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Sat Aug 12, 2006 5:46 pm

Hi,

I was just going through some parts I bought a while back, and noticed the NOS horn I bought is 6v -- it was supposed to be 12v like my car (can't believe I didn't check earlier!)... Would this horn work if I installed it? or should i just turn around and sell it on samba?

thanks,

Julie

Sat Aug 12, 2006 5:55 pm

It might work but I would be concerned about it's longevity. It will pull twice the amps it was designed for at double the voltage.

Sat Aug 12, 2006 6:10 pm

I still run my 6 volt horn even though I converted to 12 volt.
It's pretty high pictched and a little warlbled but I figure I'll just replace it when it burns out. It's been about 10 years.

I have to admit that it's pretty funny sounding. When I roll the 62 bug with the loud exhaust and people stare and then I give them this toot on the horn that kinda sounds like a cat being drowned it makes me laugh!

Sat Aug 12, 2006 6:33 pm

Yeah, I was going to suggest that the sound might be a little weird. Like you said, higher pitched than normal (and a Bug has a pretty high pitched horn to begin with). Maybe dogs can hear it better.

Sat Aug 12, 2006 6:34 pm

Unless your "honk happy" it can last for years... or you could install some sor t of voltage drop resistor. Or sell it to someone who is staying 6V for nostalgic purposes and really needs it.

Sat Aug 12, 2006 8:55 pm

i have a 6 volt horn in my 12 V car '65. its just really loud and kinda dosn't sound right, i'll use it til it dies then put the 12V one from my buis in it

Sat Aug 12, 2006 8:56 pm

Hella-Buggin' wrote: I still run my 6 volt horn even though I converted to 12 volt.
It's pretty high pictched and a little warlbled but I figure I'll just replace it when it burns out. It's been about 10 years.

I have to admit that it's pretty funny sounding. When I roll the 62 bug with the loud exhaust and people stare and then I give them this toot on the horn that kinda sounds like a cat being drowned it makes me laugh!

oooo great description haha just like mine, cat being drowned... brilliant

Sat Aug 12, 2006 9:25 pm

I've seen some old Bosch horns that have both 6V and 12V marked on them, but never saw any method of switching them over, I always wondered if they were somehow set up to run either way. Actually, I think the one I have on my baja is one of those. Plus it sounds good and is loud.

-Andy

Sat Aug 12, 2006 10:16 pm

keifernet's idea is a good one that will earn you some "car-ma"... trade it to someone who needs it for a good, new/NOS 12V one and a 6-pack of beer. i still have my old 6V one on there, but it's old and OG, not NOS.

Sat Aug 12, 2006 10:20 pm

The 6v horns work quite well and quite LOUD on 12v, I use my 6v horns on 12v for almost 20 years.

If the horn sounds like it's dying out or stops working you can try cleaning the contacts.
Check out this link that one of the Samba member have rejuvenated his 6v horns:
Hella 6V Horn (B31VW1-6V) repair and maintenance - http://www2.lut.fi/%7Ehosia/horns.html

Sat Aug 12, 2006 11:10 pm

yeah very loud, i still scare my dad every time :lol:

Sun Aug 09, 2009 8:06 pm

I'm trying to avoid buggering up this 6v horn I just found at a swap meet. When I hook it up, all I'm getting is a mild click click. The other aftermarket horn made in Mexico works just fine. How do you remove the plug on the back of the horn to get to the adjustment screw? The plug has hardened so much over the years I can only pry out pieces with a screw driver.

I tried to loosten the philips head screw inside the horn, but again wouldn't budge and I don't want to strip the head. Any advice is appreciated. THANKS!

Sun Jan 03, 2010 7:40 pm

This old VW mechanic I know who worked at Allred Volkswagen in the 60's and 70's told me today I should I get a 6 volt horn because it's super loud. He said you can just hook it up with no converting anything.

Sun Jan 03, 2010 7:46 pm

glutamodo wrote: I've seen some old Bosch horns that have both 6V and 12V marked on them

Yeah, my Bosch horn from my '67 says 6v and 12v.

Sun Jan 03, 2010 8:15 pm

I took my old 6v horn out of my bug and put it in my CJ5 to pass inspection. It worked fine for years.

Mon Jan 04, 2010 7:16 am

keifernet wrote: Unless your "honk happy" it can last for years... or you could install some sor t of voltage drop resistor. Would a ballast resistor or two work? keifernet wrote: Or sell it to someone who is staying 6V for nostalgic purposes and really needs it. Much better. If your horn sounds like a drowning cat, you couldn't honk it near an SPCA. Just think of the poor kitties inside. :cry: