Here's the guy that mentioned the shims..... he has an SS now as his signature shows, but the solstice wheels were on his LT....

https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/show...68&postcount=7


The thread is about a set of Sky rims, but it's the same wheel and djr1973 had Solstice wheels anyways....... Just check for clearance as I believe the offset is different.

 

Well I mounted one of these wheels on front already and it didnt need to be shimmed there was still clearance between the tire and strut. The lug nuts I got fit they just were too long and stuck out past the wheel 3/8 of an inch. I could go get the chrome ones but those rust out way too fast here in Iowa. The ones I ordered are the stainless capped ones just the oem is starting to put on. That why I was wondering if the factory HHR ones that came with the alloys would work but im not sure if they are shorter or not. The ones I ordered were just aftermarket.

 

What size tire are you running on them? I had 225/45's on my Solstice wheels and had to shim the wheel out because of rubbing on the brackets for the sway bar end links. Also there wasnt much clearance between the bottom of the spring perch on the strut and the corner of the tire. Back to the original question, I used the center caps from the factory wheels that I had on my 2LT before swapping to the Solstice wheels.

 

small world im in desmoinse ia i read that they needed shimmed ive had mine on for 10,000 miles no shimms n no problems

 

What size tires are you using?

 

impala center caps

 

I too am going to buy a set of solstice rims. So what's the deal? Do I need spacers or not?
I'm not lowered. If I do it will be 1.5" drop. Does this factor in with the whole shimming thing? I got a '07 LS.

 

depends who you ask, I used longer studs and spacers form H&R, working fine. I am using the Pontiac caps. With 255x40 tires

 

O.k. why would you use spacers if you don't have to? Is 225/40/18 the proper tire size ?

 

I used spacers because the tire rubbed on the bracket that the sway bar end links mount on the strut, I havent the foggiest clue how these guys are saying that they didnt need spacers( I guess it would maybe depend on tire size). I ran 225/45 18 Good Years on my Solstice wheels and the rubbed, I was also lowered on goldline Springs( 1.75" in front and 2.375 in the rear). The offset on the Solstice wheels is 55mm, and the HHR wheels I believe are like 40 or 42mm offset. As far as spacer thinkness, I used 5/16 or 7mm thick spacers, with extended tip lug nuts. And for those of you who have asked what center caps, I used the ones that were in my factory aluminum wheels that came on the car, they just snap into the hole.