Given how badly the vehicle design was screaming out for this nice little piece of add-on revenue GM designed into the HHR, I bit the bullet and ordered the Rear Bumper/Fascia Protector for my '07 2LT Wagon.

I have to say that visually, it "completes" the appearance of the rear end on vehicle whose design for my personal taste seems to often consist of expansive sweeping body surfaces that abruptly end unfinished. So, for the $40 or so, it was absolutely worth the price in that regard.

From a practical perspective, there's no doubt it will help protect the bumper from stacked items in the cargo area that may fall when the liftgate is first opened. However, as far as loading and unloading heavier items, like luggage, boxes, etc., it's woefully short in terms of how "deep" an area it covers, protecting only about 50% of the total area most susceptible to serious scratches, scuffs, and scrapes.

I'm sure designing a larger protector would have come at the expense of a few style points, but at SOME point, form SHOULD follow function, especially when it comes to items whose job isn't ostensibly supposed to be appearance-oriented.

Nevertheless, I'm glad I have it. Installation was a snap (5 minutes), and I'm sure it will do at least SOME good.

Judge's Score: 6.5/10.

 

I received mine today as well and installed it. I have to agree that the design could have been better and cover more area. At least it matches the running board pads. I probably could have cut a piece of diamond plate that would have fit the area alot better.

 

It was one of my first ideas after buying the vehicle, but once I saw that it only covered the half close to the liftgate, I decided against it. If any cargo is going to scratch the bumper, odds are it wont be on that area.
I have decided to order some clear vinyl and cut it to reach farther to the rear. Already ordered some precut for the hood, just waiting for better weather to put it on.

 

I too purchased the bumper insert when I bought my running boards, and had planned to install it at the same time. After looking at what it covers, I too decided it was not enough and did not install it. I found this and plan to buy one, just need to sell my uninstalled insert first.

 

Mine didn't come with one either. I got one of the last silver carbon fiber ones that (the now defunct) SoCalHHR sold. I just make sure I lift over the bumper reguardless. 1.5 years later, no issues.

 

with my loading my bike, I've found that using a blanket works to protect but have been looking into a solution.
I found this
<http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Chevy-HHR-Stainless-Steel-Rear-Bumper-Trim-ACC-HHBI211_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQitemZ220207993998QQsspag enameZRSSQ3aBQ3aSRCHQ3aUSQ3a102> but don't know if I want that look.

 

Make sure you check the SUPPORTING VENDORS !!!

Here's the same trim piece offered by RAS $50 less than the buy it now price!! Also you know you're buying from a quality vendor!!thumb:

http://www.raceandstreet.net/Merchan...ory_Code=HHR-E

As not to show partiallity to one vendor over another, HHR Boutique offers the same piece for the same price!! Another quality vendor!!

http://hhrboutique.com/items/hhr-ext...211-detail.htm

 

just have to make sure the piece covers the full edge, not just two inserts or it will not do the paint on my truck or my bike any good. Just looking and thanks for further links.

curtsy

 

A very nice idea, perhaps even to compliment the fascia "protector"/decorator. But why the heck is it that SO many aftermarket companies can't resist themselves from plastering their ugly logo all over an otherwise very nice looking item? (Rhetorical question). :)