Sun Visor Issues...

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speedracer

Sun Visor Issues...

Post by speedracer »

The sun visors on my 79 Spider were shot. The foam inside basically turned to dust and was leaking out of the torn seam. So I bought a set from IAP, and while they look great, I cannot for the life of me get them to stay up, especially when the top is up. It's annoying, not to mention dangerous to have them flop down whenever they want! :(

So I'd like to know from guys with experience, who makes the best replacement visors?
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81SPIDERMATT
Posts: 1239
Joined: Mon Oct 11, 2010 5:10 pm
Your car is a: 1981 spider 2000
Location: FORT COLLINS, CO

Re: Sun Visor Issues...

Post by 81SPIDERMATT »

is there not a screw that attached visor to visor clip that when tightend makes them stay
speedracer

Re: Sun Visor Issues...

Post by speedracer »

81SPIDERMATT wrote:is there not a screw that attached visor to visor clip that when tightend makes them stay
Tightened that screw as much as I could, but the visor will not stay up.
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azruss
Posts: 3659
Joined: Sun May 30, 2010 12:24 pm
Your car is a: 80 Fiat 2000 FI

Re: Sun Visor Issues...

Post by azruss »

the visors have 2 different sizes of hinge pins. Good chance you have visors that require the bigger size.
speedracer

Re: Sun Visor Issues...

Post by speedracer »

azruss wrote:the visors have 2 different sizes of hinge pins. Good chance you have visors that require the bigger size.
Hmmm, I'm not quite sure what you mean.

I'll have to look at the visors again, then maybe I'll understand...
wizard124
Posts: 752
Joined: Mon Oct 29, 2012 9:27 pm
Your car is a: 1980 124 spider FI
Location: Sheridan, WY exSan Rafael, CA

Re: Sun Visor Issues...

Post by wizard124 »

speedracer wrote: So I'd like to know from guys with experience, who makes the best replacement visors?
I think I do!
Image

This is how I made them: http://fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=23479
An inexpensive rainy day project :idea:
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azruss
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Joined: Sun May 30, 2010 12:24 pm
Your car is a: 80 Fiat 2000 FI

Re: Sun Visor Issues...

Post by azruss »

The pin is part of the top latch on one side and the visor mount on the other. the later visors have a big hole in the pivot socket, where the early models were much smaller. If you have small pivot pins from an early spider, you will never get it tight. You might be able to find a sleeve to get you bigger.
speedracer

Re: Sun Visor Issues...

Post by speedracer »

azruss wrote:The pin is part of the top latch on one side and the visor mount on the other. the later visors have a big hole in the pivot socket, where the early models were much smaller. If you have small pivot pins from an early spider, you will never get it tight. You might be able to find a sleeve to get you bigger.
OK, I think I got you now.

The pins that protrude from the convertible top latches, right? A sleeve might work if I can find something. Would the older style visors work? Are they even available?
speedracer

Re: Sun Visor Issues...

Post by speedracer »

wizard124 wrote:
speedracer wrote: So I'd like to know from guys with experience, who makes the best replacement visors?
I think I do!

An inexpensive rainy day project :idea:
You just might! Nice job.

I'm wondering if it might be easier to just spit the visor open at the seam, then slip a new piece of foam that's cut to match the visor shape into the open seam, then re-glue the seam. Hmmmm?
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aj81spider
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Joined: Fri Mar 11, 2011 9:04 am
Your car is a: 1974 Fiat 124 Spider
Location: Chelmsford, MA

Re: Sun Visor Issues...

Post by aj81spider »

I redid mine by cutting off the old vinyl, then using the metal frame. I put some cardboard in the center, foam around that and them some black vinyl fabric I got from a fabric store. The first time I glued it, but the seams let go. I then sewed it and it held together nicely.
A.J.

1974 Fiat 124 Spider
2006 Corvette
1981 Spider 2000 (sold 2013 - never should have sold that car)
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81SPIDERMATT
Posts: 1239
Joined: Mon Oct 11, 2010 5:10 pm
Your car is a: 1981 spider 2000
Location: FORT COLLINS, CO

Re: Sun Visor Issues...

Post by 81SPIDERMATT »

if how the top attaches is the same and the only difference are the pins ???? we can trade..i have the big ones ,,, . tossed my visors long ago but still need to put the top up once or twice a year .. .... any smart guys know the answer to that one ... not being cocky about the "smart guy" comment.... I really don't know .... same size screws???? same distance apart ?????

and to speedracer ... if that solves your problem with the new visors I am more than happy to help out

I checked out the ones at iap ... that was not a cheap investment ... get you fixed up for some stamps would be cool
speedracer

Re: Sun Visor Issues...

Post by speedracer »

81SPIDERMATT wrote:if how the top attaches is the same and the only difference are the pins ???? we can trade..i have the big ones ,,, . tossed my visors long ago but still need to put the top up once or twice a year .. .... any smart guys know the answer to that one ... not being cocky about the "smart guy" comment.... I really don't know .... same size screws???? same distance apart ?????

and to speedracer ... if that solves your problem with the new visors I am more than happy to help out

I checked out the ones at iap ... that was not a cheap investment ... get you fixed up for some stamps would be cool
Thanks for the offer Matt, but I laid out my visor problem to my craft loving wife and she thinks she can work with the old ones. She'll get the foam for the insert and I'll have to find the leather to wrap it in, then she'll sew them up, She thinks it won't be to hard since the template is already there.

We'll see if she is right!
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81SPIDERMATT
Posts: 1239
Joined: Mon Oct 11, 2010 5:10 pm
Your car is a: 1981 spider 2000
Location: FORT COLLINS, CO

Re: Sun Visor Issues...

Post by 81SPIDERMATT »

no problem .... let me know kuz thinking I might take a grinder to mine to loose that stub and fill all the holes for clip and mirror mount
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