Restoring Sun Visors

Sunroof · 02-28-2003, 08:04 PM

Okay, I believe we hit upon this subject awhile back and several ideas sounded worth investigating. Unfortunately I am drawing blanks!

I have the original sunvisors on my 73T which look like deflated air mattresses, but nonetheless still block out the sun. It seems that whatever they used to stuff them with made its way out in the form of dust over the decades. The visors have an internal wire frame that manages to help keep its rectangular shape despite the puffy drab look.

Now, the question is, what to stuff them with or how to restore the shape? I do recall, that expandable foam insulation was an idea, but the drawback was it dried out and deteriorated as well, especially in the presence of direct sunlight.

Anyone have any ideas?

Regards
Bob
73.5T

Jack Olsen · 02-28-2003, 08:29 PM

You should do a search, but I think one of the solutions involved cutting a pencil-tip sized hole, and injecting an expanding foam product used to fill and patch roof leaks. Then, you let the stuff harden while the visors are pressed between two large books.

cstreit · cstreit's Garage

You got it Jack. What you want is the "Great Stuff" expanging foam material. You cut a small hole, inject it in untill it spews, then place the visor between two heavy books. Works like a charm.

crashr · 02-28-2003, 08:36 PM

I just read a couple of the previous threads and with the exception of a few; the foam method doesn't work.

Jack Olsen · 02-28-2003, 08:37 PM

Great Stuff. Yes, I knew it was something like that.

island911 · 02-28-2003, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by crashr
I just read a couple of the previous threads and with the exception of a few; the foam method doesn't work.

It depends on the foam. Some need air to harden. Great Stuff seems to harden in the can if it's not used right away. Whatever foam is used, I would suggest, a test. Filling zipplock bag, for instance. And, WEAR GLOVES. . .they should call that "Stuff," "Greatly Sticky Nastie Expandable Goo"

(and yeah, crashr, I'm working the valve tool issue)

BlueSkyJaunte · 02-28-2003, 10:07 PM

Never had any luck with any of that foam stuff. Hot climes make it worse.

beamonk · 03-01-2003, 04:09 AM

I tried it, it didn't work well

Sunroof · 03-01-2003, 06:20 AM

Looks like its back to square one!! I can always inject goose down feathers but that's too messy!!!!!

Their has to be someway to restore these.........

All creative/inventive minds welcome.

Bob

LeeH · 03-01-2003, 06:41 AM

I tried the foam on my last 911. What a mess. It was soft in places, and lumpy in others. Maybe the Great Stuff will work better than what I used. You have little to lose by trying.

walt · walt's Garage

I did mine but was not satisfied with the appearance, think I shot to much in. One of those - practice makes perfect things.

tryan · 03-01-2003, 07:23 AM

i accidently left one 914 visor out in the rain. it swelled back up to new. i was baffled.

UTKarmann_Ghia · 03-01-2003, 07:40 AM

I have a similar problem. I believe the cardboard in the visors is ok, but it's like they are filled with air--kinda like a down pillow. I'm going to try to get some spray adhesive, make a small hole on each end of the visor, spray some of the stuff in it, then put some heavy books on top. I'm also consdering heating up the visors so that the plastic takes cooling shape more easily. Does this sound like it may work?

Noel · 03-01-2003, 09:09 AM

I had a similar problem with ballon looking sunvisors. While I considered foaming them, I ended up just buying new black ones and am extreramly pleased with them. (Even though they were alittle pricey.)

Noel

gregk1 · 03-01-2003, 09:14 AM

I thought about taking it to an upholstery shop, And have him run a stitch around the middle of it and make it have a roll and tuck type of look to it, What do you guys think??Just another Idea to try other than throwing them away and buy new

Rob McKibbon · 03-01-2003, 09:18 AM

Took mine off - same reason. Also 6'4" tall and my sight line is just below the windshield header and the extra inch was nice.

Now I carry two baseball caps in lieu of visors (or windscreen).

Noel: where did you buy replacements. Can you post a pic or 2?
Mine are just a joke, I didn't think they were originals as my car is a T converted to Cab.

Jack Olsen · 03-01-2003, 11:03 AM

Reproductions are available for about $50 each.

Randy Webb · 03-01-2003, 02:41 PM

OK, I tried the foam -- worked but set so fast I couldn't get the books on top of it. Look for "slow set" foam.

Or -- strip the vinyl off and reapir the interior with palstic/felt/carboard. THEN stitch or have someone stich leather around the assembly. It'll be nicer than stock.

john walker's workshop · 03-01-2003, 02:53 PM

these basket balls are hard to see around, and the mirror makes me look fat.

chuckr · 03-01-2003, 03:43 PM

I tried the Foam in my visors, It worked great for about 4 or 5 months, I live in Louisiana so it is very hot and humid, the foam eventually broke down and I was left with what I started with 6 months earlier.My suggestion is to find reproduction visiors, I went with Performanceproducts and although they are not a factory match, they work like they are supposed to.