Air horn mount (again)

lragan · June 26, 2009, 02:50:05 PM

So, since the bike is on the stand disassembled waiting for various parts, I decided to copy Robert's horn mount, and ordered the Harbor Freight Chrome horns (again! -- the ones I had mounted to the engine guard were pretty much toast!!).

Looking around for a place to mount the compressor where it wouldn't show, I found one!! I mounted it in front of the battery box, under the seat, "upside down". Yes, it is a bit tedious. I made a mount from aluminum flat I had in stock, and bolted it to the crossmember, as you can see from the second mount photo, if you look closely.

The relay had been previously mounted forward under a bolt holding the aircleaner. If I was starting from scracth, I might mount it further aft. One advantage of it being forward is that the original horn wire reaches the relay without modification -- in case you ever want to reinstall the original horn.

I was concerned that the exhaust and cylinder heat might melt the tubing, so where it passes the hot points, I spliced in some hard Nylon tubing, which has a much higher softening temperature.

Finally, a little of the chrome plated wiring harness covering from the local auto parts store dressed up the tubes.

Thanks to Hoot and Robert for the horn mounting idea. I like the way the horns look now. I think I am done, unless they get in the way of my right leg...

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TLRam1 · June 26, 2009, 04:48:52 PM

Good job to both you and Jim, even remembered the Seafoam! Now for the blurry couple of photos....

hootmon · June 26, 2009, 06:12:14 PM

Nice job.. Hope it all works out great for you.. Thanx for the Kudo's and the SeaFoam..

lragan · June 26, 2009, 07:08:13 PM

Quote from: TLRam1 on June 26, 2009, 04:48:52 PM
Good job to both you and Jim, even remembered the Seafoam! Now for the blurry couple of photos....

I suppose I could get out the tripod. The flash really makes a mess with all that chrome and other reflective material.

You should see the ones I tossed!!

Capt. Howard · June 26, 2009, 09:22:24 PM

Quote from: lragan on June 26, 2009, 07:08:13 PM
Quote from: TLRam1 on June 26, 2009, 04:48:52 PM
Good job to both you and Jim, even remembered the Seafoam! Now for the blurry couple of photos....

I suppose I could get out the tripod. The flash really makes a mess with all that chrome and other reflective material.

You should see the ones I tossed!!

Never wash or polish it and you won't have to toss any...Works for me...LOL..I thought the pics were ok...I just wish I could of seen a pic of the horn mount before mounted...and get a better look what bolt holes you used...I guess I will have to ride up and get a birds eye look when I get to that point...Looks Good...

lragan · June 26, 2009, 10:24:00 PM

It's late, Captain, but I will take one more photo tomorrow that will show the bolt used. I was worried that it was holding something together in the engine, until Robert explained that it is only used to hold on some of the extra equipment required to operate legally in California, which my bike, thankfully, does not have...

Magnum Magna · June 26, 2009, 11:16:50 PM

Quote from: lragan on June 26, 2009, 02:50:05 PM
I think I am done, unless they get in the way of my right leg

Only when i use my highway pegs, but not bad.

Magnum Magna · June 26, 2009, 11:25:20 PM

Quote from: lragan on June 26, 2009, 02:50:05 PM
I mounted it in front of the battery box, under the seat, "upside down".

I was thinking in the instructions not to mount it in that direction.

lragan · June 27, 2009, 07:15:27 AM

Uh Oh -- you read the instructions?

I was able to squeeze them in a bit tighter by leaving out the plastic stand-offs.

I only tested it with one short blast, but it definitely works!

We shall see how long it works, I suppose.

Capt. Howard · June 27, 2009, 10:05:51 AM

Thanks Iragan and Robert for the picks....I've got it now...Will be doing mine in a couple of weeks I hope..Will order the chrome horns from Harbor Freight..(one of my favorites stores)...I think I will try to squeeze my pump in behind the battery case like you did Robert....Looks good..Thanks Again....

lragan · June 27, 2009, 01:06:20 PM

Quote from: Capt. Howard on June 27, 2009, 10:05:51 AM
Thanks Iragan and Robert for the picks....I've got it now...Will be doing mine in a couple of weeks I hope..Will order the chrome horns from Harbor Freight..(one of my favorites stores)...I think I will try to squeeze my pump in behind the battery case like you did Robert....Looks good..Thanks Again....

I still haven't figured out why, but they don't carry the chrome horns in my local store -- only the red ones.

Regarding mounting the compressor inverted, I can only imagine why they might advise against it in the instructions. It seems to be a simple air compressor that should work in any orientation. The mount is slotted, so if the nut works loose, it could fall when mounted inverted, so maybe this is the reason.

I am not worried that mine will fall out. It fits really tightly in front of the battery box as shown. I even considered not strapping it to the crossmember at all, but did so just to make sure.

TLRam1 · June 27, 2009, 02:48:54 PM

Quote from: lragan on June 27, 2009, 01:06:20 PM
I can only imagine why they might advise against it in the instructions.

Some bearings are made to have pressure against in a certain way, ie, some bearings are made for a downward force while some are made for a outward force. In this instance I wouldn't think it would matter much regarding the bearings.

Is there a delay when you hit the button to when you hear sound?

Curtis_Valk · June 27, 2009, 07:27:01 PM

Quote from: TLRam1 on June 27, 2009, 02:48:54 PM
Quote from: lragan on June 27, 2009, 01:06:20 PM
I can only imagine why they might advise against it in the instructions.

Some bearing are made to have pressure against in a certain way, ie, some bearings are made for a downward force while some are made for a outward force. In this instance I wouldn't think it would matter much regarding the bearings.

Is there a delay when you hit the button to when you hear sound?

Probably has bushings anyway. I can't think of anything except thrust loads on the front bushing as to a reason for orientation.

Curtis

Capt. Howard · June 27, 2009, 08:52:18 PM

In the past 3-years I have probably installed 15 sets of the red horns on custome built golf carts...I can't think of any position I haven't put one in with no problems....The only thing I found they do not like is "water"...The black ones I do not use anymore....weak horns or trumpets..don't hold up..not sure why but not the same quality...Just me 2-cents.......

lragan · June 27, 2009, 09:59:51 PM

Quote from: TLRam1 on June 27, 2009, 02:48:54 PM
Is there a delay when you hit the button to when you hear sound?

Not discernible, at least to me. Certainly a small fraction of the total time it takes me to get sound to a driver's ears, once it is apparent I need to. If you have faster reaction time, you might notice it, but I doubt it...

Sign up for the next lunch ride south, and I will let you try it yourself. Or hook up with Robert, I am sure he will let you try his.