If I recall correctly I simply peeled back the leather and squeezed the aluminium in a bit, I can't recall if I completely removed or only partially removed the rods. Still good after 65,000 kms I did grind back the flat ends of the rods to about the edge of the stand off spacers because if left to long they interfere with the action of the hood clip levers.
I did the same. Took off the visors, removed rods, protected leather and put visor "tube" into vice and carefully squeezed at both end. Worked a treat!
