We are looking into making some new custom grilles.
Please voice your opinion - it makes a difference!

BTW: Here's the "Wide Spaced 3-Bar" idea I was referring to in the poll (it would have mesh behind):

http://www.socalhhr.citymax.com/i/Hidden%20Pics/New_Grille_Idea.jpg

Happy Voting! :thumb:

I'm not convinced on the Wide Spaced Three- Bar.
I think it throws off the look. Just my opinion, of course. Kinda Mopary and I think birds can fly into the radiator:confused: :p:
Don't laugh, it happened to me once:eek:

The black color will likely look decent with many body colors.
Here's an attempt at seeing how black would look on a stock grill:

http://www.pbase.com/harpozep/image/61855059.jpg

I'm interested in seeing what you come up with.
As I mentioned above, I'm not sold on the Three-Bar look. I'm thinking it may look nice on a large truck, but for me it is not adding to the HHR.
Whatever it becomes, I vote form chrome! See:
http://chevyhhr.net/forums/showthread.php?t=2689&page=6

Keep up the good work Mike. Sorry to hear of your condenser/rock problem ( from another thread) Time for us all to at least get something covering our lower grill area.

The 3-Bar would have black mesh behind it for "the birds." :lol:

I only posted the pic because I had that idea a few months back.

You certainly don't have to be "sold on it" - this is all about choices - we want to see what you DO want.

Please...let us know.

i want to see that new Trenz Vertical Stainless Steel Grille on an HHR

do a search for vhrod's posts, he has the vertical grille on his ride.

The 3-Bar would have black mesh behind it for "the birds." :lol:

I only posted the pic because I had that idea a few months back.

You certainly don't have to be "sold on it" - this is all about choices - we want to see what you DO want.

Please...let us know.


Gotchya!
Me saying ' Sold on it" was me being tired and not thinking about the poll at the top! Opps! I was not thinking choices ...

No, I like your picture, It gets the idea out there for us to see.
I think you and the rest of us who can should mock up a few grills in photoshop, like we have done.

It can get a bit confusing when folks refer to Stainless, Billet, Mesh, etc. I have some visuals, but like to find the pics when possible.

Again, thanks for the poll and the research. I still like the stock grill, but know it's days are numbered by the nature of its material composit. Shiny PLASIC, BAH!:( But nice looking! ):smile:

I'm sure you will come up with my next top grill by the time I need it.:thumb:

i want to see that new Trenz Vertical Stainless Steel Grille on an HHR

This is hvrod's.........
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e72/hvrodpics/Grillmdaa.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e72/hvrodpics/Grillmda.jpg

How would the "new" vertical grill differ from the one above?

I only posted the pic because I had that idea a few months back.

You mean Darkside had the idea like a year ago? :confused: They actually made one so here is what it looks like without the help of Photoshop. :lol:
http://www.chevyhhr.net/gallery/files/1/7/0/custom-by-dark-side.jpg

I have been holding out for more choices which is no easy task. I like the look of the 3 bar, so what kind of time table are we looking at here Mike?

i want to see that new Trenz Vertical Stainless Steel Grille on an HHR

:thumb: since then... I've added a stainless steel fine mesh backing to it.. yep another mod.... :thumb:

I'll have to go with the likeness in my signature image but in chrome. Bars with shaved bowtie.

I'm with Sindy and Casper on this one.
I do like the three bar, but not as much as the four bar.

I personally liked the 3 bar. Chrome would look quite decent. I didn't like the 4 bar shaved. I like my bowtie. As for the others, just not my taste.

http://www.socalhhr.citymax.com/i/Hidden%20Pics/New_Grille_Idea.jpg
i like this better than the other one below. bars are too small. i like the bowtie on it

http://www.socalhhr.citymax.com/i/Hidden%20Pics/New_Grille_Idea.jpg
i like this better than the other one below. bars are too small. i like the bowtie on it

I think it would look sweet black with crome mesh behind it on my black HHR

Well, I voted for the "New horizontal billet grille" option because that's the look I like, but I'd also like it to be different than the stock grille. I also wouldn't mind something like the "Diamond mesh with full frame option", seeing as how the Chrysler 300 looks awesome with that look. I did notice, however, that those two options had received the least amount of votes, though. I'm patient and can wait for just the right grille. In my opinion, getting something that is close to the stock grill doesn't make sense, as we are adding mods that differentiate our cars from all others, so it doesn't make sense to me to put something on that's similar to what you're about to take off :confused: I'm in the minority, though, because I see that the most votes have gone to the shaved 4-bar w/no bowtie (so far).

