Blinding sunshine solutions ?

JoeSouthFrance · Oct 14, 2023

Now the days are shorter I am finding that blinding sunshine at dusk is regularly becoming a problem here in the South of France. The fold down visors are insufficient to block the low sun and wearing sun glasses is not an option due to the fading light. Has anybody found a good solution that they are happy to recommend ? Thanks !!!

WelshGas · Oct 14, 2023

JoeSouthFrance said:
Now the days are shorter I am finding that blinding sunshine at dusk is regularly becoming a problem here in the South of France. The fold down visors are insufficient to block the low sun and wearing sun glasses is not an option due to the fading light. Has anybody found a good solution that they are happy to recommend ? Thanks !!!

I have a pair of these on the sun visors. Worth their weight.
On Amazon and elsewhere.

sidepod · Oct 14, 2023

Whatever you’ve done when you’ve driven every other vehicle in similar circumstances?

Californication69 · Oct 14, 2023

Get a 2” memory foam seat pad.
Also depends how tall you are from your glutimus Maximus to your eyeballs !

JoeSouthFrance · Oct 15, 2023

sidepod said:
Whatever you’ve done when you’ve driven every other vehicle in similar circumstances?

I only have the dazzling sunset problem with the Cali windscreen due to it having a taller windscreen than all the other cars I have driven. I think it’s probably a common problem if you are a little vertically challenged and your eye-line is way under the visor height.

Corradobrit · Oct 15, 2023

JoeSouthFrance said:
I only have the dazzling sunset problem with the Cali windscreen due to it having a taller windscreen than all the other cars I have driven. I think it’s probably a common problem if you are a little vertically challenged and your eye-line is way under the visor height.

Hence the suggestion to raise your seating position with a seat pad. Since there is no vertical adjustment due to the rotating mechanism an alternative solution is needed. Considering the compromises I think, speaking as a 5'7" vertically challenged driver, the driving position is actually pretty good. The sun visor extension suggestion is also excellent as it provides additional glare protection for shorter drivers.

Barbara · Oct 15, 2023

JoeSouthFrance said:
Now the days are shorter I am finding that blinding sunshine at dusk is regularly becoming a problem here in the South of France. The fold down visors are insufficient to block the low sun and wearing sun glasses is not an option due to the fading light. Has anybody found a good solution that they are happy to recommend ? Thanks !!!

I just have an additional drop down sun visor that falls below the exiting one. Just need to get use to moving it up and down and make sure it does not fall down when not needed. I use an elastic strap. not used a lot but great when needed. Mine is similar to this, but it took me a number of versions till I I found the best for me.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B093LJNKN7/?tag=eliteelect-21

Corradobrit · Oct 15, 2023

Barbara said:
I just have an additional drop down sun visor that falls below the exiting one. Just need to get use to moving it up and down and make sure it does not fall down when not needed. I use an elastic strap. not used a lot but great when needed. Mine is similar to this, but it took me a number of versions till I I found the best for me.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B093LJNKN7/?tag=eliteelect-21

Also good to reduce glare and sun from the drivers side door which I find more of an irritation.

Barbara · Oct 15, 2023

Corradobrit said:
Also good to reduce glare and sun from the drivers side door which I find more of an irritation.

Thanks never thought of that. Will most likely need to try it soon as in Spain and where some of the roads are very open the sun does come in the side.

larrylamb · Oct 15, 2023

Not had that problem in Lancashire.

JoeSouthFrance · Oct 15, 2023

Californication69 said:
Get a 2” memory foam seat pad.
Also depends how tall you are from your glutimus Maximus to your eyeballs !

It sounds a good cheap low tech idea.

JoeSouthFrance · Oct 15, 2023

larrylamb said:
Not had that problem in Lancashire.

Oh you are sooo lucky

Barbara · Oct 15, 2023

Californication69 said:
Get a 2” memory foam seat pad.
Also depends how tall you are from your glutimus Maximus to your eyeballs !

If I sat on

2” memory foam seat pad.

may feet would not reach the peddles!

Californication69 · Oct 15, 2023

Barbara said:
If I sat on

may feet would not reach the peddles!

Pull the seat forward, and undo the steering wheel adjuster and push the steering wheel into the dashboard.
The memory foam squashes down to around 1”
But I find I don’t lose my backside into the seat.
Get one from Amazon and if you don’t get on with it in 29 days, send it back for a full refund.
It’s reduced at the moment as well.
From 30 to 24. Bargain.
I have one to take on flights every week as I’m sick of bruised elbows and backache.
Works perfect for me.
Not going to say it will work perfect for you.
But worth a punt.

bonmedico Memory Foam Seat Cushion - Non-Slip, Raiser Wedge Cushion for Office Chairs to Support Standing - Portable Car Seat Cushion w/Handle for Lower Back Support - Gifts for Women, Men & Elderly https://amzn.eu/d/5NJTgAB

