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How to: convert your LS or 1LT to a 2LT

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Old 09-07-2009, 12:13 PM
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How to: convert your LS or 1LT to a 2LT

Remember to double check your year as different years may need different part numbers. This thread is for late model HHR's, I know that there were more differences in trims in the earlier years to better differentiate models, but most things are standard nowadays in the interest of competition and lower cost per unit.

Engine: If you don't already have the 2.4 in your LT, you could just modify your engine or swap for the 2.4 or SS motor, or do nothing.

Suspension:
Either buy the 2LT 'sport' suspension from a dealer or junkyard or online or:
if you want a different stance/height you can swap out for SS pieces, or just keep your existing suspension and put on the Eibach or Gold Line springs.

Brakes: no difference.
Safety features: no difference.

Appearance:
Rims - again you can get the OEM chrome painted pieces or whatever floats your boat.
Mirror Caps - oem or paint yourself
Grille - no difference
Running Boards -
https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/show...running+boards
and other threads like it.
'Fog' Lights - Again, you can buy the OEM parts, or go aftermarket and get some Hella projector fogs, HID optional
https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/how-tutorial-library-21/do-yourself-factory-fogs-637/

Interior:
Steering wheel - if you don't already have the leather wheel you can buy it:
https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/general-hhr-4/leather-wrapped-steering-wheel-13416/
If you don't already have audio controls on your wheel:
https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/how-tutorial-library-21/adding-radio-buttons-steering-wheel-1912/
Seats - if you don't already have leather seats you can buy the OEM pieces or go katzkins:
https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/appearance-modifications-discussions-6/katzkins-leather-installed-14472/
https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/appearance-modifications-discussions-6/few-pics-my-katzkins-leather-14200/
of course if you have the seats out you can always change your carpet or headliner but that's off topic.
Radio - no difference but you can upgrade the HU if you want but if you go with an aftermarket piece the steering wheel controls will likely not work.
Bluetooth - need onstar first, can't do the upgrade otherwise.
Dimming rear view mirror - https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/appearance-modifications-discussions-6/upgrading-my-2009-interior-mirror-22620/

I think thats about it.

Seth
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Old 09-08-2009, 06:18 AM
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Glad I bought a 2LT!
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Old 09-08-2009, 08:00 AM
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Why would anyone do this?
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Old 09-08-2009, 08:32 AM
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i get the feeling he wrote this up to show what would be involved with doing it. someone may do this if they really wanted the 2lt but could not find one. that sort of thing.
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Old 09-08-2009, 08:47 AM
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Originally Posted by solman98
Why would anyone do this?
To get every option in case they bought a model that is missing some. It shows you where the 'limit' is with collecting all the OEM pieces.

For many people, their 1LT already has the 2.4, or the running boards, or the chrome package, or the audio controls on the wheel, or the leather, with the only difference being the suspension.

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Old 09-08-2009, 09:13 AM
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Originally Posted by sethwas
To get every option in case they bought a model that is missing some. It shows you where the 'limit' is with collecting all the OEM pieces.

For many people, their 1LT already has the 2.4, or the running boards, or the chrome package, or the audio controls on the wheel, or the leather, with the only difference being the suspension.

Seth
The only truly unique item to the 2LT is the 17" wheels and shocks from what I have seen. Everything else can be had on the 1LT and most even on the LS. I've even seen an LS with leather, factory. Granted some items varied from year to year and now some things you can't even get on a LT anymore, but can with an LS (tranny).

Anyone that does a motor swap just to get a "fake" 2LT is nuts.....
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Old 09-08-2009, 11:18 AM
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Originally Posted by solman98
Why would anyone do this?
I'm wondering the same thing.

For anyone who is seriously considering doing something like this, keep in mind the cost would be far more than just getting an 1LT or 2LT to begin with. Its not as if these are 20 year old cars that aren't made any more.
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Old 09-08-2009, 03:45 PM
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Originally Posted by Doc brown
I'm wondering the same thing.

For anyone who is seriously considering doing something like this, keep in mind the cost would be far more than just getting an 1LT or 2LT to begin with. Its not as if these are 20 year old cars that aren't made any more.
If you are talking new from the dealer, you are correct;

but it is cheaper to buy a 1LT used and convert it to a 2LT than to buy a used 2LT. At todays prices anyway (2LT's go for several thousand dollars more $5k+ used which is great for the resale of those who have one, but the cost of the parts is less than $3k for those doing the upgrade)

Seth
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Old 09-08-2009, 05:15 PM
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Was the rear spoiler mentioned? Or was that a special feature on the special editons?
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Old 09-08-2009, 07:48 PM
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I think it's an option. Not all 2LT's have them. Then again, not all 2LT's have leather either.
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