Leather sunvisors...a great inexpensive mod
12-19-02, 05:30 AM
#1
Leather sunvisors...a great inexpensive mod
So you just spent a ton of money for your dream Lexus. The interior is perfect, rich leather, classy chrome, muted plastic, smooth fabrics. All designed to appeal to the eye and touch and create a feeling of comfort and harmony to contribute to the driving experience.
But what's that? Only inches from your face, a big UGLY non removable sticker in hideous orange and yellow shouting AIRBAG WARNING!!!
UGLY UGLY UGLY! Push the visor down to use it, and it gets worse. The sticker is now bigger, and even in French! Not only that, anything used to cut out glare should be black. With bad glare, the light will 'bleed' around the edges. Pro photographers always use matte black around lenses and lights for that reason. Notice the tail lights bleed in the photo below.
But what's that? Only inches from your face, a big UGLY non removable sticker in hideous orange and yellow shouting AIRBAG WARNING!!!
UGLY UGLY UGLY! Push the visor down to use it, and it gets worse. The sticker is now bigger, and even in French! Not only that, anything used to cut out glare should be black. With bad glare, the light will 'bleed' around the edges. Pro photographers always use matte black around lenses and lights for that reason. Notice the tail lights bleed in the photo below.
Last edited by geebee; 12-19-02 at 06:02 AM.
12-19-02, 05:39 AM
#2
There is an excellent solution to this problem: Leather slipcovers for your visors. I had this done to my last car, and in repayment for the good info I've gotten here at Club Lexus, I've documented how to do it for any car.
You MIGHT be able to do it yourself, but I would recommend getting an upholsterer or leather worker to do it right. Luckily for me, one of the best custom leather shops anywhere is local: Renaissance Leather in Hingham MA.
Step one is take off the visor. There is a decorative cover over the screws that pops right off. Then remove two phillips head screws. The visor will come off and you then push on the side of the mirror light power cord clip to disconnect that. Very easy.
The leather covers are made in two pieces. In this photo, Queenie of R.L. is slipping the smaller piece onto the visor. It is open at the top to get around the bar.
You MIGHT be able to do it yourself, but I would recommend getting an upholsterer or leather worker to do it right. Luckily for me, one of the best custom leather shops anywhere is local: Renaissance Leather in Hingham MA.
Step one is take off the visor. There is a decorative cover over the screws that pops right off. Then remove two phillips head screws. The visor will come off and you then push on the side of the mirror light power cord clip to disconnect that. Very easy.
The leather covers are made in two pieces. In this photo, Queenie of R.L. is slipping the smaller piece onto the visor. It is open at the top to get around the bar.
Last edited by geebee; 12-19-02 at 06:06 AM.
12-19-02, 05:45 AM
#3
The second part of the visor covers everything and slips over the first part that was already installed.
Now obviously this covers the makeup mirror and light. But I've NEVER used them and my girlfriend has almost never used them. I'm sure for a bit more work (and money) the mirrors could be made usable. Another nice thing about this system, is that it can be easily removed with no damage if you sell the car.
In this shot you see Patrick of R.L. trimming out the area where the visor locks into place.
Now obviously this covers the makeup mirror and light. But I've NEVER used them and my girlfriend has almost never used them. I'm sure for a bit more work (and money) the mirrors could be made usable. Another nice thing about this system, is that it can be easily removed with no damage if you sell the car.
In this shot you see Patrick of R.L. trimming out the area where the visor locks into place.
Last edited by geebee; 12-19-02 at 06:45 AM.
12-19-02, 05:51 AM
#4
The seam where the two pieces overlap is left open and can be handy to stuff envelopes or papers into. I had Patrick sew a custom pocket for my clip-on sunglasses into one side.
The leather also feels better than that polyester cloth. Here's a shot of one completed visor to compare with stock.
The leather also feels better than that polyester cloth. Here's a shot of one completed visor to compare with stock.
Last edited by geebee; 12-19-02 at 06:47 AM.
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12-20-02, 02:08 AM
#10
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Originally posted by geebee
In this photo, Queenie of R.L. is slipping the smaller piece onto the visor. It is open at the top to get around the bar.
In this photo, Queenie of R.L. is slipping the smaller piece onto the visor. It is open at the top to get around the bar.
12-20-02, 03:50 AM
#11
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Re: HAHAHAHAHAHHA
Originally posted by PlayboyzGS
OR YOU COULD JUST REMOVE THE STICKER LIKE I DID!!!!!
OR YOU COULD JUST REMOVE THE STICKER LIKE I DID!!!!!
12-20-02, 04:33 AM
#12
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Originally posted by PlayboyzGS
OR YOU COULD JUST REMOVE THE STICKER LIKE I DID!!!!!
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Yup, took mine off the first month I owned the car. There was no adhesive left on the fabric either
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Originally posted by PlayboyzGS
OR YOU COULD JUST REMOVE THE STICKER LIKE I DID!!!!!
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Yup, took mine off the first month I owned the car. There was no adhesive left on the fabric either
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However this cover is worth doing anyway. It looks a LOT better, and also works better when there is glare.
GB
Last edited by geebee; 12-21-02 at 07:12 AM.
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