Barbara · Oct 15, 2023

Californication69 said:
Pull the seat forward, and undo the steering wheel adjuster and push the steering wheel into the dashboard.
The memory foam squashes down to around 1”
But I find I don’t lose my backside into the seat.
Get one from Amazon and if you don’t get on with it in 29 days, send it back for a full refund.
It’s reduced at the moment as well.
From 30 to 24. Bargain.
I have one to take on flights every week as I’m sick of bruised elbows and backache.
Works perfect for me.
Not going to say it will work perfect for you.
But worth a punt.

bonmedico Memory Foam Seat Cushion - Non-Slip, Raiser Wedge Cushion for Office Chairs to Support Standing - Portable Car Seat Cushion w/Handle for Lower Back Support - Gifts for Women, Men & Elderly https://amzn.eu/d/5NJTgAB

I am already sitting as far forward as possible. only 1.52m tall . At least a van can be driven by short to tall people. Drop down visor works well.

66tim99 · Oct 15, 2023

Californication69 said:
Pull the seat forward, and undo the steering wheel adjuster and push the steering wheel into the dashboard.
The memory foam squashes down to around 1”
But I find I don’t lose my backside into the seat.
Get one from Amazon and if you don’t get on with it in 29 days, send it back for a full refund.
It’s reduced at the moment as well.
From 30 to 24. Bargain.
I have one to take on flights every week as I’m sick of bruised elbows and backache.
Works perfect for me.
Not going to say it will work perfect for you.
But worth a punt.

bonmedico Memory Foam Seat Cushion - Non-Slip, Raiser Wedge Cushion for Office Chairs to Support Standing - Portable Car Seat Cushion w/Handle for Lower Back Support - Gifts for Women, Men & Elderly https://amzn.eu/d/5NJTgAB

These are great - there’s a strap to hold it onto the seat too
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07SQZ46LH/?tag=eliteelect-21

Californication69 · Oct 15, 2023

Fair enough, I didn’t need to strap on
With mine, it’s stays in position nicely.

sidepod · Oct 16, 2023

Tint Film Sun Strip 5% or 20% grades : 254mm width x 1.5m or 2m length - Tinting Express Limited

Quality auto window tinting film - as used by professional installers around the world. Manufactured in the USA. 254mm x 1.5 meter or 2 metre length sunstrips with either 5% or 20% VLT (Visible Light Transmission), with the option to purchase application squeegee. Supplied piece of film will...

tintingexpress.co.uk

Barbara · Oct 16, 2023

Camperfamily said:
Agree with the suggestion by @sidepod

See example below on a Sportline T6.1 (not my van). Looks great IMO.

View attachment 115522

I may be wrong but that looks like it is only at the hight of the existing visors. The problem with being short a lower visor is needed when the sun is low. Normal visor is ok most of the time. I also had to have an added one when I drove a car. In the winter going to work I drove into the sun and again on the way home. Best to drive to west in the morning and east in the evening in the northern hemisphere. Sun rises in the east and sets in the west.

Camperfamily · Oct 16, 2023

@Barbara I think you’re right, so have removed. It’s probably similar in size versus the visors, although does cover the central gap between the visors

Mr B · Oct 20, 2023

Barbara said:
If I sat on

may feet would not reach the peddles!

Try these, they worked in Indiana Jones:

ejmoore · Oct 20, 2023

Wear a baseball cap

Liz W-C · Oct 20, 2023

JoeSouthFrance said:
Now the days are shorter I am finding that blinding sunshine at dusk is regularly becoming a problem here in the South of France. The fold down visors are insufficient to block the low sun and wearing sun glasses is not an option due to the fading light. Has anybody found a good solution that they are happy to recommend ? Thanks

Liz W-C · Oct 20, 2023

I keep a baseball type cap in the van. Usually hooked on an arm rest for easy reach in low sun conditions. I’m only 160cm tall. Works for me.

Elly Swanson · Oct 21, 2023

What about wearing sunglasses? In our Cali (6) there’s a handy little compartment for them above the rear view mirror. If you wear specs and don’t have prescription sun specs, buy a cheap pair of clip ons.

Blinding sunshine solutions ?

JoeSouthFrance

WelshGas

Retired after 42 yrs and enjoying Life.

sidepod

Californication69

Bill

JoeSouthFrance

Corradobrit

Barbara

Corradobrit

Barbara

larrylamb

Cali owner.

JoeSouthFrance

JoeSouthFrance

Barbara

Californication69

Bill

Barbara

66tim99

Californication69

Bill

sidepod

Tint Film Sun Strip 5% or 20% grades : 254mm width x 1.5m or 2m length - Tinting Express Limited

Barbara

Camperfamily

Mr B

ejmoore

2016 California Ocean 2.0 TDI

Liz W-C

Liz W-C

Elly Swanson

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