The priceless car I wish we NEVER found!

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Travis Bell shares the latest news with the original General Lee - Lee 1, Bubba Watson, and its new owner.
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#VINwiki #GeneralLee #dukesofhazzard

[@colhunt76]

Given a choice between: A battered, incomplete relic that's a shadow of its former self sitting behind a velvet rope silently collecting dust in some museum somewhere I might never have an opportunity to go... OR: A fully restored, running, driving, living, breathing legend that's looking, sounding, and moving as it should while suffering from Washington Hatchet Syndrome... I'll take the restoration. Sure, it may be less than 50% original, but it's being presented as we all remember it. Cackling, roaring, shining, glorious. Thank you, Travis.

[@RandomGuyDan]

If it had been in full General Lee regalia whe. He bought it I think there could have been a case made to leave it as is. But since changes had already been made a restoration was the right call.

[@joshaulis8326]

People who hate the restoration are arguing under the premise of “the ship of Theseus” because so much has been stripped of the original it’s arguably not the original, everyone’s opinion differ.

[@RandomGuyDan]

@@joshaulis8326 Well, it isn't original. But it's as original as it could be given the condition.

[@colhunt76]

@@joshaulis8326 Hence my use of 'Washington Hatchet Syndrome'; the handle broke a few times and the blade was lost and replaced, but it's George Washington's hatchet! From a preservation standpoint, it's not really the same vehicle, sure. But large portions of it are, including the floorboards and drivtrain, and that's enough. There are plenty of other historically significant cars out there that were nearly destroyed and brought back in a similar fashion, such as the Hemi Under Glass 'cuda.

[@firebythewater4477]

Washington Hatchet Syndrome. Luv it!!!

[@dwtrksvc]

The only people who complained are those who don't understand what it takes to restore something so great as Lee 1. Only love from true fans Travis. Thanks for all you do!

[@benjaminpendley6116]

The car doesn’t exist anymore. He did a vin swap

[@russelljacob7955]

I think the bigger issue was lack of the preservation of what they could. A good example is look up the resurrection of the first land rover. Yes, GL#1 Was a complete wreck. Cannot straighten out rust. But at same time, is it the first general lee, or just it's in number. For many movie car aficionados, it removes the flaws that are witness to what makes it special. Is why I recommend the first Land Rover, Aka "JUE". In this rebuild, the focus was on safe and functional. So fully functional and reliable, but everything kept as original as possible. Warts and all. Like the restoring a hammer analogy. Is it still an antique if you replaced the head and handle to make it like new? It isnt to fault Travis or the quality of the rebuild. But understanding is important. Stuff like seen in the picture with the old paint etc. Two schools. Restoration vs preservation and if one goes extreme, other will find fault.

[@digm0repaka]

IMO a great looking and driving(that portrays the original form and experience) restored vehicle is much better than a wreck even if a significant part of it has been re-made. If the car was rear ended back when it was new, and had the rear clip replaced, then appeared on a show and became famous no one would have cared, but suddenly if someone repairs it to original model and screen accurate condition after it became famous it's suddenly sacrilegious? Get a grip on reality. At the end of the day you have one more nice example of this car and one less wreck rotting in a forest.

[@MRX-rr5xf]

@@benjaminpendley6116dum ass you really think that body could’ve of been saved how about you rebuild it

[@daltonyoung1749]

I was a member of a dodge charger group on line . And my memory isn't as good as it used to be. Anyways, Travis had sold the car to someone else , but he did the restoration on the car . There were quite a few members of the charger cite that felt in shouldn't have been restored, but what really had people upset was that ttavis sold the original roof to a collector , when the roof didn't need to be replaced. The owner found out that Travis had pretty much parted out the car and sold the pieces as souvenirs . So the 1st general lee was a complete rebody

[@pathaha4870]

i’m black. that car is extremely iconic. if i had one ide keep it 100% original maybe modern suspension. it’s the general lee god damn it merica

[@Bimmeraudi1]

Do you know the history of the Confederacy?

[@cigarsgunsanddiesel8032]

@@Bimmeraudi1 umm... a bunch of rich White Democrats didn't want to give up their slaves...

