Does anybody know if there is an aftermarket product to replace the OEM chrome piece on the rear latch with one that does not have the Chevy bowtie molded into it?

 

Not as of yet.
You could buy one off ebay and try to shave it off.

 

I might have to do that

 

there have been a couple that have taken off the bow tie and painted the chrome piece

i took off the yellow chevy bowtie and bought a blue bowtie from a 69 Chevy Cheyenne P/U and put them on instead
mine is painted too

 

I want the chrome piece to have no indications that a bowtie was even there. A nice sssmmoootthhh piece of chrome.

 

its easy to remove
you can use really strong nylon fishing line or if you dont want to sell it or keep it, pry it off w a screwdriver

 

The Chrome piece behind it still has the contours of the bowtie. I want to have no sign of a bowtie back there.

 

Rider...
I've inquired about this some time ago and was under the impression that (who else) SoCal Mike was looking into having this piece (smoothed) fabbed for sale to the general public. I don't know the specifics (material, finish, cost, etc...), but DO KNOW he was looking into this. Drop him a line to find out more and be sure to share the reply!!!
Maybe Mike'll join this thread to throw his in?

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the whole piece removes easily
but i would remove all of the bowtie from the beauty bar before taking it off the car. it would be alot easier
remove bar from HHR
sand or cut off the bowtie that is left
fiberglass or bondo the bar smooth. probably going to have to fiberglass some small holes where the corners were
and then paint it

 

We're working on this part in billet, still in prototype right now since it is a rather complicated part since it also has to house the license plate lights and liftgate release. I'll let you know when we can release some more detailed info.