Well, here's an update.
I DO need a whole new transmission, but the Chevy place quoted me $4,250 for a new transmission and whatnot. I almost died when I was told that.
But luckily my dad has a friend who is willing to do it for $2,400. So I most definitely lucked out on that one!

I hope all goes well and I'm not without a car for too much longer!

 

Ow!

 

Tell me about it!

 

UPDATE:
after nearly 2 weeks without my HHR i am finally going to pick it up right now!

grand total for transmission rebuild : $2,194.43
turns out the guy cut us a better deal than we thought.

i cant wait to drive it again!

 

So did you get a transmission assembly replaced or an overhaul?

 

overhaul with full 100,000 mile warranty

 

So this wasn't done at a dealership then.

 

I would have tryed "DoverAstro" plan take off pan, Bang out dent, A little JB weld if crack was not to bad. Fill with fluid and try it. if it worked get a new pan and you are set to go. if not then get it fixed. Some stuff in the pan on a car with miles is not always a bad trans.

 

Damn J, sounds like a pain in the ass. Let me know if you need anything, you have my number.

 

I know it is a little late now, but it sounds like a new pan, filter and fresh fluid would have fixed your problem. I have seen many times where a transmission blows a line, or leaks out, or holes in pans, and the tranny stops working due to no fluid, but once the cause of the fluid loss is fixed, you are good to go.
I blew a line and lost most of my fluid on a drag strip, fixed, filled drove home.

I know you have some slip, followed by heat, which would kill the transmission, but if you loose it as fast as a hole in the pan would allow, it would seem you would stop going before you would overheat the transmission.