http://www.westcohost.com/rwimg/i.php?pid=p25-bt100

Chrome HHR Bowtie Overlays?

Since I mentioned this before, thought I'd again bring up this product idea/suggestion in a seperate thread that I'd LOVE to see some design team or accessory parts designer create...

It seems like many of the vinyl overlays available so far just do not cover the entire bowtie and still leave the side gold edge exposed. Painted ones look pretty cool but what about CHROME? Something like I've posted but form-fitting to cover the edge of the entire HHR bowties.

If anyone has any connections with automotive design teams or vendorsrs... How about a chrome finished 3M attached overlay for the front and rear Chevy bowtie on the front and back of the HHR... I guarantee you'll have no trouble selling the heck out of those to cover the gold plastic bowties in the factory HHRs...

I know product design takes some time before the finished product would be available for purchase by the general public, be if we don't let them know what we're looking for, they may never think of those ideas and suggestions by those who will actually purchase them.

Chrome HHR Bowtie Overlay for the HHR front and back?

Anyone agree this might be a nice vendor accessory item? :roll:

http://www.sporttruckdirect.com/Pics/SSE/SSE_Chrome_Bowties_Big.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb92/KahunaSTL/HHR/NewLowerGrillMod.jpg

I don't think I've ever seen a chrome cap for a bowtie on any vehicle. :confused: I've only seen billet replacements. Why don't you find yourself a couple of billet bowties the same size or as close to the same size as stock ones or have a local machine shop make them for you if there is nothing out there close in size?

I agree BK i would buy them, anything chrome :lol:
They would look good.:thumb:

I don't think I've ever seen a chrome cap for a bowtie on any vehicle. I've only seen billet replacements.


Okay, well the others in the past may have been billet bowties...

...but I was thinking more on the lines of a "chrome finish" ABS plastic with a Real Chrome Nickel Finish overlay.

Similar to the chrome finish antenna bezels / exterior chrome finished door cups or chrome finish taillight rings that are now available from Autotecnia by various HHR vendors.

They make a mold of the vehicle part, then pour an ABS plastic into the mold to make a matching ABS plastic overlay and finish it off with a Real Chrome Nickel Finish overlay and 3M tape strips on the back for adheasion.

I'm just not a big fan of the "gold" bowties and from what I've seen posted here in the forums, many others would prefer alternate choice. I realize they can be painted with some extra work and there are some vinyl overlays available but hard to find a good vinyl overlay that fits around the edges and covers all the gold.

This was just a suggestion or idea that might give some insight to HHR product developers and to see if others in the HHR community might show interest in such a product...


http://www.truckefx.com/chevygmcallchromegrilles/2474415725.jpg

I like the idea for an HHR with the chrome package..Not for mine though..

I had Tim make me some chrome vinyl bowties but chrome is brittle and won't conform to the bends, even though they are slight. Thats why he will make them any size you want and any color (almost) with or without lettering. So name your poison. If you want it to cover the whole bowtie just tell him what size you want it and he can make it.

See ya down the road

Bud / Harvey

I like the idea of the Chrome Bowties!!! My Premier Edition has been customized with mostly all chrome & stainless steel accessories from Race & Street. The Premier Edition HHR came with the factory Black Chrome, but I like real chrome as well. It makes a good combination. Yes...I would definitely be interested in only a chrome bowtie. It would look great with a classic "CHEVROLET SCRIPT" as well.

F.X.:thumb:

Absolutely :thumb: Especially since my rear already shows signs of the water damage :roll:

Absolutely :thumb: Especially since my rear already shows signs of the water damage :roll:

Good point... forgot about that problem... Another good reason for some sort of overlay either chrome or paintable ABS plastic so you could paint it to match your HHR color or any spray paint color you like... it would be much easier than us trying to remove the factory one and it breaking...

If they can make a mold of the exterior door handle cups, edge ring of the taillights and the roof antenna bezel, someone should be able to make a 3D rap around mold of the HHR bowties for a ABS overlay.