[@Bimmeraudi1]

@cigarsgunsandgasoline8032 Those Democrats are today's Republicans. You'll see the Confederate flag wherever you find Republicans.

[@kennethrine8171]

Yes definitely

[@projecto6305]

Nice

[@edgardaniels1402]

The “controversy” on this car is ridiculous. I have a buddy with a beautiful replica and I’ve personally seen people of all colors almost run off of the road waving, smiling and trying to get pics before it’s too late. He never hesitates to let anyone who asks, sit in it and pose for pictures and lets little kids blow the horn! Lee 1 deserved to live again, he introduced us to the show every Friday night!! Great restoration!!

[@pablopablopablopablo3778]

As a person of color I don’t find it offensive . People are just too sensitive nowadays

[@wavyrokko6976]

Im a person of color and a car enthusiast. My gearhead side doesnt mind this. However, I understand the concern. The 'controversy' is that flag is a symbol of racism and hatred, on a car named after one of the most racist men to live.

[@georgewilson9121]

them commies sure dont like states rights its not tyranical enough for them

Black Gen X Louisianan here... I watched dukes of Hazzard as a child, right before the incredible hulk. It is an integral part of my childhood that existed well before I even knew what "race" was. While my demographic does generally feel away about the Confederate flag in adulthood, by and large, the general Lee gets a pass. I'm not going to retroactively hate on a show/car that is part of who I am because of that flag. It was a simpler time then... I miss those days. This is the first car that I ever lusted after... Tied for first with the Smokey and the Bandit Trans Am

[@edgardaniels1402]

Black gen x, you said it. I’m white, born in 72. I really could care less about the flag myself and understand totally where black people are coming from, I’d feel the same way. That flag on the back of Bubba’s truck might mean something. Flying over a state Capitol building? I get it. Wouldn’t want it reppin me!! That being said, it has its places, The General Lee and to me, places of historical value that shouldn’t be erased or forgotten. My brother just recently bought a vintage 77 Bandit edition TA complete with the CB sporting the fire chicken……….bastard 😒 All of that being said, we had the best childhood ever!! Good times my friend!!

[@scryla2000]

I’ll probably get flack for this BUT, I’m a 51 year old BLACK man from NC. My grandfather and I used to watch this show EVERY Friday night. I saw confederate flags everywhere, yet my grandparents were ALWAYS respected. The flag was a nonfactor to me. My LOVE for muscle cars came from my grandfather. Every Saturday night white boys would race in front of the house because it was exactly a 1/4 mile to the up hill down the road. My cousins and I would watch them race and there was never a problem. Some of them would even do burnouts if we asked. They’d let us look under the hood, get in their cars, and even ride us around in the parking lot(the start was the gas station next door). Hell, I didn’t know what racism was back then. Then I grew up. My parents moved to another city. I went to a new school where my teachers hated on the black students and I couldn’t understand why. It was so obvious that a few were fired. One of them (the PE teacher caused my friend Joyce Grace to overexert herself) due to she had a pacemaker. She made her run a mile at 8 yrs old. She died in front of us. My 3rd grade teacher slapped black students and was fired. I hated school from then till 8th grade. I didn’t hate white people, but I was weary of them. Then I came home one day and I watched the Dukes of Hazard. Uncle Jessie was talking about NOT judging by a man’s color but by his character. I then remembered my grandfather’s foreman Bud. He would come by and talk business with my grandfather because to get certain contracts Bud would be the face of the company and my grandfather who OWNED the company would send him to negotiate. It pissed me off that had to happen but it was a different time. I swore to myself I’d NEVER let racism stop me. Then I joined the Army. That’s when I saw it in full effect but I used it as fuel to be better. I’m retired now and living my best life. Ironically when I see the General Lee I’m NOT offended. The flag on the roof is ironically what I would prefer. Not because of what it stands for in my opinion but the innocence of a 7 year old child who loved his grandfather, sitting on his lap watching the guys I saw racing doing it on tv. Hell, I’d probably be the only black man who’d drive the dog shit outta this car. But I WOULD be carrying . I’m not stupid.

[@hubertdeyette5070]

Thank you for sharing

[@jaredgarlock1594]

The number 1 car should absolutely be as screen accurate as possible. I am glad the new owner is taking such great care of it. Bubba did a great job and did not deserve the hate he got.

