Explorer Sun Visor Reupholster

[Corey H]

Hi Everyone,

I am working on the start of my 06 FX4 build and i got some Explorer parts from the junkyard. I got some sun visors but am wanting to go black since I will be redoing the headliner in black also.

Has anyone taken apart the Explorer sun visors? I got the smaller one's apart no problem but can't get the lighted and main visor apart. Already broke the driver side so will need to get another but looking for some ideas!

 

[Corey H]

Any input on this?

 

[Curious Hound]

I’ve never had one apart. I have a spare set that I wanted to refurbish in some way. But they’ve been sitting on the workbench for several years, untouched except when they’re in my way.

 

[Corey H]

I’ve never had one apart. I have a spare set that I wanted to refurbish in some way. But they’ve been sitting on the workbench for several years, untouched except when they’re in my way.

From the one I broke pulling apart it seems they are plastic welded together. I'll grab a picture of broken one to show what I'm seeing. I don't think get a heat gun will remelt the plastic but may be worth a try. My other idea is figure some way to use a multitool and long blade that can cut all the welded areas.

 

[SenorNoob]

Plastic weld is a common process. It's most often applied to parts that are already snapped together. (Gotta have something to hold them together till the welder gets done.) IDK about un-welding, but putting it back together is often done with a soldering iron.

 

[MaicoDoug]

You are trimming the unwanted edge away? Not sure exactly where you're at in the fitment process but I know you're fitting it up with a OHC.

Q: Can't the outer edge be trimmed away and then retrimmed with some new edge material. Perhaps bring it by a auto upholstery shop to get their opinion. I need to buy some rubber trim material myself to restore my bellstar 90 so it will look good sitting on the shelf.

 

[Corey H]

Was able to get the visors apart! Ended up throwing them in the oven on 225 degrees for about 5 minutes and started prying and pulling and got it apart. I will have to JB weld it back together but think it will should look good in the end

 

[Corey H]

You are trimming the unwanted edge away? Not sure exactly where you're at in the fitment process but I know you're fitting it up with a OHC.

Q: Can't the outer edge be trimmed away and then retrimmed with some new edge material. Perhaps bring it by a auto upholstery shop to get their opinion. I need to buy some rubber trim material myself to restore my bellstar 90 so it will look good sitting on the shelf.

I don't think i will have to trim the ends, since the explorer and ranger ceiling are basically the same. Or at least that's what i have seen on the overhead console install from here. The last picture shows both visors and overhead installed