Adios Wimpy Horn

[NYC Prius]

Just finished installing the PIAA horns in replacement of the stock wimp-omatic horns. I searched the forums and found using the Radio Shack crimp on quick disconnects the easiest and cleanest way to swap the new horns for the old ones. (Radio Shack part numbers 64-4040 and 64-3133) Total time for install was less than an hour and I took my time.
I purchased the PIAA horns from Amazon for $45 and another $4 at Radio Shack. I'm very happy with the sound of these horns, however am still considering air horns for these crazy NYC streets!
Thanks to the Prius Forums for the idea.

[KK6PD]

Hi there,
Yep I have a pair myself, don't they sound sweet!!!
They defiantly make a difference!!
And your right, so simple to install!!


73 de Pat KK6PD

[john1701a]

Sorry, but isn't the point of a horn to blast an annoying noise?

An appealing sound is counter-productive for a warning device.

.

[Boo]

NYC and KK:

How did you guys access the two horns' wires/connections? Did you have to remove the grille?

[KK6PD]

Originally Posted by Boo

NYC and KK:

How did you guys access the two horns' wires/connections? Did you have to remove the grille?

I left it all in place. I was able to separate the grill from the cross member just enough to get my wrench down in there and undo the bolts 1 each! It was a little scrappy on the hands, but it took all of 10 minutes. I had made 6" jumpers I built before started. I kept the factory horn plug, I found a mating connector to make the jumper assembly easy!

I was able to access both horns this way, however the drivers side was easier!!!

Originally Posted by john1701a

Sorry, but isn't the point of a horn to blast an annoying noise?

An appealing sound is counter-productive for a warning device.

.

Not at all, You can have a horn that is loud, with 2 frequencies beating 100hz apart from each other and still grab the attention of the folk around you. If I wanted annoying I would have opted for a horn off of a GP-5 Diesel Electric Locomotive!!! Just think, you could be heard 5 miles away!!!!

73 de Pat KK6PD

[Boo]

Originally Posted by KK6PD

I left it all in place. I was able to separate the grill from the cross member just enough to get my wrench down in there and undo the bolts 1 each! It was a little scrappy on the hands, but it took all of 10 minutes. I had made 6" jumpers I built before started. I kept the factory horn plug, I found a mating connector to make the jumper assembly easy!

I was able to access both horns this way, however the drivers side was easier!!!

Lol. Thanks. Useful info.

When I adjusted the volume/tone screws on my OEM horns, I knew I couldn't reach the wires/connectors from above.

If I ever do change horns, I guess I could also lubricate the grille and/or the palm areas of my hands or latex gloves if I wear them.

[KK6PD]

Its not really that tight, I pulled it apart, and then wedged a rag in to keep it spread apart!! I unbolted first, lifted up and then unplugged! Makes it easy that way, of course assemble in reverse order!! 10 minutes

have fun de Pat KK6PD

[NYC Prius]

For the first horn, the one right underneath the hood latch, I didn't even have to loosen the grill. I put a ratchet down there, loosened the bolt and disconnected the wire. I used the Radio Shack crimp connectors I mentioned to make the extensions. You only need about 3" of extension and the horns come with the wire.
I loosened the grill for the second horn near the passenger side headlight. Just remove the 2 Phillips screws with the rubber grommets and use a small flathead screwdriver to pop the top of the pins and pull the grille back as far as you need. It won't break or even crack the paint.

[Boo]

Originally Posted by NYC Prius

For the first horn, the one right underneath the hood latch, I didn't even have to loosen the grill. I put a ratchet down there, loosened the bolt and disconnected the wire. I used the Radio Shack crimp connectors I mentioned to make the extensions. You only need about 3" of extension and the horns come with the wire.
I loosened the grill for the second horn near the passenger side headlight. Just remove the 2 Phillips screws with the rubber grommets and use a small flathead screwdriver to pop the top of the pins and pull the grille back as far as you need. It won't break or even crack the paint.

Thanks NYC. When I was adjusting my OEM horn on the passenger side, I had trouble getting those 2 Phillips screws out. But next time I'll go out there with my full collection of screwdrivers. I'm sure one of them should fit perfectly and not damage or strip the screw heads.

[problemchild]

What about a ship horn?

YouTube - Mazda vs Maasdam (ship horns!)