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56D500boy

Posted 2023-09-06 9:33 PM (#631747)
Subject: Steering Wheel Horn Blowing Switch 1955-61 Info for future use

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Location: Lower Mainland BC

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Honestly, I think I have spent way too much time screwing around with my 56 Dodge horn. I have posted about various issues several times. That said, I can't leave the topic without sharing what I have learned recently (Today)

To the point, while I was looking for a new 1604 921 spring loaded horn slip ring contact switch a couple of weeks ago, I bumped into an eBay auction for a "1957-66 Studebaker Cars Horn Bar / Ring ~ Horn Switch Plate ~ 1541949" that looked surprisingly like my 56 Mopar switch. There were several eBay auctions for this Studebaker horn switch but one said they had lots and that they only wanted US$16.95 with free shipping (Buy it now). So, being curious (and somewhat stupid), I bought one to compare to my 56 Dodge switch. I picked it up today.

The Mopar part in question is labeled in some parts diagrams as being in section 8-33-9 (but I think that it should be 8-33-90)

The PN for the 55-58 horn switch is 1571 283

Turns out that the 1571 283 also was the 1959 Mopar switch. There were minor changes (e.g. spade connector, more plastic parts) in 1960 and 1961 when the PN became 1972 391. But I think it is basically the same part (see images below).

Circling back to the "Studebaker" horn switch, the one I have in my hand was made by the Douglas Manufacturing Division (of ??), in Bronson Michigan (not that far west of Detroit). I tried it up against my 1571 283 on my 56 Dodge steering column and absolutely it would fit. It seems identical to the 56 Dodge switch. I would guess that the Mopar part was made by Douglas, just like the "Studebaker" part.

Link to the current (Sept 6, 2023) eBay auction for the Studebaker part:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/294200384192

REFERENCE: To one of my recent Horn posts: http://www.forwardlook.net/forums/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=75319&...

Parts listings and photos related to the above:

Edited by 56D500boy 2023-09-06 11:01 PM

(HornSwitchPN1571283_1959.jpg)

(HornSwitchPN1972391_1960.jpg)

(HornSwitchPN1972391_1961.jpg)

(HornSwitchPN1972391_1960+61_Back.jpg)

(HornSwitchPN1972391_1960+61_Front.jpg)

(56DodgeWith1571283HornSwitch.jpg)

(StudebakerHornSwitchOverTop56DodgeSwitch.jpg)

(StudebakerHornSwitch_BackSide.jpg)

(AStackOfStudebakerHornSwitchesOnEbaySept2023.jpg)

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HornSwitchPN1571283_1959.jpg (149KB - 46 downloads)
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HornSwitchPN1972391_1960.jpg (149KB - 50 downloads)
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HornSwitchPN1972391_1961.jpg (147KB - 49 downloads)
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HornSwitchPN1972391_1960+61_Back.jpg (148KB - 50 downloads)
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HornSwitchPN1972391_1960+61_Front.jpg (148KB - 48 downloads)
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56DodgeWith1571283HornSwitch.jpg (146KB - 42 downloads)
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StudebakerHornSwitchOverTop56DodgeSwitch.jpg (148KB - 42 downloads)
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StudebakerHornSwitch_BackSide.jpg (143KB - 45 downloads)
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AStackOfStudebakerHornSwitchesOnEbaySept2023.jpg (149KB - 43 downloads)

56D500boy

Posted 2023-09-08 7:19 PM (#631777 - in reply to #631747)
Subject: RE: Steering Wheel Horn Blowing Switch 1955-61 Info for future use

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In addition to the spring-loaded circular horn blowing switch, the other two important components of the horn activation system are the spring-loaded slip ring contact switch (1604 921) and the actual slip ring attached to the steering wheel.

The 1604 921 was such a good design that it was used on Mopars from 1955 to at least 1961 (and perhaps, beyond). Here is the switch and where it lives on the signal light activation frame:

The slip ring retained its basic design over the same period but there were some changes.

During the 1955-59 period, the slip ring PNs were:

1955 = 1605 266
1956-57 = 1642 310
1957 -58 = 1819 841
1959 = 1819 841 (same at the 1958 PN)

In a previous slip ring thread, ronbo97 said:

"Any contact ring from 55-59 will work. There are three different part numbers associated with this ring during that period. That is due to the gauge of the wire changing. The problem with the 18 gauge wire is that it broke way too easily. The 14 gauge wire ring is the best."

My 56 Dodge slip ring must have been the 1642 310. I recently replaced the original wire with a 14 gauge multi-strand wire.

I can't find any photos of the three 55-59 PN slip rings above on the internet (e.g. eBay, Mopar Mall, Hiltop Mopar.)