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So I was contemplating making a unit of Chem-Dogs as described in the Codex: Astra Militarum, but they never actually got a line of models of their own. Was wondering what people thought might be good substitutions or pieces I could use to create them through kit-bashing?

It depends how much you want to spend and how much you want to model on your own. Victoria Miniatures makes a lot of parts/pieces that would make good Salvar Chem Dogs. GW Cadians, Steel Legion, and Gene Stealer Cultists have lots of good parts to scavage. Mad Robot and Pig Iron also have great bits that might come in handy.

As said before, victoria miniatures provides the best kits for chem dogs. Imo they look closest to what they should be.

Is it Wargames Exclusive who also does an entire squad?

https://wargameexclusive.com/shop/imperial-soldiers/imperial-dead-dogs-squad-10u/

etc.

You could probably build something appropriate using Anvil Regiments. Might need to order a few different squads with slightly different mixtures of kit to get a properly rag tag look.

Given that Vic Lamb designed her range of not!Chem Dogs off of her Golden Daemon winning Chem Dog conversions she did many years ago, which in turn she copied straight from the art work, I'd say that her range is your best bet for straight up Chem Dogs.

However, considering that the Chem Dogs are a filthy bunch of scrounging, thieving, neer-do-wells, who will steal anything from anyone, including the screws of things that have been bolted down, making them from a range of different parts from different manufacturers certainly wouldn't be an obscene option.
"Look how many different regiments we've fought along side! They've all given us gifts of armour and weapons in thanks for our continued service!"