Problem with horn on Moto Lita steering wheel

Talk about the E-Type Series 3

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Woly64
Posts: 39
Joined: Thu Jan 04, 2018 10:44 am
Location: Dorset
Great Britain

#1 Problem with horn on Moto Lita steering wheel

Post by Woly64 » Sun Nov 03, 2019 7:32 pm

So i have the wheel fitted nicely and all looking good but my patience is being tested by failure to get the horn to work. Firstly it seems odd that Moto Lita advise soldering a 17.5mm brass screw to the horn rod - I can see with the new boss that the rod is now short but having ‘temporarily trialed’ the recommended 17.5mm screw solution (via Super glue) and then as a more sensible solution a section of brass rod of similar gauge I could not get anything to work.

My soldering skills are none existent so I want to be able to ensure things will work before I get someone more capable than me to solder the final solution.

Am I missing something or am I being very dumb which is a distinct possibility. Others on here have surely done this?????
Martin

1971 Series 3 2+2
Bentley Continental GT
S3 Sportsback
'74 Jeans Beetle (electric)
'69 Beetle (being electrified)

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Paul Buckley
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#2 Re: Problem with horn on Moto Lita steering wheel

Post by Paul Buckley » Sun Nov 03, 2019 10:28 pm

I would suspect that the superglue is acting as an insulator.
Soldering is not hard to do, the main thing is to have the surfaces clean and use a flux.
You will need a soldering iron of course .... is there no-one you could ask to help?
Cheers
Paul

1972 S3 OTS, 32k mls, a survivor.

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Paul Buckley
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#3 Re: Problem with horn on Moto Lita steering wheel

Post by Paul Buckley » Sun Nov 03, 2019 10:33 pm

I am shortly going down your path with a MotoLite steering wheel ..... which one did you go for?
Paul

1972 S3 OTS, 32k mls, a survivor.

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lowact
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#4 Re: Problem with horn on Moto Lita steering wheel

Post by lowact » Mon Nov 04, 2019 12:13 am

I assume "solder" means to braize using a gas torch. Alternatively drill and tap for a screw into the end of the rod that can be adjusted to length and held by a lock nut?
Regards,
ColinL
'72 OTS manual V12

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Topic author
Woly64
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Location: Dorset
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#5 Re: Problem with horn on Moto Lita steering wheel

Post by Woly64 » Mon Nov 04, 2019 10:54 am

As ever, this forum always produces sensible advice ....and explanations for my failure!

My one unsuccessful attempt at soldering brass together (with a soldering iron) did not use a flux so the introduction of that will probably solve the problem.

I like the fall back option to drill and tap though.

I've fitted the 14" wooden rim with rivets in a mid brown color with the polished boss and the e-type OEM growler horn push (which I know was never on the Series 3 but I like it). This set up looks the business (particularly as I have a cinnamon interior), gives more room for the driver and I think it make the car easier to drive with the smaller wheel so if I can get the bloody horn to work I'll be a very happy bunny.

Will tackle it again this coming weekend and report back.

Thanks again for all your input. :drinkingcheers:
Martin

1971 Series 3 2+2
Bentley Continental GT
S3 Sportsback
'74 Jeans Beetle (electric)
'69 Beetle (being electrified)

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Woly64
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#6 Re: Problem with horn on Moto Lita steering wheel

Post by Woly64 » Fri Nov 15, 2019 7:56 pm

Belated update - all sorted. The introduction of flux and the purchase of a Dremmel butane hand torch sorted me out. After numerous failed attempt previously I can not tell you how pleased I was to hear the horn again when everything was reassembled. All the advice was much appreciated (and needed!) :salute: :drinkingcheers:
Martin

1971 Series 3 2+2
Bentley Continental GT
S3 Sportsback
'74 Jeans Beetle (electric)
'69 Beetle (being electrified)

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Paul Buckley
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#7 Re: Problem with horn on Moto Lita steering wheel

Post by Paul Buckley » Fri Nov 15, 2019 10:07 pm

Pleased to hear!
The day that you learn nothing is the day that you have died!
So I am told .......
Paul

1972 S3 OTS, 32k mls, a survivor.

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