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View Full Version : Russ Thompson Turn Signal - Horn Button Mod



P100DHG
04-19-2021, 10:58 PM
Roadster Guys,

Hello! I have ventured here to lend some help. I am building a 65 Coupe aka the Daytona, and if you follow the build you'll know I pulled out all the stops to really create something special, and if you don't then come and check it out. I did a comprehensive build thread which you can find a link to here: https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?29393-P100DHG-Build-Thread-Gen-3-Coupe-138. I also post on Instagram @sixtyfive_daytona (https://www.instagram.com/sixtyfive_daytona/)

So one thing that I really thought was important was to have the horn in the place I knew it well, at the center of my steering wheel. It's a safety issue, and I was intent on figuring out how to develop this. I was using the Russ Thompson Turn Signal for the same reason. Using turn signals shouldn't need to be relearned. Obviously if I just used a wire down the column from the horn button, as the steering wheel turned the concern of it becoming entangled with the column can be a catastrophic problem. This was the main hurdle I had to overcome. The auto industry uses a contact ring and contact for this. After Googling I really couldn't find anything that would work for this system. I centered my search around VWs because that's the turn signal switch Russ uses and I came up empty handed. So, I did some home-brew engineering and developed the contact, contract ring and isolators. I developed it using a CAD software for kids in primary school called Tinkercad & a software called Easel, both are web browser based, both free and all at a 6th grade level (these kids are smart now a days).

Part of what makes our community so amazing is the info we share with each other and so I posted my designs and some instructions on my build thread and those can be found here:

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?29393-P100DHG-Build-Thread-Gen-3-Coupe-138&p=405657&viewfull=1#post405657

I probably could have done a better job writing them but with a business, a young kid, and well, building my Daytona, I am stretched thin, maybe one day I'll revisit the post and improve it (though I did hit the character and picture limit). But, as I was saying, what makes this community so great is our desire to share our knowledge and help each other. So I think this will help someone or many people and since us guys building coupes are way out numbered by you guys building roadsters you might find this even more helpful. I have shared the process but I have also shared the files so you too can make this.

Two things though:
1. Use this at your own risk.
2. Don't turn my build thread into a thread about the horn button mod. I am happy to answer questions here or Private Message me

Here is a video, you might want to revisit it tomorrow after the HD version finishes processing.


https://youtu.be/2cNaUiDNZtE

Guys I want to say how grateful I am for those that built before me, those that shared their creations, those that taught me and this community of builders.

- Danny

frankeeski
04-20-2021, 01:10 AM
Not trying to steal your thunder but I did the center mount horn button almost 13 years ago. Different than yours, I actually used a Ford Probe self-cancelling ring/TS switch which has a provision for a horn. The rest was a custom machined piece of aluminum and a Grant horn button. We didn't have 3D printers back then, I've done a half dozen of the same setup in other F5R cars since minus the custom machined piece. I simply like using the Ford Probe setup cause it does the self canceling turn, hazard lights, High/Low beams and the horn all in one. Yours is really nice. Great work!

https://www.ffcars.com/threads/horn-button-center-of-steering-wheel.198799/

P100DHG
04-20-2021, 09:05 AM
Frank,

There is absolutely no thunder to steal. I am so happy there is another option for people out there. I can’t claim I invented the horn contact ring by any means. Your contributions are exactly what I mean when I say I am so grateful for guys like you who I have learned so much from.

Tech has advanced so much and it’s so easily accessible now and affordable. Though a lathe and the same type of nylon Russ uses could likely also accomplish the same thing to make the isolators. Conversely you could 3D print something similar to what you came up with. The possibilities are endless.

One other thing to note is that likely what you came up with means you can put a horn button on the FFR steering wheel and still use the Russ Thompson turn signal + horn mod. See, this is why this community is so amazing!

Thanks for posting that!

- Danny

jiriza84641
04-20-2021, 11:23 AM
Frank,

There is absolutely no thunder to steal. I am so happy there is another option for people out there. I can’t claim I invented the horn contact ring by any means. Your contributions are exactly what I mean when I say I am so grateful for guys like you who I have learned so much from.

Tech has advanced so much and it’s so easily accessible now and affordable. Though a lathe and the same type of nylon Russ uses could likely also accomplish the same thing to make the isolators. Conversely you could 3D print something similar to what you came up with. The possibilities are endless.

One other thing to note is that likely what you came up with means you can put a horn button on the FFR steering wheel and still use the Russ Thompson turn signal + horn mod. See, this is why this community is so amazing!

Thanks for posting that!

- Danny


Well, I liked to have that but already installed a button for the horn. I have the NRG QR hub and NRG steering wheel with a button and wired attached. Maybe ill look into this and try something in the future. I like it