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Old Oct 17, 2004 | 12:43 AM
  #1  
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Train Horns

So after kicking them around my last two garages ( two moves yes I know it sucked ) I finally got to install my Train Horns. I installed them on a pc of 1/4" Alumninum diamond plate up where my spare tire used to be. These things are incredibly loud, so much so that I find myself not honking at people, or thinking about it a little more than before. I used an a larger air valve ( 1/4"ID, as opposed to 1/4" OD) and lines, and it is way louder than my friends with a similar setup using the 1/4" OD lines and stock air valve. Pics in the gallery if your interested.

Bossman
 
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Old Oct 17, 2004 | 01:25 AM
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Very cool! I have one question though. Why did you decide to mount them at the rear of the truck pointing backwards? Now, when you honk at someone in front of you the person behind you gets the bulk of the sound.
 
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Old Oct 17, 2004 | 02:03 AM
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Good Point!
 
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Old Oct 17, 2004 | 03:14 AM
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Originally Posted by johnsdiesel
Very cool! I have one question though. Why did you decide to mount them at the rear of the truck pointing backwards? Now, when you honk at someone in front of you the person behind you gets the bulk of the sound.
I doubt you would get many tailgaters though....
 
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Old Oct 17, 2004 | 05:28 AM
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The size of the train horns make it difficult to mount them up front . They are loud enough that it really doesn't matter which way they face ( i don't think you'd want them behind you and facing towards you !! )! But keep in mind that they are NOT legal everywhere for use on anything but a locomotive . But they are fun to use !!
 
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Old Oct 17, 2004 | 08:52 AM
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As blackf3504dr said, they are so loud in any direction, but the primary reason was to prevent road grime from caking the inside of them. The Air comp is above the plate so it doesn't suck in to much water, and also to protect it a little better from the elements. I saw on here that someone mounted theirs in a battery box on one of the frame rails, and I thought about that, but this make a neater install for me.

Boss
 
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Old Oct 17, 2004 | 03:11 PM
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I have the same set of horns. Bossman7121, I just want you to know, I will be stealing your mount idea. Yes the horns are loud enough, no matter what way they face. Bossman what did you use for a electric/air switch? I was going to use an air starter switch ( 1" ports ) but that was a little large.
 
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Old Oct 17, 2004 | 04:15 PM
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From: Denton,TX
Originally Posted by blackf3504dr
The size of the train horns make it difficult to mount them up front . They are loud enough that it really doesn't matter which way they face ( i don't think you'd want them behind you and facing towards you !! )! But keep in mind that they are NOT legal everywhere for use on anything but a locomotive . But they are fun to use !!
I just feel sorry for the innocent guy that is driving behind you when you honk the horn.
 
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Old Oct 17, 2004 | 05:17 PM
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I'm prety sure the switch is a Fiamm. You can get it from Speed and Truck World in Ft. Lauderdale, or probably any web site that sells air bags, Airbagit.com comes to mind. It's just a 12v switch with a 3/8" npt fitting. Good luck with the install. Let me know if you need any help.

Things to consider would be a power cut off switch in the cab acting as a bypass switch so you can still use your regular horn seperately from the train horns. I also have mine on a power switch in the cab in case I develop an air leak. Last set I had had a leak that would drain the tank a couple times a day, and wound up killing the batteries.

Boss
 
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Old Oct 17, 2004 | 05:25 PM
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I am getting ready to order an 05 SD. I will order the in dash switches, one of those will be the overide for the pump. I am also planning a gauge for air pressure. I am the parts manager for a tractor trailer dealership, so I have access to some interesting air switches and stuff. I already have the tank and have test fitted it on my 01 SD. Mounts inbetween the running boards and the frame.
THIS COULD BE FUN
 
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Old Oct 17, 2004 | 09:40 PM
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Hate to tell you but those aren't real train horns. And they are legal anyplace you want, as far as I know. I have several sets of "real" train horns, no, I didn't steal them, but I'm guessing that they were. A buddy of his has some of the chrome ones like you have, and they are very loud, and sound good, but don't look near as cool, but real ones are hard to get ahold of. There are rumors that any truck(big-truck) that has "train horns" get them seized and a big fine in some states, blah blah, but They are an air horn, the same as any. I have some Nathan 5 chimers with a air regulator going to them, so I can adjust the noise, They do sound great though, looks like a good install to boot.
 
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Old Oct 18, 2004 | 07:37 AM
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I know that they aren't the real train horns, off a train, but size and trumpet wise they are pretty close. I also liked the finish on them better than the train grey. They don't have the deep bass of the locomotive horns either, but for a little over $200 new I couldn;t pass em up. I'm interested in the air regulator you use though. Any links?

Bordaine, before you get an air gauge, I'll see if i can find the link for one of the air ride companies in dash set's. The horns for me are an after effect if you will of me preping for a 4 link air ride suspension. iI'm planning on using their digital air monitoring system in cab for monitoring air pressure at each wheel, as well as the tank. I think they sell a really cool regulator / gauge that might work perfect. Gotta say, I still think it was on airbagit.comm, but I'll check tonight.
 
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Old Oct 18, 2004 | 10:48 AM
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Those horns have a very high coolness factor, whether or not they are "real" train horns. The final exam, of course, is for you to drive through a small town at 3 A.M., blowing the horns like a train would, and then see the reaction of the townfolk. (Must be a town with NO railroad tracks!)
 
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Old Oct 18, 2004 | 06:21 PM
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Originally Posted by Major Catastrophe
.....drive through a small town at 3 A.M., blowing the horns like a train would, and then see the reaction of the townfolk.
That'd be me.
Good morning!!!

Honestly though, I highly doubt you could even sit in the cab of a pickup while blasting a "REAL" set of train horns.
 
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