Date: Thu, 30 Apr 2020 12:44:53 -0700
Reply-To: Neil N <musomuso@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Neil N <musomuso@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Horn installation
In-Reply-To: <CAFdLW6=gOx_5M73ty6iQAxYy0oxbMbkaWQMvXx9WRjTTPfOpHA@mail.gmail.com>
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You're welcome Dan.
Figured BD would spec installing a fuse on a new positive supply wire.
There's a post on the samba about long term wear on an unprotected
horn relay mounted up around horn area. It was completely corroded.
IIRC, I mounted my horn relay up a little higher than some might,
applied dielectric grease to the relay base to protect connectors et
al but don't hold high hopes of it lasting for the long term.
In hindsight, using a glue or epoxy type sealant at the relay to case
and at relay terminals to mounting board might help. Or, use a sealed
relay like these that I've used elsewhere on van:
https://picocanada.com/view_product/928-91
I haven't inspected them but they still operate and appear to be quite
well sealed. One is located forward of p-side tail light.
I like that they have a fairly large gauge line, load wires (30, 87,
87a) which can offer potential for future added loads and-or other
switching-load options. e.g. the Pico "sealed" relay I mounted forward
of tail light on my '81 switches on reversing incandescent lights (87
pin) and when not used for that, supplies constant B+ to a 12 volt
outlet (87a pin) up near the rear storage shelf accessed when hatch is
opened.
Neil.
On 4/30/20, Dan N <dn92610@gmail.com> wrote:
> thanks Neil,
>
> the instructions on the horn box (Bus Depot) is not very clear, with
> no indication of what number on the relay for what wire to use. Yes there's
> indication to use a fuse on the wire from the battery... btw the supplied
> relay is very low quality, no hanging tab... I replaced with a Hella
> relay.. the instruction on Hella web site is much clearer.
>
> I will use the #2 then.
>
> dan
>
> On Thu, Apr 30, 2020 at 11:44 AM Neil N <musomuso@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> > 2. instruction found on Samba uses the original pos (+) of the old horn
>> for
>> > both - horn and relay.
>> > https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=7840720
>> >
>> > so which one is valid or better to use? I would think the #2 will
>> > bypass
>> > the relay (not sure)... or is it the same as #1 thus easier to install
>> (no
>> > drilling, no extra wire)?
>>
>> Yes. But, #2 still uses the relay; it doesn't bypass it. I used that
>> method on my '81 and '88 each with dual horns. They're loud!
>>
>> It seems like you're "getting something for nothing" by using the OE
>> positive wire for both relay positive connections but it does work. If
>> the OE positive wire doesn't show signs of corrosion and you see
>> something close to or same as battery voltage on that wire (circuit),
>> I'd say it should work fine to act as supply to relay 30 and positive
>> connection at (86 ?) of relay switch.
>>
>> Be certain to have good clean ground connections for horn(s). I
>> cleaned all points at horn mount bracket(s), including mount point to
>> frame, installed horn ground(s) there, then coated that connection
>> with dielectric grease. Vaseline should do same.
>>
>> If using a new positive wire from a B+ source to relay 30 (power
>> "in"), that wire should be fused. I'd guess the Bus Depot instructions
>> say to do same?
>>
>> Neil.
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> Neil n
>>
>> VE7TBN
>>
>> 1988 Westy 50º ABA swap: https://tinyurl.com/yap5hpwt
>>
>> 1981 Westy 15º ABA swap: https://tinyurl.com/y9n4xob8
>>
>> VAG Gas Engine Swap Group <http://tinyurl.com/khalbay>
>>
>
--
Neil n
VE7TBN
1988 Westy 50º ABA swap: https://tinyurl.com/yap5hpwt
1981 Westy 15º ABA swap: https://tinyurl.com/y9n4xob8
VAG Gas Engine Swap Group <http://tinyurl.com/khalbay>
