I started this car back in October 2012, and I'm getting back at it to try to finish it up. Here is where I stand right now:

Engine


Interior


Undercarriage


The body is at the "Paint Shop" right now, so hopefully I'll have more updates once the body is all painted.

Jim

So, managed to get some more work done on the FHP Charger. Still have a ways to go, though.



Jim

Looking good Jim, nice work.

Cheers, D

Thanks. It has some issues, but I think I'll be able to correct them.

Jim

You seem to be handling the issues well, and the variety of color adds a ton of realism too.
Cheers!
-Sean

Nice progress. The decals look great in these pictures. I'm also liking the details included in this kit. I might consider picking up one of these.

Thanks, Ko & Sean.

The kit is nice, & goes together quite well. The wheels are kind of finicky, and the instructions show the intake manifold on reversed, but nothing major. Mine is just taking so darn long due to constant paint failures. I think the body has been stripped & repainted four times!

All of the decals come in the kit except the CALEA logos behind the front wheel wells. Those came from the Police Decal Shop. The kit also includes (3) different wheels & 8 or 9 different light bars. With aftermarket decals, you can really make a Charger from just about any police agency in the US or Canada.

Jim

I swear this car is cursed or something! As you see it, it's on its FOURTH complete paint job, and now I've had a decal failure! The "State Trooper" decal on the right front fender (not shown) slid down over the wheel well & that's where it dried. Un-freaking-believable! I contacted Round2 to see if I could get new decals for this kit. I didn't have much hope as I purchased this kit when Lindberg was owned by Stevens International and not Round2. On the bright side (if there is one), Round2 said that they would send me new decals. I think they felt sorry for me.

More updated when (if) the decals arrive. Of course, they next update might just be a flaming box of crushed parts!

Jim

So, I managed to get some more work dome on the Charger Build From Hell. My decal issue was resolved, and this is where the build stood on 26 FEB 16:



And here is where we are now:





The front & rear bumpers are just placed on for the photos, and are not secured yet. Despite some setbacks, the build is starting to come together. The latest setback is the rear view mirror shot across the room, and I cannot find it. No idea where it might be. I minor setback, but I'm sure something will pan out (or I'll find the part). So, onward with the build!

Jim

That's been quite a challenge, but it really looks great in the photos, and it makes for good reading here! Push on, Jim. We're behind you!
- Sean.

Thanks, Sean. It's coming along.

Jim

I'm seeing light at the end of the tunnel! (and it's not the headlamp of an oncoming train this time)








It's getting there. Not perfect, but I'm pleased after all of the trouble this build has been.

Jim

Good build overall. Just a tip for your lights, run a black sharpie along the edge of the rear tail lamps as well as the clear headlight cover. This gives the car an illusion of having a rubber seal around the lights making it appear more realistic.

Thanks for the tip, Calvin; but it's a little late for this one as they are already glued down. Next time.

Jim

Managed to finish up my Florida Highway Patrol 2006 Dodge Charger today. It's been a long haul.










It has some issues, but it's done. Would I build another Lindberg Dodge Charger kit? Yes, I believe I would. Would I do it as a FHP car? Absolutely not!

Jim

Nice work Jim. Definitely not your usual type of kit or even police car for that matter. What did you find especially problematic with the kit?

Nice finish, Jim

Thanks, guys. I appreciate it.

Calvin, for the most part, the kit is very well engineered; and goes together well. As for problems with the build, here's my list:

1. Engine - As mentioned somewhere else, the instructions have the engine top reversed with the slot on the rear when it should be in the front. Not a show stopper be any means, but it should be noted. Also, it seemed that every time I touched the engine a part went flying off. I believe that this has to do more with my modeling skill (or lack thereof) than with the engineering of the kit.

2 Wheels - The wheels that I used were not the ones called out in the instructions, but ones that are a better match for the wheels used by FHP. They did require the removal of some ribs in the mounting point to get them to fit under the fenders. Once I figured that out, they fit fine.

3. Side windows - The side windows required some careful sanding to get them to fit onto the body properly. Front & rear glass fit fine.

4. Body - I had a difficult time getting the body to fit onto the chassis properly over the right front wheel well. This causes that gap you see between the body & the front valance. I messed with it for a while, but sometimes you just have to stop & move on.

Like I said, all in all it was a well fitting kit. If you follow the instructions, everything just falls into place. My biggest problem was with the paint.

Jim