Okay im a new guy to the train horn world. Ive wanted a set for YEARS, but when I lived at home my mom banned me from having them on my truck. (I have strobe lights though, ). Anyways, I recognize a few members here and it looks like a pretty cool place. I drive a 04 f150 and the train horns are the final piece of the puzzle that I have been missing to finish it off.
Here it is:
Now…
After doing some research I know that im pretty sure I want the Nathan K3LA’s. THey are going to be mounted where my spare tire would normally be. But thats about as far as Ive gotten. Does anyone have a nice write up on piece by piece what I need. From a quick release valve, to a button in the cab, to a compressor/tank.
Is it best to just buy the kit from hornblasters? Or piece it together on my own. I dont want to run a bullshit setup. Im prepared to spend ~$1200. I dont have to have a bazillion gallon air tank, but Im thinking a 5 gallon should be sufficient.
Also, I do use my truck. It gets muddy and dirty. I do realize that I will need to crawl under there and clean them when needed, but will they handle the abuse, as long as they are properly mounted?
Welcome. You can’t go wrong by getting a kit from HB. I’m not sure how the horns will react to water but the compressor’s air intake filter will need to be mounted in a dry location.
Do you use automatic tire deflators when going off road?
Hey bro, I believe I remember you from F150online. I remember your tow mirror install. Have you joined fordfullsize.com yet?
Any way I just got a pair of Nathan K5s and am planning on running a 12 gal tank and 2 480c compressors. I am hoping to get it under my truck, all of it. Good to see you here!
In your case I would look at installing a K3LA under the hood. Have you considered it?
You don’t have a diesel and there should be plenty of room under the hood, and you’d never get water or mud in them. I’d love to do that with mine, but these Cummins diesels just fill the engine bay.
No I dont do enough off road to justify tire inflaters. Just the normal mud trails and creek washouts.
I know I recognize avfrog as well as a few others.
Yeah I used to be more active on there. But then I was banned, came back as Gurt for a little while, and then was banned. Now Im W.L.B, lol. Although that name was perma banned once, but then unbanned by a superior mod.
Hmmm…I havnt really thought of it. I dont have a spare tire under there as its a full size spare and it wont fit, lol. Anyone managed to cram a set of k3has under the hood
Well I really dont remember why the first time but it was some miniscule reason. The reaally active members from there have migrated to a new forum. Myself, DaveG99, ShinesinTx, CraZ3d, tumba, scott, etc. Lol. Then once that place was up we started recruiting and they started banning any reference to us and put our url in the word filter lol.
Okay got really busy with work, but I should have my horns within the next few days. Found a guy on craigslist not to far from me with a set of K3HAs, 5gal tank, valve, hoses, and a 380cc vlair compressor. All for $700. But he said the compressor only turns on. It just doesnt move any air through it. So I might have to look at getting a new compressor.
Is there a wiring guide or general diagram for wiring up these and where each part goes inline in the sytem?
This is a genuine Nathan Airchime K3LA train horn, painted black (factory diaphragm). I prefer to sell to someone responsible and interested in the craft of the horn itself, not trying to scare people with it. The horn is in excellent condition. The grime is road-grime…which I simply don’t have time to clean to make prettier. Does have some paint scratches, but the horn itself and housing is basically flawless. This horn was purchased in late 2009.
The tank is a 5 gallon air tank…I forgot who the manufacturer is. The same issue with this…lots of road grime, and I had taped cushioning around the tank so it wouldn’t rub against a steel frame. No leaks…minor rusting in the threads, but good shape. It has a twist-release pressure valve on bottom as well, to bleed the tank of air or any condensation that builds up. (held 200psi+)
The compressor is a Viair 380c. This pump does power on, but does not push air. Again, I don’t have time to get into it to see why this is happening…it could be something simple or may be bad now, I simply don’t know. If you can fix it, then you have a good compressor to start immediately. Has road grime.
It also comes with a solenoid valve to open and close the airflow to the tank with a switch or pedal. Road grime on the outside of it as well.
You can have any other wires/accessories that I have…not a whole lot, but enough to help you get started with installing electric, etc. You will need to get a relay switch as well. I do have one with the system…but it’s not the prettiest contraption. You can have it…road grime on the casing.
This horn is loud, and has very good tone. I pushed 200psi with the system…relay was set to kick the compressor back on at 150psi. I bought this system for a hefty penny…
So…you tell me what I need, haha. Also, it says a 5 gallon tank. But does this tank look bigger than that to you?
i would have just bought the horn and told him to knock off a few hundred…and then bought a new tank and compressor and valve…unless they look better in real life cuz pics they look like crap
Well i have to drive about 4 hours to get everything. If it doesn’t look good when I get there I will just offer for the horns. He claims everything is road grime. As far as the compressor I’m not sure. So Yall feel that 700 is too much. I’m not able to find a set of k3s for below 700 much less without tank and stuff. He was originally wanting 800. Go to YouTube and type in northtexashorn. That is the kit I’m buying.
Thought maybe you already bought it.
I would not invest in that compressor. That tank looks like dog poop also. Are those patches or straps welded to the tank?
There is a k3ha (high manifold) on ebay right now for $425 + shipping. The paint is already removed.
Use that information to bargain with the guy on Craigslist. Even if you have to go up to $500 with the guy, don’t buy the other stuff. You’ll need the extra money for a working air kit.
). Anyways, I recognize a few members here and it looks like a pretty cool place. I drive a 04 f150 and the train horns are the final piece of the puzzle that I have been missing to finish it off.
