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I can't figure out what I'm missing in the horn button assembly for my 1940 160! First, where and how is the conductor wire connected and second, what holds the plastic center button in place. I'm guessing that I am missing a part?? I can't find any diagrams in my parts books!

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Show what is at the end of the horn cable. The small metal tabs hold in the center plastic. You will probably need to peen then free then re peen, or a couple drops of epoxy? I cannot remember exactly what I did when I replaced my center plastic years ago.

Thanks, Todd - I had already separated the metal cap from the tenite plastic part so I could clean things up. Unfortunately, the wire lacks an end - I assume it had some kind of tab to be soldered to some part of the mechanism. What I can't figure out is how the button assembly is held in place. The tenite is a bit shrunken and barely reaches the metal tabs on the horn ring piece, but more importantly, it seems that I am missing something to hold it in towards the steering column?? Brad

Someone offers reproduction Bakelite for 1940 but I can't recall offhand who it is or whether it is for thr Banjo wheel.

Hello Brad,
I have a similar issue on my 1940 120 and purchased a new horn wire from John Ulrich in California. He also has new button backers. I have attached a picture of the horn wire end that has a tension spring for your reference. John may have another one of these to. If not I can send you dimensions on the one I have.
Regards,
Greg

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Greg, John Ulrich has not gotten back to me, so I'm still at a loss as to what I need and where to get it. I need a diagram to explain how it all goes together so I can make or buy the missing pieces! Not sure how Ulrich's "button backers" work and how they attach to anything. Do you have any pictures of the whole assembly and how it is installed? Any help would be greatly appreciated! Brad

Hi Brad,
Sorry for the late reply, I have been away from the site for a bit.
That is unusual that he has not got back to you as I have not had any issue like that with him and just ordered so exhaust valves for my engine rebuild. I will send you some pictures in the next week as the deluxe wheel is in my parts car and will be migrating to the driver after the engine rebuild.
Regards,
Greg

Check this out:
packardinfo.com/xoops/html/modules/newbb ... ic.php?post_id=229461&keywords=horn+button

Here's the diagram I made when I disassembled my '40 160 banjo steering wheel horn button.

Just about any plastic for a '40 160 you can gert from LaVine Restorations.

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It looks as if Packard changed the horn ring assy in 41 or 42 and kept that system thru 54. The exploded drawing labeled 41 thru 54 I added in post 4 of the old 40 banjo wheel thread Joe linked above is apparently not applicable to the 40 models and could be misleading if used.

Once the 40 horn is figured out and working, if someone could post some decent photos of the components and setup it might help the next person needing the info.

I was just about to post about my horn issue on my 54 and I find this thread interesting as I am having the same issue. Put in a new horn relay but now need to connect to the steering column but can't find a drawing so that I know where to connect as I don't want to assume. So any info would be great and I will see what you come up with.