Non functioning horn

[jagnut66]

Hi,
I have a recurring problem, which I think might be quite common, in that the copper contact for the horn push (on the indicator stalk base) wears down with the turning of the steering column to the point where the horn no longer works. I have had this problem twice now, the last time I bought a new indicator stalk and with the fresh (full thickness) copper contact and the horn worked well again. Until now when, once more, the contact has worn down.
I could fit a more modern indicator / horn push stalk but I quite like the original set up with the horn push in the centre of the steering wheel.
I could drill out the contact and replace it with something else but what though, that wouldn't impede the turning of the steering column?
Any thoughts or previous solutions?
Many thanks,
Mike.

[simmitc]

Sorry, I've never heard of that contact wearing that far

[mike.perry]

I have a groove around the copper contact ring on the steering column on my Series MM, horn still works though

[jagnut66]

Hi,
Thought I would add some pictures to clarify what is happening.
The steering column was wobbling but I cured that by moving the felt pad round (incidentally I've acquired some replacement felt pads, should I need them, for the Minor's steering column quite reasonably priced off eBay).
The next thing I shall be buying is a new indicator stalk I guess.
Any thoughts / comments are welcome.
See below:
Regards,
Mike.[frame][/frame]
P.S. When the steering wheel is straight / at rest where should that little nut / knob be (clock positions ie: 3 o'clock / 9 o'clock etc.), that is at present facing the floor (6 o'clock), I believe it is there to automatically disengage the indicator. Many thanks.

[jagnut66]

Hi,
Hopefully I've found a solution. It involves removing one half of the brass fuse holder from a plug and adapting it with a hacksaw, small hammer and file.
Firstly, of course, I drilled out the remnants of my well worn copper contact. I then screwed this in place using a couple of small washers to pack it out and stop the screw pulling through. The part where the wire used to be screwed in place needed squashing a little flatter for the cover to fit back over but once the final adaptions had been made I had a working horn again.
Hopefully the brass will not wear through like the old copper contact did. (Perhaps today's modern copper is not as good quality as the original?)
Best wishes,
Mike.

NB: As soon as I can figure out why the picture won't download I will add it.

[moggiethouable]

When my horn last malfunctioned it turned out that coincidentally the courtesy light also failed.
Turned out it was the fuse holder for both items, the sprung contacts just needed a little finger and thumb compression to grab the fuse a little tighter.Hope after all this it aint that.

[jagnut66]

Hi,
No, I renewed my fuse holder a while back and my courtesy light works, although I could do with renewing the switches in the 'A' posts at some point, though that's just age related wear and tear.
Best wishes,
Mike.

[bmcecosse]

Does the plug still work ok with half the fuse holder missing?

[jagnut66]

Does the plug still work ok with half the fuse holder missing?

Sorry, you've lost me? Which plug?

[jagnut66]

Doh!
Electrical plug!
Unfortunately, as you can tell, I was silly enough to cannibalise the plug which powers my brain cells!!

[bmcecosse]

Hahahaha

[jagnut66]

[frame][/frame]
Hi,
This is the trial fit prior to final adjustments (making it flatter).....
As soon as I next have to remove the cover I'll post a shot of the final fit.
Best wishes,
Mike.

[jagnut66]

Hi,
This is how it now looks. I used some 'TruLoc' on the thread, so hopefully it wont move round when I'm turning the steering wheel. Anyway it's now all back together and I now have a working horn. Time will tell................
Best wishes,
Mike.
[frame][/frame]

[bmcecosse]

Well done !