Oval Horn ring, what am I missing?

[johnshenry]

I tried to install an oval ('56-'59 wheel) horn ring that I have had for many years, in my '57 today, and I think I am missing some parts. I had assumed that I would just use my existing horn button center, but it appears to be about 2mm too big. And the chrome retainer/surround form my existing horn button is too big too. The ring surround fits inside the existing ring (see pics).

I've never been an accessories guy, but I finally stripped this ring and repainted it and figured I would put it in my '57. What am I missing here? I actually am not even sure how to put it back together, what goes in what order. Is there a drawing/diag online somewhere?

Thanks for any help...

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John Henry

'57 Deluxe
'56 Single Cab

[RareAir]

Try the Chrome bezel & button from a 1950-55 Beetle. Smaller in diameter & fits perfectly.
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1947 Typ 11a
1954 Typ 117
1956 Typ 151
1959 Typ 117
1959 Typ 265
1961 356B
1966 Typ 151
1966 Typ 241

[stale air]

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/manuals/petri_horn_ring.php

But, if you give up and want to sell it let me know.
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WANTED: Henry Veale Santa Rosa plate frames
WANTED: Brittsan Motors Fresno plate frames
WANTED: Any Georgia plate frames

[johnshenry]

Thanks, I think I have an early horn button center.

But still not sure how it goes back together. Is there and exploded view anywhere? Do I have all the parts or is there a spring/buffer missing? Anyone have pics of a complete one/parts they can post?

Thanks


JH
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John Henry

'57 Deluxe
'56 Single Cab

[RareAir]

That ring never used a spring assembly. Instead it came with a weired looking piece of rubber, shaped sort of like a top hat. I'll look for a pic, or atleast take a pic of the ones I have.
_________________
1947 Typ 11a
1954 Typ 117
1956 Typ 151
1959 Typ 117
1959 Typ 265
1961 356B
1966 Typ 151
1966 Typ 241

[RareAir]

Here you go-

_________________
1947 Typ 11a
1954 Typ 117
1956 Typ 151
1959 Typ 117
1959 Typ 265
1961 356B
1966 Typ 151
1966 Typ 241

[johnshenry]

Thanks!
_________________
John Henry

'57 Deluxe
'56 Single Cab

[eurodub]

you can get the inner push piece from a horn button like this : http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=1045384

i had exactly the same button on my original unrestored petri steering wheel
(the rometch "dots"version that is reproduced now)
i can even trade you a center push putton just like the one in the original ad for an ivory split horn push button in good condition
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1960 1200 model 117 deluxe ragtop
1974 T2 Westfalia Campmobile
1976 MK1 Golf

[johnshenry]

[stale air]

[johnshenry]

There is NO WAY my '56-'59 button will fit in my ring. I wonder if your ring is different than mine.

Your looks great BTW, my '57 is Diamond Green also....
_________________
John Henry

'57 Deluxe
'56 Single Cab

[stale air]

Just curious, what is the ring inside of the ring in this pic? Are you trying to use it as well?

_________________
WANTED: Henry Veale Santa Rosa plate frames
WANTED: Brittsan Motors Fresno plate frames
WANTED: Any Georgia plate frames

[johnshenry]

The ring on the inside is the ring for my Petri, the outside ring is the one from my '56-'59 button. I just put one inside the other to show the difference in size.
_________________
John Henry

'57 Deluxe
'56 Single Cab

[stale air]

And you are using that ring as well? I dont have a ring like that on mine.
_________________
WANTED: Henry Veale Santa Rosa plate frames
WANTED: Brittsan Motors Fresno plate frames
WANTED: Any Georgia plate frames

[johnshenry]

[johnshenry]

Well when buffing out the one horn button I had that did fit in the Petri chrome ring I noticed that it actually is an oval button that some did a hack job grinding down to make it fit....

I have a couple more really nice oval buttons and now want to design a fixture that can grip the button from the backside recess and allow me to turn it down evenly.......
_________________
John Henry

'57 Deluxe
'56 Single Cab

[Suboval]

Here are some pictures of a disassembled Petri horn ring for 56-59 steering wheels.

Three new black shrink tube pieces - McMaster-Carr 2595K25 (http://www.mcmaster.com/#shrink-tubing/=l39rc8 on the three posts.
New gaskets cut for assembly. The bottom gasket is 1/16" cork - 9487K1. The top gasket is 3/32" cork - 9487K2. (http://www.mcmaster.com/#cork-gasket-sheets/=l39t5g).
Cork pieces were cut OD 1 5/8", ID 7/8".

Installed 1/6" cork.

Glued 3/32" strips to brass center piece. This helps center the center piece and keeps it from grounding out - completing the circuit for you horn.

What is left of original cork insulator. Most of it has disintegrated and was found in the bottom piece.

What is left of original cork insulator. Most of it has disintegrated and was found in the bottom piece.

Assembled with new shrink tube and cork. BTW, don't cover up the hole on the right side of the pieces durring assembly. This hole is usedfor removing the horn button.

I hope this helps.
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It all works on paper.

There's two things we learn from history:
1.) History repeats itself.
2.) We don't learn from history.

[tiagomigueldefreitas]

[stale air]

[villemi]

What is the metal of the full circle horn ring ?

Aluminium ? ZAMAK ?

It's very important for chroming