'75 Eldorado Sun Visor Slipping

[benji808]

I found an old (5+ years ago) thread related to this, but it didn't seem to address my specific issue so I'm starting new.

Driver's-side sun visor doesn't stay up. I've replaced the bushing that sits inside the visor, and it seems nice and tight. I think the issue may be in the metal rod itself - it can spin inside the metal housing (the piece that the convertible top also hooks into). Has anyone had this issue and/or have any ideas to solve it? For now I've just removed the visor since it's a bit of a safety hazard flopping around.

Thanks!

[Big Fins]

Maybe I need to go out and look, but isn't there a screw that you can tighten up to hold it into position. I never looked on my '76. I know the '69 has them because I've had to tighten them up. Now I need to go look.

[Big Fins]

Yes. Outboard edges of the visors there is a set screw. Just tighten it up.

[benji808]

The issue seems to be not in the visor/bushing (where the screw can tighten it up), but rather in the metal rod itself (see picture). I'm assuming those are not supposed to spin, but mine has broken free and does. I've done some more searching online, and the solutions I've seen are super glue, JB weld, or drilling a small hole and inserting a roll pin.

Any thoughts on this?

[Big Fins]

Putting in a roll pin deletes you moving the visor at all. Drill a small hole, tap it and put a set screw in there, IF that is the case.

[benji808]

Hmmm... from looking at the mechanism I assumed the visor movement was from the plastic bushing inside the visor, tightened by the screw, rotating on the static metal rod, not the metal rod moving.

If that's correct, then stabilizing the metal rod back in the bracket with a roll pin wouldn't affect the ability of the plastic bushing/visor to rotate. Am I thinking about it wrong?

[Matti R]

I had same problem in my 71 Eldo. I put some red Loctite liquid between the bracket and the rod, and now the metal rod stays in place without rotation.

[dochawk]

forty years ago, my father dealt with the outside mirror on my bug flopping about by adding a bit of grit.  Fine sand, iirc . . .

["Cadillac Kid" Greg Surfas 15364]

Benjamin,
Can you turn the rod freely? If so then the pin is the answer. If not, replacement bushings are available IF the clamp has not been too badly abused, that should do it.
Greg Suras

[benji808]

Yup - rod turned. I'm trying simple first - brushed glue around/in the rod and housing. Not really noticeable and I'll see if it will hold. Already replaced the bushing, and it seems to grip appropriately.

["Cadillac Kid" Greg Surfas 15364]

Save yourself some time. Glue will not hold for long. Just drill something like a 1/16" hole through the base and rod and find something like a finishing nail to fit the hole. Put the object through the hole cut the extra off and deform the ends just enough to keep it from slipping out.
Greg Surfas

[benji808]

Just an update in case anyone finds this thread. I took Greg's advice and used a 1/16" bit to drill a hole at a slight downward angle through the base and rod, then stuck a small brad nail in the hole. I added a bit of super glue to the nail to discourage it from getting bumped out. Seems like it will work great!

[Mike Shawgo]

Just adding a funny story to this:  I had the same problem with my 71 Eldo convertible several years ago.  I decided on the drilling solution.  Started drilling and my drill bit broke off about 3/4 of the way through.  Problem solved!

Mike

[hotrod095]

Save yourself some time. Glue will not hold for long. Just drill something like a 1/16" hole through the base and rod and find something like a finishing nail to fit the hole. Put the object through the hole cut the extra off and deform the ends just enough to keep it from slipping out.
Greg Surfas

My eldorado has the same pin drilled through the base of the driver's side rod, maybe the previous owner did this. It holds just fine now. It almost resembles a tiny cotter pin.