Trumpet horn repair

[Ralph Messina CLC 4937]

I have an ’66 “F” note long, Eldorado trumpet horn that’s not working.  When I apply battery voltage I get nothing….not even a squeak or spark at the battery terminal. I hope I’m wrong but this suggests that there is an open (broken) circuit inside, most likely the in the coil. I’d appreciate any comments or suggestions about the diagnosis and whether I can fix it myself or it must go to a repair shop. Any recommendations of a reliable repair shop would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Ralph

[Scot Minesinger]

It might be much easier to find a good used one, try USA Parts, Willington CAD, or Cadillac Tim.

[Dave Shepherd]

Is there a small screw in the horn body if so try backing that out some for an adjustment.

[Ralph Messina CLC 4937]

Scott, the horn is a rather rare option that I've seen sell on ebay for more than $700. It was standard on Eldorados only. The optional short high "C" was a far more popular with buyers. The chances of me paying that kind of money for a replacement are between nill and none.  It was on the car when I bought it and I was hoping to get it working.

Dave, I tried tried your suggestion but still have nothing.

I searched Google and came up with The Horn Shop as a repair source.  I'll call Monday and post what I find. At worst I'll sell it as a core to someone who needs it for a show car restoration.

Thanks for your suggestions,

Ralph

[Jeff Hansen]

Ralph,

I can personally recommend The Horn Shop.  Bill Randall gave the once-over to both of the trumpet horns in my '42.  He did a very nice job!

Good luck!

Jeff

[Jeff Wilk]

Ralph, take a look at this link from the AACA for repairs to the early/mid 60's Buick Trumpet horns.....same as the Cadillac design........in short it is most typically corrosion and/or dirt preventing the diaphragm from vibrating and/or the points inside working.  The article gives a good description of the basic resto process.  Only thing is the absence of rivets when you have to put it back together......

http://www.chip.com/buick/techtips/hornrepair.html

[Grant Owen]

Ralph I had the same problem with the trumpet horn on my 57 Eldorado I took the horn off spayed a whole can of CRC (WD40) into it & left it for a couple of months, I tested it after a couple of months & it started to work I sprayed another can into it & left it for another month & tried it it worked allot better , I then spayed a little more in each day & tested it after a while it worked as if it were new , its worth a try.

[Ralph Messina CLC 4937]

To follow up.....

The Horn Shop, mentioned in my post above could not help me. They only do 6v horns.  I spoke to Bill Randall who was nice enough to recommend contacting The Horn Works in WI. The specialize in 12v horn restoration. A complete rebuild is priced at $140 for GM trumpet styles.

Thanks for all the responses.

Ralph

[62 driver]

What it the part number on the horn? It should be on the flat side between to rivets as the Buick repair site shows. Thanks Dave

[Ralph Messina CLC 4937]

Dave,

This is an original ’66 horn and is the same as on my previous Eldorado.  However, there are no numbers on the horn. Earlier ‘60’s Eldorado also had a similar looking horn but they were not the same note. If memory serves me, his is an “F” note and earlier models used a “D” note. I know a similar looking horn was optional on Buicks of this era. I have not looked into whether Buicks had the same horn note.

Ralph

[Lucas Feininger #15674]

Hello all

After reading this thread last fall this spring I decided to send the trumpet horn from my 1965 Sedan de Ville to The Horn Works a few weeks ago. I got it back last week and I could not be more pleased. The horn looks brand new and works great. Now my other two horns look very shabby by comparison. I will be removing those and sending them to Mr. Steinkeller (proprietor of The Horn Works) when I put the car away next winter. This shop is definitely a good alternative to eBay and the reproduction vendors. I might add I bought a set of "reproduction" horns (not trumpet-style) from a prominent Cadillac parts vendor and was very disappointed.

[Lucas Feininger #15674]

NB

I mis-spelled the name of The Horn Works owner. It is Gary Steinkellner, not Steinkeller.

[Julien Abrahams]

I just did a very quick search on ebay, and I found a couple of them. Roughly around $100,-.
Maybe there are multiple versions of these horns, I am not sure.