[@ChrsGuit]

except the virtue signaling.

[@PiDsPagePrototypes]

Yup, this one needs to be 'screen accurate', it can serve as a discussion point, starting conversations about how much society has changed since the show was made, about what was considered appropriate then and is not now. Paint all the other ones with different flags on the roof, flags of native groups, flags of towns and cities, of regiments of veterans, even the LGBTQI+ flag, use these to start discussions, and maybe the rebellious spirit will shine through throw off old hatereds and to start a new age of understanding and acceptance.

[@kingcountrytowing]

I got in touch with Travis when he found Lee1 to see if i could buy the police monaco, but i was too late! I've known and been friends with Travis since, and there is no bigger dukes fan. Lee 1 was trashed, stripped and dumped in a junkyard since 78, when he found it. Nobody else had the dedication or the comnections, or the will to find that car, and bring it back to life. If you hate it that a jumped, stripped abandoned dukes charger is back on the road, that's your problem. Travis is a straight up decent guy, who tries to help everyone he meets, and im damn proud to call him my friend.

[@Thunderontheroad]

He saved it if it wasn’t restored then it would just be rotted away. The heart and soul is still Lee 1. Reborn with love and care.

[@kenvannorman6126]

As far as I'm concerned, it's Lee 1. It still has the HEART of the original

[@RidesByRyan]

Someone once told me “if you don’t have haters, you’re doing it wrong” don’t let anyone get in your head man. You tracked down and found the most important piece of history from the show and not only saved it from rotting away into nothing, but brought it back to life so people can still see and enjoy it. I talked to you on the phone a couple times, years ago when I found the fairgrounds general and was considering buying it. You were cool as a hell and helped me navigate the process with the correct info. Keep these videos coming!

[@YouveBeenMiddled]

Flak is the heaviest when you're directly over the target.

[@UberLummox]

@@YouveBeenMiddled Or when you're over a pile of shit.

[@HM2SGT]

_A lack of enemies is a sign fate has forgotten you. You have many enemies that know not Why they are so, but, like to village curs, Bark when their fellows do._

[@UberLummox]

@@HM2SGT No it's not

[@HM2SGT]

@@UberLummox 😂 Well aren't you erudite and well-read? It's an amalgamation, but I'll wait while you look it up and figure out what it means and where it's from.

[@imaginaryfriend9655]

Travis you brought back a Legend and you did it with all original 1969 sheet metal, anyone who says you didn’t restore the car and re-bodied it are insane, it has the original engine it had when it flew, it has 1969 parts (Not Aftermarket) How is the car a re-body? And kudos to Bubba Watson for not Removing the flag… Thank you Travis for bringing Lee 1 back to life

[@sugarnads]

If its been rebodied its not the original fkn car.

[@ButterfatFarms]

​@@sugarnadscry some more 😂

[@LostProfitsGarage]

Really glad you did what you did... it was the right thing to do. That car needed to live again, and you brought it back to life! The amount of work that took is amazing, and you sir have my greatest respect! 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@bradroberts6447]

Thank you for rebuilding the Original General Lee. It takes so much time, money, and effort to accomplish this goal. Well done Travis!

[@greengabe5]

*Grandma Gets a Titanium Hip Replacement* Me: OMG, YOU RUINED HER!!! THATS NOT MY ORIGINAL GRANDMA AT ALL!!!

[@greengabe5]

@@StabGoogleInTheDick I’ve seen people addicted to meds from depression of not being able to move around like they used to and being forced to take it easy and stay stationary. Can work both ways.

[@moparedtn]

A huge part of the old car hobby is special cars finding their way to proper *stewards* to care for them. Travis sounds like that has happened with this one, so that's optimal. That Travis didn't compromise his principles in the process is even better. - Ed on the Ridge

[@Freedomquest08]

I remember the Bubba taking the flag off the General Lee story going through the news circuit, which immediately put Bubba on my celebrity douche list. He was low as Jon Bon Jovi, John Mellencamp, Jane Fonda, etc. Now after hearing what really happened, I have mad respect for the guy. One more example of MSM's lying propaganda.

