Before anybody throws out "hate comments", I've looked, searched and perused this forum and online/Google to no avail.

I'm wondering how to figure out if an HHR could be mounted on something like a Jeep Wagoneer chassis.

Yes, I'm one of "those guys" that wants a four wheel drive HHR........

 

Different wheel base and some floor board surgery but you can do it! Plan on a long time planning and gathering parts cutting welding and fabricating tons of stuff, but it can be done!

 

I have thought about this in the past. Hhr wheel base is 104 inches. Here is a list for the jeep wheel bases.


Jeep Vehicle Wheelbase Chart
All Jeep Vehicles

Model*
Wheelbase in inches*
Wrangler JK (2007-2011) 2door/4door
95.4/116
Wrangler TJ (1997-2006)
93.4
Wrangler YJ (1987-1995)
93.4
Grand Cherokee (WJ/ZJ) (1993-2011)
105.9
Cherokee (XJ) (1984-2001)
101.4
Comanche MJ (1986-1992) short bed/long bed)
113/119.9
Commander (2006-2010)
109.5
Compass (2007-2011)
103.7
Liberty (2002-2011) KJ/KK
104.2/106.1
CJ-8 (1981-1986)
103.5
CJ-7 (1976-1986)
93.5
CJ-6 (1972-1981)
103.5
CJ-6 (1955-1971)
101
CJ-5 (1972-1986)
83.5
CJ-5 (1955-1971)
81
GPW, MB, CJ-2A, CJ-3A, CJ-3B, M-38
80
M-715
126
J10, J20 long bed/short bed
131/119
Wagoneer (1971-1991)
109
Wagoneer (1963-1970)
110
Jeepster (1972-1973)
104
Jeepster (1967-1971)
101
J-2000
120
J-3000
126
J-3800
132
Willys Wagon
104
Willys Truck
118

*Updated Model, Year Range and Wheelbase Information
Courtesy of HoosierJeep

 

However; I believe that most Jeeps have and old fashioned rail frame while the HHR is a unibody non-frame. So you would end up doing lots of welding and destroying integrity to rebuild etc......etc.......etc

 

It is very possible and could be done probably easier than the V8 build Laster is doing. You would remove everything from the underside of the HHR and sit it on top of the frame. Then find places to weld the two together using cross bars and such. You would not have to worry about making a drive shaft tunnel. You might have to make a small recess in the firewall but it would be most likely much less than what Laster had to do as the bell housing should be below the body of the HHR. Obviously there is more to it than listed but those are some of the big items that would or would not be needed.

This may not be an HHR but this is similar to what you are wanting to do. It pretty much was just sitting atop a 4x4 frame from what I could see. In this pic you can see that the rear diff is still in the same spot in relation to the frame. The engine was also located in the same place it was when it was still a truck, up front. I would expect that they had to relocate the gas tank and had to cut out the pan area up front of what would be the firewall. In our cars this is already open and the tank is towards the rear and does not protrude below the bottom of the body.

 

FWIW trucks have fully enclosed body's that sit atop of the frame. As a mechanic I did many full frame replacements on S-10's, Full Size trucks and Yukons. I would just separate the body from the frame. I would disconnect electrical connections and fuel, brake, AC, and coolant lines where appropriate to stay with the body or frame. I would leave the suspension and drivetrain with the frame. Gas tank too. Then I would use the lift to raise the body while I transfered everything to the new frame. Then I would roll the new rolling frame under the body and put it back together.

It usually was 8 large 18mm bolts that held the Yukon and Suburban body to the frame in key locations. Trucks had 6 of these same bolts holding the bed down and 4 to 6 (2dr vs 4dr) holding down the body.

 

This idea was kicked around back in 2011, and I think the frame and running gear from a CJ-5 was voted the best fit.

As 07 has pointed out above, it would be a job involving plopping an HHR's unibody on the Jeep frame.

It's not impossible, I'm just surprised it hasn't been done yet, we can't let the PT folks have all the fun.



This one is on a shortened Chevy K-5 Blazer frame.

 

I think 07azhhr is on the right track. As long as the "receiver" frame is somewhat flat, you could weld some mounting brackets to it so that would fit the hhr body. It too would be an amazing amount of work, not any easier than mine. Don't think you could do it in California but maybe in another state. Vin numbers would be a problem. The vehicle would be pretty high....just what you're looking for in a 4x4.

 

It has been done before...

 

Great in put guys!

Lucky~ this is valuable information. thank you.
any idea how to go about finding the "flattest frame" as suggested by lasater?

07azhhr~ sounds like you have a working knowledge of what's what.
how about I send you my wagon and you hook me up?

Benjiwah~ i've seen that pic before. i'm thinking something more of a daily driver.