I have a Buddy who made the Bowtie and Chevy script for me, out of vinyl, I brought some to the 1st annual Mid-Central run, lots of good comments, chrome is a definate do-able.

I have a Buddy who made the Bowtie and Chevy script for me, out of vinyl, I brought some to the 1st annual Mid-Central run, lots of good comments, chrome is a definate do-able.

The idea of vinyl like yours is appealling. But like yours, most if not all I have seen leaves some of the gold showing (at least it seems like it in the picture). If I could find a vinyl solution that completely covered all traces of the gold, I would be sold.

The idea of vinyl like yours is appealling. But like yours, most if not all I have seen leaves some of the gold showing (at least it seems like it in the picture). If I could find a vinyl solution that completely covered all traces of the gold, I would be sold.

There is. Get a piece of vinyl then cut and stretch your own. That's what I did. No gold visible and it has stood the test of time and winter.
http://www.chevyhhr.net/gallery/files/1/7/0/Picture386.jpg

There is. Get a piece of vinyl then cut and stretch your own. That's what I did. No gold visible and it has stood the test of time and winter.

:thumb: Yes now I recall you doing this.

Hey Big Kahuna...

I am lovin' your idea, great to see another Summit White owner who thinks just like I do. I hope someone can get something EXACTLY like you described available for purchasing, I will order my set the day the are available!:thumb:

I intentional had them made smaller than the bowtie for contrast, all chrome would almost make the bowtie disappear.

http://www.chevyhhr.net/gallery/files/1/5/9/3/P1000262.JPG1.jpg

Mine is vinyl with no gold showing.I have two layers of vinyl to match graphics on the car, also CH the carbon fiber looks great.

http://www.chevyhhr.net/gallery/files/1/5/9/3/P1000262.JPG1.jpg

Mine is vinyl with no gold showing.I have two layers of vinyl to match graphics on the car, also CH the carbon fiber looks great.

Did you do that yourself, have a body shop do it, or is it something you bought "off the rack" (the blue color...obviously you would have added to the graphic matching piece)?

Also how long has it been on (CH this question goes to you too...) and has there been any shrinkage? I understand vinyl will shrink over time....I have no first hand knowledge of that one way or the other, just read that this was the case...

There is. Get a piece of vinyl then cut and stretch your own. That's what I did. No gold visible and it has stood the test of time and winter.
http://www.chevyhhr.net/gallery/files/1/7/0/Picture386.jpg


LOOKS AWESOME CH!!!

Unfortunately after I saw your original post months back when you did this, I tried the same procedure at home. Everytime I tried it, the front part of the vinyl over the Chevy bowtie would look perfect... then when I tried to stretch it over the sides, it would leave slight wrinkles (and being a perfectionist - I could not stand it)...

But if your every passing through St. Lou... stop by and show me how to do it right...

YOURS LOOKS PERFECT!!!

(by the way - did you use black vinyl around the edges of the carbon fiber?)

Thats what I meant when I said that chrome vinyl WOULD NOT WORK. I tried it about 5 times and never was able to get it right. Thechrome just won't stretch. Its just to brittle. If someone figures out a way to do it I'm all for it. The vinyl will stretch and you can manuver it.


See ya down the road

Bud / Harvey

(by the way - did you use black vinyl around the edges of the carbon fiber?)

Nah, it's the shadow. It's one piece of carbon fiber vinyl.

Also how long has it been on (CH this question goes to you too...) and has there been any shrinkage? I understand vinyl will shrink over time....I have no first hand knowledge of that one way or the other, just read that this was the case...

Over a year at least. It hasn't shrunk any. I'll take an undated pic when I get a chance but it looks the same.

Did you do that yourself, have a body shop do it, or is it something you bought "off the rack" (the blue color...obviously you would have added to the graphic matching piece)?

Also how long has it been on (CH this question goes to you too...) and has there been any shrinkage? I understand vinyl will shrink over time....I have no first hand knowledge of that one way or the other, just read that this was the case...

