Dino Gets The Eldo Horn and has a Blast!

[Jason Edge]

As I had previously posted, I pulled in a 1964 Sedan de Ville parts car, with the optional and rare '896' Eldorado Horn.  After doing a quick test, and hearing the beautiful & loud Lo C Note coming from it, I knew this would be going on my 64 Coupe de Ville Dino, but had to make it pretty before I installed it.

Prep was really easy but wanted to share:

Step 1 Game Plan
I noted how it attached to the radiator support at the rear and the lower hood hinge assembly.  I looked at the bracket assembly in the middle of the trumpet and saw that if it was loosened it would slide back and forth.   I also know that there are variances from car to car and decided I would eventually paint that center bracket assembly on the horn, but wanted to make sure it was in the right position to mount in to my car. I had also already taken many pictures as the horn was installed in the donor car which can be seen on this Help Page entry: Horns: 1964 Four Horn Setup With Optional "896" Eldorado Horn 
 
Below is a picture of the horn as pulled from the donor car. I wanted to get another picture to make sure I got the bracket orientation correct, as I knew I would at least loosen it as I prepped the trumpet part of the horn. I also tested the horn again... ..more ear candy!

Step 2 Bead Blast & Practice Trial Install
Since I didn't want to compromise the internal horn components I tool the high tech approach of stuffing a piece of cloth into the tube.  It didn't have to go that far since I wasn't going to try and paint all the way down the inside of the tube. I also taped off the electrical connector and surrounding rubber grommet to protect. The bead blasting when really fast,.. probably 15 minutes max.

Before I went any further I wanted to do a practice trail install. I noted the position of the brackets again. .... and I couldn't help but connect the horn and hear all 4 blast!   All I can say is that Lo C Note long trumpet horn sure complements the shorter Hi C Note trumpet horn nicely!!

Below is a picture of the Practice Trial Install after horn was Bead Blasted: 

Step 3 Wet Sand
Bead blasting is a quick and easy way to remove old paint, etc, but it leaves a semi-smooth texture on metal (the media grit plays a part in this also), so I knew I wanted this RIGHT FOR DINO so I wet sanded everything progressively using finer sandpaper starting with 150, then 220, then 300 then 400. 

Below are a couple of pictures after the wet sanding has been completed.

Step 4 Prime and Paint
Weather, temps, wind, time of year, etc. can greatly affect painting from a rattle can outside. I have written about this at length in my - Engine Painting Tips article.  The day I painted the horn was a perfect day with cooler temps, no winds, and bright sunshine.  

I wanted to find a way to apply each layer on the entire horn without having to paint one side or end and then the other later on.  I looked at the horn and knew the one part I would not and did not need to paint was the deep inner funnel of the trumpet. It was then obvious I just needed to find something to stick up in the funnel that would both seal the inside of the horn from the paint and allow me to hold the horn while I painted it.  I had a smaller metal broom in the garage that fit the bill perfectly, and allowed me to easily paint the entire horn at once.

Most of you are aware of wrinkling of paint if you wait too late to apply paint. (Check out the Engine Painting Tips link for more details.)  So, for this horn to prime and paint, I used compressed air to make sure all debris was off the horn, then while holding with broom handle, I applied 1st coat of Rustoleum Engine Primer; waited 20 minutes, applied 2nd coat of engine primer; waited 20 minutes, applied 1st coat of Rustoleum Gloss Black Engine Paint; waited 20 minutes; applied 2nd coat of gloss black paint.  Applying the paint is a technique you sort of pick up over the years and believe I have got it pretty much down pat. The horn turned out gorgeous with a nice smooth finish.  

Below is a picture of the horn with last paint coat applied. Note broom handle holding horn from inside funnel:

Step 5 Let Paint Cure
I waited a couple of days, first putting the handle I has used to paint the horn in a vice, then on day 2 pulled the horn and laid it on the counter as seen below. It is easy to get in a hurry and want to install right away, however, paint is soft the first few hours and it is better to let it cure. Often I will back metal engine parts progressively in an oven but did not want to take any chances with this horn.

Below is a picture of the horn after 2 days of curing:

Step 6 Install and Enjoy
On the 3rd day I installed the horn. I knew I needed to be careful not to bump the condenser radiator fins. Since I had already done a practice trial install, handling the newly painted horn was kept to a minimum. With the optional Eldo horn, there is also a jump harness that attaches to the existing horn harness (basically an 1 to 2 Y connector). I looked at the way the wiring came over the top Hi Note horn on the parts car and just didn't like the wires over the top.... just looked cluttered. So, I installed mine with the wires beneath the top Ho Note horn.

Below are 2 pictures of the horn installed:

Final Step --> Blow the horn and enjoy the Harmonious Blast from ALL 4 HORNS!
Dino Was Pleased!!

[Jason Edge]

I've actually seen an NOS one go for over $1000.

[259hmccgp0k5b]

Jason, How long is you horn tip to mounting tip? Thanks Dave

[Jason Edge]

Hi Dave. Not sure I understand the measurement you are looking for - "horn tip to mounting tip"? Are you asking for the specific mounting point width (lower hood hinge bracket to  radiator support) or overall length of the horn itself?

[259hmccgp0k5b]

Jason, I was looking for the total length of the horn. Including the mounting bracket. Like the photo below showing 26 1/2 in length. Thanks Dave

[Jason Edge]

24"

[30cg3u76xzb0t]

All that & you don't post a recording of it's sound ? Come now let us hear it :)

[Jason Edge]

OK. So here you go. Turn up your volume and stand back!

[30cg3u76xzb0t]

I hate to be a pain in the Ass, but it would have been nice if you would have unplugged the new horn, sounded it then plugged it back in and sounded it so we could hear the difference :) I'm just saying, It does sound & looks great !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[24ro8f5mbs2jc]

[24ro8f5mbs2jc]

[Jason Edge]

The original literature indicated the 1964 Eldorado horn was a Lo C horn and that is what I use. The 1963 Eldo horn (the 199 9947 was a B-Flat Horn). Parts were often substituted as years rolled by, and newer items would be substituted for older items. The best litmus test for what was original are the MPB's right after the production year. The 1965 MPB doesn't list the tone of the horn, but it does list a B Flat 947 horn for the 1961-1963 Eldorado. I have inserted a copy of the original Cadillac Accessories Manual and the 1965 MPB below.