Weird horn question 'bout my 63 SWC

[Jim F.]

I'm trying to get my horn to work and not having any luck so far. Been screwing with it for a week now and it's driving me nuts. Horns work, relay is new. Previous owner disconnected brown harness wire to relay and ran a red wire from the positive side of the relay connector to the horn switch inside the steering column. When I took the horn button and button holder off to check the switch condition, I noticed that the button holder was screwed tightly all the way in flush with the wheel. Nothing else in there but the button, holder and switch. Isn't there supposed to be a spring or some other parts under the button holder that keep the button "back" from the switch? I would think with the button holder screwed down all the way like that that the horn would be blaring all the time. Any thoughts?

[Harry S.]

Re: Weird horn question 'bout my 63 SWC

Jim, as I recall the horn wire (brown) that connects to the wire in the steering column (green) is HOT.

Saying that, if you disconnect the brown wire from the green wire under the dash then ground the brown wire, the horns should sound.

If they do, the problem is at the horn button area. The 63 set-up is as mickey mouse as it gets. The button that is to engage the ring at the top of the steering column bearing is probably not making contact.

Loosen the steering column at the firewall, loosen the bolts under the dash and pull the column cover towards the steering wheel. This will raise the bearing to meet the button. Also, the ground is to pass through the rag joint, jumper the rag joint to ensure a proper ground. You may want to do that first.

It's a matter of adjustment, unless the prior owner really screwed with the wire harness.

When your all done, tighten all the bolts and ensure a proper ground through the rag joint, if that was the problem

[Jim F.]

Re: Weird horn question 'bout my 63 SWC

Good stuff Harry! Just what I needed. Thanks! Only one problem..., not to sound like an idiot, but what's a rag joint?

[Harry S.]

Re: Weird horn question 'bout my 63 SWC

Rag Joint, another name for the coupler that connects the steering column to the steering gear box.

[Jim F.]

Re: Weird horn question 'bout my 63 SWC

Thank you, my friend. One less "stupid" question to ask. Off to move the mast jacket....

[John D.]

Re: Weird horn question 'bout my 63 SWC

Jim, Buy yourself a copy of the 63 shop manual. Then go to Section 9 which is steering.
I wouldn't do a thing until you have studied it. See the section on mast jacket and steering coupling.
Then go to Electrical section for Horns. There is also a trouble shooting section in the back of the manual.

One last thing. If you don't know what you are doing with the steering mast/coupler area, etc you can easily have a major accident. Good luck, JD

[Jim F.]

Re: Weird horn question 'bout my 63 SWC

Thanks John for the heads up. Much appreciated. I do have a 63 shop manual and I've worked on other steering mast/couplers in the past, so luckily I'm not completely unfamiliar with the territory and know the importance of getting it right. Just spaced on the "rag" joint name. I've located the problem and am pulling the steering wheel to see if I can figure out why the button won't blow the horn but pulling on the green wire under the column will. Something's disconnected somewhere in there... I'll find it. Thanks again for a very thoughtful heads up.