Horn Relay

[Linda]

It’s Sunday, and we have too much time on our hands because there is nothing to do because of Covid, so we are trying to make a stealth horn relay part.... Any questions?
Linda

[Solex68]

I offered Linda an original at my cost since she is a friend but she wanted an alternative so I gave her method to look authentic-ish

[Curtis]

I will have stealth relays and no fuse box in the engine bay. Relay box in the foot well and fuse box in the glove box.

[JT68]

I offered Linda an original at my cost since she is a friend

Sounds very nice of you and a much better answer. The originals are extremely reliable and if something does go wrong it is usually just dirty contacts. Pretty basic.

[Linda]

Very nice of Greg, as I told him, to offer the part!
But I told him to save it for the person who cares about an exact resto, as I am happy with the mods I have made for my car.
To each his/ her own!
Linda

[JT68]

If originality doesn’t matter any type 87 relay will work for 5$. 10/15/20 amps is plenty (look at the horn wire size...).

[Linda]

More Covid quarantine, so more Datsun fiddling....
Horn relay finally showed up. I drilled a center hole and cut off the 2 holes that were on the part with the Dremel.
Behold the stealth horn relay....

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Linda

[DAC21]

Linda,

I'm glad to see you went for it, looks pretty darn clean.

Dennis

[Linda]

Thx, Dennis. Pretty easy to do, just the usual mild challenges that some take for granted since they have practiced a lot, like cutting straight with the Dremel, centering the hole to drill smoothly, using a file to clean up the edges.....
It is nice to work on a “clean” project.
Thx for the suggestions, all

Linda

[Solex68]

I like that it's a nice Japanese part. Same build type as original. I'd expect it to last as well as look good...if seen.

[redroadster]

Were those half washers a phenelic plastic ?
Usually the horn relay is made to not ground, on the mounting bolts , if its out by the horns , many Datsuns were that way ( see there is difference in horn relays )
And the cap has a braided lead inside

[Linda]

No, the “ washers” are the cutoff metal mounting holes from the part. Used as reinforcement, mainly.
Linda

[redroadster]

If it bolts to the frame outside it is to be insulated from the frame ...trust me ...do you know why ? ...most techs do IT KEEPS YOU WINDSHIELD FROM BEING BROKE & OR CAR KEYED I have put that or one just like it on there is a thick vinyl stickers to be stuck on both sides and a hose like ring to keep the screw insulated ,also it helps if you live on a rough road , remember the contacts are close
The horn is connected to pos terminal always just needs a ground , how close are the contact points?
As a 31 year auto tech most at dealerships
I have replaced quite a few ...usually the horns are buried
Assembling the rubber insulators then getting the bolt through is a tough task , needed another tech to operate the air ratchet
The next time you pull your steering wheel , get handsy with the horn contacts after honking it , if the capacitor is good ,...it will be a eye opening experience
Some techs have faked a strong shock and heart attack to sue registered ASE master tech 96 to 2012 tech( didn't want it ) since 75 , 16 yrs old
Was offered a factory trainer position Chicago in 04 at Mitsubishi

[Curtis]

The horn screws to the sidewall with one or two pan head phillips screws. It is not insulated from the body.

[redroadster]

I meant to say the horn relay , out by the horn ...usually newer designs the horn has a insulator between the horn body and bracket inside horn relays are not but those aren't the stronger horns low or no capacitor
That relays strange washers are part of the insulating missing the vinyl stickers