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How to refinish air horns

Discussion in '206/246' started by HMB-Dino, Nov 11, 2010.

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  1. HMB-Dino

    HMB-Dino Formula 3
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    #1 HMB-Dino, Nov 11, 2010
    When I removed my battery cover, I noticed the air horns the Dino uses below. The horns themselves looked pretty scruffy, but before I attempt to remove them to clean them up (or replace them), I was wondering if it's worth the effort the clean them up since they're just plastic. If they clean up but still look `tired', can they be painted w/o significantly affecting their tone?

    They seem to work fine, so I'm reluctant to just throw money into replacements...I'd rather reserve those funds for real needs as they pop up.
     
  2. omgjon

    omgjon F1 Rookie
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    #2 omgjon, Nov 11, 2010
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    If original, they are not plastic. I bead blasted mine and powder coated them.
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  3. HMB-Dino

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    #3 HMB-Dino, Nov 11, 2010
    I was just assuming they were plastic. Sounds like I'll have to find time to remove one to confirm they're metal (ie, original).
     
  4. nerodino

    nerodino Formula 3
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    #4 nerodino, Nov 12, 2010
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    I refurbed mine also........although i could not do anything about the chromed plastic ring at the bottom of each trumpet as you can see.
    Yes they are metal.
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  5. abstamaria

    abstamaria F1 Rookie

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    #5 abstamaria, Nov 12, 2010
    That's good to know. I probably should refurbish mine. I don't think they have ever been removed from the car.
     
  6. swift53

    swift53 F1 Veteran
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    #6 swift53, Nov 12, 2010
    I had new rings turned on a lathe then had them chromed. Locally, the only alternative.
    In the USA you can find a slew of people that will rechrome plastic. Just buy an issue of Hemmings magazine, they are all there.
    Regards, Alberto
     
  7. jselevan

    jselevan Formula 3

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    #7 jselevan, Nov 14, 2010
    Gentlemen, the suggestions below will certainly make the horns look good, but the tone will likley never be the same. I did the same, but when reassembling I found that the tone is a funcion of the distance that you screw the trumpet back on to the base. This effects the distance between the diaphram and trumpet, and trying to tune them is painful. You need to activate the horn as you turn the threaded attachment.

    Just a heads up.

    Jim S.
     
  8. HMB-Dino

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    #8 HMB-Dino, Dec 8, 2010
    What is the `proper' color for the air horns or does it really matter? I don't have access to fancy paint shop equipment, so is there anything out of a can that is close enough? For example, RustOleum has a Cherry red in spray form.
     
  9. omgjon

    omgjon F1 Rookie
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    #9 omgjon, Dec 8, 2010
    Candy apple red.
     
  10. 2dinos

    2dinos F1 Rookie

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    #10 2dinos, Dec 14, 2010
    Last edited: Dec 14, 2010
    It seems the long threaded neck and locking collar make the note of each horn tune-able. Also, I recall seeing references on them for pitch. Anybody ever try and set them up while air is going thru them. Horns that I restored don't sound as good as before the work.

    BTW, your resto looks awesome.
     
  11. RacerX_GTO

    RacerX_GTO F1 World Champ
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    #11 RacerX_GTO, Dec 15, 2010
    I wonder if it's possible to take a measurement of each trumpet with a digital caliper and record those measurements before disassembly from the diaphragm base, as to preserve the tuning. Say, measure a fixed point at the diaphragm base to the end of the trumpet bell?

    Wonderful signature horn of Ferrari
    http://www.youtube.com/v/JY2TGjdN8Co
     

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