It's not over yet!

Please keep voting if you haven't already!

I chose the flaming grille. You mean something along this line right?
http://www.chevyhhr.net/gallery/files/1/7/0/dj_motorsports_flame_ford.jpeg

Whatever the choices, could you think about making a matching lower grille? I really want to continue the look all the way down. I like the three bar, I like the vertical, I like the four bar shaved idea, but give me matching lowers to really make me buy something.

Whatever the choices, could you think about making a matching lower grille? I really want to continue the look all the way down. I like the three bar, I like the vertical, I like the four bar shaved idea, but give me matching lowers to really make me buy something.

My sentiments exactly. I would like the full image from top to bottom to match, which is one reason why I haven't purchased a lower grill yet. I like my stock grill, but I can't really find a lower grill that will match well enough to the stock grill.

I chose the flaming grille. You mean something along this line right?
http://www.chevyhhr.net/gallery/files/1/7/0/dj_motorsports_flame_ford.jpeg

Yes, or we could do horizontal flames extending out from center.
But similar though...

I am like several others here...I like the stock grille that is on my car. I bought the lower billet grille to protect the radiator and stuff behind there from damage.

I might consider changing the upper grille, and would probably go with the horizontal billet if I did so.

Yes, or we could do horizontal flames extending out from center.
But similar though...

If you make one like that you will soon see a used Carriage Works grille in the classifieds section. ;) :lol:

If you make one like that you will soon see a used Carriage Works grille in the classifieds section. ;) :lol:

Like what? Flames "up" or "out" to the sides?

Let me know - we just might make a "CH" Special Edition grille! :lol:

I personally like vertical flames. :smile:

I personally like vertical flames. :smile:

How about with skulls at the bottom - bursting into flames?

How about with skulls at the bottom - bursting into flames?
Ok, now yer talkin!

Put me down for the 3 bar in flat black with a matching lower grill with mesh on both..
I could like the 4 bar also with a lower grill to match.

How about with skulls at the bottom - bursting into flames?

Actually my dream grille isn't on your list. ;) The most bad ass grille of all time is on a Volvo. :lol:
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c122/amarini/Volvo_Grill_Skull_Red_Crosses.jpg
Spider web with a center skull would be sick! :bow:

How about with skulls at the bottom - bursting into flames?

Count me in on that one Mike.
Would love it. Could also make a matching one for the bottom.:bow:

Actually my dream grille isn't on your list. ;) The most bad ass grille of all time is on a Volvo. :lol:
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c122/amarini/Volvo_Grill_Skull_Red_Crosses.jpg
Spider web with a center skull would be sick! :bow:

Yeah, but those red Maltese crosses just put that grill out of reach don't they! :thumb:

Hail to the grille king! :bow: :bow: :bow:

I don't think we can top that one.

I think we need so photoshop pix of some different grills.

for me i like the stock grill , from a guy that restores old cars for a living i like the vintage look ,lets work on others stuff as a roll down rear hatch window ,or pop out rear qtr windows or a vintage roof rack that fits with the factory roof rails, like a old vw westy:thumb: camper rack wood slats and chrome or powder coated? or ? is this site going to oil ? what the h3ll ,,,,,, show us your :lol: :lol:

I'd like to see the Shaved Four Bar Like Stock but have the bowtie replaced with the '47-'53 Chevy emblem like The Filling Station sells (part DS-112S). I think TXSMAN2930 has the decal kit for on his grill. I like what he did, but I'd like to have the actual emblem incorporated into the grill somehow - either replacing the bowtie in center of the grill, or having the emblem on the top bar. I think the part is too big to fit on the top bar though. T-Rex had a grill using this emblem, but with a mesh grill, which I don't care too much for. It's not on their web site anymore.

That's the thing a Shaved Four Bar with mesh and a matching Bumper grille. You could even lose the bowtie and use the script from a 53-54 vintage like TXSMAN 2930 has on the hood. :thumb:

Not sure why but I like the stock grill. Without the bow tie would look good. :thumb:

BUMP! Please vote on this poll if you haven't already. We would like to get a larger cross section of the HHR communities opinion. Thanks!

I voted for the 3 bar w/ mesh, however... if I could dream up a custom grille, I think I'd go with a 3 or 4 bar chrome "open" grille like my Dad's 56 Chevy truck. The grille opening is similiar, and the thin horizontal lines of the bars... which are almost "winglike" are clean and simple. I wish I had a pic, but this type of grille is fairly common.