[@sinistercharger]

I was surprised at Bon Jovi .I had been following them for years

[@sprint6855]

I saw the car in it's junkyard state right after you found it. You had it at a carshow at The Paddock in Knightstown Indiana 20+ years ago. It was in a sad state. It was cool as it was, but you did it justice by putting it back the way it likely remebered itself. I never would have thought it could have been fixed to see it how it was.

[@NYCS19339]

Whatever happened to the Paddock?

[@NjDevilCamaro408]

IMO: the best way to please both sides is to restore the car but ALSO crate up all the damaged parts and NOT throw them away. Still preserve them and if possible, present them behind the restored car

[@colinklang]

They left it for dead. You turned trash into treasure. I don't know what else they expected you to do with the corpse of a car. It's a phenomenal restoration.

[@CJWatson-e7z]

Isn't it amazing how people will throw dirt on someone making a car that would never be driven again, into something entirely respectful and actually safe, just 'because'. Well done Travis. People would also do well to remember, that when you own the car, you can do as you please.

[@EdBolian]

That is quite a dark cloud that follows this car around. Makes for a great story though!

[@AeroGuy07]

Travis and I are about the same age and I was a huge fan of the show, too. My dad didn't like it, mainly because of the way it portrayed the cops, and I was too young to explain that that was part of the gag. The show was an action show with some comedy, not a procedural drama.

[@Runco990]

My thoughts about removing the flag and monuments in general..... We are supposed to REMEMBER and LEARN from HISTORY!!! Erasing it, doesn't make it go away. Looking back at it should make us think and become better. I like the General Lee just as it is, because it was an object of it's time. Like it or not, it should be remembered as it was, not altered and erased. Whatever a symbol once stood for, IT STILL HAPPENED!!! Don't erase our memories, they are LESSONS to not be repeated.

[@stunter2875]

I couldn't have said it better. You are absolutely correct and we need to know EVERYTHING good or bad about our history. Trying to ignore it or forget it happened does no good for progress. You can't learn something without knowing or doing it.

[@Rs3luis]

I never thought of it like that this comment is gold!!

[@supacheef1]

I know who Hitler and the nazis are without any of their bullshit hanging around.

[@udonenomee2117]

⁠@@TravelingStackeryou went too far with your analogy. It’s not like keeping the murderers picture as a reminder. It would be more analogous to keeping the newspaper clipping of the murder. My mother was murdered in the nineties and we have the newspaper clipping in with other memories of her. Was someone close to you killed in that war that you personally can’t stand to see that flag? I lost brothers in Afghanistan, I don’t get personally offended by the Taliban flag. I just don’t give it respect, that is my personal defiance to it. I don’t expect a certain behavior from others towards cloth with certain symbols on it. Your take on it sounds a lot like censorship and I’d rather have a Taliban flag as a robe than deal with censorship. And I’m a combat infantry veteran of OEF.

[@spacecadet0]

​@@TravelingStackerdeaf. The rebellious luke boys got a paintjob but hated no one. That Tennessee battle flag might have a bad reputation but they changed it for an entire generation. You can still have nazis in video games without glorifying what they did. Stop begging for a nanny to save your precious feefees.

[@Mark-M72]

"it wasn't a documentary" 😂😂🤣🤣

[@CaptRobertApril]

I recall John Schneider chiming in on this one, telling Bubba that if he removed the flag, he should also remove his signature from where he'd autographed it.

[@shawnconder4984]

I grew up watching reruns of the Dukes and having 2 or 3 episodes on VHS, one of which was One Armed Bandits. I remember the first time i saw the General fly in that episode and seeing the aftermath of the landing in behind the scenes pictures. I am so glad Travis found and brought this legendary piece back to life and that its been well taken care of as a living breathing legacy to one of the best shows on tv

[@jaydub5515]

How the hell did he "Destroy" this epic piece of Americana by essentially un-destroying it? He returned it to beyond it's former glory. He's a saint

[@racer193wr]

That car needed you.. like you said Dukes of Hazzard was your life a die hard fan. You took the first general from cool yard art to awesome running and driving as it was intended..

[@FaidedChainsawGuy]

Hearing you say it couldn’t go to a better owner hurts because you don’t know me. I trust your word and won’t stay awake at night hoping that beautiful hunk of metal sitting on the same planet I am is in good hands. I love what you did.

