Community Forums

baraff · 12-01-2010, 06:06 AM

We've got '73 Triumph Spitfire which is basically a rollerskate with an engine. I installed a set of European airhorns under the hood as a self-defense measure after a Hummer H3 practically drove over me during a lane change. Very effective and cheap.
On another note, I cannot believe the dimwits out there who do not know how to merge onto an expressway. Most just drift onto the highway. It should be a capital crime IMHO......

MickBrennan · 12-01-2010, 06:09 AM

During the hearings for the new light rail system that runs through our community, train horn noise was quite a concern. The big surprise to me was that the train bell emitted the same decibels. The bell is just as loud as the horn on those trains.

SRT · 12-01-2010, 06:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paintman607

Go to Youtube and do a search for train horns and watch some reactions from people that have been witness to actually hearing them with out a train around. Get a good set of Hadley's. You'll be happier. IMHO

Yup, that's what I've done. Gets the attention of those idiots trying to merge at 20mph.

TQ60 · 12-01-2010, 08:52 PM

Many years ago I had truck horns on a gas F100, worked fine, a friend had some actual train horns, would not state how he got them but they had the logo attached, they required a lot more air volume and pressure than his 2 HP compressor could produce so they were loud but sounded poor due to lack of air.

To avoid any problems with DMV, take a trip to a truck wrecking yard and look for an older large set.

I dug all day and found a set off of an old gravel truck that was an off road vehicle, but still could have been on a road sometime.

The horns were very long and the diaphrams in the back were fairly large.

A little cleaning, polishing of seats and tuning resulted in extremely loud horns with a conservitive amount of air due to the better fit of all of the parts after good cleaning and tuning.

Given more modern units you may be able to fine either a horn unit with built in electric air valve or you may be able to find an electric valve that would allow for steering wheel control, horns and valve should be cheap at the wrecking yard if you can convince them to let you find and remove them.

If you do not have air then you will need to get an air tank, compressor and control, these can be picked up at pick a part, late model cars that have air sprigs have a decent 12 volt compressor, or a vacuum operated air shock compressor also works but takes many miles to pump up.

Air tank is either portable tank from PEP Boys or something else at the truck yard.

A lot of fun to find the parts and get it working, more fun of nobody knows it is there...wife touches horn button and jumps out of seat...

Dadeaux · 12-01-2010, 09:05 PM

I live on the coast south of Mobile, AL and every time I go through that long tunnel under the bay and the Ten Tom I want to sound the air horns but alas there is a fine for it and I would be so easy to identify.

Life's a beach.

johnboy545 · 12-04-2010, 02:14 AM

There are plenty of towns where the horns are illegal, even on TRAINS.........There are all sorts of laws that govern how the Railroads can use the big horns..........
That said, I'd love to have a big chrome locomotive horn on the coach......I know you can get them online for around $750.00........They come with their own compressor and a great brass chain with porcelain handle that comes through your roof over the driver's chair.......They are rebuilt and refinished and come right off a diesel locomotive........They have five different horns and are tuned to sound sweet as you blast your way through a dark winter's night......

RedneckExpress · 12-04-2010, 03:54 AM

Honestly, along the same avenue, I've been wanting to lay my hands on a 4-6 note locomotive-type whistle but on a smaller scale and use it with a compressor setup.

Now that would confuse the devil out of people.

bldrbob · 12-04-2010, 06:01 AM

When a little old lady ran a stop sign while chatting with her friends I got her attention.Well worth it when you need it.
BOB

SASman · 12-04-2010, 12:11 PM

The use of horns is for warning of danger. I very rarely us my horn, I try to drive so that I am not in the position to have to use it. In the case where someone cuts me off, if they hit me we will be talking face to face along side of the road so no reason to sound the horn, if they miss me then it is too late to be sounding a warning. In order to alert someone of a stop sign you need to get their attention before they run the sign, after they are in the intersection it is too late. Can you imagine what it would sound like if every vehicle blew its horn long and loud at every intersection like a train? Blasting away with your air or train horn at the little old lady is nothing more than ROAD RAGE.
Steve

Elkhartjim · 12-04-2010, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SASman

Can you imagine what it would sound like if every vehicle blew its horn long and loud at every intersection like a train?
Steve

Thats and easy one Steve, go for a drive in New York City and you will quickly find out what it sounds like, albeit not train horns.

Chuck 1935 · 12-04-2010, 01:00 PM

SASman;The use of horns is for warning of danger. I very rarely us my horn, I try to drive so that I am not in the position to have to use it. In the case where someone cuts me off, if they hit me we will be talking face to face along side of the road so no reason to sound the horn, if they miss me then it is too late to be sounding a warning. In order to alert someone of a stop sign you need to get their attention before they run the sign, after they are in the intersection it is too late. Can you imagine what it would sound like if every vehicle blew its horn long and loud at every intersection like a train? Blasting away with your air or train horn at the little old lady is nothing more than ROAD RAGE.
Steve

I just returned from a cross country trip. One of the places I visited was Westchester County in southern New York .
It is my belief that their cars will not function without the horn blasting away. Besides having the worst roads in the US, it is the noiseiest, rudest place I have ever been. I was going way over the speed limit and they were still blowing their horn and passing wether I was in the MH or the car it made no differance. Whatever speed you go they want to go faster and get by you and slow down. Was glad to vacate the area although I will say it was beautibul except for the people and the roads.

Big Bear Local · 12-04-2010, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doggy Daddy

I am looking and shopping for some loud air horns to mount behind the front grill. I have been listening for volume and quality of tone and find the Nathan Air Chime Train Horns the sweetest. Train Air Horns
Question: Who out there already has train horns on their RV and have they had any problems; mechanical or with the law???

OK I have read all these other posts: pro and con, all fairly good points to consider. BUT I have REAL locomotive horns on my rig. Run about 150 psi to them and they are real LOUD. I love them. They will make you mess your pants if you are in front of me. When I pull the chain you are looking for a train, no doubt about it.

Doggy Daddy I will PM you.

bldrbob · 12-04-2010, 09:06 PM

Sasman you are absolutly right. Everyone should be able to chat with their passengers and not pay attention to their driving.And as far as driving in New York I don't think the cars will run without horns.Between the pedestrians double parking and horn blowing it is a real pleasure to get out of town.
BOB

Mopar1973Man · 12-12-2010, 04:04 PM

Just to lighten the mood...

My horn is a bit weak... I was told I needed a can of "Honk" and just can't find any?!?!

But as for me like a said before I've got a set of cheap air horned in the bumper of my Dodge Cummins and never had a issue with the law concerning my horns...