But I can't seem to paste them in here! Oh well. Google 56 chevy grille. There is a good example at www.fredstruckparts.com/cart/showlarge/item/100993

If one of you brainiacs can find a way to paste an image here, please do... I'd love to hear what others think.

PDX HHR...Here's the grill you want posted.

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j125/courthousedeb/100993.jpg

I also took the 3 userbars that are showing on your sig and did a couple things with them. :smile: Putting them side by side makes the page too wide. Feel free to snag these and let me know when you have them saved so I can delete them from my photobucket album and this post. ;)

But I can't seem to paste them in here! Oh well. Google 56 chevy grille. There is a good example at www.fredstruckparts.com/cart/showlarge/item/100993

If one of you brainiacs can find a way to paste an image here, please do... I'd love to hear what others think.

Your new signature is TOOOOOO WIIIIIIDDDEDEEEE!! It's messing up the page. Sigs are supposed to be a max of 100tall x 500pixels wide. Please resize! :eek:

:laughabov Hey Mike...look above your post. :lol: I made a couple for him to use. :cool:

I also sent PM about size and tags I posted. ;)

Thanks,

It actually displayed fine on my computer... in any case, I just deleted it. No worries.

The retro look of the grille is what drew me to the HHR. While some of the custom versions that have been done look good, I don't think they are an improvment on the original. If I had to pick one of the ones currently available I could pick the 3-bar because it is reminiscent of a 1950 Chevy car. If I could have the one I wanted, I would create a true 49 Chevy truck grille that would fit... The cool thing about the old grilles is that each piece was separate and stuck out past the opening a little bit to contrast with the color.

http://www.chevyhhr.net/gallery/files/1/1/9/9/HHRnewgrille.jpg

Or for those who want the full treatment...

http://www.chevyhhr.net/gallery/files/1/1/9/9/HHRnewgrille2.jpg

A lower bottom stock looking grill would be great! :cool:

Now thats a grille I would want. The old school one that is.

nice, but i like the 3 bar and maybe for the bottom have one of the top bars thier, just my idea.

This is absolutely the look I want for our HHR. I don't know if my pocketbook or fabrication skills are good enough to do it but I'm gonna find out!

Yea, OH Yea. The retro look and the matching lower grill. PLEASE O PLEASE someone make it. I tried and failed. When you make it please make sure the HHR will not over heat. I'm looking forward to getting one.

Bud / Harvey

Glad you like my design. I have no idea if I can get it built or not but I am gonna try. You've got the look in the wheels that I wanted originally but I promised my wife that this was her truck and she can have what she wants and she wants full discs. The only difference is that I wanted to use a chrome wheel and a true 47 Chevy moon hub cap that says Chevrolet on it in block letters. Don't know that I would have ever found a modern wheel that would accept that hub cap anyway.

I've got some buddies around here that are great fabricators. I'm going to talk to them about helping me make this grille.

On another note, if we can put together the Coast Run in September, I would sure like to meet Harvey... And you too of course! haha. Maybe you could at least come down to Monterey for lunch?

I'm hip for the four bar or three bar because I like the look of the factory grill a lot with some minor adjustments to set it out of the pack would be nice. But with scaleguy and the rest I just want something that can flow down to the lower opening and match.

Or for those who want the full treatment...

http://www.chevyhhr.net/gallery/files/1/1/9/9/HHRnewgrille2.jpg
i like that total setup top and bottom

I agree CJ; looks pretty sweet. It will be difficult to manufacture though, with all those curved extrusions - and no visible perimeter grille (that is where the grille bolts up). I wouldnt give up on it though...anything is possible! :thumb:

That is one sharp setup there. Would cost a small fortune.

I'm still working on it. Started out with the idea of stamped steel. Outrageous startup costs! Now we are looking at extruded plastic. No cost figures yet.

Mike, the plan would be for a perimeter arc behind the extended grill that would just bolt in where the old grill does and make it all one piece.. actually two pieces when you count the bottom. Probably still gonna be cost prohibitive but it is good to dream.

Don't stop dreaming! That's how we get all our custom HHR parts made here! :lol:
If you hit a brick wall, consider letting me give it a whirl as we are currently working on several new grille styles with a couple of manufacturers.
I have a plastic molding facility a mile away from me here. Keep pushing! :red:

Mike, I wouldn't be against some sort of joint venture if my current sources look like they aren't going to happen. Think it over and if you are interested in something like that, we'll talk about it.

