Well I'd like to do some mods on my HHR, but being that it's only a couple weeks old, I'm hesitant to get started on too many big changes like new wheels/tires, the sway bar (thought I want this one), new grill etc. But I thought for a start I could do some simple decals.

I want a chevrolet script for the front grill, I think those look really classy.

Tonight I decided to name my HHR "The Chief" in memory of the mascot for the University of Illinois who will no longer dance at the half time of games (I absolutely love Illini basketball and football... so there you go).

Was looking at a 3rd brake light decal and a chief head decal for the back window. Will I be able to put a vinyl decal like this on the back window? I have never done vinyl decals, so I don't know how that works w/ the defroster lines back there.

Any other suggestions for simple + cheap mods would be great!

I made this litty ditty in photoshop, excuse my expression, I was being "hilarious."

 

First of all John, Welcome!!! secondly, yes vinyl on the back window works fine. The wiper may mess with it a bit, and be prepared to replace it every year or so due to peeling or discoloration. Next, take off anything like stickers or license plate frames that say where you bought it! They did not give you a discount to advertise for them! As far as cheap mods go, shave the emblems, your car is new they come off easily. Heat them up with a blow dryer or a heat gun, and do not pry them off with a screwdriver or something like that, just use your hands, and the sticky stuff comes off with rubbing alcohol. (also takes off all wax, so give a quick coat of wax). Go buy some spray paint from your local dealer and spray paint your gold emblems on the front and rear the same color as your car. It is easy, tape them off really nice, and use several light coats of paint. Seeing as you are a young guy...maybe first car, or first car payment, $$ is probably an issue..like many of us including me! LOL. Tinted front windows...$75, New grille..as low as $100. Many more cheap mods! and you are on the right site to find them. There are many well respected vendors on this site that you should check out! Enjoy, Todd(Uma)

 

Another cheap and easy mod for the interior is to replace the "mood" light w/ a different color LED.
Only takes a couple of minutes and only a couple bucks!

 

Hey, thanks for the suggestions. As far as the above comment though, my dad was my dealer, and so yes, the dealership gave us quite a bit of a discount. Gotta keep supporting him as he continues to support me. Going to keep that stuff on there, at least for the time being :)

Thanks for the info about the vinyl on the back. I think I will give it a shot, I may buy 2-3 of the decals while I can still get them so I can replace them as necessary. And yeah, this is my first new car, although I'm not making the payments (it's a graduation gift) but I am very broke until I start working full time this summer. Keep the cheap ideas coming though.

 

Since you don't seem to be in the "debadging" mood, here's another cheap idea.........

 

Nice license plate.

 

Yeah, I've had that plate since I was 16 and was planning on going into computer engineering.

I steered from that path many years ago, only the plate remains.

I don't think the tire caps do anything for me. I realize they are cheap, but there has to be a point to having them, and I dont' see it with those. Thanks for the idea though. Where can you pick those up?

 

But since you asked..........

http://www.autotrucktoys.com/chevy_h...8497C3147.aspx

They also offer them w/ just the bowtie logo as well. But I suppose you could look for those at your local auto parts store.

 

I don't recall, does IL require a front plate?

If so, a quick and cheap mod is a custom-painted front license frame (assuming you plan to keep the rear one). Oh, and for any painting mods you want to do to match to Imperial Blue, the closest aftermarket shade I've seen is PlastiKote #FM8145 (Yes, I know it's a Ford color, but it's so close you can't really tell a difference).

Another relatively inexpensive mod is striping. Being an old Big Ten hand myself and seeing your passion for all things Illini, I would suggest orange, though I know from experience that a light contrast blue works as well.

 

I'd get a differant hair style.

Welcome to the boards..........GO MIZZOU!