The Ford Barn

C1Nelson · 10-15-2021, 09:53 AM

I purchased a car that was recently converted to 12 volt. The horn does not work. Possibly it is still 6 volt? I tried adding a resistor that I bought from Snyders. Is there a process how to test if it is wired 6 volt or 12 volt?

Is there a kit to convert it? Where do I start?

Any help would be appreciated.

Ruth · 10-15-2021, 10:08 AM

Just a thought, if your horn doesn't work on 12v it is not going to work on 6v thru the resistor. Either something is wrong with the horn or you need to adjust and lube it.

eagle · 10-15-2021, 10:34 AM

If it is a 6v horn and its been run much on 12V, its going to need some repairs.

nkaminar · 10-15-2021, 12:13 PM

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C1Nelson,

The field winding are different on a 12 volt horn than a 6 volt horn. On a 6 volt horn the field windings will be 20 gauge, which is 0.032 inch in diameter and on a 12 volt horn the field windings are 24 gauge which is 0.020 inch in diameter. The field windings are the stationary windings on the side of the motor. You can use calipers or a micrometer or a sparkplug gauge to measure the size.

Take the cover off and measure the windings. Then examine the connections of the wires, the condition of the commutator, and the rotate the armature to make sure it rotates easily. The contacts should be clean and bright and some electrical grease helps to keep the corrosion down. The commutator is the rotating part where the bushes rub and they it should also be bright and shinny. Clean with some solvent and polish with some 400 grit sandpaper. Oil the front and back bearings where the felt pads are. Just a few drops of oil.

Now loosen the adjustment screw a few clicks and see if the motor turns. If not, try to find the fault with a volt meter. Once you are getting the motor to turn, tighten up the adjustment screw one click at a time until you get the sound you want. Do that again with the engine running so that the battery is charging.

Button things up and you are ready to go.

To convert a 6 volt horn to 12 volts follow Tom Eddy's instructions at http://www.santaanitaas.org/wp-conte...orn-to-12v.pdf

10-15-2021, 09:53 AM	#1
C1Nelson Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Nampa, Idaho Posts: 61	Convert horn 6 volt to 12 volt I purchased a car that was recently converted to 12 volt. The horn does not work. Possibly it is still 6 volt? I tried adding a resistor that I bought from Snyders. Is there a process how to test if it is wired 6 volt or 12 volt? Is there a kit to convert it? Where do I start? Any help would be appreciated.

10-15-2021, 10:08 AM	#2
Ruth Senior Member Join Date: May 2016 Location: Glide, Oregon Posts: 1,336	Re: Convert horn 6 volt to 12 volt Just a thought, if your horn doesn't work on 12v it is not going to work on 6v thru the resistor. Either something is wrong with the horn or you need to adjust and lube it. __________________ Ruth "Sometimes you really DO need to read the whole thread"

10-15-2021, 10:34 AM	#3
eagle Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Eagle Bend, MN Posts: 2,025	Re: Convert horn 6 volt to 12 volt If it is a 6v horn and its been run much on 12V, its going to need some repairs. __________________ "There are some that can destroy an anvil with a teaspoon and shouldn't be allowed to touch anything resembling a tool."

10-15-2021, 12:13 PM	#4
nkaminar Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Western North Carolina Posts: 3,894	Re: Convert horn 6 volt to 12 volt Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) C1Nelson, The field winding are different on a 12 volt horn than a 6 volt horn. On a 6 volt horn the field windings will be 20 gauge, which is 0.032 inch in diameter and on a 12 volt horn the field windings are 24 gauge which is 0.020 inch in diameter. The field windings are the stationary windings on the side of the motor. You can use calipers or a micrometer or a sparkplug gauge to measure the size. Take the cover off and measure the windings. Then examine the connections of the wires, the condition of the commutator, and the rotate the armature to make sure it rotates easily. The contacts should be clean and bright and some electrical grease helps to keep the corrosion down. The commutator is the rotating part where the bushes rub and they it should also be bright and shinny. Clean with some solvent and polish with some 400 grit sandpaper. Oil the front and back bearings where the felt pads are. Just a few drops of oil. Now loosen the adjustment screw a few clicks and see if the motor turns. If not, try to find the fault with a volt meter. Once you are getting the motor to turn, tighten up the adjustment screw one click at a time until you get the sound you want. Do that again with the engine running so that the battery is charging. Button things up and you are ready to go. To convert a 6 volt horn to 12 volts follow Tom Eddy's instructions at http://www.santaanitaas.org/wp-conte...orn-to-12v.pdf __________________ A is for apple, green as the sky. Step on the gas, for tomorrow I die. Forget the brakes, they really don't work. The clutch always sticks, and starts with a jerk. My car grows red hair, and flies through the air. Driving's a blast, a blast from the past. Last edited by nkaminar; 10-15-2021 at 12:21 PM.

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