Horns
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 16 Jan 1997 18:30:37 -0800
From: Scott Wilson
Subject: HORN WIRING
To: Toy4x4@tlca.org
I AM HAVING TROUBLE WIRING IT INTO MY TRUCK.CAN
> ANYONE OUT THERE TELL ME HOW ONE WOULD GO ABOUT THIS? KEEP ON TRUCKIN'
> JEFF K. EDMONTON .
First off, WHY ARE YOU YELLING AT US?
I also have a Chevy horn in my 4Runner (1988). That is until tomorrow.
I ordered the Hella twin air horn set. :) Commuting will never be the
same.
Anyway...The reason your having trouble wiring it up is this. The
toyota horns use two connectors (one + and one - ). The + is always hot
(it always has 12volts). When you hit the horn button, the horn is
grounded and makes noise.
The Chevy horn has only one connector. It is for the + (positive). The
negative connection is made when you mount the horn. The case grounds
itself when it touches metal.
So, you'll have to use your imagination to mount this...here are some
steps to follow.
1) Your going to need to connect the Positive wire from the truck to
the connector on the Chevy horn.
2) The negative wire from the truck you'll need to connect to the case
of the horn.
3) This is the last, and hardest part. You need to mount the horn so
that no part of the case (of the horn) touches any metal part of the
truck. To mount mine I used a very short plastic sleve around the
bolt of the horn, along with some plastic washers. That way when
you attatch horn (using the bolt) The case is not actually
touching the metal on the truck. This is easier done that described.
You may decide this is just too much work and go get a horn with a
case that is not the ground (or negative).
To make my installation trickier, once I got my horn mounted and working
properly I tried to reinstall the grill. I have an SR5, so my grill has
the chrome plating on the plastic grill. You guesses it! It conducts
electricity really well. So I tried to put the grill on, and the horn
went off. I ended up using some plastic tape on the grill to insulate
it from the case of the horn. Overall a pretty lame way to put in a
horn. Plus it doesn't sound all that much better than what Toyota had
in there. I'm sure my Hella air horns will be a significant
improvement.
Scott
- --
Scott A. Wilson __o __o __o __o
Santa Clara, CA _'\<,_ _'\<,_ _'\<,_ _'\<,_
swilson@pacbell.net (_)' (_) (_)' (_) (_)' (_) (_)' (_)
http://users.uniserve.com/~rcomber/scottw/scottw.htm
________
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 28 Apr 1997 12:17:33 -0400 (EDT)
From: TXPakRat@aol.com
Subject: Horn Install
To: Toy4x4@tlca.org
Hey Scott (and anyone else interested!)!
I broke down and ordered a Triple Horn from JC Whitney for $22 (a B-Day
present to myself!). You are right, it did not come with any wiring.
I looked around the front of my '90 4Runner and took measurements to see
where I could mount the three horns and compressor. I came up with two
possible locations: 1. three horns in the stock horn location (
vertical,pointing down)(real tight), compressor on the inside panel just
behind the parking light; 2. two horns in the stock location, one horn
(sideways, angled down) and the compressor behind the parking light; 3. all
three horns behind the parking light (again, sideways but angled down),
compressor mounted in the stock horn location. The disadvantages are tight
space in stock location, and the area behind parking light is kinda low and
might expose the horns to the elements too much (i.e., splashing water).
Note, I had to furnish/purchase some "extra items:" 20amp inline fuse,
14-16 guage wire (black and red), insulated male and female blade connectors,
heat shrink tubing (to cover connections), and soldering iron. This is how I
am going to approach the install (my camera is ready and I will take shots at
each step).
1. Remove my driving lights on top of bumper and remove front grill.
2. Use duct tape to "trial" mount the horns in the stock location.
3. Put grill back on and adjust for space problems.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until I find the best fit.
5. Drill and mount horns. Keep grill off.
6. "Trial" fit the compressor (it could even fit in the corner
behind the turn signal light next to the washer reservoir inside the engine
compartment).
7. Mount compressor and cut air hoses to fit. Keep line from each
horn to three way adapter as short and even as possible. Run hose to adapter
from compressor.
8. Complete wiring. Test.
9. Replace grill and driving lights.
10. Optional: test a few times so that the neighbors can hear :)
I will be glad to send pictures and diagrams to anyone when I finish
(give me some time to get the pictures developed and scanned!) I'll also let
you know how easy (hard!) the install goes and how the new horn system
sounds.
