OK, here's what I'm considering and I need input to make up my mind.
1. Underbody light kit installed $350
2. Stubby antenna
3. Window visors about $59
4. Front windows tinted to legal limit in TN $50 (I already have the appointment)
5. Amp & sub (I got the 1LT with the basic stereo/CD) $425 installed

Please give me your input on what worked, what didn't, and what you wouldn't do again. I can't do all of these immediately, so I'll take your cinsiderations of what should be first.

 

I'd go for the tinted windows and the amp and sub.
You got to have the sound in the HHR.

 

#'s 2, 4, and 5.

For a quick and easy upgrade I'd do #2 first.

Next I would do #4. Now your car will have that nice all around tinted look with a shorter antenna.

Then if I still have enough cash left I'd do the audio upgrade.

For the amp/sub installation I too went that route the first time. I would suggest that you go for the head unit replacement (a decent 1-din unit will do) and include that with your amp/sub upgrade just because the amp/sub upgrade will only give you bass. You will find that if you only add these without upgrading your HU, your current HU's volume will almost always be maxed out.

 

I'm doing wheel-well neon.

Did a chrome stubby, window vent visors, fronts tinted to 20%.

Has factory premium stereo. replaced doors and pillar with Infinity Reference components and an Audiobahn 8" sub in the factory location. Speakers change make a huge difference in sound quality. Thumps enough for me, though I'm close to full volume most of the time!

I personally would do sound before neon, you'll listen a lot more than you'll look!

Hope this helps!

 

$350 to install a neon kit?

 

CH, you know shops charge an arm and a leg. I bet you for the $425 installed sub/amp they are giving him a 300watt amp with 300watt 8" boxed sub.

 

James, From everything I have heard, the stubby antena will cause poor reception unless you are using the satalite. Have you thought about running board lights? I know what ever you decide will be good because you seek and ask.

 

$100 to do my wheel-wells!

But I've never done it and really don't have the time.

 

You're right. I often forget how much they can charge. That seems like a lot even for a StreetGlow gold series kit IMO. I chose the wrong profession.

 

James...here's the order I would do them in.
1. Window tint - makes the car look more uniform - I paid $60
2. Stubby Antenna - I get great reception on mine, but you might want to consider getting the one from SoCalHHR's that has 3 different lengths and keep the ones you don't use in the pocket behind driver seat - Less than $20.
3. Window Visors - easy to do and look nice
4. Audio System - save your pennies & get exactly what you want
5. Neons - What I call fufu stuff...I always put that on the back burner.

A couple other small mods that you might want to consider.
1. Become premium member for $5.99 and get chevyhhr.net decal
2. Rear Wiper Mod - that can be done for nothing.
3. Lower Door Lock Knobs - if old ones poke your arm. You can order stubbies with instructions from SoCalHHR's or DIY like CJ did.

Look forward to hearing what all you do. Have fun and keep us posted.