Has any one that installed a back seat in a panel put door pulls on inside of back doors? I should be getting my back seat and parts next week , and I'm looking ahead for door pull straps . I saw on Ebay they have ones [repro] from cj Jeep and universal door pulls, that looks like from custom vans years ago.
After reading the post's about the install job on the back seat I think I'm ready to attempt it. Hopefully the junk yard will send all of the nuts, bolts, shims, and covers that I will need. Looks like the seatbelt bolts are the toughest part! Any more tips or tricks would help....Thanks, John

 

Here's a really good thread on a rear seat install, don't know if you seen this yet, as for door pulls let your imagination run wild.

https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/show...ear+seat+panel

 

Thanks 843de, That was the the one I looked at last week.Very informative!
After I get the seat project done the next thing on my neverending list is a new clutch in the corvair van. But thats another story...John

 

"the next thing on my neverending list is a new clutch in the corvair van"

That's nothin', you should convert yours to a Powerglide, now that was so much fun!

 

Work In Progress Here.

My version of a Panel's rear door interior panel once a rear seat has been added. Still have some finish trimming to do, and I might fully Heat Weld the seam to make it fully one.

I bought '08 rear door panels from a windowed HHR in early Fall last year, and Finally was able to locate the rear Panel interior panels a couple weeks ago. (I wanted to SAVE my OEM Panels in case I did not like how this Mod ended up turning out, and as with every Mod so far, I can go back to factory Original if ever needed.)



It is looking good so far, once I finish trim it out, I may Heat Weld the seam, then re add the texture along the welded seam it should Blend in as one. Giving it a "OEM" Factory Look. If the Final Trim looks good enough I may just add some type of trim piece along the seam.

I'll decide how far to take it once I get both sides fully trimmed out.

(It has been about 25 years since I have done this type of a Custom job.)

(Also Notice I have not installed the rear Black Leather seat yet. Tearing out the whole interior to soundproof and upgrade the audio and video systems as soon as my speakers get shipped and we get over this constant daily raining. So I will install the leather one after the interior work in done.)

 

99.99 % of the time even when you Ask for ALL the install hardware, you get ZERO.

Honestly, if you want EVERY piece, nut, bolts. clips etc. find one Locally, and a yard that will allow you to remove it all yourself.

I drove about 112 miles one way so I could get get EVERYTHING that was Needed to do a Complete rear seat install.

All those little Missing install pieces add up Quick having to order each one from the dealer.

I had to go to the Dealer for 6 tiny push in Nuts that allow you to install the pull handle bracket for my Panels rear doors to install the Windowed rear interior door panels and those 6 tiny pieces were about $24.00. 3 are needed per door.

This is what I came home with removing the rear seat myself, all the extras were No Charge, they just scrap most of it anyways.

The GOOD part of going and removing the parts yourself, Besides getting ALL the small bits and pieces is you Experiment on the Junked HHR not Yours, then when you go to do the Install in yours, it's a piece of cake, you already know what needs to be done, and what can break easily if you arent careful.

 

American and Proud, I see that you got the spare tire cover and lid,are they different? The junk yard my seats are coming from is in Fredricksburg Va.I found several others on Autoparts.com. alot cheaper but none wanted to ship...John

 

This thread will help you with your seat belt instal
https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/how-tutorial-library-21/how-adding-after-market-rear-seat-belts-panel-28758/

You can get the tap required at ACE hardware.

Here is some info on removing the rear panels

https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/mods-interior-54/panel-removal-19123/

There are 3 anchor brackets that are used for anchors for child seats if you need to haul kidddies. They mount to the floor pan just behind the rear seat.
They stick up through holes that are in the bottom of the small storage box that goes behind the rear seat in a window version.

Good luck

 

I'm gonna have the only Panel with NO back seat.. Just how I like it.

 

Not different, just Freebies I got while doing the rear seat removal myself.
I took them in case I wanted to use them for Amps, I could drill holes for cables etc. but still have my originals. I can also leave my floor in place and install the other in the upper level for two level space and out of view space as well.

There is a ziplock freezer bag in that pic with all the nuts bolts clips covers and any other little items I also took from that car.

Don't forget, you'll need that small storage box Behind the rear seat as well.

All the little things add up, it's not just the rear seat thats needed to do a Complete and Safe rear seat install on your Panel.

If you get the seat belts but not the Bolts, I suggest you order those from the Dealer, they have been Tested and Passed any regulations.

I do Not trust home center nuts and bolts no matter what Grade they say they are.
They buy the Cheapest bolts they can.