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I bought a new horn button and wiring kit. I got more than I needed. My support cup and spring are good and the kit came with one and so did the horn button. So, if anyone needs one.....
Before I even start I have an issue. here is the end of my wire. Looks like a bullet connector, but it is larger than any I can find around. Biggest I have found so far is for 14-16 gauge wire. I can't get one of those over the end.
I was thinking maybe just running a wire through the hole, crimping, maybe solder and shrink wrap.
Any other suggestions?
Are you connecting this to a factory wire harness bullet end that looks like the one shown on your wire? If so, then you want an OEM type bullet connector like this one. https://cgfordparts.com/horn-wire-fe...81a-14487.html
It's larger than normal for the heavier wire. Long story how I know. If you're hooking it up to a generic wire, you can cut that end off and use any connector that will work.
If you need the connector listed above, let me know and I can save you a few bucks.
You are right, it should be a male bullet connector, but it seems Ford used a size that may not be so common today.
If it were me, I'd be removing that terrible excuse for a male bullet connector and replace it with the proper Ford A-14461 or B-14486 style/size. I believe it is nominally a .180 size connector. I believe Napa stocks a .176 series that could work:
14-16 awg Male 724304
14-16 awg Female 724114
18-22 awg Male 724103
18-22 awg Female 724112
I may be wrong, but it looks like they have included a female connector already on the male bullet.
I just double checked. It's just a male connector.
Originally Posted by 52 Merc
If you're hooking it up to a generic wire, you can cut that end off and use any connector that will work.
Originally Posted by bmoran4
If it were me, I'd be removing that terrible excuse for a male bullet connector and replace it
See, this is why I ask questions. Stupid me would have never thought about just removing that connector. I wired the truck myself with loose wire. I will just use some connectors that I have and go that route.
I'm a stock guy but not an exact part replacement type of guy...I'm too cheap for that.
My wiring is not pretty, but it works. Although one of these days I need to clean up the rats nest of wires behind the gauges.
Joe, there are 2 different size bullet connectors. I found that out when doing my wiring. The old bigger ones are still available from Mid Fifty and others.
Joe, there are 2 different size bullet connectors. I found that out when doing my wiring. The old bigger ones are still available from Mid Fifty and others.
Ford uses .180 connectors as discussed earlier:
Originally Posted by bmoran4
it seems Ford used a size that may not be so common today. ... the proper Ford A-14461 or B-14486 style/size. I believe it is nominally a .180 size connector. I believe Napa stocks a .176 series that could work:
14-16 awg Male 724304
14-16 awg Female 724114
18-22 awg Male 724103
18-22 awg Female 724112
The common sizes one will seem to find at predominantly the store are .157 and .197 of which neither which will mate satisfactory with the Ford .180 size. You will find posts where people attempt to make that those work by physically expanding/shrinking terminals to make things work.
So, I cut off that connector and used ones that I had on hand. They really need to ship the wire with the female connector as well.
I was trying to feed the wire down the steering column and it wouldn't go. So I got another wire and went the other direction. Now how did this get in here? When I rebuilt the steering box I replace the steering shaft.
Here is how it all goes. Now the horn button is looser than I think it should be. I'm wondering if I'm not getting it hooked into all the spring sections. Or it should be that free. It needs some freedom to work.
Here is my original one, but notice the horn button on the side of the column. Without the spring and other horn components I would think it would sit tighter.
Joe, I had the same problem with a new horn button from MidFifty years ago. I bought a good used steering wheel.. Then I needed a new shiny horn button. It fit like yours does in the picture. I couldn't figure it out.. I thought it was the new horn cup. I tried my old cup, not good. I tried my old button on the new cup. No good.
I ended up painting my old one and using it.
Does you born sound when you press on the button?
So I don't know what to tell you, except use your old button.
Interesting. The horn does work fine so I'm good there. The problem with my old horn button is it has some broken pieces where it hooks to the cup.
I will have to locate it and see if I can get it to work. Of course I took it off about 10 years ago and I have moved a few times. I do have an idea where it might be......
The metal button has tabs holding it on to the plastic base. Those can be bent open. Then you can put it on another base. But if the issue is caused by the base being the wrong size , that won't help you.
EffieTrucker, you are a genius! The site I used didn't explain that. Your site isn't quite right, it's the slot location. Mid Fifty does a little bit, but they aren't clear either.
So, I have three cups. The original, the one in the kit, and the one that came with the horn button.
They are all the same height, but the slots on the original vs the other two are different. So I pull the original off and put on one of the others. Of course that won't work because it is a fraction wider than the one in the kit and the contact won't go over it. I put on the third one and it all works like a charm.
Here is the original compared to the new ones
Here is the horn button in place. It fits much nicer.
Here is why I can't use my old horn button. This worn one would go better with my truck though. I guess I will just need to drive a lot to get the wear on the new one.
How do you remove the cap in the first place? I recently bought a steering wheel/column with the butting and everything installed and intact and I broke the crap out of it because I just pried on it--I'd like to learn a better way.
