Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums Accessories Wiring new Horn: Right Gauge?

Hey All,

Another 101 question from the uninformed. I bought the 12 volt retro horn from JC Whitney. Because I have the engine guards on from Ma's it won't bolt in between the mounting tabs. I made a bracket to mount it on that will fit under the mounting plate for the light bar.

So, I have to splice some wire in to make the leads long enough. I was standing looking at the wire at Home Depot and grabbed 16 gauge primary wire. Got home and compared them and I guessed wrong. Looks like the horn wires are actually 18 gauge. So...do I have to return this or can I use the 16?

You can stop laughing now...I'm trying here.

BB

Hey BB,

Use the 16g. It will carry more current than the 18 so you are erring on the side of caution. That's a good thing!

Definitely solder and heatshrink all connections...

Phil,

I totally knew it was going to be you that replied man...thanks.

All my lines and stuff should be back in a week. Spent more than I originally planned but got it all done. Both brake lines, brake and clutch cable, speedo cable, throttle and choke done in braided SS. New shocks, new horn, head light bucket is powder coat black. season can't get here fast enough.

BB

Tad,
Which shocks did you end up with? You probably said so on the previous thread, but you know how long my attention span is.

Hey Tad you gonna throw some pics up when it's back together? It sounds like it'll look great.

Jim,

Yep, I will. I'm back to square one on the bracket though. Grump pointed out that galvanized steel does not take paint well and he was right. Primer scraped off with my fingernail. Buddy down the street's going to monster one up for me this weekend out of something that WILL take paint.

I will photo each stage and final installation. May not be for a few weeks yet. Depends. If I get it this weekend, I'll probably be able to mount it by Wed next week. It won't work cus my wiring harness is disconnected. But you'll be able to see. Not like I can photo a sound anyway.

Don't know what your schedule is like but on the 30th of April there's a WNY Food Bank Run about 20 minutes or so south of here. Its "free" with canned food donations. If you guys are interested, I'll send you info. As of now, Jenny and I plan on going.

TTYS...

Tad

Jim,

Just dropped my original attempt off to my friend to have him do one up in stainless for me. As it turns out, you CAN paint galvanized. He tells me that galvanized is a coating, not a smelting process. So I'm learning. Aluminum and Zinc Oxide I think he said. Anyhow, he was going to bead blast it for me, but since I screwed up the mounting holes, he's just going to work up a new one. I will post pics when I get it all done but check your email for the original model.

You can get the coating off with vigorous sanding, which I thought I had done, but guess not.

I will hopefully be putting the bike back together within a week or so. Depends first on getting all my cabling, lines and bucket back. Actually, depends on getting the loot together. Then it depends on Gary James working some free time in to come back over. We took it apart pretty quick, but like all the stuff I've done on my house, I've got a good enough idea how to take it apart. Putting it back together is the tricky part.

So, did I ask you guys if you're heading to Dover this year? It's so much cooler with people to ride and hang with. We plan on staying over.

BB

Tad,
Yes it is a zinc coating on the surface of the metal.You can also use vinegar to wipe it down and then paint (they also sell products for this). As far as Dover goes I'm probably going to have to say no. I just got laid off on Wed. and we are planning to go to Florida in May/June for a wedding.

Send me the info on the run in April I'm interested in going. I'm not sure if my schedule will allow it or not (last month for Cub Scouts), but if I'm free I'll be there.

Jim,

Here's the link to Cyberspokes' homepage. Figured I'd just send this instead of the link to the ride info. It's under Bike Run and Party. This is a good page to have.

Bummer on Dover but have a good time in FLA.

BB

Tad,
jeff here. Where do you plan on sleeping in Dover? I'm trying to work out an overnight this year, probably can only do Friday night to Saturday. Did you stay Thursday or Friday or both last year?
Good luck with the mods, I was able to do nothing this winter, with your upgrades and Gary's chrome, I'll have to park in the back of the lot to avoid embarrassment! Thanks a lot!