Update on the paint - I spoke with a real person at the Chevrolet division. They have issued a genuine complaint number and have documented everything. I now have an appointment with my dealer to check my rear fenders. They are also looking at another developing problem......the driver's side lift on the rear hatch "pops" every time I open the door. I can't see where it would stick on the rod so I assume it's internal. Updates to follow.

 

I phoned my dealer this week and was told that they were unaware of this problem. I emailed GM and they said they didn't have any information at this time. I then emailed my dealer and cited two Internet forums that discussed the problem. My dealer has not responded as of today. I just got off the phone with the GM Customer Service help line. When I outlined the problem and told them that I would like something done before the damage became serious they set up an appointment for me to meet with a dealer rep on Monday to discuss what could be done to resolve the issue. This may not lead to a resolution but at least I wasn't told that there was no problem. I will post the results of the meeting Monday PM.

 

Went to my dealer today. The hatch lift, of course, was covered by warranty and is on order. The service manager and my service writer are negotiating with GM to resolve the paint problem on the rear quarters. Worse case scenario will be a re-paint job. I have made it a priority to emphasize the need for a New England or a Northern State package where the running boards (sorry, molded assist steps) are stock. That would prevent the road sand and salt from blasting the paint. It actually worked to my advantage this morning. We had black ice on the roads so driving the side streets was like riding on dirt roads, and once I got off the highway at the dealer, my HHR looked like a salt lick. I think the Captain knows what I'm talking about with the winter roadways.

I think in Florida, to get similar damage you would have to drive through acres of cabbage palms or wipe the car down after washing with a baby gator.

(St. Lucie County, here I come!)

 

The rock salt blends in great with my silver hhr

 

Kinda adds a nice "fade" effect!

 

It sure does. I cant wait untill I get my car washed plus i'm finally going to put on my SoCal Banner #2. I will post pictures I promise. Plus tomm I have a car meet. So it has to look pimped

 

3M has a clear film that can be installed any were on the car. call a detailing shop.

 

I went to my dealer after a meeting was scheduled by GM customer satisfaction. When I got there I was told that it would cost me $160+ for mud flaps and $600+ for running boards! I asked why I traveled 80 miles round trip just to get a price quote that could have been made over the phone and the dealer service rep said she didn't know why GM scheduled an appointment for me since GM didn't have a service bulletin out on the problem. She did contact GM and eventually took photos of my HHR and will set up a meeting with with the district service rep to see if anything can be done to remedy the problem. If this keeps up too long I will wait until the new models are introduced in the fall and trade my HHR in for a PT Cruiser. I like the retro look of the HHR better but at least the PT doesn't beat itself to death with road crud.

 

You do realize that's blasphemy right?

 

"3M has a clear film that can be installed any were on the car. call a detailing shop."

Why should I pay to have that done when Chevy has a problem that they need to acknowledge and correct?