Go Back   EcoModder Forum > EcoModding > Aerodynamics
Register Now
 Register Now
 

Reply  Post New Thread
 
Submit Tools LinkBack Thread Tools
Old 02-28-2014, 07:55 PM   #1 (permalink)
EcoModding Lurker
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Austin
Posts: 16

HHR - '08 Chevrolet HHR LS
90 day: 35.82 mpg (US)
Thanks: 0
Thanked 4 Times in 3 Posts
Wrecked HHR-Total loss or blank slate?

SO I've got an '08 Chevy HHR with the 2.2 Ecotec 4-cyl and a 5-speed manual trans. I've been lurking the boards, off and on, for a year or so.
I recently had an unpleasant encounter with a guardrail due to some oil-slick, rainy roads. Unfortunately, I don't have full coverage...but it's been payed off for over a year.
I took it to a body shop and got a quick quote of over $6k. He's willing to work with me, but a lot of the cost would be labor and replacement of the pass frame rail. I'm mechanically inclined, mechanic for nearly 10 years, and don't scoff at mechanical work.
I'm thinking of removing the engine/trans for him. Letting him fix the frame rails and ensure it's safe to drive. Then I can piece it back together myself...doesn't have to be perfect if it's light on the wallet.
I'm starting to see the front as a bit of a blank slate to be tinkered with for maximum mileage possible, while keeping the overall shape of the HHR.
What are y'alls opinions, comments, etc?
http://s49.photobucket.com/user/tamatt27/library/





Last edited by HotRodEconomist; 02-28-2014 at 08:18 PM..
  Reply With Quote
Alt Today
Popular topics

Other popular topics in this forum...

   
Old 02-28-2014, 08:20 PM   #2 (permalink)
Master EcoModder
 
sarguy01's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Virginia Beach
Posts: 468

Mazda5 - '12 Mazda 5
90 day: 25.22 mpg (US)

Big D - '11 Dodge Durango Crew
90 day: 18.75 mpg (US)
Thanks: 86
Thanked 87 Times in 54 Posts
Ouch. Sorry to hear about what you are going through.

I know you said the passenger rail needs to be replaced, what about the rest of the body?? What is your timeline to get it fixed?

Maybe you could fab up a boat tail and create a really aero design, then have it painted up to look like it was factory??

On second thought, can you part it out and get a better car for FE? The HHR is good for 30 city (EPA), so maybe it isn't worth fixing?? You'll dump $6,000 into the body, right? For $6,000, you can get a decent car that can probably get 40 hwy without changing anything. Just a thought...
  Reply With Quote
Old 02-28-2014, 08:27 PM   #3 (permalink)
EcoModding Lurker
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Austin
Posts: 16

HHR - '08 Chevrolet HHR LS
90 day: 35.82 mpg (US)
Thanks: 0
Thanked 4 Times in 3 Posts
I can use my truck for commuting...although it gets about 1/3 the mileage.
I can erk the HHR to 35 MPG avg to and from work. It really likes warmer weather better.
My main goal is to dump the least amount of money total. I can do a lot of the work myself and save some money, but don't want to pay $6k to put it back to factory.
I doubt I could sell it for much...likely less than a grand.
  Reply With Quote
Old 02-28-2014, 08:41 PM   #4 (permalink)
Rat Racer
 
Fat Charlie's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Route 16
Posts: 4,150

Al the Third, year four - '13 Honda Fit Base
Team Honda
90 day: 42.9 mpg (US)
Thanks: 1,784
Thanked 1,922 Times in 1,246 Posts
I saw a few decent looking used manual Civic sedans in my area for $6k. If you can get a grand for the hulk, it looks like time for an upgrade.
__________________

Quote:
Originally Posted by sheepdog44 View Post
Transmission type Efficiency
Manual neutral engine off.100% @MPG <----- Fun Fact.
Manual 1:1 gear ratio .......98%
CVT belt ............................88%
Automatic .........................86%

  Reply With Quote
Old 02-28-2014, 08:59 PM   #5 (permalink)
EcoModding Lurker
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Austin
Posts: 16

HHR - '08 Chevrolet HHR LS
90 day: 35.82 mpg (US)
Thanks: 0
Thanked 4 Times in 3 Posts
Eh...not a foreign car fan. If I were to get another car, it would likely be from the big three....
No one thinks the HHR is worth saving?
  Reply With Quote
Old 02-28-2014, 09:44 PM   #6 (permalink)
Hydrogen > EV
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: NW Ohio, United States
Posts: 2,022

Silver Flea - '05 Honda Insight
90 day: 58.96 mpg (US)
Thanks: 992
Thanked 396 Times in 283 Posts
I could see saving it if you could get that for it.

