The template tells you where to drill to mount the hardware. If the hardware is right, the rails mount.

 

Should I go check it again, measure twice, cut once.

 

Just to help......

I'll confirm SS fan's measurement....a thin hair over 32".......both front and back inside measurement.

And the outside is a very close 36 1/2....front and back.

And the measurement was taken on the actual rails and not the attachment devices.

 

sounds like the mounted at least two of them in the same place, I would love to give you mine, I hate washing and waxing around them. I sell roofing and don't use it, my ladder folds.

 

Agree with you, "fan". The rails are a wasted option. Didn't really like them after the first month.....to late then. I'd probably remove them if I was getting a new paint job. But that is out too. Probably either be selling it or giving it to my grand daughter (for some stupid price. I'm old school and believe you need to work for what you have).

 

If I can grab a yardstick at work tomorrow I might be able to get pics of mine with it laid up against them and across them. I like mine. They kinda look cool, and they are one more thing that makes mine a little different from the next HHR.

 

Thanks to all of you that measured for me. I really appreciate the effort. I have a much better idea of what I should be looking for as far as crossbars are concerned.

I'm torn as far as the look goes. I think the HHR looks good both with and without rails. I even think that both the chrome and black rails look good depending on the direction that you go with accessories and such. Given that my SS is completely black without a speck of chrome, I felt the black rails were more fitting.

SS Fan, I agree, washing and waxing around roof rails on any car sucks out loud. If I didn't use the roof rails on my SUV so much I wouldn't even consider installing them on the HHR. Given that I surf, kayak, and camp all the time, being able to throw a couple kayaks on top and head out to the water on a moments notice is pretty important to me.

 

I realize the two individual templates have already been discussed, but here is a good thread on the install showing lots of pictures:
https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/show...ight=roof+rack

 

Thanks Sno White, that's the thread that convinced me to make the attempt at mounting the rails myself. If I don't have a heart attack over the anxiety of drilling into my perfectly good roof, I figure it'll take no time at all.