Bob
Pack Rat
TXPakRat@aol.com
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 28 Apr 1997 09:26:09 -0700
From: Scott Wilson
Subject: Horn Install
To: Toy4x4@tlca.org
TXPakRat@aol.com wrote:
>
> Hey Scott (and anyone else interested!)!
> I looked around the front of my '90 4Runner and took measurements to see
> where I could mount the three horns and compressor. I came up with two
> possible locations: 1. three horns in the stock horn location (
> vertical,pointing down)(real tight), compressor on the inside panel just
> behind the parking light; 2. two horns in the stock location, one horn
> (sideways, angled down) and the compressor behind the parking light; 3. all
> three horns behind the parking light (again, sideways but angled down),
> compressor mounted in the stock horn location. The disadvantages are tight
> space in stock location, and the area behind parking light is kinda low and
> might expose the horns to the elements too much (i.e., splashing water).
>
If you have them all in the engine compartment (#3) you'll loose
considerable volume. I've had my dual Hella air horn behind my grill
since I got 'em with no problems, and they seem to project fine. If you
can get 'em all behind the grill that'd be best.
I'm sure you'll let us know just how loud they are. :) BTW, was there
a brand name on them?
Scott
- --
Scott A. Wilson __o __o __o __o
Santa Clara, CA _'\<,_ _'\<,_ _'\<,_ _'\<,_
swilson@pacbell.net (_)' (_) (_)' (_) (_)' (_) (_)' (_)
http://users.uniserve.com/~rcomber/scottw/scottw.htm
------------------------------
-----------------------------
Date: Wed, 30 Apr 1997 13:11:30 -0400 (EDT)
From: TXPakRat@aol.com
Subject: Aftermarket Horns
To: Toy4x4@tlca.org
Gary,
I will be installing a set of triple airhorns (very similar to Hella's)
on my 4Runner this weekend or next. I'll let you know how they sound. I
believe, Steve Wilson is using a double set of Hella's in his truck.
As far as Air or electronic/mechanical . . . I put a electronic horn
(not the beep beep type), on a car I had in high school. It was a lot louder
than the stock (beep beep) horn, but the sound was kind of "buzzy." I have
found that air horns are a lot clearer and usually louder.
Bob
Pack Rat
TXPakRat@aol.com
------------------------------
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 01 May 1997 00:03:32 -0700
From: Scott Wilson
Subject: JCWhitney/Air Horns
To: Toy4x4
The JCW catalog came in the mail today, so I checked out their air
horns. I know the pictures of the products are just drawings, but I
think they're selling the Hella air horns w/o the brand name. The
picture of the horns and compressor is indenticle (down to little
details) to the Hella air horn I put in my 4Runner, except JCW is
selling 'em $10 cheeper w/o the Hella name.
They're on page 45 of the newest catolog, and the part #'s are 13VX5681X
(triple) and 38VX3640W (double). Prices are $39.95 and $29.95.
Scott
- --
Scott A. Wilson __o __o __o __o
Santa Clara, CA _'\<,_ _'\<,_ _'\<,_ _'\<,_
swilson@pacbell.net (_)' (_) (_)' (_) (_)' (_) (_)' (_)
http://users.uniserve.com/~rcomber/scottw/scottw.htm
------------------------------
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 2 May 1997 08:44:27 -0400 (EDT)
From: TXPakRat@aol.com
Subject: Aftermarket Horns
To: Toy4x4@tlca.org
Actually, if anybody is interested. The horns I ordered are the the ones
from JCW. They are "made" by RIVERA (although they look just like the
Hella's). I got the triple horn set and they were on sale.
JCW Sale Catalog #: 93JD
page #: 10
Part #: 3 Horn - 81PN0189T
2 Horn - 12PN 8359Y
Price: 3 Horn - $21.99
2 Horn - $17.79
Prices good thru 31 July, 1997.
Like I wrote a couple of days ago, I am installing mine now. I started
this evening and I hope to finish tomorrow. I am taking pics at each step.
I will post a message about it when I finish and send pics/instructions to
anyone interested.
Bob
Pack Rat
TXPakRat@aol.com
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 2 May 1997 08:51:47 -0400 (EDT)
From: TXPakRat@aol.com
Subject: Aftermarket Horns
To: Toy4x4@tlca.org, swilson@pacbell.net
Sorry about the misinformation. The horns from JCW are "RIVIERA" not
"Rivera."
