Why This Vintage Solution to Sun Glare Still Divides Classic Car Fans – Jalopnik

Vintage and classic cars are not the most practical choices in the modern world. They don’t include smart safety systems, nor do they have the same kind of comfort and tech improvements that many of us now consider must-haves. But despite all their weaknesses, they sure look cool. Classic cars somehow managed to turn everything into art, whether it was an art deco door handle, a flowing chrome grille or an external metal sun visor. The latter is our focus here, and while it was once popular, it is a classic car accessory that is now largely forgotten.

Modern cars still have sun visors, of course, small folding, cloth-covered ones that fit into the headliner just above and in front of us, but back in the day, and sun visors were very different indeed. The sun visor was created more than 100 years ago, when the Ford Model T was still sold in showrooms. It was during these early days of mass car production that both car manufacturers and consumers began to think not only about how cars work and how to produce them efficiently, but also how they could be made more practical.

Sun visors seemed a logical addition to the car recipe. But instead of being mounted as in modern times, the original sun visor was a windshield-wide piece that sat on the outside of the car. As the decades progressed, so did the sights, with some models adorning huge metal external sights. The point is: these old-fashioned sights are now dividing enthusiast opinions. Some love them and will pay handsomely to equip one with their classic, while others think they are one of the dumbest car accessories out there and only serve to detract from the overall look of the car.

Classic car fans have no problem with the concept of sun visors per se; It’s certainly a universally good thing to be able to protect our eyes while driving. But it’s those extra external sights – which became extremely popular in the 1940s and 1950s – that divide classic enthusiasts in two.

The earlier designs, such as those you might find on the Ford Model T, were factory installed. Usually located just above the windshield, they provide protection not only from the sun’s glare, but also from the rain. Windshield wipers were a bit lackluster back then, so having one of those pop-up visors was of some use in a downpour, at least allowing some water to flow over the screen.

But by the time the 1950s arrived, passenger cars and trucks already had fold-down sun visors – the type we use today. So why should you use the external add-on types? They are unnecessary and, according to some enthusiasts, they simply make no sense. These people aren’t alone, as external sun visors went out of fashion quite quickly (you certainly don’t see them on many cars from the 60s and 70s, for example), suggesting that they have been a controversial addition for some time.

Another reason why they may not be as popular has to do with their efficiency and speed. Although there is little wind tunnel evidence, these additions can disrupt a car’s aerodynamics, creating a large area in which air can become trapped while driving. This extra drag is fine for standard cars and trucks, but if you think your car deserves a cool restomod or want to trade in an LS engine, maybe consider adding a visor altogether, as the forces only increase with speed.

You can also make a simple modification like that of a classic Chevy truck owner Facebook who wanted the look of the sun visor but didn’t want to risk causing damage when driving at higher speeds. So his answer was simply to slat the visor so that air could escape when pressure was applied. In this way, not only is the pressure reduced, but the visor still fulfills its intended purpose: keeping the bright sun at bay.

Finally, visors not only block the sun, but they also block part of your upward view. This can obscure your view of traffic lights, but there is a solution for this too: traffic light seekers use a prism that reflects the traffic light signals as they change, making the lights clearly visible to motorists when crosshairs obstruct the view.

It’s worth noting that not all external sun visors are created equal. Popular choices include the three-piece Fulton sun visor, which is relatively easy to install and has the advantage of being adjustable. However, it can take a lot of fiddling to get some external sun visors to fit properly, as you would expect from any generic or custom aftermarket accessory.

If adding one to your ride sounds interesting, the good news is that they aren’t very expensive. Reproduction items can be found quite easily for around $500. Keep in mind that you will also need to factor in painting and mounting, if you don’t feel like tackling it yourself. Plus, you don’t have to crane your neck at the lights, because those traffic light finders are still available.

External sun visors may not be to everyone’s taste, and particularly grumpy classic car enthusiasts at shows may question your choice. However, when it comes to achieving that perfect 40s and 50s look, the external sun visor is pretty much a must-have, unlike some old school car accessories.