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Correct horn for a 59 bugeye?

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ichthos

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I have seen a number of different horns on "stock" bugeyes. Did the horns vary for the different years? Does anyone know what the correct horn looks like for a Bugeye built in 59? Any pics/helps would greatly be appreciated.
Kevin
 
I know you are meticulous, Ray, but are you sure that is the only horn used by he factory? I have one horn like that in the picture, and one that looks the same in front but is flat in the back. Both have the same bracket shown in your photo. Not to doubt you, but I want to make sure I restore the correct one before I go any further.
Kevin
 
There was also a set of "windtone" horns that was optional. This was a pair of horns operated by a relay. They show up on wiring diagrams, but I've never seen a set, so I'm afraid I can't describe them.
 
Neither have I.
 
I believe that the flat one is a later version of the 9H horn. I had a NOS one of those that I sold to Ben in SC a couple of years ago. Looks the same or very similar in the front but not in the back. The Bugeye version had a rounded almost hemispherical back.
 
What do you mean by later version of the 9H horn? Is this something used on later Sprites? So all bugeye sprites through 60 had the hemisphere backs?
Kevin
 
Rays horn pic is correct for a Bugeye.
 
I think I will pass as mine works, hehe.
 
Gents, actually they made 5 different horns for Bugeye’s this illustration will help with the confusion. Item (1B) is part number 13H2782 it has a different mounting bracket than item (1) 13H69 and when stock was extinguish then you use BTA4186 which is item (1A).

Then they offered as and option what they called Windtone horns the high tone was part number 1B9008 Item (12) and the low tone part number 1B9007 Item (11). Also these horns required a relay which its part number is 13H153 Item (22). And of course all the mounting hardware that went with the corresponding horn. I hope this will help all of the purest regarding questions with their horns.
 
Illustration # 1 appears to be a Bugeye horn. As I recall AKD 3566 applied to MK I and MK II Sprites. Perhaps the other horns were for the MK II. I sold an NOS 1A horn while back
 
According to the factory parts manual if you can read this scan that they all are for (H-AN5 Sprite) cars. If you would like, let me know and I’ll be happy to send you a copy that you can read if it doesn’t show up very well on BCF.
 
Very interesting information, and yet more confusing. I can understand the wind tone horns being different since they were offered as a pair. I don't understand why there would be three other variation for three years. I currently have horn 1 and horn 1A. Neither is working at the moment, but I am working on both. I am going to give one up when I sell my second bugeye. Which one should I keep?
Kevin
 
From what I can conclude, there are some hardware changes starting with H-AN5-501 to 6891 and from HAN5-6892 on. I suspect they had several suppliers for horns under contract, probably they decided to spread the contracts so everyone could get in on the biding, or maybe it was cost, I’m not sure. But there is no other denotation of which horn goes with any production numbered car. My guess is they could have anyone of the above during production to spread out the production runs. When they ran low on one horn they would switch to the other. Another possibility could be for different countries but again theirs no denotation on that either. Other than the Windtone that could be special order as an extra option.

As far as which one to choose, I would choose which ones tone you like the best!


This other illustration is showing the MKII and Midget horns if you take note at the bottom of each illustrated page referencing which cars that that page is referencing too. A MKI Sprite are H-AN5’s and all HAN-5’s are Bugeye/Frogeye’s
 
Now that I see both pics on N11 and N12, my second horn definitely looks more like horn 1 on N 12, which according to the pages you posted is from a Sprite Mark 11. The PO had a number of subtle swaps from later Sprites when I bought it. I appreciate you posting the pages you did. Seems like a useful document to have. I don't suppose you could post just one more pic for me of the cover of the document you are getting these from? Does it show how to do things like horn repair or servicing? I trust members on the forum on what came with their car, but I have found there are subtle changes with my restored Bugeye being much later in production (AN5L/21339) as compared to my second Bugeye (AN5L/5337). I am trying to make my car as original as possible without being obsessed. Not doing too good on the obsessed part.
Kevin
 
Kevin, I use to work for a BMC dealer and acquired this original BMC parts catalog that covers cars through 1967. Since I’ve own a Bugeye for 43 years I have reference it many times when I wasn’t sure.. It shows every component on the car down to screws and washers, however regarding your situation of the make up to windings of coils, magnets, diaphragms, and such it does not. But if you have any other questions I do not mind providing that information to you...

I myself use to be a purest, but found myself bored; I guess 43hp just wouldn’t cut it for me any more. I quickly got tired of barely having any brakes when you heated them up and the car wouldn’t stop.. Or when you hit the gas it wouldn't throw you back in the seat. However I wanted to keep as much of the car British looking but with many British enhancements in the performance direction a (British Street Rod). Such as 4 link coil-over’s, front and rear disc, 5 speed, very trick 1380 BMC engine and many more up dated enhancements.

I’m glad that this information was helpful, my hopes are that you’re able to make your horn function which ever one you choose
 
Very impressive engine! To be honest, I am a beginner and it has been a stretch for me to restore this car. I bought it for a hundred dollars and just about nothing worked on it when I bought it 20 years ago. I have learned a heck of a lot through the whole process and have had fun though (most of the time). It isn't just that I am a purist or anything - making everything stock makes it easier for me to understand since I can normally look things up in a book or explain things to others on the forum easier. Thanks for offering to reference things for me. Both horns look good, but now to see if I can get them working...
Kevin
 
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