Bob
Pack Rat
TXPakRat@aol.com
-----------
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 7 May 1997 14:08:21 -0400 (EDT)
From: TXPakRat@aol.com
Subject: Aftermarket Horns
To: Toy4x4@tlca.org
Installed my Riveria Triple Air Horn system this past weekend. It is
definately louder than stock. However, it is kind of high pitched. I guess
I was expecting something a little lower in tone. I didn't want to spend
>$100 on a "big rig" type air horn setup. I have had occassion to use it the
last few days (i.e., somebody swerved into my lane on the highway, etc.). I
have to say, it definitely takes people by surprise and gets their attention!
People usually just ignore the OE "beep beep."
Installation was a lot easier than I though that it would be. I will
write it up in a few weeks and have lots of pics to go with it if anyone is
interested.
Bob
Pack Rat
TXPakRat@aol.com
------------------------------
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 08 May 1997 13:06:20 -0800
From: Scott Wilson
Subject: Replacing 4Runner Horn
To: Toy4x4@tlca.org
MR. ABDELNOUR wrote:
>
> I would like to change the horn on my 1991 4Runner. I
> bought a replacement horn from Canadian Tire (they sell more than
> just tires :')) made specifically for imports. When I went to put it
> in I discovered that it was not a simple replacement. The stock horn
> has two leads plus a ground (I'm guessing). The replacement horn has
> one lead and it grounds by being bolted on. Can I make this change?
> Does anyone have the schematic diagram for the stock horn? It is not
> easily read in my Hayes book.
You don't need a schematic for the horn wiring. One wire always has
12V on it, and when you hit the horn button, it switches to ground,
closing the circuit and activating the horn. The easiest and best way
to put in your new horn is to use a relay. ($few bucks)
If you're interested in air horns several guys on this list (including
me) have installed them in our trucks ($20-$50, depending on brand and
model), so if you have questions there's 3 or 4 guys I know would answer
them. The air horns are as easy to install as putting the horn you
have in, and the volume is great. ;) Plus the air horns come with a
relay included.
Scott
- --
*****************************************************
Scott Wilson TLCA #5261
88 4Runner SR5 V6
Santa Clara, CA
http://users.uniserve.com/~rcomber/scottw/scottw.htm
------------------------------
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 15 May 1997 14:05:41 -0700
From: Scott Wilson
Subject: Air Horns
To: Toy 4x4 List
I learned something new about a lot of the air horns of the market
yesterday....they're all the same. And I don't even mean similar...I
mean the they're all the same.
Nick was nice enough to sell me a pair of Italian made air horns that he
wasn't using. The brand was something like Steber. I was surprised to
see when I picked them up, they were identical to the Hella air horns I
had on the truck just last week. The only differences were cosmetic.
The bell of the horns on the Hellas is red, on the Steber's it is
black. The outside of the Hella compressor is red, the Steber
compressor is not painted. The Hella compressor also made a couple
little plastic add ons to the compressor to help keep debris out, so I
swapped them to the new compressor when I installed it...after all it's
the exact same compressor.
Besides color differences, and the extra plastic pieces the Hella horns
had, the only difference was the length of the horn bells. The two
Hella horns are nearly the same length (Probably a Eb and an F for you
music guys). These Italian brand horns have one horn the same as the
Hellas, and one a few sized larger. (Probably a F and an A) So, though
essentially they are the same, the notes, and therefore sound from the
horns are different.
Due to the closeness of the notes on the Hellas, they sound annoying,
and crass. The other horns notes are in tune with each other (they
sound like a Ferrari or Mazaratti horn). I think they are also louder.
Why are they louder, if they are essentally the same? This is probably
due to having one of the horns bigger, it may just be able to move more
air or something. The other (more probable) reason is simply because of
the notes they chose. Since the notes they chose are in tune with each
other, the sound wave build on each other more producing greater volume.
Bottom line (and the reason I wrote this)...get what ever horns you want
to get. It'll probably be the same horn sold under a different name
anyway. If you do get a chance to hear the horn, you should. Having
the horns in tune is really nice, it has a much "cooler" sound.
