hey guys new to the forums, and i guess train horns in general.
I just bought a set of horns off a truck forum I belong to, since i’ve been dying to get a train horn for a while now.
so i know i need a compressor and a tank, or two. there’s a few tanks and compressors on here ATM and i think they’re decent deals. some dude is selling two 2 gal tanks in the for sale section and i might be pretty interested in them. as for a compressor i need suggestions.
my buddy has basically the same horns but only a single 2 gallon tank, i know more is better so…
i’m in college so i dont have a ton of money to blow. i don’t need anything crazy, just something to have some fun with
oh ya, my truck is a lowered single cab tacoma. i need everything to be hidden and don’t want to take up bed space, or any interior room that i don’t have lol. just so you know i don’t need anything HUGE like i’ve seen from browsing on here.
pic of truck im workin with:
all I have right now is this:
any help would be appreciated.
-john
cliffs:
-new to train horns
-only have horns and a few air lines
-need everything else
-college student on a budget
-don’t need anything crazy
daaamn those compressors look heavy duty. not looking to spend more than maybe 150 on a compressor. i also don’t want to buy junk though so that number is likely to increase, i’d also buy used if the deal is good.
i need to know what size compressor i’d need. i see that larger horns need 1/2" line’s and the one’s i have are 1/4". i’ve researched a bit and see the viair 300 series to be pretty suiting? like are the 400 series only available for 1/2" line’s etc? and 300 for 1/4"?
my buddy has i think the same horns, a 2 gal tank and a viair 380. if i had two 2 gal tanks should i get a little larger compressor or what?
should i even think about 2 2 gal tanks? obviously the more air the longer i can hold that magical button…
im not a complete tard just need some guidance. i’m going to keep researching but i figured i could get someone’s .02 on what’s up.
[ul]
[li]Get a union from Hornblasters to tie all those horns together.
[/li][li]You’ll need a momentary button to physically honk the horns.
[/li][li]You’ll also need an electric valve to allow you to honk the horn.
[/li][li]Pressure switch - 150 PSI shutoff
[/li][li]Misc. fittings
[/li][li]Look for a deal on a 400C compressor. With 2.54 CFM and a maximum working pressure of 150 PSI - it will handle up to a five gallon air tank. The refresh rate on 5 gallons is just over a minute and a half from 110-150 PSI.
[/li][/ul]
HornBlasters have some on their clearance items list: 400C for $142.44 used but rebuilt to work like new. the only difference to a new one is the warranty.
electric vavle, this just an electric 1/4" air valve?
and what do you mean by union? this 5 way lookin thing in this picture? and i’m assuming that’s the valve.
sounds like i could just go to a plumbing or hardware store to get all this stuff. like ACE Hardware
thanks for lookin out man.
there’s a guy selling one right now in the FS section for $115 with about 3 months usage, might snatch that if it looks like its in decent shape. but otherwise i’m heading over to HB to talk to them about working out a deal. they’re not far from where i live.
the chick i bought these from said they come with 1/4" lines. would it be safe to assume that these are HB classic train horns? because he shocker XL takes 1/2" lines? or are they the same horns? looking at their specs, they’re the same. on the HB website it seems the only difference in the horn kits alone would be the size lines you run to them?
As with your horns, they are the normal conductors special, the XLs have larger fittings for the bigger line they use. As for a compressor, I had a viar 150psi compressor and 2 gallons and it was alright, but I later stepped to 5 gallons and a viair 480c which is a 200psi compressor and it made the world of difference with those horns. Much louder and longer honking periods. So I would try for those 2 2 gallon tanks and a 200psi compressor. You will love the end result.
Two, 2 gallon tanks w/some extra fittings and a HB PS $60
Viair 400c w/viair grey box PS $125
total spent is $300, not too shabby. thanks Obama bux.
looks like basically all i’ll need is an air valve, some lines, a switch, and misc wiring crap that i probably already have lying around.
what size lines should i go with? 1/2"?
i was also thinking of instead of a lame switch to honk the horns i could by like a lever of some sort. anyone got ideas? if its too complicated or overkill (which it sounds to be lol) i’ll just do the momentary switch.
I’m going to use one of these manual valves to blow mine. Yes it’s more involved to run but I think it’ll be worth it. You can actually throttle the horns like a real train would if you want instead of just all on. Plus it looks cool! :eek:
The manual valves are great for throttle honking as said, but it takes some work. Personally I don’t want a huge valve visible in my car. IMO everything needs to be unseen, like it’s not even there until you hear the sound.
