Fatty's dummies guide on: How to install a Stebel air horn

[JBT]

Nah, it's a temporary surge and well within the wiring capacity. How often do you stand on the horn and brakes for extended periods? The car isn't going to light up in 3-4 seconds - and that's a long beep and a lot of brake. Probably the worst you'd do is stuff the original horn relay.

I drove with air horns and a 20 amp fuse in our NA for 4 years and the NCs for 1 year - no problem.

[cshaks]

those who replace with a 20A fuse are running 5A beyond the limit of their wiring. worst case scenario is that their car will go up in flames due to an electrical fire.

Thats kinda what I thought.... the other thing is that the wire size to the original horn is quite small too, I would not be comfortable with using it as a current drawing wire.... at least not at this size ampacity.

[Steampunk]

Haven't experimented with the dimming lights deal, but I did notice the tacho jumps up a couple-hundred RPM's for a split second when you sound-off.

[cshaks]

Haven't experimented with the dimming lights deal, but I did notice the tacho jumps up a couple-hundred RPM's for a split second when you sound-off.

hmmmm have to try that one tommorrow..... didnt' notice it today, and I guess that the neighbours would get a little pissed off if I tried it now ( midnight....)
Chris

[bensale]

Hey guys, I finally found the time to install the horn I followed Fatty's basic advice and found the install extremely easy. Thanks for that James, you are a champion.

Although, the doesn't sound as loud as I thought it would, its definetly better than stock and the note is fantastic, but I was expecting it to make my ears bleed. All the wiring is done properly, 12v from the blue connector, good earth points etc. Could it have somethiing to do with where I mounted it? (Picture below) Or could it be that it doesn't have enouth power, for instance when you use it with the headlights on the headlights dim.

Thanks for your help guys.

[Fatty]

mine was ear splitting loud while the nose was off. i was testing it and it sent my girlfreind running inside into the house. but then when the nose went back on, it does muffle the sound a lot. it's still nice and loud, much better than stock, but yeah it won't make your ears bleed.


maybe i should have mentioned that in the write up.



ideally for most volume, it would be pointing directly out of the \"mouth\" of the car. but then it's gonna get full of bugs, and water... the other option is to mount it a bit higher and angle it down so it points out the mouth... but i seem to recall something in the instructions saying it can;t be mounted on too much of an angle... but you may be able to angle it a little bit. just re-read the instructions. also just try moving it around (the are heaps of options as to where to fit it) til you find the best spot.

[Mr Morlock]

I think air horns have the reputation of having the sound pressure to be actually heard at high speed-I have fitted them in the past simply because I thought it was a useful safety feature- not sure if that is right or just gut feel.

[bensale]

Hmm, maybe i'll play around with where it is then. I think the maximum angle they recomend is about 25 degrees. I must admit I tested mine before I mounted it on the car to check all my wiring and it did seem a lot louder. Although your saying (Mr. Morlock) that despite it not being ear splitting loud it should still be able to be easily heard at speed because of the sound pressure. Any other ideas? Maybe I could fit two

Its definetly louder than stock and I had the pleasure of blasting it at an idiot who ran across a three lane highway in front of me today...

[Juffa]

i was testing it and it sent my girlfreind running inside into the house.

So she could get something to hit you with??

J

[Hammer]

...Although, the doesn't sound as loud as I thought it would, its definetly better than stock and the note is fantastic, but I was expecting it to make my ears bleed...

Which air horn did you get?

My Stebel Nautilus Compact dual air horn is very loud, and it's located just above the RH fog light of my NB, which does not have direct access to any frontal opening of the car. Its tucked behind the bumper and wheel well plastic garnish.

[bensale]

I have the same one as everyone else in the group buy. Its definitely loud, just not as much as I expected. Mine is also tucked away to a large extent, I believe this is probably part of the reason its not ear splitting. Next time I'm with someone who has one too I'll compare there horn to mine.

[cshaks]

Next time I'm with someone who has one too I'll compare there horn to mine.

Uh oh..... looks like a loudest horn competition at Phillip island......

[Steampunk]

so you guys are gonna gather round and compare each other's horns eh?
Not much to do down south?

[cshaks]

so you guys are gonna gather round and compare each other's horns eh?
Not much to do down south?

Okay...... so I walked into that....!!

Chris

[AJ]

fitted my 24v stebel to the truck this arvo, took me all of 15 minutes (helps when you can sit upright underneath your vehicle without using a jack )...............woe betide the next ar$ewipe car driver that annoys me, dunno about the 12v version, but the 24v packs a wallop

*note for MX5 drivers* if you cut me off, the stebel is about ear level for youse, & it WILL make your ears bleed & your undies go brown