63 horn switch dilemma!!! Help!

[Jim F.]

Ok, for a week now I've been trying to figure out why my horn won't work. Finally found the culprit. I found that when I pulled the green wire under the mast cover, the horn would blow. So I pulled the steering wheel to see what I could see. Behind the "wheel holder", there appears to be a brass ring "spacer". When I removed the ring (or when it fell off, I should say) I noticed three pieces of brass that appear to be what used to be prongs that had broken off the ring and lodged themselves in the slots they're designed to slide into. So..., I'm assuming that this ring is what the horn brush spring hits to make the ground complete. Am I right in assuming that the prongs were originally attached to the brass ring, and if so, where the heck can I find one of them and how the heck would I even connect it to the green wire?! I've looked everywhere and can't seem to find that piece in any schematic or online shopping situation. Help! Please tell me I'm not about to take a class in metal shop again just so I can make one of these things!

[Chris D.]

Re: 63 horn switch dilemma!!! Help!

As you already figured out, the brass ring is the stationary contact for the spring loaded brush. Its part of the upper bearing assembly. I am not aware of the ring being available separately.

To replace the bearing you will need to pull the steering shaft out of the steering tube.

Remove the steering shaft pinch bolt from the coupling on the gear, loosen the shaft clamp at the lower bearing (leave the nearby tube clamp at the firewall alone) and pull the shaft out into the passenger compartment.

Be careful of the lower bearing as these tend to self dissassemble without the spring pressure holding them together.

Before the new upper bearing is mounted on the steering tube, the minature female spade terminal that should be at the end of your green wire is attached to a tab that is part of that brass contact. The tab is probably one of the broken prongs you found.

Be careful on reassembly of both the lower bearing as well as the turn signal canceling mechanism. Be sure turn signal stalk is in centered position. Canceling cam is fragile.

Get yourself a bearing and, if needed, the appropriate spade terminal and you are back in business.

Chris

[Richard M.]

Re: 63 horn switch dilemma!!! Help!

You may want to check this thread about the upper bearing to be prepared for some confusion when you get a replacement. Exact replacements are unavailable, unless you find nos.

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthread.php?t=66152&uid=1964

Rich

[Harry S.]

Re: 63 horn switch dilemma!!! Help!

If the green wire has separated from the upper bearing, check eBay for the part. As I recall it is the same part used on full size 57 to 63 passenger cars. They do show up very often.

This is where I got mine.

[Harry S.]

Re: 63 horn switch dilemma!!! Help!

Here ya go!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1955-1963-Chevrolet-63-Corvette-Steering-Horn-Bearing-/120618055247?pt=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item1c1565764f

[Chris D.]

Re: 63 horn switch dilemma!!! Help!

Looks like my faulty memory put the spade terminal on the wrong end of the wire.

Last time I did mine (80's?) got the part from the local dealer. I've seen a load of miles since then so good news is if you get the OE part from Ebay and install it correctly you should be set.

I have no idea how that after market piece varies from design intent but the compromises required to make new low volume replacement items has often been a dissappointment. Stick to OE service part if you can get it.