Mods - Exterior Discussion related to the looks of the exterior of the HHR.

HHR - Buick Bijou Super Progress

Old Sep 11, 2013 | 10:22 PM
  #351  
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WOW! what an amazing transformation. Great work..
Old Sep 11, 2013 | 11:52 PM
  #352  
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OK Ben, since you've gone with a "clean sheet" rear design, how about something utterly unexpected on the front end.

Buick had/has a history of hidden or retractable headlights going back to 1938's "Y-Job", through the Rivera's, the ill fated Reatta, and most recently the Blackhawk concept car.

So why not really go out on a limb to go with hidden lights or pop up pods like Porsche used on the 928?



Besides the Porsche pods, you could go with Opel GT units, or scavenge Reatta units.

Yeah I know, the stuff Mike thinks up when he's stuck in rush hour traffic.
Old Sep 12, 2013 | 07:36 PM
  #353  
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Thank you zman!!!

Mike, that would be cool, except I see a major obstacle. The angle of the current headlights and surrounding front fenders isn't nearly as raked as a 928 or Reatta on the stock HHR. Getting that type of light to fit would mean extending the fender edge forward a substantial amount. I fear that it would end up too nose heavy like an old Super Bird.

But I do have a plan for changing up the lights that I think will work out pretty good. It involves l.e.d. Lights :)
Old Sep 12, 2013 | 09:10 PM
  #354  
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Hmmmmm...LED's you say, accents only, or repurposing units from a deceased German luxury car?
Old Sep 13, 2013 | 03:07 PM
  #355  
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Mike, my plan is to alter the stock HHR lights, but it should be quite a visual transformation over stock. My goal is to keep the car well proportioned, attractive and looking like it could've been done at the factory, while still making it look like a completely different animal than the HHR.
Old Sep 14, 2013 | 10:04 AM
  #356  
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Wow...this is looking great. Would love to go for a ride in it, just to see the people gawk when you go by.......You the man !!!
Old Sep 14, 2013 | 02:00 PM
  #357  
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Originally Posted by Benjiwah
Mike, my plan is to alter the stock HHR lights, but it should be quite a visual transformation over stock. My goal is to keep the car well proportioned, attractive and looking like it could've been done at the factory, while still making it look like a completely different animal than the HHR.
I thought that might still be your plan Ben, but considering how many changes the rear quarters have gone through, I just had to throw out some ideas.
Old Sep 14, 2013 | 09:23 PM
  #358  
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Mike, I am always up for suggestions and appreciate them too.

Sam, I get plenty of strange looks, thumbs-up, and everything in between. Maybe you and I can go for a cruise if we ever meet at an event... Thank you very much for the compliments!!!
Old Sep 14, 2013 | 10:59 PM
  #359  
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Thanks for not taking offense Ben, your work and craftsmanship is in another universe compared to some "Professionally" built show cars and customs that I've seen.

Any rod shop or custom fab shop would be lucky to have you.

You're a throwback to the days of Dean Jeffries, John Buttera, Dean Moon, and Bill Frick.
Old Sep 15, 2013 | 08:42 AM
  #360  
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Mike,
I am humbled and honored sir... But I have a long way to go before I am in that kind of league :)

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