mississippi. State motto: Virtute et armis (By valor and arms)
Posted by mississippivol on Saturday, May 25, 2019 10:11 PM

Nope, I'm sorry, but those pictures cannot be used to accurately model the General Lee. Huge inaccuracy that the doors actually open, sheeesh!Wink

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: USA
Posted by keavdog on Saturday, May 25, 2019 10:37 PM

Doh... good point!

Thanks,

John

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: USA
Posted by keavdog on Sunday, May 26, 2019 12:17 AM

BTW Cooter (Ben Jones) is my wife's cousin,  though I have yet to meet him. 

Thanks,

John

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: USA
Posted by keavdog on Sunday, May 26, 2019 2:59 AM

The birth of the General Lee - turns out its orange because thats all Cooter had in the garage - a nice redish orange Cool

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfK5HAZFk40&list=RDm9oKp2Q4M9k&start_radio=1

 

Thanks,

John

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