What is wrong with this horn button picture?

[Fred K-OR]

This is a simple question for most Model A people but I am not sure of the answer myself. So rather than getting a bunch of parts to try to figure out the answer, I thought I would post a couple of pictures of my horn button and the way it looks.

I have a 1929 std coupe that I purchased sort of reworked. Reworked meaning that I think it was put together with various parts and made into the 1929 std coupe and is not a true "restored" coupe.

The problem seems to be that the light switch rod and horn button seems to be to long(see pictures). The rig has a 2 tooth steering column in it. So my assumption is that even though it is a 2 tooth steering column it looks like it has a 7 tooth steering column switch rod and horn button installed. Did this old guy assume correctly? If so would it be just a simple task of taking out the current rod and putting in a 2 tooth rod? What about the length of the rods, would I have to take the steering column loose from the gas tank and below so as to lower it so that the rod can come out without cutting a hole in the roof? Would there also be some other changes I would maybe have to make in the light switch area also? Please comment if you have some ideas on this subject for this old guy that knows nothing about this sort of thing.

Thanks in advance

[Carter]

Column tube appears to be 30-31 2 tooth, I'm thinking the light switch is too.

[JtownJoe]

Bratton's Catalog list several different lengths on the horn rods, not necessarily, by just year and type of box. So if it is correctly in place and functioning I would measure the distance that it is protruding and once removed see if you can order one that much shorter than it is now. I have a 30' Tudor and it can be removed by by lowering the mount but I doubt that is possible with a coupe, Sorry.

[Fred K-OR]

Originally Posted by Carter

Column tube appears to be 30-31 2 tooth, I'm thinking the light switch is too.

Thanks Carter but why does the horn button stick out so far? It they were both the 30-31 stuff it would seem like it would not stick out so far. Is there maybe some other problem other than the light switch rod?

[Mitch//pa]

is the rod properly engaged and operating the lights

[CarlG]

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Looks like a 30-31 switch rod on a 28-29 steering wheel.

[Mitch//pa]

Originally Posted by CarlG

Looks like a 30-31 switch rod on a 28-29 steering wheel.

yes it does

[Rowdy]

Carl, exactly what I see also. Looks like you have a 29 keyed wheel, 30 -31 column and light switch. Want to sell the steering wheel?? Rod

[Carter]

Originally Posted by Fred K-OR

Thanks Carter but why does the horn button stick out so far? It they were both the 30-31 stuff it would seem like it would not stick out so far. Is there maybe some other problem other than the light switch rod?

There are plenty of guys here WAY more knowledgeable than me, so hopefully they will chime in, but as far as I know, the area around the spark and throttle levers on the 28-9 2 tooth looks more like that of the 7-tooth. That's why I think it may be a 30-31 column. Not sure about the switch, just looks like a 30-31 to me

EDIT: Haha, some of those knowledgeable guys replied before I could respond!

[Fred K-OR]

Originally Posted by Mitch//pa

is the rod properly engaged and operating the lights

Mitch, everything works the way it should. Except the horn button sticks sometimes.

Maybe I should forget about changing this problem and run it the way it is. After all the rig is just a driver.

[Fred K-OR]

Originally Posted by CarlG

Looks like a 30-31 switch rod on a 28-29 steering wheel.

Carl is it just the steering wheel that is wrong? If so being it is a 2 tooth column which is normally 30-31---does a 28-29 steering wheel fit on a 30-31 column? I thought the columns had different upper ends on them.

[Tom Wesenberg]

I would sell the 30-1 column and horn rod that you have and buy the correct 1929 parts. You'd have to R&R the steering and unbolt the column, but everything would fit together nicely with your 1929 steering wheel.

[Bob C]

This is the one you need. http://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/se...16-b&x=32&y=11

Bob

[Steve Wastler]

As above its a closed quadrant tube, 30-31, with the wrong wheel and the wrong length light switch rod. Brattons lists 3 length rods for 30-31 as follows:
1930 - 45-3/4"
1930 - 44-31/32"
30-31 - 45-31/32"

It appears the column is the 44-31/32 and the rod is one of the others.

[Fred K-OR]

Thanks guys for all the ideas. I will have to go down to the shop in the AM and do some measuring. Tom's idea of selling the column and getting the correct one may be the best fix. I did R&R my 7 tooth column in my 29 huckster when I rebuilt that rig. It was a challenge for a non Model A mechanic like me but the local machine shop guy helped out a lot.

I had bought some 29 parts which included a 29 column about a couple of years ago-wish I was thinking about this problem with my 29 coupe before I resold that column. Guess a Model A person should never part with his A parts!

Anyway thanks again guys for the ideas. Now I know what parts I should be looking out for in the future to solve this problem. But for now, everything works with the way things are put together so I will just keep my eyes open for the correct parts.

[Steve Plucker]

If the column is good and the steering is good...why not just get the correct horn rod instead?

Pluck

[Fred K-OR]

Pluck, that may be the best solution to make it look like it should.

[700rpm]

Fred, we can fix this, one way or another. If you want some help, let me know.
Ray

[Rowdy]

Forgot to mention, I think I have a 30-31 wheel to trade. Will have to look. Rod

[Fred K-OR]

Rod, will a 28-29 wheel fit on a 30-31 shaft? If not they I have other problems other than just the wrong wheel. Like I say, I don't know much about this area. Let me know if you have that wheel.

Thanks Ray for the offer. Maybe later on when the weather gets better, we can think about it.