I have a 2008 HHR Panel that I call a 3 window Panel.
(windshield not counted)

I want to weld the seams of the back doors shut to make it look more like a real panel truck of the 40s/50s. Then re-paint the car. I can do the welding, body work, and spraying.

Any comments? Anyone know or seen a Panel with this done. To me it wouldn't be any different than a rear clip or a chopped top job; same type and amount of labor.
Boydie

 

I've seen an SS owner do it I think. Posted pics on the forum. I think it's a cool idea, but how would you ever use the side storage bins in the back seat?

 

Maybe this unless your talking of the rear hatch?

https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/deleted-threads-41/2008-hhr-3-door-ss-ultra-low-miles-lots-performance-goodies-42010/

Best-O-Luck ,

 

If you want to completely Devalue it, go right on ahead.

Just ask the guy with the 3 Door windowed one he did, my guess is he is Regretting doing it since he can't seem to sell it now.

Some mods sound great for your own use, not so much for others or car dealers when it comes to selling it or trade in time. Just keep that in mind.

< Panel owner myself here, LOVE mine, and like the convience of the rear doors on electronic poppers. Mines Black so the 1 door seam is pretty well hidden. The Dark colors hide the shadow line a little better than the light colors.

It's really only the rear seam you'd weld/fill anyways on the Panel, and loose alot of functionality. Cargo gets put in back, slides forward, pop a rear door open to easily reach it.
IMO there are much better ways to customize it and still be able to sell it later on if you decide it's time for another car.

Done alot of stuff to my own, but I can easily unbold most and swap things back to OEM if I ever wanted.

Add a rear seat in your Panel, now you can seat 5 and still have a Cool looking Panel, fold the rear seat down, still a cargo carrying 2 seater.

Performance mods, add a Turbo or Supercharger and surprize many with your sleeper Panel.

All bolt ons that can easily be reverted back.

Otherwise go for it and have fun with your Panel, just wanted you to think a little bit before you begin, the HHR's in general are harder to sell than say a Camaro, just not a mainstream highly sought after car the HHR.

I thought long and hard before buying my Panel, I could have bought one New, but decided a low milage used one was a much better choice for me when used ones were half the cost of a New one. Already knew they were a nitch market car and lost value fast.

Supercharging mine next month, No plans on selling her, I love my little Panel.

 

are those tail lights bolt on?

 

 

A&P- How big are your front rotors ?

 

Never measured them. Painted the calipers and rear drums 2 years ago.

OEM stockers I would guess they are. After the supercharger install I may seriously start looking for a Cobalt rear disk setup. 27,500 miles on Morticia now, got her with 19,077.

The Boyds are 17" if that helps. OEM wheels were 17" as well.

 

Source: http://hhrboutique.com/items/hhr-ext...ons-detail.htm

 

i could not use my panel if the back doors were welded. There are so many configurations with the storage for my business use. I really like your back light deal American and Proud. That is by far the best looking I have seen from that particular setup.