[@JTHarrisHF]

Anyone who would bend for idiots "offended" by the General Lee, doesn't deserve to own one!

[@jgt9338]

Jokingly I want to build an offensive version called the General Rommell. Paint it black and have the runes on the side and the WW2 German flag on top.

[@pepperdaddy69]

You should look into yourself and try to figure out what makes that funny to you. The original car appeal is because fun memories and nostalgia. What would the appeal be for a Nazi dodge charger? Maybe a VW would have a chance to be argued as a parody but I don't think many people will appreciate your idea. Sure there is shock value but you will just be written off as a hateful racist. Unless maybe that is your thing? 🤷 Idk buddy, I don't get it personally

[@justinjolley9453]

I’m a huge fan of the Dukes of Hazzard and have been since I was a little kid. In my opinion, I know what it took for you to purchase that car and I know the condition it was in when you found it, I believe you rescued that car and have saved it for generations to come! I have watched your story over and over several times and still enjoy it to this day. I also believe that despite how Anyone feels about the confederate flag, it belongs on the Very first General Lee no matter what!

[@blockpartyvintage1568]

Shout to bubba for not bowing the knee

[@stereotypicalwhitemale848]

He eventually did cover it up though. 🤷🏻

[@johnhancock1739]

Bent the knee for his best interest Way to go bubba. Don’t care about golf and NASCAR. But do care about history!

[@WeAreCurated]

So much truth in this. Proud of your growth Travis!

[@Henni112]

Massive love for this. Always remember, the internet is like a toilet that flushes backwards. Thank you for all you do.

[@ryanbrown4130]

More than likely people would complain if you left it as it was, people would complain if you left it in the woods, people would complain if you cut it up for parts. Either way you go somebody isn't going to agree with you. Glad yous restored it though 👍

[@brianlewid8413]

I’m sorry the people feel the way they do . I am s true fan and THANK YOU for your awesome effort and completion of the General Lee!!!

[@jdsmith556]

Destroyed the first general lee? Nah, t.v. shots and the weather did that. If not for you and your extremely hard work it’s very possible that that particular car would not even be recognizable today and lost to the pages of time! You reached back into the past and pulled that husk of a beaten up rust ball back into the present for the next several generations to enjoy! Thank you sir form a fan!

[@rodneyrussell-to4ng]

I absolutely Command, and thank you for saving the General Lee #1!!! Looks like you did a fantastic job!!! The people who put you down for doing it, are absolutely idiots!!! Those of us who truly loved the show, and the car, Applaud you for restoring it!!! Thank you!!!

[@joeshmoe9720]

Few things left out, Not the first General Lee.Lee 3 by all accounts was first built. They were numbered randomly once they arrived in Georgia this car just happened to get labeled number 1. Restoration is a relative term. Most if not all the original sheet metal some of which could have been used with enough time and effort were sold off to collectors including the roof skin which was totally usable is hanging in a friend of mines garage. They basically attached the partial front end to a totally different car. That's where all the hate comes from.There was apparently no EFFORT to save what maybe could have been saved just due to laziness,to save money and time.

[@propdoctor21564]

Another excellent video... Personally I'm glad you found it and saved it and it is running and driving with someone who loves it. 👍👍

[@Robyn3blue]

The garden beds look great! Never feel pressure to meet a self imposed video deadline, so glad you stopped and went for a surf! Fill the garden beds with anything that once lived. Logs are awesome. Check out you tuber self sufficient me. He did a video on what to fill a garden bed with. Maybe get to know your local seedling seller at your local markets. They can be a wealth of knowledge of great things to grow in your area. Malabar spinach is one of my favourites, should grow in your area. Small leaves great in salads, large leaves can be used as a “wrap “, hope that makes sense. Thankyou for your great videos! :)

[@25Wineman]

Just come across this video. I watched the show as a kid in the 70s. Great to no that the cars still out there!

[@uhhalienz1817]

The moment i seen the thumbnail i thought "SWEET! Another Travis Bell Video!" love when he comes on VINwiki and tells his stories!

