The Official 356Talk Forum

I have a pair of what I think are original 1958 356A Cab sun visors.

The original padding has disintegrated, can this be restored?

Does anyone know someone who can?

Jack Arct (R.I.P) used to restore them. I know there was a very old thread about restoring them. It basically involved cutting the cover on the seam, installing new foam and using Super Glue to reseal the seam. If the cover is discolored, Krylon eggshell white spray paint was suggested.

Mike

Thanks Mike, if no specialist turns up I will give it a go.

You might check with an upholstery shop like Autos International or K & H Upholstery in Garden Grove, CA. You'll have to weigh restoration cost vs. repros.

Mike

Here's a blast from the past on visor restoration (not sure who Bob is):

[Subject: Re: [356Talk] Visor restoration
To: 356Talk@356registry.org
Message-ID: <OFB5FC1602.20F90DF3-ON85256E02.00661DE6@nsc.com>
From: "Glenn Hill" <Glenn.Hill@nsc.com>
Date: Sat, 20 Dec 2003 13:36:20 -0500
Thanks everyone for the replies! Can't wait to give it a try.
Glenn Hill
Portland, Maine
'61 Coupe
I have done this several times with 100% success. Split between the hinges with xacto knife (pull outward) stuff as needed (sandwich new foam to hide wire frame) Re-assemble with Wonderbond liquid super glue. One dot at a time to have a chance to follow alignment of new knife cut. It is easy!! you will laugh while doing it cause it is so easy!! Works best if you split the factory seam in the middle so that when re-gluing you have a nice flat cut to put the glue on. Take your time!!!! steady wins the race. Good luck!
Happy holidays Bob]

A slightly later post of which dye to use--from Tim Herman:
[May 7, 2008:
Here is the best color matching and durable, performing product we have found in 35+ years experience for visor color restoration:
SEM
Flexible Coating
Part #17033
SEM Color: Light Parchment

We get it at NAPA
--Tim Herman]

Well found Dave ! Looks like a bit of DIY for me. Thank you.

I have done it before. I went very very slow, and I changed out the razor blade about 3 times when making the slice down the center of the seam. You can use the old padding as a pattern for the new foam that you cut to put back in. Logic will tell you not to cut the entire outer seam. Only cut enough to get out the old and slide in the new. On re-assembly, don't overdue it at all with the glue. Use a toothpick or similar. Good luck!

http://forum.porsche356registry.org/vie ... =1&t=27748 Good discussion and pictures in the link.

Doug, great link, I wondered what was falling out of my visor. It looked like sand, now I know its how the padding degrades. I will post photos of repair.

I have also restored a few visors.Every one has the correct idea.
If you need new glass, the American glass will make the visors look to thick.
I do have some metric glass when I did my "C".

Julian

Thanks

If you don't want to handle it yourself then send them to Julian.

Help. I've contacted the usual suspects trying to get my original sun visors restored.
So far no luck. Jack Arct (RIP) and Julian isnt doing them any more. I cant find someone else.
Any suggestions?
Thanks
Steve

I did mine on my 59 coupe and I cleaned them up with acetone and a cotton rag. If you want to practice I can sell you a couple of T6 visors to play with.

Registry Magazine Volume 32-2 has an article by my friend Tom Kayser on redoing them. https://porsche356registry-production-p ... 1425424236

Thanks so much for the DYI information. Not something I can (or would do) with that type of precision.
Looking for someone that does these. Thanks!