mod list please , hehe

were all guilty of it

 

go for it, post your list. besides, I could use some easy ideas.

2008 1LT, still stock.

 

My name is Jeff, it's been six weeks since I made any mods to my HHR...

 

Welcome to posting, you may also have to join Posters Anonymous

 

I was surprise to see that anyone was even interested in my unrealistic modding goals; boy was I wrong! I know some of this has all been done before, and I hope to reference and/or link to my favorite examples of some of these mod ideas already in effect right here on the forum. Some of the items will seem more relevant when I post current pictures of the HHR, used for my small business. That's a job for a later time. For now I will unburden my brainstorm of mod illness upon you...

After seeing this list you may ask whether there's anything I really even like about my 2006, but I am emotionally attached to this car, and there are plenty of things I would NEVER change (a few 2009 feature changes I didn't find as comfortable as my '06).

PS. The numbers beside the list items aren't that important, I just put them there for mileage and quick reference in case someone wants to respond. There are quite a few mods listed individually here that could be considered one mod (for example, 2, 22, 32, I would like to combine into one ultimate rearview mirror replacement). Anyso, be prepared for made-up words galore. And repetition. Nonsensical repetitive behavior is sure sign of mental illness!

2006 HHR 2LT Dark Gray Metallic:
Just under 25,000 miles since 6/2006

OEM options installed by factory/dealer:

Front heated, gray leather seats
Bright chrome appearance package
Bright chrome roof rails
17" high polished chrome wheels
Color-keyed running boards
Premium cloth floor/cargo mats
7-speaker premium sound package
MP3 single CD stereo headunit
Steering wheel audio controls
Cigarette lighter (non-smoker!) so I had dealer install extra 12V outlet cap

Can you guess which side of this scale I lean toward?

<-----+---------------------------------------+----->
blackout/monochrome.......now........ultra-shiny/chrome

The mega mod wishlist is as follows:

0 REPLACE right rearview mirror housing and chrome cap! Damaged by truck trailer...

1 2007-2008 OnStar overhead microphone (sunroof switch console)
2 2007-2008 OnStar rearview mirror with autodimming and compass
3 2009 UUI stereo headunit with USB/aux input ports
4 2009 UPF Bluetooth for phone package
5 2009 Steering wheel buttons for UPF, audio, and DIC/Cruise
6 2009 Center console cupholders (floor console cover swap)
7 2009 Center well (window switch/bezel replacement)
8 2009 Automatic transmission shifter replacement with leather shroud
9 2008 GM Advanced Remote Start upgrade (2-way transmitters)
10 2008 Dome light switch mod
11 2007-2009 HHR Panel 40-amp rear cargo accessory power outlet
12 Rooftop GPS/Cellular/PCS/WiFi antenna
13 2007-2009 HHR Panel rear door latch steering wheel buttons (mod for other uses)
14 LaneFX Commuter Edition
15 Pro-Fit HHR mounting bracket with swivel/tilt for Samsung SCH-i760
16 Aux input 3.5mm jack connection from rear of stereo headunit
17 2006-2008 PAL iPod control unit
18 2007-2009 Dual DVD player 7" TFT headreasts
19 2009 Chevy Traverse (2008 GMC Adadia) overhead DVD rear seat entertainment
20 LaFrance Autoworks Magic Touch door sensors (fixed window and rearview mirrors)
21 GPS Logger tied to 12v switched power
22 2009 Chevy Traverse LCD rearview mirror w/ OnStar, compass, and autodim
23 Jabra BT3030 stereo bluetooth to 3.5mm adapter
24 2009 Driver's side door console with window switches (latch style buttons)
25 2009 Waterfall console center bezel (knock-out traction control button for other use)
26 High-wattage AC power inverter with "remote" power switch
27 Hardwire AC power inverter to RAP/switched power
28 2006-2008 VW Beetle Homelink® garage door opener, integrated into sun visor
29 Vanity mirror lights (powered same as Homelink buttons) and cover switches
30 Heated windshield washer nozzles synchronized with rear defrost control
31 Heated rearview mirrors synchronized with rear defrost control
32 Gentex replacement rearview mirror with LCD (see 2009 Traverse, etc.)
33 Molded OEM HHR mudguards for front and rear wheels (mod or paint the HHR logo)
34 Overhead rearseat HVAC vents (see 2009 Traverse, etc.)
35 Samsung SCH-i760 desktop cradle modified for Pro-Fit or other mount
36 Under dash "footwell" lighting synchronized to BCM "door open" and maplight buttons
37 Stubby door lock posts (chrome with security LED synchonized with TheftLock dash light)
38 Express-down and master switch for all windows (center console switches only) see http://www.bfranker.badz28.com/fbody/expresswindow.htm
39 True backlighting for center console window switches
40 Pinch protection for all windows (possible by electronic resistance to reverse the switch?)
41 Verizon On-Star modc for cellular phone box
42 iPod to Sandisk Sansa pin adapter for conversion of PAL (or using modified Sansa dock)
43 LED rearview mirror turn signals
44 Dash mat (non velour?) with embroidered MrCatPC business logo
45 Motorola IHF-1000 Bluetooth handsfree kit with GM stereo headunit harness/wiring (GM install)
46 LED interior indicators for external lamps (see various 80-90's Buick and Cadillac)
47 Clinometer guages for body roll/pitch level (see Jeep, etc.) modified with HHR graphic
48 Pioneer sub/amp mute switch on waterfall console or steering wheel button
49 Multi A/V switch for routed LCD monitors, camera, and in/out jacks to split/combine sources
50 Remote power control for onboard PC and portable networking equipment
51 Media server with SSD (solid state drive) storage for music and movies
52 Logitech DiNovo Mini Bluetooth keyboard for onboard PC
53 Griffin PowerMate USB control knob
54 Glove compartment widened for 8-1/2" x 11" pocket
55 Glove compartment lighting with automatic open switch
56 Center console lighting with automatic open switch
57 Clear "bubble" window for tailgate below chrome beauty bar for license and framed graphics
58 All weather OEM rubber floor/cargo mats

