Re: 1940 Horn ring

Posted by Tim Cole On 2012/1/6 19:47:45

Dear ALM:

Originally the plastic piece was a press fit into the hub.

Over time the plastic distorts and the button ends up held in place by the spring.

The horn ring flexes on those little cams which deflects the corresponding inner flat into contact with the copper contact.

The plastic parts looked great when new, but rapidly deteriorated. I remember when, before you could get reproduction parts, almost every 18th-20th series Packard dashboard and interior parts looked like crap.

The only one I can remember that looked good was an 18th series 180 limo that sat idle in a heated New York City garage with under 9,000 miles on it. That car was still new and the plastic looked fantastic. And boy, it drove like a million bucks. Driving that car was an education in all the wearing points that cannot be restored.