well thanks for all the info... im not TOOOO worried about sand blasting, we get about 4-6 inches of snow down here...about every 10 years or so... and while i know i could drive in it, i know the other people in this area who cant drive on wet roads dang sure cant drive on snow so we stay put for the 4-6 hours its on the ground...lol
im more worried about larger things like road debris (i once hit a unicycle on interstae 45.... still havent seen the dang clown who left it there...) my parents live in the boonies so small rocks, gravel and (YIKES) road tar are my biggest worries...

as far as the low bridge of a lift gate (and other weird things im finding like using the drive up atm with gorilla arms....lol) i kinda figured id have to just get used to it... i think thats the ONLY thing the pt has on the hhr, the back door lifts way higher...

again thanks guys and gals... im gonna contact southern comfort on monday to price the body kit (im sure its been done but its easier for me to call then hunt the posts) i checked the stealer for running boards and they want like 500 for them... i can do lake pipes or nerf bars for less...