The chrome:
-----------------------------------
59 Stubby chrome FM stereo antenna
60 Lund chrome hood bug/rock deflector
61 Chrome in-channel vent visors
62 Chrome antenna base bezel
63 Chrome door handle cups
64 Chrome lower tailgate trim strip
65 Chrome rear bumper guard insert/step
66 Chrome taillight rings
67 Chrome headlight trim
68 Chrome parking light/side reflector trim
69 Chrome rear reflector trim
70 Chrome bumper "bump" pads
71 Chrome bumper trim
72 Chrome front fascia behind front license plate
73 Chrome lower grille insert
74 Chrome fog light kit
75 Chrome rear bumper corner trim
76 Chrome front bumper cap
77 Chrome door/pillar speaker rings
78 Chrome door armrest pocket trim
79 Chrome interior door handle trim
80 Chrome rear lower bumper fascia
81 Chrome bumper trim 4pc front/rear set
82 Chrome sunroof console trim
83 Chrome badge letters and dots (for website)
84 Chrome Chevrolet scripts on sides of hood
85 Chrome running board inserts or trim
86 Chrome engine compartment/hood covers (maybe)

Seemed to me like the chrome deserved its own section...

Super secret mod projects:
-----------------------------------
LCD rear quarter "panels" in windows (see SEMA 2008 Mini Cooper), not so secret anymore, I guess

 

That's quite a list!! With all the chrome additions, it looks like you'll be purchasing nearly one of everything from HHR Boutique or Race and Street.

 

RAS and HHR Boutique and AutoTruckToys and well, can't get my stubby chrome antenna from SoCalHHR anymore I don't think... Several other sources I bounced around listing similar items, and several that may not "exist" as far as my previous hunting is concerned on the "the Internets."

Now that the list is up, I will probably edit that 1st part of this thread with links (internal and external, if that's okay) to point out the examples and components I have in mind. Thanks for the encouragment--I don't feel so lonely about my urge to tweak my lil HHR anymore.

Too much chrome, Jay? PERHAPS! I really have been trying to use my old Design 1 prof's advise of "select and reduce," no kidding! Like, no pin stripes, but again, I promise to snap and post updated pictures (since August 2008!) of the vinyl graphics with my business logo--then you'd see where pin stripes would be "overkill." I suppose I'm waaay past overkill already, at least in theory.

If I do get to post links, I'll make sure to include why/which components and examples to keep this thread focused on the goal and progress rather than being a generic "mod catalog." I'm sure I can trust the rest of the forum to point me back on track when I go too far astray!

@ halfpanel08: I love your AA5, I respect the blackout for sure... The 2009 HHR 2LT referred to in my original post for this thread sports AA5 in Summit White (see 3GNCA53V69S514074 and dealer pics *note links will expire when some lucky soul buys it). Ultimately I cannot afford it, but I must admit the AA5 was NIIIIICE, and I had brief glimpses of what I could do with that canvas, you know, besides the SHINY!

~Chri5toph is going back to work hammering out bugs on computers now. Sleep is not a regularly scheduled activity, it just tends to "happen" sometimes...

Final thought for the moment: Is it possible to have this much chrome without looking like instant CHEESE?

 

Whew! Why not just dip the whole car? The thing I hate about lists is you never get to them all. (right, dear? ) I'm thinking you should just throw out the list, do things a bit at a time and surprise us with pics as you go!

 

BigMOCats, I might consider that...know any good autochromedippers?

 

Okay: I concede there may be such a thing as "too shiny" as I just saw a *few examples online... And yet I wonder... no no no. "select and reduce," means my list will get shorter, either as I accomplish mods or drop them out. For now, the chrome list stays--there are a lot of tiny shiny items (I like my dark silver metallic paint, too).