What about something more along the lines of and impala ss like grill. I think this one touched on it. http://www.hhrclub.org/galleries/hhr-custom-by-unique-performance/resized_hhr-custom-by-unique-performance_8.jpg bit have the shell go all the way around. Continue the line of the hood a little further out the make the opening a little smaller, although not as pointy as the one above. And the center grill bar extend to the sides. I think that's the only grill I'd ever buy. I've been waiting for someone to come out with it, or something even close to it... Otherwise I like the retro above, although I'm not sure I'd buy it.

Just voted for flames and that got us to 100 votes...

I just voted for flames too but since I am a firefighter I had to roll with what I like lol!

I am wondering if the red, whilte and blue bezels from a 58 chevy hood would look good on the grille instead of the bowtie. Any thoughts?

Im with Songman on the grill issue! I love the retro Chevrolet script on the top of the grill. I would problably prefer it more framed like the original grill, but Songman has my vote and purchase if this grill is made!!!:one:

Im with Songman on the grill issue! I love the retro Chevrolet script on the top of the grill. I would problably prefer it more framed like the original grill, but Songman has my vote and purchase if this grill is made!!!:one:

So is this Grille in the works somewhere. :lol:

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m72/john_11_2006/HHRnewgrille.jpg


I think we would have a lot of interested buyers.

What about something more along the lines of and impala ss like grill. I think this one touched on it. http://www.hhrclub.org/galleries/hhr-custom-by-unique-performance/resized_hhr-custom-by-unique-performance_8.jpg bit have the shell go all the way around. Continue the line of the hood a little further out the make the opening a little smaller, although not as pointy as the one above. And the center grill bar extend to the sides. I think that's the only grill I'd ever buy. I've been waiting for someone to come out with it, or something even close to it... Otherwise I like the retro above, although I'm not sure I'd buy it.
i like the grill the way it is they should make this one, but isn't the hood custom?

Hey Mike.....where are we standing on this issue? :confused:

i like the grill the way it is they should make this one, but isn't the hood custom?


Looks like the grill was pushed back a bit and the hood was streched with a small cowl.

Hey Mike.....where are we standing on this issue? :confused:


Yea, The Thread started on June 22nd and it won't go away.:lol:
Just kidding but I do think there is a lot of interest.
Maybe if we keep bumping it Mike will get the hint.:D

So is this Grille in the works somewhere. :lol:

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m72/john_11_2006/HHRnewgrille.jpg


I think we would have a lot of interested buyers.

Yes, it is... Trying to work out all the details. Thanks for your interest.

Songman

Thanks for working on the Grille and thank you for your ideas on some other threads.:D

John

Or for those who want the full treatment...

http://www.chevyhhr.net/gallery/files/1/1/9/9/HHRnewgrille2.jpg


This is the look I want to go for as well, but no chrome all parts color matched!

like this
http://www.classictrucks.com/features/0303CL_1948_chevy_panel_trucks/photo_01.html

Whatever we end up making this thing out of, it will be paintable. I don't do chrome either.

Gotta say, this one sure looks nice......different , yet feel it fits the mold.
http://www.pteazer.com/images/hhr2_lg.jpg

I like the horizontal look but would like to see the bars replaced with tubes like they were made way back when, but I would also like it to retain the wide top bar as in the stock grille along with the horizontal frame as is with my Stull grille. So in other words, something like my stull grille with tubes rather than bars, but all in a one piece construction.

Gotta say, this one sure looks nice......different , yet feel it fits the mold.
http://www.pteazer.com/images/hhr2_lg.jpg


I love that to, but don't have the money for the new bumper,hood and grill. Sure is sweet though

i just made this one tonight
going on now
pics tomorrow on Shaggy

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j313/cjkrause/100_1469.jpg
http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j313/cjkrause/100_1465.jpg
http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j313/cjkrause/100_1467.jpg

Hmmm...that looks vaguely familiar CJ:

(walks out to the shop):

http://www.socalhhr.citymax.com/i/Hidden%20Pics/Grille_Mod_Small.jpg

Looks like you beat me to the finish though! :thumb:

I Like The Three Bar But In Chrome

CJ just finished his in chrome. (See his thrread).

Mine (above) will be painted body color when complete.

CJ just finished his in chrome. (See his thrread).

Mine (above) will be painted body color when complete.

Hurry up and figure this out and get them for sale. I need/want a black grille for our HHR ;)

The three bar is ok, but i prefer something along the lines of the stock but in Black Chrome. I know you said you don't do chrome, but you should look into Vacuum Metalizing. It looks like chrome but you can do other colors as well. I know a place in California who does it.

