I am gathering some research for my 1950 F1 truck project and I have a fond memory of the old model A/T horns. So, I wanted to know what people thought was the best sounding production horn available?
Your original horns were pretty loud. Older Cadillacs had horns that honked a musical chord rather than the dissident sound most horns make. I have a set of five genuine(not the so called imitators) K-5 locomotive horns. Sometimes I wish they were on my car when someone isn't paying attention. A friend found enough space to hide a set of three Leslie locomotive horns on his full size van. A couple times he nearly got his butt kicked by someone who wasn't amused.
I couldn't say which were "better". Depends on what you want. You said you like the Model A horns, but I'm not sure you're thinking of using one on your truck. Do you want the Model A "Ahoogah", or the later '30s "Beep", or the later big car multi-horn "honk"? One thing to consider, is whether your electrical is 6 or 12 volt...that'll narrow your choices. All car horns are produced in a particular key. You can mix and match to produce different chords. Have fun.
If you can find a rear wheel drive Cad seville 76/80 in the wrecking yard they have a set of horns in the right front fender complete with relay that have an authoritative sound to them when you hit them. Actually as CutawayAl said, Just about any set of horns off an older Cadi.
56 Buick, I liked them so much I bought a pair for my 53 chevy when I had. They were great sounding horns.
I have a set of '68 Cad horns on my F100 (3, the high and low from the Cad, and (1) from an '85 Olds 88.) The voice is like that '65 Riviera sound, the "Diesel drone". (not loud as a train, but 'authoritative') Don't bother with aftermarket 'Ah-ooga' horns...they sound like a rotary buzzer. Original Model T/A horn driven by 12 volts gives the "OOGA!" Fast up-and-down, like a light flywheel. And loud as a drag costume.
50's Buick multi tone horns have, IMHO, the best, most authoritative, sound. Early 50's 6V later 12V. They can be tuned with a screw on the crown! Bill
The truck (I mean the parts all about the garage) is going through a frame up with a 302/T5/9 inch. I am also grabbing a Jag IFS and installing a painless 12 volt system. Anything goes for the horn, but thanks to everyone here, I am leaning towards the caddie
For a traditional bent, I bought a pair of '61 Caddys for a friend's Model A. MY daily driver '85 Eldorado has a tuned, harmonious pair of horn that are very authoritative in today's beep beep world. They would be easy to come by. Oh wait, I see you're in the rust bucket. Well, maybe not so easy in your wrecking yards but perhaps online sources could work. I agree with the other posters though, Caddy and Lincoln horns were tuned to be in harmony with each other and are common to a big car sound.
I've used Merc 'S' class horns to good effect, yet, the older Cadillac horns DO sound good, and loud. Try to find a late 60's with the optional trumpet (will total 4 horns). Grab all four, that will be the best sound. Had that on my fully (only missed rear seat heater) loaded '68 F-75. Cosmo
1994 Caddy Deville will rock your world. It was literally the culmination of Cadillac horns. I put them on everything I buy.
I use 1950 Ford horns on al my cars. They were 6 volt originally but when you hook them up to a 12 volt system, well, lookout.
I am running 6-volt Spartan twin trumpets on a 12-volt system. Makes them twice as loud and, since the beeps are usually brief, they don't burn out.
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