Will what you put into it be able to be taken out? If not, I would get as much as you can for it/the pieces, and get something else.

Depending on other details, it doesn't seem like you will get that for it.
__________________





Best Tanks:
Mustang - 54.83 mpg (US) at the Green Grand Prix
Insight - 82.91966 mpg (US) over 818.5 miles.
  Reply With Quote
Old 03-01-2014, 07:15 AM   #7 (permalink)
Master EcoModder
 
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Tampa, FL
Posts: 1,745

Volt, gas only - '12 Chevrolet Volt Premium
90 day: 38.02 mpg (US)

Volt, electric only - '12 Chevrolet Volt Premium
90 day: 132.26 mpg (US)

Yukon Denali Hybrid - '12 GMC Yukon Denali Hybrid
90 day: 21.48 mpg (US)
Thanks: 206
Thanked 420 Times in 302 Posts
If you dont mind looks, id just make it run and drive. Then worry about the body whenever you like. And you dont have to make it look stock. Fab up your own fiberglass body parts.
__________________




  Reply With Quote
The Following User Says Thank You to ksa8907 For This Useful Post:
UltArc (03-01-2014)
Old 03-01-2014, 09:34 AM   #8 (permalink)
Master EcoModder
 
sarguy01's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Virginia Beach
Posts: 468

Mazda5 - '12 Mazda 5
90 day: 25.22 mpg (US)

Big D - '11 Dodge Durango Crew
90 day: 18.75 mpg (US)
Thanks: 86
Thanked 87 Times in 54 Posts
Quote:
Originally Posted by HotRodEconomist View Post
Eh...not a foreign car fan. If I were to get another car, it would likely be from the big three....
No one thinks the HHR is worth saving?
I wasn't either, until I realized how reliable Hondas were. If your reason is a made in America one, remember, when buying used the car maker gets nothing. If you buy used at a private sale, the cash doesn't even fuel the dealership.

If the frame was bent, the car might not ever drive right again. I could live with some body work, but not a fixed bent frame. When part of the frame bends, it usually pushes/pulls other parts of the frame, then the car might have alignment and tracking issues. Those could be bad for FE.

Last edited by sarguy01; 03-01-2014 at 10:07 AM..
  Reply With Quote
Old 03-02-2014, 10:33 AM   #9 (permalink)
PSmodder lurker
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Chino
Posts: 1,605
Thanks: 26
Thanked 908 Times in 522 Posts
To some, it is an opportunity

Another man's loss and another man's treasure...

http://image.sporttruck.com/f/947394...7+docs_hhr.jpg

http://image.sporttruck.com/f/947393...sheetmetal.jpg

A unique retro-mod project. http://www.woodyshotrodz.com/index.php?p=home

Last edited by botsapper; 03-02-2014 at 01:44 PM..
  Reply With Quote
The Following User Says Thank You to botsapper For This Useful Post:
sarguy01 (03-02-2014)
Old 03-02-2014, 12:19 PM   #10 (permalink)
Master EcoModder
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 5,927
Thanks: 877
Thanked 2,024 Times in 1,304 Posts
From decades of experience in fixing wrecked cars, including a couple hundred totals.

How many miles on the vehicle?
Air bags deployed?
Overall condition of the vehicle prior to the wreck?

It's definitely totalled. The frame damage is most likely confined to the area in front of the suspension. One way to check that is to check the front end alignment, BEFORE ANY REPAIRS.

At what speed did the impact occur (approximately)?

What is it worth when repaired, realistically?

What is it worth without repairs?

regards
Mech

  Reply With Quote
Reply  Post New Thread


Thread Tools




Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Content Relevant URLs by vBSEO 3.5.2
All content copyright EcoModder.com