[@IowaBudgetRCBashers]

The dukes was a great show with great family values, and I’m glad the car is now in the proper hands

[@NoName-ik2du]

It'd be one thing to complain about the restoration if the car still looked like it did at the time it was wrecked and retired, but the thing was stripped down, rusting in the woods, and didn't even have the orange paint on it anymore. It wasn't a preserved icon; it was an unidentifiable mess that had been abandoned to rot. The only logical choice with a piece in that state is to restore it.

[@darthbiden8675]

what's more important is that he saved it from rotting away in that field and being lost to time, it has original 69 sheet metal and he did everything he could to make it look exactly as it did when it appeared on the show, down to the crooked 1, and the parking pass sticker, so I don't see the issue.

[@Mylifeintechnicolor]

I love that all of you doing the "Ruf" joke when talking about the roof on a car.

[@XJag9684]

Can I speak as/for the Black Duke fans" We don't and never have cared about that flag on the General!" I doubt it was us complaining about it from the gitgo. This is coming from someone who grew up in Mississippi and has family buried next to Confederate soldiers in MD. Ty

[@YouveBeenMiddled]

The General only flies ONE flag. Love it or hate it, *this* is the original.

[@shaunbeakley348]

I was just thinking about the original part of this story earlier today! Super cool to hear again

[@weirdest_ninja7757]

My dad is in love with the dukes of hazzard And when we seen the video of them saying they found it my dad said “dang if I knew that guy had it he would’ve went and talked to him about it” my dad knows the guy that runs that place. I tell every almost every customer at my work about them finding it. I love it cause they get surprised every time I show them that video.

[@jasonkoc3997]

Hell No. The General Lee wasn't destroyed when it was restored. It was given a second chance to make more people happy and continue being appreciated . With the flag intacted

[@yavin99]

The car looks amazing and I was a huge fan of the show when I was a kid.

[@squareyes1981]

I’m from Ireland and not exactly from the generation that grew up with DOH. I used to love cars restored to death and have learned to love survivors that bit more as I’ve evolved with the hobby. However, that car was far beyond a survivor, it was a ruin. I think I would describe the restoration as restored to salivation. It’s in the condition that made your childhood mind drool and fantasise about one day owning. Isn’t that what the car existed for in the story? It’s a shame Travis took so much heat for his choice but from what I would consider an informed but impartial perspective, I think it was the perfect choice all things considered.

[@melsuggs3389]

I'm glad he kept the flag, not that I support confederate symbology I don't and for the record their statuary should be removed. But the car is an artifact from the history of television and should be preserved in the same way we preserve German tanks and planes from WW2 with their original markings, they are pieces of history.

[@89browndog]

Ignorant

[@89browndog]

You are ignorant! Go away

[@mattg9971]

Lol thank you for your virtue signaling. Ill let biden know to reflect that on your social credit score

[@bwofficial1776]

@@mattg9971 Tell Biden that he needs to retire.

[@davidleavitt3804]

@@bwofficial1776 yeah in an urn with the rest of the leftists and demonrats.

[@MegaBlazed]

May not remember my childhood but the general will always be in the back of mind telling me not to give up it's the only good memory of growing up

[@johnburch6927]

Happy birthday Travis!!

[@VINwiki]

What is your favorite car from a TV show?

[@Kazuma232]

The transporter tv series 2012 Audi A8 L

[@TheCannonball79]

The Miami Vice Testarossa.

[@Gramps83]

The Viper TV show car was awesome.

[@George.j.k]

I always loved the 80's A-team van

[@Rgh71fish]

Not sure about tv show, but fav movie car is the 71 cuda from Phantasm

[@driverjamescopeland]

How can anyone say you "destroyed" a car, when the original was already LITERALLY destroyed. For me, it's "proof is in the pudding"... and the simple fact there wasn't enough salvageable car left of GL 1, to restore to driving condition, says the car was "destroyed" before he even purchased it.

