Need (or want) a compact air horn?

[mvaldes]

I guess I should have said, "you can't go wrong with the Wolo Bad Boy, correctly mounted....

[NukleoN]

There are amazingly loud dual-tone air horns designed for motorcycles which will fit almost anywhere under a Smart hood, I imagine.

[mginsa]

I was run off the road by a monster SUV a few weeks ago- my Smartie horn didn't even phase the other driver - he never heard it. So I need a horn that makes some REAL noise.

From all of the messages in this thread it sounds like the ultra compact horn is the one to buy. Although I am very handy with tools, I'm not into cutting holes in my Smartie to install a horn. Is installation a simple "remove the old one and install the new one" or is there cutting and drilling and squeezing human body parts between auto body parts to get it installed?

Any info would be appreciated.

[mvaldes]

You either take off the front for easy access, or loosen the liner in the left fender well for access. The latter approach requires a lot of squeezing of body parts inbetween auto parts to install. The former is exceedingly simple once you remove the panels. I did the wheel well approach, but learned that my dealer will do the install for about $100 which might be an alternative if you don't have the time or inclination to DIY.

[TKADY]

Installed this horn when I changed the body panels from rally red to mellow yellow. My horn is installed in the same location as the original horn but on the opposite side. Had to make a small bracket from the frame opening to the horn mount. It was a tight fit, but very secure. You can install in this location only with the front panels out.

The horn sounds fantastic. I have not installed (and may not) a switch yet, but can switch between the new and stock horn by just switching leads from the horns. The leads are accessible from the top, just to the right of the left headlight. The unused leads have no power to them, but have protective plastic covers to keep them clean.

In the photo, you may be able to see the horn (blue and red) under the right headlight.

[jwight]

This should help: http://www.smartcarofamerica.com/for...-threads-6576/

[SubSlr88]

Originally Posted by mginsa

Although I am very handy with tools, I'm not into cutting holes in my Smartie to install a horn. Is installation a simple "remove the old one and install the new one" or is there cutting and drilling and squeezing human body parts between auto body parts to get it installed? Any info would be appreciated.

I tried the fender well method and gave up after a few hours of tearing my arms up, dropping stuff and generally getting frustrated by the whole thing. The main key to the new compact air horn is that it MUST be installed vertically or it'll have a short life. I don't think that is possible going thru the fender well and mounting behind the bracket.
I eventually followed the directions and pulled the front end. Very quick, no special skills needed, and the new horn mounts in front of the bracket perfectly. I fabricated an adapter bracket out of a 3" angle brace from Lowe's and it worked out perfect. Overall, I spent about 2 - 3 hours including cutting the new bracket, etc. Next time I could probably do it in an hour...
No cutting, drilling on the car is necessary, only the new adapter bracket - one cut, one hole enlarged and a little filing to neaten things up.

[Kermit]

Originally Posted by SubSlr88

I tried the fender well method and gave up after a few hours of tearing my arms up, dropping stuff and generally getting frustrated by the whole thing. The main key to the new compact air horn is that it MUST be installed vertically or it'll have a short life. I don't think that is possible going thru the fender well and mounting behind the bracket.
I eventually followed the directions and pulled the front end. Very quick, no special skills needed, and the new horn mounts in front of the bracket perfectly. I fabricated an adapter bracket out of a 3" angle brace from Lowe's and it worked out perfect. Overall, I spent about 2 - 3 hours including cutting the new bracket, etc. Next time I could probably do it in an hour...
No cutting, drilling on the car is necessary, only the new adapter bracket - one cut, one hole enlarged and a little filing to neaten things up.

+1 for installing it in the correct way. I did my first install through the fenderwell on my personal car and it had a short life...it is still dead - might fix it Sat morning finally. Installed several on others cars the correct way by removing the front end and I guess they are still working. Haven't heard complaints.....yet. Good idea on the bracket. It is tight between the fender and mounting spot.