What's your way?

[Larry Jenkins]

I'm restoring a nice Model A horn. Have removed the curved mesh screen at the back of the front bell that sits in a small depth groove.

My question is: What way do you use to properly re-insert the screen after painting the horn?

I'm thinking about turning a wood plug that has the inside form of the screen and using the plug to insert the screen.

Reasons for the plug are to not deform the "crown" and ensure that the screen is properly seated in the groove.

Comments and better ideas most welcome!

Larry Jenkins

[MAG]

"I'm thinking about turning a wood plug that has the inside form of the screen and using the plug to insert the screen."
I do it the way you describe here.

[rogerkb1936]

i have not found a perfect way to do this, but i have used a method that works for me. i tried something similar to what you suggest, and couldn't make it work for me. so, i get the horn all ready to paint. i have used rustoleum brand auto primer in the rattle can, and it works great with acrylic enamel. not sure what would happen with some of the newer paints. i then work the screen in carefully. get one edge in the groove, and work around with your finger. as the go along, you may have to use a wide tipped screwdriver to get it all the way in. then you will find you have scratched your primer, at which point i fold some 400 grit a couple times and carefully sand them out. i have done this maybe 25 times, and have turned out some really nice looking horns. someone will probably pipe up with a another solution. if it is better i will try that next time.

[Tom Wesenberg]

I install the screen before I paint the horn.

Now you might save some paint by using those plastic credit cards that keep coming in the mail. Tape two cards to the bell just above the recessed ring, and slip the screen in sideways, then when you get it to the ring, roll it to the side until it seats in the ring. I'm sure there will be some chips to touch up.

[burner31]

Wish I had a horn to try this on.

[whirnot]

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Easy, leave it in and send to the powder coater.

[Mitch//pa]

Originally Posted by whirnot

easy, leave it in and send to the powder coater.

xx2

[John Duden]

Take a rattle can paint can, the bottom is already con cave
John

[CarlG]

This thread came about 2 weeks late. I just had a horn bell powder coated and then tried to put a new screen in it. It wasn't till I had it scratched up pretty good that I finally got the screen in there. Of course I was trying to put it in from the front.

These are all good suggestions.

This is where the saying I've read on here someplace is totally applicable:
"Too soon old & too late smart"

[Larry Jenkins]

Now I'm confused. I thought most remedies suggested that the screen be re-installed from the top of the bell. The rattle can's concave base idea sounds good.

In looking again at mine, the "tunnel" from the rear of the horn body is quite a bit smaller that the screen diameter.

Mine is all apart now, waiting to bead blast the bell and cup.

Then insert the screen; prime; assemble and finish paint. I like the Powder Coat idea. How much?

Larry Jenkins

[Larry Jenkins]

Should add that mine is a Stewart-Warner.

Larry

[theHIGHLANDER]

I install stainless screens in Packard chrome trumpets with a broom stick end and a home made cup affair. After 20 horns I've scratched 1, but I cheated and turned the scratch to the top. The screen has an almost spring loaded character to it and it pops right in at the moment of truth. I would think the same can work on our A horns, and the rattle can suggestion is brilliant.

[jhowes]

Makes me wonder how they did this on the assembly line where time is of the essence?