He used a heat gun and installed the blue and then installed the silver leaf bowtie over that.

BUMPED UP - Still hoping a vendor will create a "bowtie" alternative to replace the gold ones.

:roll:

like multi-color carbon fiber bowties?

Still amazed there has been no chrome or stainless overlay designed to replace the gold bowties on the front and back...

Seems like they have made chrome accesories to covery everything on the HHR but these bowties...

:roll:

have you tried bowties from other chevy vehicals to see if they fit, i know they make chrome bowtie replacements for the taho and pickups but i have not measued the size

have you tried bowties from other chevy vehicals to see if they fit, i know they make chrome bowtie replacements for the taho and pickups but i have not measued the size

Good idea... but may be a bit of an expensive experiment.

I've seen a couple of the large truck & SUV chrome bowties at the local AutoZone but they sure look big and I guess I'd have to purchase them to test fit them.

I would much rather find a set designed to fit the HHR bowties like a glove...

Guess I better to some measurements at head up to some of the local part stores.

Let us know if anyone finds any sets designed specifically for the HHR.

I tried to find one off another chevy, the 90's S10 trucks are pretty close in size however they werent at the correct angle of the grille.....needless to say Im still hunting too, and cant belive nobody makes these.

I tried to find one off another chevy, the 90's S10 trucks are pretty close in size however they werent at the correct angle of the grille.....needless to say Im still hunting too, and cant belive nobody makes these.

I'm looking too...

Approx 7 inches wide and 4 and 3/4 inches tall if I remember correct.

C'mon vendors!!! Find us a replacement!!! :confused:

BUMP???

Any vendors providing these yet?

:confused:

Someone needs to find a donor grill and take it to a stamping shop. There they can stamp out a emblem that will slip over the current one. You could make it out of steel and get it chromed, painted, or powder coated. You could do brushed stainless or make them out of aluminum and have them anodized.

Actually my wife and I went to Mexico and we saw several Chevys with a silver bowtie on the grill from the factory. The bowtie is a little smaller too which looks better. GM should send them up here as well.

I have been working with one of the other members here to create a vinyl overlay for the bowties. I am the one doing the SS overlay inserts. The second test set is on the way for a test fit. If it fits ok, we will post some pictures. These would leave the outer edge showing since it's very difficult to get the vinyl to lay over the entire bowtie without making creases.

I tried to find one off another chevy, the 90's S10 trucks are pretty close in size however they werent at the correct angle of the grille.....needless to say Im still hunting too, and cant belive nobody makes these.
when you tried the bowtie did you try it on the trunk, i ripped the the trunk one off of my car and took the HHR and LT lettering off, and i plan on just getting an aftermarket front grill and not put a bowtie on the front of my car. i would still like to have a chrome bowtie on my car but just on the rear door

http://www.chevyhhr.net/gallery/files/1/7/8/8/100_0673-1.jpg
http://www.chevyhhr.net/gallery/files/1/7/8/8/100_0669.jpg

*above pic post* neat! i want carbon fiber ones...like, actual carbon fiber bowties to replace the gold piece. anyone have ideas where to get some?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/HHR-SS-Emblem-Overlay-Set-Complete-Set-HHR-SS-Decals_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1742Q2em153Q2el1 262QQcategoryZ50447QQihZ014QQitemZ330219530570QQtc Zphoto

I've been really hoping someone could come up with a chrome overlay by now...

Even Autotecnica or other accessory designers who have found ways to come up with chrome overlays, bumper trim, underhood dress-up chrome, bezels, speaker rings, door handle cups, shifter chrome rings and chrome accesories for all over the HHR and other vehicles, have yet to come up with a simple chrome bowtie overlay to attach over the stock gold HHR bowties...

Guess I better plan to tape off the bowties and paint them myself...

Guess I better plan to tape off the bowties and paint them myself...

Why not just detach from grille so absolutely no worry of overspray?

Why not just detach from grille so absolutely no worry of overspray?


Thats the plan for the front... ;)

Why not just detach from grille so absolutely no worry of overspray?

