"Dukes of Hazzard" General Lee
The restoration of an American TV Icon

Following the cancellation of the television series “Dukes of Hazzard”, the studio sold off it’s excess inventory of “General Lee” 1969 Dodge Chargers.

This particular vehicle was purchased from and personally delivered by Jay Ohrberg of Jay Ohrberg Star Cars to Fantasy Cars Ranch in El Cajon, CA on September 9th 1998. It was stored at this location at the request of the new owner Paul Sher Jr. , until cross-country shipping arrangements could be organized.

The vehicle was picked up by private transport company and delivered to Code One Custom Auto on January 9th 1999. The condition of the car was listed as “Poor” and the certificate of condition listed damage as “too numerous to list”. The major body panels were severely dented and scratched. The paint was chipped, scratched, and in some places, panels were painted with a paintbrush to conceal damage. The decals on both doors were scratched through to the metal of the car. The driver’s side vent window glass was missing. The engine was non-functional and the car was shipped with Creager, 14 inch wheels, common to show vehicles such as the “Monkeemobile” and “Bull Car”.

The turn signal indicators in the hood and nose were missing and all of the side marker lights were damaged and covered with round “Stick-on” reflectors.  The rear mounted CB antenna was damaged and of the incorrect type used in the television series. The interior was remarkably intact and in very good condition. The radio section of the dashboard was vacant. No vehicle keys were included with the delivery.

The first repair to the vehicle was made by a professional locksmith who replaced the ignition switch, door and trunk locks and issued us a new set of keys for the car.

The vehicle’s battery was replaced and the engine, fuel and electrical systems were inspected prior to test-starting the engine. The wiring under the dash immediately caught fire when the power was applied. The fire was extinguished and the faulty wiring was repaired. Some dry and damaged paper air-conditioning ducts were removed and discarded. Several frayed and worn electrical wires in the engine compartment were removed and replaced. The engine was “turned over” and the radiator and carburetor were discovered to be beyond repair. The carburetor was replaced and a custom, High-capacity, 3-core radiator was designed and constructed at Wholesale Radiator Warehouse using several of the original components. The entire construction was supervised by Code One Custom Auto.

Once the engine repairs were made and the engine was again fully functional, repairs to the gas tank were made and the bodywork commenced.

The most severe damage to the vehicle existed on the right side rear quarter-panel where the vehicle had come into contact with an overseas cargo container. This accident occurred during one of its many trips to Spain and other destinations on the European auto show circuit following the completion of the “Dukes of Hazzard” television series.

The body panel was repaired and then followed the repair of minor dents and scratches commonly associated with any production vehicle which has been used on set. In order to repair damage to the doors, it was decided that the famous “01” decals would have to be removed and replaced. Rubbings were taken to insure the position and exact duplication of the original decals.

These “rubbings” were taken to a professional decal shop where they were expertly duplicated.

The original door decals were then peeled and sanded off along with the “GENERAL LEE” letters on the roof which would not have been practical to keep considering that the entire vehicle would have to be repainted. At this time, we decided to maintain the original “Rebel Flag” decal to maintain authenticity.

The vehicle’s surface was then repaired and prepped for painting including primer surfacer and sealer coats of paint.

The vehicle was then repainted with 12 coats of “Tangerine” paint which was matched using the original trunk decklid and verified by a professional paint supplier.

After the “tangerine” paint was applied, the rear tail light surround was properly painted the familiar black of the screen used cars. Most replicas do not exhibit this detail and even our series car had once been repainted and not painted with the black surround, when the vehicle was sanded for painting, another layer of tangerine paint was discovered as well as the original gloss black paint on the tail light surround.

The decals were re-applied, reflectors and lighting replaced using OEM parts and the engine compartment was then detailed.

The proper wheels were then located and mounted, a CB radio of the correct style and type was added to the opening in the dash and the much celebrated “Dixie” horn was added to the electrical system. A replacement “replica” license plate was added to the rear bearing the mythical “Hazzard County, Georgia” information and designated “CHT 250” in order to distinguish this car from other “replica” vehicles currently on display around the world utilizing publicity photos of original series cars.

“The General”, a favorite amongst our employees and visitors alike, spent several years at our shop in Lebanon overseeing the construction and restoration of quite a few movie cars.

Code One Enterprises maintained the vehicle for use at auto shows and public appearances during that time.

It was also on hand for photo shoots and the creation of several posters and publicity items as well.

It was sold in 2001 to the Burketts Movie Car museum in Branson, MO where it remained until it was transferred for display at the Trading Post Auto Showroom in Muskegon, MI. While on display, it rated as one of their biggest attractions to date.

I’ve been told recently, that it turned up in the hands of a rock star and his movie star girlfriend whom proceeded to trash the motor during a road race in Las Vegas.

On a personal note, I drove this car quite a bit myself and I would have to say, that this has been one of my favorite “Star Cars” to own. I’m hoping that Dodge continues its plans to re-introduce the Charger in the near future. Who knows I might just have to create something that reminds me of my days as an honorary “Duke”.