|
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 117
Contributor
|
OP
Contributor
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 117 |
I installed my two 6V horns last night in my 50 Chevy car with a couple of 6V reducers because my system is 12V and they aren't working. The reducers are the size of a quarter, with ceramic and two prongs, bought them on Ebay. I put one on each horn and nothing. If I take them off then of course the horns work. But if I leave them with 12V juice eventually they will burn out, right? Do I need more reducers in line? I tried just one reducer for the two and still nothing, you just hear the relay working.
Thank you for those who take the time to help and provide advice! A classic car enthusiest!
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 787
Major Contributor
|
Major Contributor
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 787 |
There are a few questions that come to mind. What is the amperage rating of the reducers? They put relays on horns because of the amperage pull.
I don't think 12 v would be a problem for the horn as long as it's not prolonged use. Another option would be to series the horns. IF you only have a single connection on the horn, you would have to open it to see if there is a chassis ground in the horn.
Larry
Ignorance can be fixed Stupidity is forever
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 272
Contributor
|
Contributor
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 272 |
I have a pair of stock 6v horns for my '38 stude and plan to mount them in series as Larry suggests. As they each ground to their mount I will insulate the first and run its ground to the positive of the second horn. Each will then "see" 6 volts. Should work just fine. Also have a nice loud freight-train style air horn for those who don't pay attention. S
'38 Stude/292
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 117
Contributor
|
OP
Contributor
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 117 |
I think I understand. My horns ground to the body of the car and then they have a single wire for power. How will I run a ground to the other horn's power wire? And then what wire will I use from that horn for power? Thanks
Thank you for those who take the time to help and provide advice! A classic car enthusiest!
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 272
Contributor
|
Contributor
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 272 |
If the body of the horn grounds to the frame then you need to insulate one so it cannot touch metal to metal with the frame. This usually means you insulate the bolts that mount to the frame and make sure the horn body is not touching the frame. Rubber mounts should work. Your normal power line for the horn will connect to the insulated horn's power connection and a wire from the body of that horn should send power to the second horn that is mounted normally to ground with the frame.
You may be able to check the inside of the horn to see how it is grounded to the body (of the horn) or frame and dislocate that and run to the second horn.
I haven't looked at mine for a long time but as I remember it, I decided it would be easiest to insulate the first horn from the frame so it cannot ground, and run a wire from its body to the power input of the second horn.
I assume you have a power wire to each horn, coming from the same source, that is, they are wired in parallel.
'38 Stude/292
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 196
Contributor
|
Contributor
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 196 |
Maybe the local radio shack would have something. See if there is one old guy working there. The kids dont know nuthin except how to put time on your cell phone.
Instead of called a reducer it may be called a transformer or a Step-down Transformer. They may have something online... or Radio Shack also has a Giant Catalog that has stuff not carried in the store. It is all Electronic Gizmo stuff.
In the meantime, find a 6V motorcycle battery or riding lawnmower battery and play with your wiring setup.
250 Integrated Head / 1981 C-10 Pick up.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 117
Contributor
|
OP
Contributor
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 117 |
Thank you for those who take the time to help and provide advice! A classic car enthusiest!
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 596
Major Contributor
|
Major Contributor
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 596 |
I have used 6 volt horns on a 12 volt system with no modifcations for years and have never burnt one up but they are a lot louder on 12 volts. If you were to run the horn for several minutes it would burn out but who blows there horn that much.
Been there, Done that, Hope to live long enough to do it again. Big Bill I.I.# 4698
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 105
Contributor
|
Contributor
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 105 |
My experience is like big bill's. I just hooked it up and moved on. The horn was really loud and strident. It worked for years. It was still working when I sold the vehicle.
Unless the horn has some value other than making noise, I wouldn't worry about it.
If it does, then you might consider using the Wolo "Bad Boy" from Northern Tool or Harbor Freight instead. It ranges from $30 - $45 depending on the current sale. You won't be disappointed in the volume.
regards, Leon
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,613
1000 Post Club
|
1000 Post Club
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,613 |
ditto here. I'm using the original 6V horn and relay on my '53 sedan, but on 12 volts.
I.I. #3174
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 117
Contributor
|
OP
Contributor
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 117 |
Thanks, I went ahead and did that today. Works just fine.
Thank you for those who take the time to help and provide advice! A classic car enthusiest!
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 272
Contributor
|
Contributor
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 272 |
Well, that will certainly simplify my mounting of the horns. Thanks folks. Sam
'38 Stude/292
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 20
Active BB Member
|
Active BB Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 20 |
Could you use a ballast resistor in the power wire to reduce the voltage?
250 Chevy in a Rat Rod
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 196
Contributor
|
Contributor
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 196 |
I didnt read the question... I installed my two 6V horns in my 50 Chevy Well Heck 2 6V horns equals 12V
Glad you got the horns working. When it comes to overblowing All you have to worry about is Parades and Traffic Jams. Oh and this should keep you from blowing your horn at pretty girls
250 Integrated Head / 1981 C-10 Pick up.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 43
Active BB Member
|
Active BB Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 43 |
Have run 12 volts to both 6 volt starters and horns for 45 or 50 years. Never had a horn or starter burn up on 12 volts! Starts heck of a lot better and horn rattles the front fenders and hood! It does get the other drivers attention! Bought my first 47 Chevrolet in 1955 at the age of 13 for 35 dollars. Drug it home with dads trusty 48 Chevy truck.The first time I tried it was nervous as a prostitute in church about burning something up but never did! Still playing with all this old stuff at 66 years young!
Home of the "Texas Beast" Cummins Turbo Diesel powered 1949 Chevrolet One Ton Pick-up and numerous other trucks, cars & mosikles. Inliners # 1564
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 226 Likes: 1
Contributor
|
Contributor
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 226 Likes: 1 |
Me to; I'm running 12 volts on my '48 chevy' stock relay and horns .About 6 yrs. now. 1 OL REDNECK
DARRELL KRAFT I.I.#113
|
|
|
1 members (stock49),
26
guests, and
31
robots. |
Key:
Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod
|
|
|
|