Not a good idea unless you want to buy a new one I took mine off and it was scrap.

i ran some ideas over with a company im working with.
one of them was a chrome bowtie overlay.

just waiting on an email seeing what they are gonna be doing.

i ran some ideas over with a company im working with.
one of them was a chrome bowtie overlay.

just waiting on an email seeing what they are gonna be doing.

Dude... keep us updated... I'm sure there will be an interest... :thumb:

oh i will.

they are workin on getting the HHR site up soon. they already do parts for the G6, cobalt, sky, solstice.

I work with model cars and RC cars and there is material out called Bare-Metal foil. Its vary thin but it comes in chrome and is used on models to make parts chrome. I am wondering if that would work as its thin enough to conform over the part.

I have some and will try it out I should be able to apply it right over the gold emblem then cut around it. I will post my results as soon as I know something.

I tried the Bare-Metal foil and well that was no good it was to thin and would scratch off. So I used Thicker chrome Metal Foil tape and that seemed to work well. I wanted a transition from the chrome of the tape to the chrome on the grill so I used black gloss vinyl as trim after the chrome was attached.

I like the outcome and plan to keep it untill something better comes along. At least the gold is gone that matched nothing!

http://bitpimps.lixlink.com/pages/phpGallery/albums/userpics/10035/HPIM2832.JPG

http://bitpimps.lixlink.com/pages/phpGallery/albums/userpics/10035/HPIM2833.JPG

Now on to more issues! ;)

Here`s mine on my one bar grill

Mike you have done one fine job.Keep up the great work.

After I studied several options, I decided to paint the rear bowtie flat black and just let it match the mudflaps, running boards, etc. I taped it off, sanded it, and applied about 4 coats of paint. At least the water bubble isnt visible anymore. If the front develops the bubble, I'll do the same to it in the future. Here's a pic of my result.

THAT'S IT!!!

I'VE HAD IT!!!

I guess I'll go prep the bowties on the front and back of my Surf Wagon for a white body match paint job...

I just can't handle that gold bowties any longer!!! :barf:


But my fiance will continue to wait for a chrome overlay for a bit longer...

This site has many bowtie overlays one of which is chrome.
http://www.webxtremes.com/chevybowtiedecals.htm

Unfortunately, webxtremes only has overlays for the front. My rear bowtie was the first to develop the water bubble which is why I just spray painted to thing flat black. I havent had any problems with the front "yet" but will handle that issue if it arises.

Has anyone tried the webxtremes? Do they leave gold outlines on the front and rear?

Thanks!
AD

Has anyone purchased bowtie overlays from PFYC?

http://www.pfyc.com/pc/HH1025/HHNEW/Front%2C+Rear+Bowtie+Decal+Overlays+-+06-08+HHR.html



I wonder if their dark reflective blue (http://www.pfyc.com/mm5/graphics/00000002/rc_refldkblue.gif) would match my 06 Daytona Blue?

Or should I just go with the non-reflective silver (http://www.pfyc.com/mm5/graphics/00000002/rc_nonreflsilver.gif) to match the non-reflective grill/trim?

Decisions. Decisions. :confused:

.

just know that you will still have the gold/amber around the edge. They aren't a full wrap, so the leave a bit or the original there.

i would like to get some vinyl of the reflective silver or the non reflective, and then overlay mine in my own. I did full wraps with black vinyl, but if i go solid black on my grill, i want to do the bowtie in some silver.

FINALLY!!! :thumb:



Here is some news for some that may be interested.

Just spoke one of my MFG at work and found they working on replacement Grill and rear Bow Tie emblems for the HHR.

The Bow Ties should fit all HHR's including the SS.

He said they are also looking to do a special grill for the standard HHR.

He said the first Bow Tie is in the final stage and should be in production in an estimated 60 days.

They should be avaiable at most national performance comapanies that carry their products.

I would name them but I do not want to get in trouble and you should know who they are anyway.


Here's the link:

http://chevyhhr.net/forums/showthread.php?t=23470