On the Panel version of the HHR, the rear door don't have exterior door handles and open with a push button on the dash, popping the door open.

I'm looking to order an SS Panel and would like to shave the front doors. Rather than an custom popper set-up I'd much prefer to simply add similar functionality that exist for the rear to the front two. Not sure what is unique in the rear doors that provides this "popping" action and was hoping someone with a Panel might know?

Ya, I know I can check with the dealer - but this a nicer, more interesting forum.

 

I had the part number at one time. I'd look around at gmpartsdirect.com or email them. If you're close to a dealer they will be able to look it up for you pretty quick though.

 

thanks for the lead - is what I'm looking for simply the door latch assembly?

 

If I'm reading you right, you're looking at doing something like this: (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/KEY-L...pagenameZWD1V). The 'popping' action is but a motor that releases the latch, the weather seal is what makes the door move.

 

I'd email them to be sure, or stop by a dealer.

The weather seal might have a small effect, but it isn't what opens the door. If my door is pushed against the seal and I hit the button it still opens further.

 

I think it would be pretty difficult to add front poppers that open independently of the rears, as it is controlled by computer. However it should be much easier to make them open at the same time by adding motors and wiring them to the same relays. Just a guess though, as I dont own a panel.

 

My idea is to use the door LOCK circuit to pop the driver door and the door UNLOCK circuit to pop the passenger (will disable the passenger side switch altogether and possibly the driver side for safety purposes). This allows me to open either with the remote and employs a different circuitry altogether from the rear doors without any major re-wiring. Would no longer need the door lock function as entry is secure without the availability of exterior handles (which also means the eBay sensory system is out - since the doors wouldn't ever be locked).

Another QUESTION - does the HHR (manual shift) have automatic door locks?

I agree it is difficult to imagine the weather stripping generating that much push to pop the doors as far as it does although I guess that is a possibility. More research required.

 

How do you plan to lock/unlock the rear gate? When I put my car in drive, it locks the doors. Can you disable the locks from the trans?

 

Actually, that is my question:
But to qualify that I am referring specifically to a MANUAL transmission. It is not uncommon where this (auto lock of the doors) is available on an automatic (as detecting if the transmission is engaged is easy) but the feature is not available on manual transmission (where the clutch defines whether the transmission is actually engaged).

So the question is still open - does the HHR have an automatically lock for the doors feature on an MANUAL transmission?

 

Yes, the doors lock at about 5-10mph and unlock when you shut it off.