[@the_frankc]

The fact that people could get upset about Travis making a complete rotting shell of a car functional again just because it's not how they would've done it is ridiculous

[@theadventuresofsaltyjrover]

When I was a kid and the late 80s there was a car lot in Murray, Kentucky and it had four of the general leaves on it. They were all matching some of them didn’t have motor. It was just blacked out, but they were all general and I walked across the street from the Piggly Wiggly to ask the guy how much they were selling for he told me $2000. I told him I had $1000 in the bank and I asked if I could put deposit down to buy one of the cars. My dad talked me out of it he said I was 11 but all I could dream was to show in Tennessee rightby the Kentucky border going to High School and the general Lee someday maybe I’ll have another chance, but that was the one time of my life. I was able to touch my dream that car. My brother‘s name is Luke and I always got to be Bo

[@tomkopp2115]

Always a great start to the day with a new Travis story!

[@distantcomets]

As an 80's kid, I *loved* this car. As a grown up black man, boy is it ever cringe to me now. It's useful and probably smart to keep it in its original context. Still, no matter how much restoring an object of affection like this might be satisfying and technically impressive, I doubt a lot of black and brown fans of both the original show and this channel (like me!) have the same experience seeing this relic brought back to life as other folks seem to.

[@egroegartfart]

I can understand both sides. I think it was a beautiful and tastefully done restoration. I love it and have since the first video i saw on this and how travis got it and restored it painstakingly. I think i would have been more swayed to not restore it if it when travis found it that it was in exactly the condition it was when it made that final jump. It had been parted out a lot and it was painted that ugly green or whatever that was. I wasnt or didnt look like that car after the jump.

[@1320pass]

Travis, glad you found the car and saw it through to completion. Much respect.

[@rawknucklesprospecting682]

Haters will always hate what they no nothing about. For a dukes of hazard fan like myself you've done a great resto looks a million bucks

[@Malibujeremy]

I don't care what people think when they say that he ruined GL#1, what he did was save a classic from the crusher. Even though it took a whole other car at the time, he took a car that someone probably ruined the structural integrity of by doing something that they hadn't a clue on doing in the first place, and saved it. Thank God that there's so many companies making replacement parts these days to actually save classics from becoming tin cans.

[@dwcheshire]

As a child, born and raised in the South, I waved, wore saluted and revered the "rebel" flag. as an adult I realize what it stands for to a large portion of the population of this country. The confederate battle flag is history and should be in history books where context can be given as to it's function and symbolism. Likewise, the car belongs in a museum where context can be offered. The show was harmless and a reflection of the times. Times have changed.

[@stephenwolfe5812]

Don’t listen to them.They jealous because they don’t have it.I personally think u did an amazing job on it and it looks so awesome.Great job on it

[@adamhoffman3687]

Travis isn't the one who threw it away he's the guy that saved it from oblivion and indifference. I prefer preservation over restoration, but at a certain point, there's nothing left to preserve.

[@matthewsherman1450]

The car looks great and I appreciate the restoration. In the season 2 episode 23 "Southern Comfort", the General Lee was painted green. If someone wants a flagless, General Lee, replicating that car would still be show correct. True fans would know the episode and shouldn't have a problem with it.

[@aliassmithandjones9453]

I think the car is thankful you brought it back to life and back on the road vs rotting away somewhere all crippled and pathetic

[@fm9572]

As they said in "Wandavision," General Lee Number One is like "The Ship Of Theseus."

[@auteurfiddler8706]

This is the same thing Mark Harmon faced with the restoration of the Phantasm Cuda. This is why he filmed it to show it was not a "ReBody". But it was a rebody in a sense. This is why I say the first General Lee and any other Charger should be close to each other in value. And the same with any other restored car model where it is basically the same car as a non rare car.

[@bdkw1]

Better restored and driving than rusting away in a junk yard.

[@juztyn00]

I have no problem with him using what little that was left of the original to make a car that still be driven again. More people can enjoy it at shows than collecting dust in a museum somewhere.

[@Onimalap]

So it would be better to let it rot forgotten, tuned into Dominic Toretto disposable charger? Hide it from the world? This was the only good decision and hats off to Travis for spending his time and money to keep it for future generations. Thank you Travis.

[@bernarddembowski3946]

Personally they are jealous of what you did ,I personally think it was a labor of love,not just anyone can do what you have done to restore a piece of not only automotive history but the historical part of what it took to make a popular TV series at the time and now a favorite family show that will last for decades to come God bless you and your family

[@HM2SGT]

Symbols are contextual; the context has changed over the decades and through a century and a half. This symbol would continue to evolve and continue to move on if people would quit clinging bitterly to a past they never experienced.

