Wrecked HHR-Total loss or blank slate?

[backpacker3]

I don't like the looks of the engine bay it kinda looks like some stuff in there got smashed.

[ksa8907]

I know a lot happens in a crash but I just don't see how the passenger frame rail took any damage at all. the engine carriage sure... If I were you id get a second opinion, preferably from a place that has the equipment to straighten a frame, if that's what the problem is.

If you're referring to the portion that is protruding and should be under the passenger headlight, as long as it is in good shape where the engine carriage mounts to it I would not be too concerned as everything in front of that point is merely for crash protection. I'd just bend it back, reinforce it, and reattach a new bumper(metal portion).

The expensive part is trying to make it all look stock again, which is why cars are totaled out in the first place.

[HotRodEconomist]

I chalked it up as a loss and set it aside for the last few weeks. I bought a '05 Focus to use as a commuter in the mean time.
I tinkered with the HHR today and was able to bend the front frame rails close enough for my tastes. So, I'm wondering if it's not a total loss.
All it really needs to be road worthy is a radiator, fan, and a headlight. I even had an old Cobalt bumper laying around and threw it on to see if it was close to fitting (It's the same platform as the Cobalt anyway). Joking aside...it might be worth it, as a cheap fix.
It might not be a loss afterall...It runs just fine, save for needing a radiator and serp belt.

[HotRodEconomist]

I'm goin to try to piece the bumper back together. I found an old grill I had modified when I first bought the car. Banged out several mounting holes on the hood and mounted it.
My plan is to rivet a piece of sheet metal behind the bumper just below the grill, all the way to the bottom of the bumper. For added rigidity of the bumper and for air flow diversion.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Nice that you could fix it. It would be a pity to see an HHR going to the junkyard. They're the coolest-looking among the compact retro-mobiles...

[darcane]

A little inspiration:

[rmay635703]

Originally Posted by HotRodEconomist

I chalked it up as a loss and set it aside for the last few weeks. I bought a '05 Focus to use as a commuter in the mean time.
I tinkered with the HHR today and was able to bend the front frame rails close enough for my tastes. So, I'm wondering if it's not a total loss.
All it really needs to be road worthy is a radiator, fan, and a headlight. I even had an old Cobalt bumper laying around and threw it on to see if it was close to fitting (It's the same platform as the Cobalt anyway). Joking aside...it might be worth it, as a cheap fix.
It might not be a loss afterall...It runs just fine, save for needing a radiator and serp belt.

Get an old cavalier/cobalt with a blown out motor/xmsn and use your upgraded HHR parts plus a better final drive to make a true eco car.

Or if it were me I would get some straps, some chain, a pickup truck and a big tree along with some wood and gloss paint and just barely fix the crap enough to put it on the road and drive.

If its for YOUR purposes to just be a beater driver to run into the ground and you don't care about looks go for it, it doesn't take much to get a bent car to drive straight even while being bent.

It just looks a little funny

Cheers
Ryan

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

As a last resource you can always make a custom space-frame and "dress" it with the HHR body panels...

[ksa8907]

I used pvc pipe to reinforce my bumper cover, have two peices holding it out from the radiator. Hope you get it going again.

[aerohead]

Originally Posted by HotRodEconomist

I'm goin to try to piece the bumper back together. I found an old grill I had modified when I first bought the car. Banged out several mounting holes on the hood and mounted it.
My plan is to rivet a piece of sheet metal behind the bumper just below the grill, all the way to the bottom of the bumper. For added rigidity of the bumper and for air flow diversion.

The HHR is kinda like the PT Cruiser.And the PT Cruiser is akin to the 1934-1/2 Chrysler/DeSoto Airflow aerodynamic test mule which achieved Cd 0.244.
If you smoothed the belly,did rear wheel skirts,and added 36" of 'mediocre' boat tail,you'd be looking at Cd 0.244 and 40.63 mpg HWY.