The Ford Barn

GAR64 · 04-01-2016, 09:06 AM

Still having a problem keeping the light switch attached. New bail is longer and I also strapped the bail to keep from falling. But I think the real issue is that the light switch on the steering wheel seems to turn slightly when turning the steering wheel. Any way to make any adjustments without pulling out the horn rod? This car actually drives better than I expected!

jax55 · 04-01-2016, 11:15 AM

Try bending the bail a little to make it tighter on the housing. As far as the horn rod, could it be that you have the shorter one, but need to longer one? I don't know of an adjustment...maybe someone else does and we will both learn something.

Jacksonlll · 04-01-2016, 12:43 PM

A lot of times, you think you have the bail snapped in place, but it isn't. You have to push really hard to get it to snap into place. Make sure this is not your prob before you start doing something big.

Tom Wesenberg · 04-01-2016, 12:58 PM

Is the thin brass bushing in place at the top of the horn rod? Maybe spray some lube down the center of the steering tube so the horn rod slips easier while turning.

GAR64 · 04-01-2016, 01:09 PM

How can I see the top of the horn rod? The horn button and light lever can't be removed unless you pull the rod out can they?? Somehow, the light lever is "sticking" to the steering wheel and moving a little when turning. Doesn't seem to be any way to "loosen".

Tom Wesenberg · 04-01-2016, 01:58 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

You would need to remove the light switch and horseshoe clip to lift the horn rod a couple inches.

Jacksonlll · 04-01-2016, 03:17 PM

Take the light switch off and have someone push up hard on the horn rod. It is spring loaded and may go up enough for you to see where it is tight against the wheel. You may be able to get rid of the interference at that point.

CarlG · 04-01-2016, 03:20 PM

A little lubricant under there doesn't hurt either.

Tinbasher · 04-01-2016, 06:32 PM

Yes check the tube for the light switch. I've found that the aftermarket ones are a little larger than originals and hang up in the column when you turn the steering wheel. I solved the problem by filing down the tube. It didn't take much filing to make it work. The biggest job was getting it in and out. If you've got a open car no problem. With a coupe you can get it out the rear window. If yours rolls down.
John Poole

04-01-2016, 09:06 AM	#1
GAR64 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Upstate NY Posts: 208	Lights and horn... again Still having a problem keeping the light switch attached. New bail is longer and I also strapped the bail to keep from falling. But I think the real issue is that the light switch on the steering wheel seems to turn slightly when turning the steering wheel. Any way to make any adjustments without pulling out the horn rod? This car actually drives better than I expected!

04-01-2016, 11:15 AM	#2
jax55 Senior Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: Santa Barbara, Ca Posts: 329	Re: Lights and horn... again Try bending the bail a little to make it tighter on the housing. As far as the horn rod, could it be that you have the shorter one, but need to longer one? I don't know of an adjustment...maybe someone else does and we will both learn something.

04-01-2016, 12:43 PM	#3
Jacksonlll Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Michigan-- Member of Oakleaf of MARC Posts: 1,686	Re: Lights and horn... again A lot of times, you think you have the bail snapped in place, but it isn't. You have to push really hard to get it to snap into place. Make sure this is not your prob before you start doing something big.

04-01-2016, 12:58 PM	#4
Tom Wesenberg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mpls, MN Posts: 27,582	Re: Lights and horn... again Is the thin brass bushing in place at the top of the horn rod? Maybe spray some lube down the center of the steering tube so the horn rod slips easier while turning.

04-01-2016, 01:09 PM	#5
GAR64 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Upstate NY Posts: 208	Re: Lights and horn... again How can I see the top of the horn rod? The horn button and light lever can't be removed unless you pull the rod out can they?? Somehow, the light lever is "sticking" to the steering wheel and moving a little when turning. Doesn't seem to be any way to "loosen".

04-01-2016, 01:58 PM	#6
Tom Wesenberg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mpls, MN Posts: 27,582	Re: Lights and horn... again Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) You would need to remove the light switch and horseshoe clip to lift the horn rod a couple inches.

04-01-2016, 03:17 PM	#7
Jacksonlll Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Michigan-- Member of Oakleaf of MARC Posts: 1,686	Re: Lights and horn... again Take the light switch off and have someone push up hard on the horn rod. It is spring loaded and may go up enough for you to see where it is tight against the wheel. You may be able to get rid of the interference at that point.

04-01-2016, 03:20 PM	#8
CarlG Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Anchorage, Alaska Posts: 9,115	Re: Lights and horn... again A little lubricant under there doesn't hurt either. __________________ Alaskan A's Antique Auto Mushers of Alaska Model A Ford Club of America Model A Restorers Club Antique Automobile Club of America Mullins Owner's Club

04-01-2016, 06:32 PM	#9
Tinbasher Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Innisfil, Ontario Canada Posts: 1,174	Re: Lights and horn... again Yes check the tube for the light switch. I've found that the aftermarket ones are a little larger than originals and hang up in the column when you turn the steering wheel. I solved the problem by filing down the tube. It didn't take much filing to make it work. The biggest job was getting it in and out. If you've got a open car no problem. With a coupe you can get it out the rear window. If yours rolls down. John Poole