How to build a Rosco Replica? Where do you start? Well - of course you start here - at Rosco's website! Recent years have seen a boom in Rosco Police Car replicas. They are a lot of fun - and considerably cheaper to build than a "General Lee". However, few parts are reproduced as very few of these cars are on the road as daily transportation. Many common parts are simply out of production - the key is to start with a great base car. As a rule of thumb - find the best car you can afford to start with and go from there.
Parts is Parts: Would you believe that walking in your auto parts store for simple parts for a 1977 Fury may not be as easy as you think. Reproduction windshields are typically not available - if you do find one it could set you back $400. Don't be so quick to jerk your factory weatherstripping out of your doors for painting the door jambs - those aren't available either - you could end up with a very "windy" replica!
Rust and major bodywork should be avoided as much as possible on a project like this. Aside from "Dukes" collectors - these cars are not very valuable. Unlike a 69 Charger, future attempts to sell the car might never recover a huge investment to fix the issues seen above. Hold out for a straight, decent running car if possible. Finding one like this however would be a great source of parts.
The Basics:
Building and driving a Hazzard Squad Replica can be a lot of fun. They are much cheaper to build than other movie car replicas - and are actually more reliable and cheaper to maintain than their counterparts like the General Lee. Massive horsepower and trick, expensive engine mods are not typically the goal with these cars. Most can be found with the trustworthy and ultra-reliable (and decent on gas) 318 Dodge motor. Most owners of both General Lees and Hazzard Patrol cars are quick to point out the apparent advance in technology from 1969 - 1975 at Mother Mopar. In fact - many Hazzard Patrol cars are driven to shows over great distances - in the case of the Smith Brothers - completely across the country!
If you want to build a Hazzard Patrol car don't get in a hurry. Find the best car you can afford to start with. Many current owners have purchased running and driving cars for $350 - $1000 - some even with tan interior. They are out there, and when you least expect it, you will stumble across one.
We hope this section of JamesBest.com will provide you with an informative look at one of the most famous tv police cars in history - and at least point you in the right direction should you decide to build one!
INTERIOR: Finding a tan interior car might not be the simplest thing. Most dashes have a telltale split in the dash from years exposed to the sun. While tan is accurate to the Dukes of Hazzard television show - many replicas with blue or even factory green interior are very presentable. Many owners have gotten creative about dealing with the common split dash. They can be repaired by justdashes or covered up with a dash cover. We have even seen replicas with real working police radar units - with the digital display hiding the cracked dash!
CARPET: We understand that replacement carpet kits for the Fury/Monacos are available here.
The Aerodynic lightbar was made by Federal Signal. New lenses (even new lightbars) are still available today. This is the 48 inch model - with the Hazzard signature red and blue. One good source of these older lightbars are volunteer fire departments. Being an older design lightbar - these units rely on internal rotators and flashers to warn motorists. New units featuring LEDs have been replacing this style for years - resulting in older lightbars being passed down to volunteer stations. Often times, two or three worn-out units can be used to piece together one working light bar.
Please check your local laws regarding possession of lightbars - particulary blue lenses. Simple possession of a blue lense is illegal in some states - something to research and consider when building any squad car replica.
The Aerodynic light bar by Federal signal was a very popular light bar with police and fire in the 70s and 80s. It has been in production for over 30 years.
The center section allows for a loudspeaker if desired and the lenses are easily interchangable - in fact two large slotted screws on each end will remove the colored lense for service in seconds.
The two-toned Chickasaw County car featured dual spotlights - not seen on the Rosco Style Cruiser! 
(TOP) Some small details include a Confederate Flag front license plate.
(BOTTOM) Often referred to as "Dog Dish Hubcaps" the hubcaps on Hazzard Patrol units are unique. The image on the far left shows a civilian model of hubcap available on these Mopar sedans at that time. These were seen on occasion on Hazzard Police cars. The image on the right is the hubcap originally issued for Squad cars by Mopar at that time. They feature a shiny finish and small holes around the outside edge. They would be later used with slotted wheels.
(top) The Reunion movies may have featured a lot of unique changes - one thing is for certain - they kept our beloved Police Car the same!
