A&P- That's cool about your 55 sleeping at your Mom's..
I'm sure she does like when you stop over.. Enjoy the time with your Mom while you can..

From the rear the lights look good !!! But I noticed you seem to have avoided showing the front where it meets the hhr body...

What's up wit dat ??

 

Stopped over and visited her today.
And as I originally posted in the '55 restoration pics thread I made, the '55 has always stayed at my parents garage, since I got it at 17 years old. Never been a problem keeping it there.
When my Dad was still alive, he did his own body and paint work on his cars, so there has always been Heat, Exhaust system for fumes, and a huge V-Twin Compressor.


I did say that I would be taking better side shots after I gave her a full on hand wash.

Quicky touchless car washes don't get what the old lambs wool mit does off the surface.

I also mentioned having a chest cold coming on here and that it was only 45 degrees out, I washed half the rear end just to install them.
I said Saturday was supposed to be 65 out and I was gonna try hand washing it then and taking more daytime side pics.

Not avoiding anything dude, they are exactly what they are, a Bolt ON Item, no avoiding that.

Pics also have been posted, post #27, a full straight on side shot on a Orange Metallic HHR and the website has plenty of others in several colors that are large pics once you click on them. The lighter colors show the shadow lines more than a dark color, I purposely chose to post the lighter color Orange over posting the Black HHR on the site to clearly show what they look like.

I explained all this as this thread has progressed.

Morticia will hopefully get a full hand car wash, maybe a claybar, depending on the weather, and how I am feeling with this darn spring time cold.
My Mom, 2 of our four kids, I and now the ol lady is starting to feel sick. Seems to be going around like wildfire here.

I ran it through the quicky wash the other nite just to try and take some night shots, but I got Alot to learn about night photography.

These pics at the quicky car wash, thats Not smoke, thats my breath breathing out as the pic was taken. It's COLD out. It was 34 degrees at the car wash.
These pics get Deleted off the digital SD cards as Junk Pics. Thats the beauty of Digital, toss and take more.











This pic will have to do for you for now, you can Clearly see the side and can clearly see exactly were I Stopped hand washing on the rear door just to have the rear area cleaned enough to get the tail lights installed.
But i'll post it.



Just like anything, we like to try taking flattering views, and Morticia is no different, she likes to be shown at her best for the most part.

Were just getting over Winter here, and my Panel is in need of a Good Detail. Hand wash, clay bar, some buffing/polishing, wheels need a Good long Polishing session, and the whole thing needs a good Wax job.

The Sooner you get over here and get on all that, the Sooner I can post Any darn picture from any angle youd like to see.

When can I expect you here to get started???


And in reality, I Don't see myself fiberglassing these in fully, I am very pleased with the way they are as is actually. I can live just fine with the "transition".

On the road I have already gotten several thumbs up and questions asked, all positive. Even had a Black SS HHR do a U turn on a 6 lane road at 4AM to ask me about them. He Liked them up close and in person.
Asked me if I minded if he bought a set for his.

With the new rear door stone guards, the rear Spoiler, the '55 Chevy HHR Tail Lights, and Soon the front rolled visor installed, I am adding a whole new set of Curves to Morticia.

(Kinda surprized no one has said they don't like the rear door stone guards because they just Stick On, and would look so much better molded in in fiberglass.)

 

"(Kinda surprised no one has said they don't like the rear door stone guards because they just Stick On, and would look so much better molded in in fiberglass.)"

Well the stone guards are correct in keeping with the retro intent of the HHR, back in the days of separate rear fenders, the stone guards were add on items. You had to pay extra for them on most cars, and an up-charge for something other than black rubber on top of that.

I think the "Fin-lets" look great A&P, and if you're happy with the transition that's all that matters. As for me, I'd "Glass 'em In" just because that's what I'd do, but I'm not you and you're not me.

The reason I'd glass 'em in would be to use, or fabricate, some '55 side trim to complete the look of a '55 210 Station Wagon. Like this.

 

I'd say your partially correct about the stone guards, True back in the day they were actually made for the car. Some standard, some as an optional add on.

For the HHR, they were a total after thought, a Quick GM oh crap how do we fix this stone chipping PROBLEM we have, and do it as Cheaply as we can. They were never an add on Option, they had a Problem, and Needed a Quick Fix.

Repainting under factory warranty must have got pretty expensive once word got out that the stone chipping on the rear doors was covered.

And someone remembered old fashioned stone guards.

Once they realized they Needed a Fix and they either repainted and or just slapped the thick stone guards on to Hide the chips, they moved on to an even Cheaper fix, the "Clear Bra" vinyl they replaced the injection molded stone guards with. Installed them at the factory or the dealer before selling the LS without the running boards.

And as for the tail lights, yup I am Very Happy with them.

 

A&P. That looks fantastic, and yes I was refering to chopping the top about 2 inches= long, sleek, merc sled without the lead.

 

i just gotta say, again, "DAYUM that looks good!"

 

They look good A&P, just not for me... The HHR body style looks older than a '55 so they just look "out of place" to me.... Personal opinion, not bashing your ride at all.


A chopped top would be so right, has anybody seen one?

 

well I didnt think I was gunna like it but..on the black panel..it looks good!!not too overbearing and still brings a retro feel to the rear end..congrats to A and P for not stickn with the norm..it may not be for everybody but for sure will get a few neck twisters goin down the road

 

Thanks alot. I thought thats what you meant(Chopped Top) But thought I better ask and be Sure. lol
Cool was the word in my day, now I guess it is "Sic" or iv'e seen [sic] as well.

I still like the word Cool.

Maybe Pyro will take that one on, his Panel is looking pretty damn Awsome. I think the Panel would be an easier Chop, less windows to contend with.

 

Thanks man, you must like them, youve posted twice saying so. Cool.

I am diggin the heck out of them myself here. NO regrets makin this puerchase at all.