61belair... I'm interested in any vendors in CA that you think could be helpful in my quest to build my grille. Feel free to PM me any info.

The three bar is ok, but i prefer something along the lines of the stock but in Black Chrome. I know you said you don't do chrome, but you should look into Vacuum Metalizing. It looks like chrome but you can do other colors as well. I know a place in California who does it.

Same here - put us in touch.

We are having a tough time finding a suitable vendor for our grille designs.

Thanks in advance.

I have a business card at home, I will look for it tonight when I get home. As far as fabriction you will have to come up with the grill. The company is strictly a coating vendor. Do a search for "Vacuum Metalizing" and you can see what some of the finished pieces look like.

heres my grill for the winter.
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f124/blackhhr/MyPictures0002-15.jpg
sorry about the back pix. Its raining hard here as you can see in this pic
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f124/blackhhr/MyPictures0001-15.jpg
the bowtie
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f124/blackhhr/MyPictures0002-14.jpg

Don't stop dreaming! That's how we get all our custom HHR parts made here! :lol:
If you hit a brick wall, consider letting me give it a whirl as we are currently working on several new grille styles with a couple of manufacturers.
I have a plastic molding facility a mile away from me here. Keep pushing! :red:

Wow, where have I been? I didn't know you were SO into it for us. How cool is that?? But what about my surfer look -- when can I get cute stuff like door locks or valve stem covers or pretty blue LEDs inside somewhere? And where can I get a horn that plays Beachboys?? And eyelids that really fit MY car? And do you sell/install hitches? And can you install this? http://www.oznium.com/inferno Okay, calming down now... no, I don't want to tacky it up, but a few more touches would be cool and there's not much you can do to it performance-wise, right?

Mitzkity - I'm guessing you have not been to our website yet?

It's www.socalhhrs.com

Yep, - we're "into it" for you! :thumb: Waaay into it! :D

Well I too did CJ's grill mod and I love it.
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f124/blackhhr/MyPictures0002-18.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f124/blackhhr/MyPictures0001-18.jpg

Looks great under that bra! :thumb:

i think someone need to make cj's grill at a good price

It's up in the poll (#4) already.

Go ahead and make it

We're working on it...have been for several months now:

http://www.socalhhr.citymax.com/i/Hidden%20Pics/Grille_Mod_Small.jpg

It takes time to do things right. :thumb:
Hang in there...

I know....its just this chrome stocker grille is driving me nutz ;)

Mike are you going to sell these grills? And will they be availible in chrome?

:laughabov :laughabov :laughabov

And, will there be a Road Ripper version?? :lol: :nuts:

Mike are you going to sell these grills? And will they be availible in chrome?

I'm guessing that they will be available by the time you are driving an HHR! :D

Songman has a cool idea. Old school at it best. Please check with him. He has posted pics before. It really looks good.

See ya down the road.

Bud / Harvey

lol

Or for those who want the full treatment...

http://www.chevyhhr.net/gallery/files/1/1/9/9/HHRnewgrille2.jpg

BINGO!!!

That's what I'd love to see!!! Take the upper grill and reproduce a matching one down below with out the bowtie to give that full retro grill look...

I still don't understand why Chevrolet stopped at the bumper? :confused:

I would have gone for that gorgeous old school grill too, if it had been around. I guess I was just too eager to get the front done more trucky, and I don't really mind the extra bowtie...even if she is a lady.

BINGO!!!

That's what I'd love to see!!! Take the upper grill and reproduce a matching one down below with out the bowtie to give that full retro grill look...


I SECOND THAT!!! I'm holding out for a 49' grill/front end!

Gotta say, this one sure looks nice......different , yet feel it fits the mold.
http://www.pteazer.com/images/hhr2_lg.jpg

I must have skipped page 7 of this thread - This is my FAVORITE HHR :one: out there right now and it's all because of that front end! PM me if this makes this go off topic but more info on this car and grill would be super appreciated!!!!!!!!

I'd like a chrome surround single bar with black mesh background with SS in the middle and a matching bottom for my SS

Welcome Bettie ( I loved that movie! )

That looks like a PTeazers grille and front end treatment. Say, you are in SoCal, are you guys planning to make the anniversary?


Don
Long Beach

Don, Bettie hasn't posted for a long time. She did attend the g2g at Clearmans.

Cheri, Sindy and I were there also.

WOW! A two year old thread back from the dead. COOL!