PowerToTheMaxx

Not sure this is the best part of the forum for this, but I wasnt sure where else it fit.

The stock horn on my '73 Delta 88 is going bad. I would like to keep the same sound as the stock, my mechanic informs me that it is a dual tone horn, can you guys help me figure out the frequencies so I can replace it? Or, does anyone have a part number I could use to find a replica/replacement?

Would this information be in the chassis service manual?

MDchanic

1973 Fullsize: 2 tones, D and F.

D is the low, F is the high.

Each has two potential part numbers, one older one and one newer one:

D - 1892162 or 9000236

F - 1892163 or 9000239

- Eric

PowerToTheMaxx

These look right?

MDchanic

No, but they'll probably work.

What's wrong with going to the local junkyard and buying a couple for $5 a piece?

- Eric

oldcutlass

Maybe post a parts wanted ad and include your location. Someone close may have some.

MDchanic

By the way, if the horn is "going bad," it may just need to be adjusted.

The procedure is in the Chassis Service Manual.
If memory serves, you turn the adjusting screw to obtain a current draw of 5 amps (the actual number may be a bit more or less, but I think it was about 5).

You can also drill out all of the attaching rivets, clean the diaphragms and contacts inside, and then reassemble with screws.

- Eric

PowerToTheMaxx

OK. Interesting. I will look into repairing/adjusting, and will also see how the ones from amazon sound. Usually returns are not to hard if they suck.

I would go to the junk yard if it was closer than hour drive and if I thought there would be anything older than 20 years there. Unfortunately, not a lot of junk yards around the west burbs and they all keep pretty modern stock.

MDchanic

They'll probably sound fine, but they'll look terrible, and they're really expensive.

- Eric

PowerToTheMaxx

A little expensive, true. Looks, im not concerned with, and $60 for a pair of horns is a little high, but theyre new and if they sound right and last another 100k, thats all I care.

PowerToTheMaxx

What section would I find the adjustment in the service manual. There wasnt any under index listings for horn. Didnt say anything about adjusting, just how to test if the relay needs to be replaced.

There was some description of a buzzer relay, but again, just a description, no adjusting information.

Is the adjustment on the horn itself or is it elsewhere in the electrical system?

Any ideas?

MDchanic

Yes. The '73 CSM sucks.

It's full of useless flow charts, and they left out important information to make room for them.

In the '73 CSM, on page 12-69, it goes from spark plug wire routing to the horn relay.

In the '70 CSM, on page 12-45, it goes from spark plug wire routing to "Horns."

Here, for your perusal, is the "Horns" section from the 1970 CSM (likely identical to 1961-1972, but I have not checked each one):









- Eric

PowerToTheMaxx

Thanks a bunch. Might have to get me a earlier csm.

MDchanic

Any time.

I recommend spending the $25 for an annual membership to the Automotive History Preservation Society (WildAboutCars.com), and then you can download them all, and all of the SPECS guides, etc., for free.

I think the best thing is to have the right paper manual for your car, and every other manual you can get in digital form, for cross-checking purposes.

- Eric