using a 12 volt system with the 6 volt horn
 

Has anyone had any success with using a stock horn on a 12 volt system? I purchased the "restorer" and have added it as per the instructions, but my horn doesn't operate. When checking the horn input wires voltage, it still shows 12 volts.
The Model A mechanics handbook shows making one from a variable resistor. Has anyone had experience with it?

Re: using a 12 volt system with the 6 volt horn
 

I assume you meant you purchased the "resistor". Who did your purchase it from? Did the horn work before? Any pictures? It is such a simple part it should work. The voltage drop doesn't occur until there is current flowing so it should be 12 volts on both sides of the resistor without the current flowing. I assume you are wiring from a 12 source to the horn and then to the horn button as a ground to complete the circuit, is that correct?

Charlie Stephens

Re: using a 12 volt system with the 6 volt horn
 

What I use is a Ohmite RESISTOR, 2 OHM, 100 WATT, ADJ TUBULAR, WIREWOUND, +-10% TOLERANCE.The Galco part number is D100K2ro.
It is a adjustable resister so you get adjust what sound you want from your horn. I found it in a old Restorer article? You have to make a simple bracket that mount on the inside frame rail so it's out of sight. Works great.

Re: using a 12 volt system with the 6 volt horn
 

I saw the same in the ford mechanics handbook. The resister I have is called the "restorer" and when hooking it to the circuit, my horn just moans once. It does the same when hooked to a 12v power supply. The horn works as it should when using a 6v system. I'm assuming my resistor is not working.
I'm going to try the one you mentioned.
Thanks

Re: using a 12 volt system with the 6 volt horn
 

The resistor I bought was from Mac's and "Restorer" was the name on the instructions supplied. I've seen it available from several different vendors. The horn is good and operates great using a 6v supply. I do have 12v (yellow wire) running to the resistor and the wire coming from the other side of the resistor going to the horn. The remaining wire (blue w/ white) is going through the horn button for ground, Checking it with a voltmeter, the voltage never drops when the horn button is pushed.
I was wondering if anyone had ever used one of there.

Re: using a 12 volt system with the 6 volt horn
 

I use this as posted by others. Reasonable price.

Re: using a 12 volt system with the 6 volt horn
 

I would guess the 12 volt power supply is not putting out enough amps to blow the horn.

Charlie Stephens

Re: using a 12 volt system with the 6 volt horn
 

Maybe the horn is bad and in need of a cleaning/rebuild.

Re: using a 12 volt system with the 6 volt horn
 

If it has bullet connectors they can be hard to get to make contact when they're new, even if they look secure. Be sure they're mated all the way. Snyder's graciously sent me another horn relay because I was convinced the one I had ordered was bad. Replacement didn't work either. Turns out bullets weren't pushed in well enough. Cost me return postage. Grr.

Re: using a 12 volt system with the 6 volt horn
 

I don't see a horn relay listed at Snyder's. Do you have a link? Thanks

Re: using a 12 volt system with the 6 volt horn
 

Thanks for all of the advise. I believe I may have a bad resistor. The horn operates as it should connected to a 6v battery.

Re: using a 12 volt system with the 6 volt horn
 

The resistor will only drop the voltage from 12 volts to 6 volts when the learn is working.

Re: using a 12 volt system with the 6 volt horn
 

It sounds like the problem is the ground circuit from the horn button. Try a jumper direct from a good ground to the horn.

Re: using a 12 volt system with the 6 volt horn
 

My preference has been to rewire the two field windings. Easily done. See attached article.

Tom Endy

Re: using a 12 volt system with the 6 volt horn
 

After two resistors and much frustration I finally just rewound the field coils with 24 ga. wire. 100 wraps and now my horn operates as it should.

Re: using a 12 volt system with the 6 volt horn
 

Re: using a 12 volt system with the 6 volt horn
 

Have you tried adjusting it ? [ the horn]

Re: using a 12 volt system with the 6 volt horn
 

When Tom speaks you should listen! I have been shocked when Tom has asked for help, we can't be expert at everything.

Re: using a 12 volt system with the 6 volt horn
 

Definitely from Snyder's, but I don't find the link either. I'll see if I can find the receipt.

Re: using a 12 volt system with the 6 volt horn
 

Tom,
Is this 24 ga wire a solid "insulated wire"?? not stranded??

I found this on Amazon. Is this correct?
BNTECHGO 24 AWG Magnet Wire - Enameled Copper Wire - Enameled Magnet Winding Wire - 4 oz - 0.0197" Diameter 1 Spool Coil Red Temperature Rating 155℃ Widely Used for Transformers Inductors