Horn Relay

[Tony H.]

I'm in the market for a horn relay for my 1970 Corvette. Here are some questions I have: Is the horn relay which resides beneath the left fender on 1970 Corvettes still available from GM? Are these the same configuration as the original? Who makes correct repros? Finally, are original horn relays serviceable or rebuildable? Any help is appreciated.

Tony

[Joe L.]

Re: Horn Relay

Tony----

The original production line relay for your car was GM #1115890. This relay was never available in service, but an identical relay, GM #1115889, was available in service since 1969. In the last year or two, GM#1115889 has been replaced by GM# 12339248, but there are still plenty of the 1115889 relays around. This part was used on a wide array of cars, not just Corvettes.

The problem is, the GM #1115889 relay has changed somewhat over the years. Originally, this relay had a zinc plated cover with the stylized "Delco-Remy" script on the cover. Over the years of production, the script disappeared and most of the later relays were produced with a gold-irridite plated finish. However, the original cover can be removed and used to replace the cover supplied with the service part. The terminals are also usually gold-irridite plated. Simply remove the screws and lightly buff the blades with a small buffing wheel on a Dremel tool until the irridite is removed. Then use the screws from your old relay. Presto! You have a new relay which appears just like the old.

If you don't have an original relay to salvage a cover from, you can scrounge around at swap meets. These are quite plentiful and it shouldn't take you long to find one of original configuration. Or, better yet, go down to your local pick your own part type salvage yard. Peruse their stock of late 60s early 70s GM cars and it won't take you long to find one.

[Joe L.]

Re: Horn Relay

Tony----

The original production line relay for your car was GM #1115890. This relay was never available in service, but an identical relay, GM #1115889, was available in service since 1969. In the last year or two, GM#1115889 has been replaced by GM# 12339248, but there are still plenty of the 1115889 relays around. This part was used on a wide array of cars, not just Corvettes.

The problem is, the GM #1115889 relay has changed somewhat over the years. Originally, this relay had a zinc plated cover with the stylized "Delco-Remy" script on the cover. Over the years of production, the script disappeared and most of the later relays were produced with a gold-irridite plated finish. However, the original cover can be removed and used to replace the cover supplied with the service part. The terminals are also usually gold-irridite plated. Simply remove the screws and lightly buff the blades with a small buffing wheel on a Dremel tool until the irridite is removed. Then use the screws from your old relay. Presto! You have a new relay which appears just like the old.

If you don't have an original relay to salvage a cover from, you can scrounge around at swap meets. These are quite plentiful and it shouldn't take you long to find one of original configuration. Or, better yet, go down to your local pick your own part type salvage yard. Peruse their stock of late 60s early 70s GM cars and it won't take you long to find one.

[Joe L.]

Addendum to Post

Tony----

I should also have mentioned that some of the replacement GM #1115889 relays have plastic bases that are white, brown, or dark brown. The originals were black. You will need to seek out an original black variety.

[Joe L.]

Addendum to Post

Tony----

I should also have mentioned that some of the replacement GM #1115889 relays have plastic bases that are white, brown, or dark brown. The originals were black. You will need to seek out an original black variety.

[Reba Whittington]

Re: Horn Relay

Tony, the man I mentioned last week about the alternator--John Pirkle, also has many horn relays. Some of them are used, but I happened to find an NOS Delco for my car two years ago. His number is 706 860-9047.

[Reba Whittington]

Re: Horn Relay

Tony, the man I mentioned last week about the alternator--John Pirkle, also has many horn relays. Some of them are used, but I happened to find an NOS Delco for my car two years ago. His number is 706 860-9047.

[Jack H.]

Make It Simpler, Joe

(1) Get & read '70-72 NCRS Judging Guide so you know what you're looking

for.... (2) Visit you local scrap yard and pick up ANY reasonable original horn

relay off a Chevy. (3) Take home, clean, install, enjoy and smile for $1

[Jack H.]

Make It Simpler, Joe

(1) Get & read '70-72 NCRS Judging Guide so you know what you're looking

for.... (2) Visit you local scrap yard and pick up ANY reasonable original horn

relay off a Chevy. (3) Take home, clean, install, enjoy and smile for $1