Horn ring is defying the instructions! 356B T6

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John Avery Howard
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Horn ring is defying the instructions! 356B T6

#1 Post by John Avery Howard »

Hello, I have a 356B T6 S90 (my father's) that I am restoring. I need to get the steering wheel off and the advice on line is just not meeting with my reality. I am pushing on the horn with a fair amount of force and rotating counter clockwise, but the horn ring just won't come free. The horn ring is original and the interior has some rust from water that leaked in. I do not know exactly what the mechanism looks like but it seems I am pushing and twisting near the breaking point for the plastic horn ring. Hate to have to replace it. Any other tricks? What am I missing?

John
John
1962 356BT6 S90

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Doug McDonnell
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Re: Horn ring is defying the instructions! 356B T6

#2 Post by Doug McDonnell »

They have been known to be difficult if not removed in 40+ years. Spray some lubricant in, wait a day for it to soak, then turn steering wheel all the way counter clockwise to the end. Now this will help as you push down hard on horn button and rotate counter clockwise. Or have a second person hold and rotate the steering wheel clockwise while you attempt to rotate the horn button counterclockwise. The three metal arms shown in the back of the horn button in the photo are the culprit.
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1965 356C 2000 BMW 740i Sport 1967 Honda CL77 There is never enough time to do it right, but always enough time to do it over.

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Martin Benade
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Re: Horn ring is defying the instructions! 356B T6

#3 Post by Martin Benade »

You are not missing any tricks, and Doug's suggestion might help. It is just stuck and needs enough force, hopefully not breaking it .
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Sebastian Gaeta
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Re: Horn ring is defying the instructions! 356B T6

#4 Post by Sebastian Gaeta »

By now the rubber cuff is hard as steel and it won't collapse enough so that's why you cannot get it off. Try pushing up and down on the button for a good while to try to break it up enough to allow you to get it off. Also, do not push on the ring at all! Only the button or you will break it.

Keep at it, you will get it off eventually.
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John Avery Howard
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Re: Horn ring is defying the instructions! 356B T6

#5 Post by John Avery Howard »

Thanks to all of you. The reverse view picture was very helpful. I continue to be stymied but have made progress. The top monogrammed horn button was loose so I was able to inspect the tip of the rubber. Hard as suspected. I went after it and have removed it by breaking it apart and pulling it through the center of the horn ring. The button now moves easily up and down and has a slight side to side free play too. However, it is still resisting a hard push in and simultaneous counter-clockwise rotation. I will continue tomorrow. I am wondering if the next step is to drill out the three screws. Prone to a mistake but may be my next best idea.
John
1962 356BT6 S90

WilliamVaughan
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Re: Horn ring is defying the instructions! 356B T6

#6 Post by WilliamVaughan »

You are not applying enough torque to the button. It deforms a little in your hand as you twist it. Leave those screws alone!
Squirt some wd-40 where you think the spring tips are. Then try twisting it again.

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Re: Horn ring is defying the instructions! 356B T6

#7 Post by Brad Ripley »

Below is a little better photo of the spring plate on the back of the horn button. You can see the flat spring riveted in place. That spring is powerful! Also, here is a photo of the flange on the steering wheel. To remove, you don't need to push as much as you need to twist to deform the spring against the fingers on the flange. You will save your hands with a thick pair of gloves and then turn with all your might. It will come off.
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John Avery Howard
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Re: Horn ring is defying the instructions! 356B T6

#8 Post by John Avery Howard »

Great set of photos!! I really did not understand how Ferdinand made the spring detent. A picture really is worth 1000 words. I have rotational and vertical play so I think it really is going to be a matter of twisting enough. Hopefully the plastic does not go first.

Really appreciate the help.
John
1962 356BT6 S90

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John Avery Howard
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Re: Horn ring is defying the instructions! 356B T6

#9 Post by John Avery Howard »

Success and Thank You. The Wheel is off as is the Turn signal switch. I have a broken Spring and a bad right turn contact. Now to find a source to rebuild this one...Any suggestions? I have seen the reproduction but will try for rebuild until that looks like bad money spent. The stalk needs re-chroming too so there is much in the cosmetic area too.

Once again thanks to all. The encouragement, pictures and "been there done that" were essential.
John
1962 356BT6 S90

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Doug McDonnell
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Re: Horn ring is defying the instructions! 356B T6

#10 Post by Doug McDonnell »

1965 356C 2000 BMW 740i Sport 1967 Honda CL77 There is never enough time to do it right, but always enough time to do it over.

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Mike Wilson
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Re: Horn ring is defying the instructions! 356B T6

#11 Post by Mike Wilson »

His work is excellent!

Mike
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'63 B coupe

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John Avery Howard
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Re: Horn ring is defying the instructions! 356B T6

#12 Post by John Avery Howard »

Thank You. He confirmed I am on the wait list this morning. I guess I will tackle the instruments since I will not be driving for a few months...
John
1962 356BT6 S90

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Mike Wilson
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Re: Horn ring is defying the instructions! 356B T6

#13 Post by Mike Wilson »

Good idea, John. Address any repairs and/or cosmetic needs while the car is idle.

Mike
Mike Wilson
Lomita, CA
'63 B coupe

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