[@joefin5900]

The number "1" on the driver's door is cocked, not plumb with the "0".

[@benzband]

Great job! So glad you restored General Lee #1

[@BlueTrane2028]

I don't understand how someone can think that car was better off becoming one with the Earth in that field. I, for one, am glad it was restored. I'm sad that Bubba allowed himself to be bullied out of owning it though, but also glad that it found an owner not constrained by wokeism.

[@joshuaholt7105]

I remember him coming through Shoals IN in the General, then saw The Holden in Indy couple of times

[@jamessexton2423]

There was nothing left but a rotting shell. Were the fans lining up at at that cool old guys junk yard to see it? Travis.. you are the ONLY reason that car has not returned to the earth. I, and most importantly the car, cannot thank you enough. Thank you sir!!!!!!!!!

[@RP-ks6ly]

I am a originalist/purist until the original is so destroyed that it can't be repaired.... they have done their best to restore an icon to its most original condition, give these guys a pass here....internet experts should understand this.

[@positivepsycho2932]

I don't understand why people would get upset about it being restored.

[@robo1000]

It’s car cosplay. Like if you put that flag on your Silverado, it’s silly, but the “ General Lee” is a Character in a tv show. So it should stay as it was in the show forever. Also where’s the Jeep CJ from that terrible movie The Pest with John Leguizamo? That scene where that Jeep transforms into a speaker system will forever live rent free in my mind.

[@brianmiller3227]

I always thought it was a awesome story how y'all got it. Never wondered why anyone would have a problem with the resto.

[@ChrisLoganToronto]

The funny thing is that all the cars used for The Dukes of Hazzard were cobbled together (Travis can probably say how many there were). So really there is no 'one' General Lee (other than the first). Let's just be glad Travis spent (likely loads of money), blood, sweat and tears (and I am sure he could never have forseen who would end up owning it afterwards nor the profits to be made. He did it for love, and he did it as well as he could out of his love for the General. Thanks Travis! BTW, my 2 cents on the rebel flag (not that anyone has asked me) A bit weird to fly the flag in your yard. But the flag on the roof of the General is a recreation of a TV car, and it's not really correct without it. I feel for the people that have also recreated their own version of the car and had to defend this. And now, bring on the attacks.

[@pc4189]

Love the car, love the show. I'd bet that most of the ppl who are complaining have never even seen the show. It was light-hearted comedy with great stunt driving. I had a General Lee model kit back in the day. Travis you rock dude. Keep doing what you are doing, who cares what the haters think.

[@JUNKERS488]

Thank GOD their are still people with COMMON SENSE.

[@pr3modeling239]

Bringing a car like that back to life, by the time you're done it might have 10% of its original metal left. And most of that is the VIN tags... And when it's restored, it'll be better than it ever was, even when it rolled off Mother Mopar's assembly line, and way better than it was when it was General Lee #1... And people, for some reason, can't understand why that costs more than a decent house... After the thousands of hours it takes to put a heap like this back together, not even factoring in the cost of parts...

[@roversgonemad]

I’ll take it restored over a crumpled heap any day. Strong work!!

[@chrisnewman6406]

If you hadn’t restored that historical General Lee, It would have rusted away forever!! Thank you for preserving our childhood… If they can’t see that, Then they obviously didn’t care for the show. When a movie star has a facelift, they don’t have a problem.

[@gdb5448]

Man, it's a toss up for me...on one hand I can appreciate the restored car but it really isn't the same car anymore....on the other hand there is something cool about the original hunk of junk even in its totally crapped out condition. Either way I think it's good that it was found and is no longer just lost in the woods and rotting away.

[@7t2z28]

I'm personally glad to see it brought back to life. Too bad another Charger had to give its' life to make it happen, but that's just the way it goes sometimes.

[@crazyhorsecreations1334]

You did the right thing restoring the most iconic car in television history #1 would have kept rotting

[@informationwarlord]

When someone says I shouldn't do something to my car. I tell them to buy their own and do what they want with it.

[@samus4040]

I was thrilled to learn that Bubba didn’t paint over the flag like I thought he had done. It changed my perception on who he truly is and I wouldn’t say he’s a coward, but an appeaser.