Scott
- --
*****************************************************
Scott Wilson TLCA #5261
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 17 Oct 1997 07:26:05 -0500
From: john_j_harville@amoco.com
Subject: FYI - Air Horns
To: Toy4X4@tlca.org
I recently installed an air horn on my '89 V-6 X-cab. It was a snap to
say the least. Put in the double horn set up that's available at
Pepboys for about $22. Didn't have to drill any holes. No wiring
changes either(just a couple of solderless spade connectors). Simply
took off the grille and found suitable holes in front of the battery
compartment(next to right headlight) for the compressor and mounted
the horns a little lower on the same surface. They are hidden by the
valence and are pointing down. Anyway, like I said didn't have to
drill any holes and I can now let people know I mean business instead
of the wimpy, roadrunner "meep, meep" horn. Actually my old one
sounded more like a drunk road runner! My girlfriend used to laugh at
my horn. Now she's ready to beat my ass, cuz I give her a
little(read:HUGE) toot when she walks in front of the truck before
getting in. Man, you should see the look on her face! If looks could
kill, eh?
Just FYI, I looked at Scott Wilsons home page where he describes the
installation of his double horns. Usually these horns require a relay.
So I was all set to make the necessary modifications, until I did some
testing. Found out that the horn works just fine without installing a
secondary relay. I can lay on the horn til the neighbors call the
cops(or my girlfriend socks me....whichever comes first) and no wire
overheating, no blown fuses, etc.
------------------------------
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 05 Nov 1997 14:17:40 -0800
From: Scott Wilson
Subject: Horns...
To: Toy4x4@tlca.org
Kevin Valentine wrote:
>
> Scott are your horns failing alot? Mine are.
Yeah, I went through 3 pair...2 of which I paid for. They suck. I'm
gonna get some good electric horns and stick with those. ...I'm sick of
taking my grill off. :-)
Scott
- --
_____
/_/_|_\__ Scott Wilson
| _ _ : Santa Clara, CA
*/_\---/_\' http://www.off-road.com/~swilson
(_) (_)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
------------------------------
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 5 Nov 1997 22:49:41 -0600
From: Steve Capuano
Subject: Horns...
To: Toy4x4@tlca.org
At 05:14 PM 11/5/97 -0600, you wrote:
>>
>> How the hell do I remove my grill from my 97 Tacoma! I want to replace the
>> "BEEP BEEP" roadrunnerish sounding horn with something better.
>>
> Good question. If somebody knows how, please post it. I had
> my horn go bad on my '95 Taco, and after spending 30 minutes
> looking for the horn, knew it was going to the dealer for repair.
> (it was under warantee, anyway).
>
> However, some Hella Superhorns would be nice. Trucks should
> have real horns. :-)
>
> Bruce
85 Buick Riviera had the ultimate horn in it. It was a double horn and when
gramma hit the button people moved!!
Steve Capuano 1996 Tacoma ext cab V6 4X4
capuano@hypercon.com 31x10.50x15 Wrangler RT/S
Houston, Texas Rear LockRight K&N filter
Edelbrock headers
NRA lifetime member Dynomax 2.5" cat back
------------------------------
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 7 Nov 1997 19:38:17 -0500
From: Martin Gotch
Subject: Wimpy BEEP BEEP
To: Toy4x4
>> How the hell do I remove my grill from my 97 Tacoma! I want to replace
>> the "BEEP BEEP" roadrunnerish sounding horn with something better.
To solve this problem, I took a little trip to the local junkyard, and we
nt staight to the big GM cars, and picked out some dual electric factory
horns. Ugly, but only $10 and real loud. =
Martin Gotch
------------------------------
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 11 Dec 1998 15:41:03 -0600 (CST)
From: Brian Wiencek
Subject: Re: Hella Supertone Horn
> I disliked the sound so much I sent them back. I went down to
> Pick-and-PUll and bought a handful of Cadillac horns off of a 80's Cadi
> took them home tested them, and used the best two. Spent something like
> $5-6.....MUCH less than the Hella horns....and I like them a LOT more.
On a different vehicle, I used the complete set of - get this - 4 horns
that were on an early to mid 70's buick TANK.
Did you know that you can slightly change tone by adjusting the screw on
the back of the horn? simply loosen the lock-nut, tighten the screw to
raise freq (shorther throw of the diaphram = more/sec) and out to lower
the frequency.
- - Brian
------------------------------
Back to the top of this thread
Back to the top of the Electrical System Threads Group
Back to the top of the Technical Discussion Groups
Back to the top of the Toy Thread Tree