firemangeorge

FYI
If you get the SS bumper cover, be sure to get the fog lights with it. SS fog lights are a specific part for that bumper. Regular HHR fog lights will not fit.
If you don't get the fog lights, there is no "plug" to cover the hole like regular HHR's have.

d0sitmatr

thanks for the info
Ron, I had considered that, but I honestly I want to keep it color matched as best I can for now, as I am planning on getting it repainted in the nearer future. (I am not specifically fond of gold)
FMG I think the cover has the fogs (at least it does in the image) but Ill make sure I get them while there if available. if not, I might be able to make a cover to put there, will depend on what I find.

another question that I think I read the answer to somewhere on here, I dont need any special supports to use this cover, correct ?

firemangeorge

I believe the foam support behind the bumper cover is different between the 2. I seem to recall a thread or 2 on this site that gives some of the details to do the swap. Use the Search function and look for those threads.

sleeper

Agree with FMG, there have been a few (at least) that have done the swap here.

d0sitmatr

I know I sound indecisive, but Im still on the fence about this as I found someone parting out a gold HHR due to a blown engine, and waiting to get a response from them before I commit to the SS front end.
if I can get everything I need (minus rad and ac cond) for less Id rather go that route for now, plus since this is setting me back $700.0 it also sets back my plan of a paint job.

Oldblue

Do what’s best for you, but I still vote SS

sleeper

It'll work out, don't get in a rush.

d0sitmatr

well, no answer from the person selling parts off the gold hhr.
but now its friday, the salvage yard isnt open over the wknd, and with my work schedule, I cant get up there until Tuesday earliest, Im not sure if I have a choice but to remain patient lol
that said, being patient isnt easy as I walk outside every day and see my poor hhr sitting there looking lonely and neglected....

I did have a thought, my mechanic said he will just be cutting the splitter to get it off the subframe where it has been wedged onto it.
think it would be ok if I cut the splitter off completely, replace the mechanicals and just drive it like that until I can get the front pieces for the swap ?
I understand it wont be pretty, but is there any downside to not having the splitter there outside of protection ?
I can do something about that if that is all I need to worry about
​​​​​​​

Oldblue

Pop off the bumper cover the splitter may return to form , a little heat to warm the urethane. It’s gotta come off anyways.

d0sitmatr

Ill see if I can get it off in one piece, at first glance it looked to be really locked onto the frame, but after posting my last I went outside and took a better look and it seems pretty loose, so I think I can get it off pretty easy, even if it looks banged up.