Stripped horn relay bolt hole

[Henry S.]

While checking under the hood I noticed my horn relay was loose. When I tried tightening the bolt I realized the reason the relay had loosen was the hole is stripped out. I did a search of the archives and someone mentioned using Permatex "Stripped Thread Repair Kit. Any other suggestions or ideas that would pass judging? Or has anyone used this Permatex product (or others) they can comment on pros or con?

Speaking of the horn relay the bolt I am using has an "E" with a dimple similar in size (I believe 1/4") to the self tapping ground bolts. Does anyone know if this is correct for the relay? This is on my 67 SB. Thanks for any info. Shooter

[Dick W.]

Re: Stripped horn relay bolt hole

Henry I have used the Permatex/Loctite kit in several locations. But....I wonder, as thin as the metal is, whether it would be sufficient to hold there. You can try it, just follow the instructions and use the bolt only until the epoxy cures. Then you could remount your horn and be careful not to over tighten it. Not a lot of money wasted if it does not work.

Next step, if that does not work, is to weld a little in the hole, drill back out to proper size for the self threading bolt.

[Paul Y.]

Re: Stripped horn relay bolt hole

Sometimes I have used a small soft wire inserted into the bolt hole. It seems to take up the slack and still keeps a ground if needed.

[Henry S.]

Re: Stripped horn relay bolt hole

Henry I have used the Permatex/Loctite kit in several locations. But....I wonder, as thin as the metal is, whether it would be sufficient to hold there. You can try it, just follow the instructions and use the bolt only until the epoxy cures. Then you could remount your horn and be careful not to over tighten it. Not a lot of money wasted if it does not work.

Next step, if that does not work, is to weld a little in the hole, drill back out to proper size for the self threading bolt.

Thanks Dick, I have my fingers crossed I don't have to get it welded. I agree, as thin as it is I don't know if anykind of filler will hold very good.

[Henry S.]

Re: Stripped horn relay bolt hole

Sometimes I have used a small soft wire inserted into the bolt hole. It seems to take up the slack and still keeps a ground if needed.

Paul,
I'm headed over to the shop now and going to try the wire. Thanks, Shooter

[John H.]

Re: Stripped horn relay bolt hole

Henry -

That mounting screw also grounds the horn relay to the radiator support - if the Permatex thread goop insulates the screw from the metal, the horns won't work.

[William L.]

Re: Stripped horn relay bolt hole

Sometimes I have used a small soft wire inserted into the bolt hole. It seems to take up the slack and still keeps a ground if needed.

Shooter
I have used this method several times and it has always worked for me.
"Lace"

[Dick W.]

Re: Stripped horn relay bolt hole

Henry -

That mounting screw also grounds the horn relay to the radiator support - if the Permatex thread goop insulates the screw from the metal, the horns won't work.

You can use an external tooth star washer to insure you are grounded

[Henry S.]

Re: Stripped horn relay bolt hole

Henry -

That mounting screw also grounds the horn relay to the radiator support - if the Permatex thread goop insulates the screw from the metal, the horns won't work.

Thanks John, hadn't thought of that.

[Henry S.]

Re: Stripped horn relay bolt hole

Shooter
I have used this method several times and it has always worked for me.
"Lace"

Hi Bill, good hearing from you. Did you wrap the wire around the screw? I've got some pretty thin wire I was going to try wrapping it into the threads. I believe it is small enough gauge I can wrap it once around the head and then wind it into the threads. I'm heading over now so in the next half hour or so I'll either be drinking a beer celebrating or drinking a beer trying to decide my second option...............either way it will probably involve a beverage. I've been staring at this snow for the last couple days!! Shooter

Bill is the "E" headmark with a dimple correct for horn relay? (It is one of the originals not a repops they're selling.)

[Henry S.]

Re: Stripped horn relay bolt hole

AHHHHH..........the sweet taste of VICTORY!!! The wire worked, thanks to Paul and Bill for the suggestion. I was dreading trying to weld that sucker up.

Dick, I thought about the star washer also but the horns worked without it, so it got a good ground.

[William L.]

Re: Stripped horn relay bolt hole

Shooter
I think the "E" headmark with a dimple correct.