New Ahooga Horns from Suppliers

[bogiediver]

Did my best to search and didn't find what I was looking for (but did spend 2 hours looking at other things the search brought forth )

Anyone buy one of the new USA-made ahooga horns from any of the suppliers? I believe all the suppliers are selling the same ones - from A & L Parts

Wondering how they are - in terms of quality and sound? Specifically, the 12 volt version.

Any feedback on either 6v or 12v appreciated.

Sent my horn to Jim Diehl in Michigan for conversion & repair, but he has become ill and isn't able to work on them. You may want to sent best wishes his way.

[ronn]

Why not clean up a Hutchins?

[CarlG]

I bought one of the 12v horns from A&L back when they were still selling to the general public. It has worked just fine.

[Synchro909]

I have repaired a number of horns and converted several to 12 volts and they work fine. I also have a new 12 v horn from a US vendor that works perfectly.

[bogiediver]

@Carlg & @Synchro909 - Thanks for the reply re: supplier horn.

Probably the way I'll go...

Additional replies will be appreciated.

Found several threads regarding A & L, in general, that were positive...

@Ronn - a Hutchins?

[AL in NY]

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I bought a 6 Volt horn back when A&L was selling to the public (same as CarlG) and it has worked fine for many years. It was money well spent.

[bogiediver]

Thanks @Al in NY

[SDJason]

I very recently (DEC 2023) bought a 6V Sparton from Snyder's, Part #A-13802-R6.
The first one they sent was defective, but they very quickly made good on it, and the replacement they sent out works flawlessly - I'm very happy with it.

[bogiediver]

Thanks @SDJason.

Appreciate the feedback...

[alexiskai]

I'm curious, why would folks buy brand new horns for $325 when you can buy a well-restored original from any one of several private sellers for less than that? I'm not mad at anyone, just curious from the POV of market research. Like, what's driving you to pay more for that product? Just having the warranty?

[gary678*]

I bought a 12v horn directly from A&L in 2018 for $100. Adjusted it when I installed it to get the correct sound and it has performed perfectly since...a quality product! I believe that A&L now only sells to vendors so if you are interested in the A&L unit you should ask the vendor who their supplier is.

[bogiediver]

@Gary678* - thanks for the input. And great idea to verify supplier's source.

@alexisaki - after research on reputable rebuilders and finding many not in the business anymore; then settling on a gentleman who got great references from people I trust; sending the horn to him; and him not being able to continue the work due to illness; after waiting 4 months - I'm going with the new horn for the timing, as well as the reliability and, yes, a period of warranty... Oh, and the fact I, personally, don't have the talent, nor the patience, to do the conversion/rebuild myself

[bogiediver]

Thanks all - I'll follow up and let you know how it turns out.

[TomInCologne]

Originally Posted by alexiskai

I'm curious, why would folks buy brand new horns for $325 when you can buy a well-restored original from any one of several private sellers for less than that? I'm not mad at anyone, just curious from the POV of market research. Like, what's driving you to pay more for that product? Just having the warranty?

Don't forget that not all A owners are living in the US, i am not in the market for an Aoogah, but if i had to, i would go to my preferred seller. Getting a private seller to send a shipment to europe and then, on this side of the pond, get it through customs, is a real chore. I rather spend a bit more and get it from Snyders.

[ronn]

Hutchins is a repro horn- made in the 1970s-very inexpensive.
generally sell for 35-100. and always on ebay. I have a few floating in my shop at all times.
they look good and sound good. sometimes they are chrome and need to be scuffed and painted.
they are 12 volt

https://youtu.be/679144L9wiA?si=qrI891Fz40W68MyP

[ddweave]

Hutchins also made 6 volt horns. They work well, but don't look quite like an original.

[ronn]

agree dd. nice for a driver, not a points car.

[bogiediver]

Well, mine certainly ain't no points car.

I refer to it as a "warm rod"

[ursus]

Originally Posted by ddweave

Hutchins also made 6 volt horns. They work well, but don't look quite like an original.

I run across Hutchins horns for sale but sellers often don't know whether the horn is 6V or 12V. How does one tell which?

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Originally Posted by alexiskai

I'm curious, why would folks buy brand new horns for $325 when you can buy a well-restored original from any one of several private sellers for less than that? I'm not mad at anyone, just curious from the POV of market research. Like, what's driving you to pay more for that product? Just having the warranty?

One of the key things is when you get an original horn rebuilt, all you are getting is the motor rebuilt. Most of the time, the projector and cover needs bodywork and paint, and many times the screen and the tag also need replacing. With a new repro, it is ready to bolt on without any assembly or paintwork.