Tired of people almost hitting me. Anyone installed a train horn in their car?

[Totally 80s]

I have daytime running lights on my car and upgraded louder horns but people don't see or hear me and I'm constantly swerving to not get hit. I want to install some train horns on my car. Has anyone done it? Looking for advice before I begin.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Quad-4-Air-Train-Horn-Semi-Truck-Car-Boat-Chrome-Horns-120-PSI-Blue-Compressor/182443874659?hash=item2a7a809963:g:-HIAAOSw2xRYRMfP&vxp=mtr

[Flicky]

install some train horns on my car


The way people are today they would feel obligated to run into you after you honk.

I saw a post some time ago where the person had a 4 horn setup installed like this in the area behind the grill. You'll have to measure if you can fit that compressor in the bumper opening. The black grill piece is popped in with little springs attached to the bumper and metal screwed in bulb looking things on the grill. It will just pull off. There are 2 indented dips on the side of the grill that I guess are there to mark where you should hold it while pulling it.

Drive a motorcycle a while and you will get used to everyone out there trying to crush you. Only good thing with a bike is that you can get away from them faster.

[Totally 80s]

The way people are today they would feel obligated to run into you after you honk.

I saw a post some time ago where the person had a 4 horn setup installed like this in the area behind the grill. You'll have to measure if you can fit that compressor in the bumper opening. The black grill piece is popped in with little springs attached to the bumper and metal screwed in bulb looking things on the grill. It will just pull off. There are 2 indented dips on the side of the grill that I guess are there to mark where you should hold it while pulling it.

Drive a motorcycle a while and you will get used to everyone out there trying to crush you. Only good thing with a bike is that you can get away from them faster.

I was thinking of putting the compressor in the trunk.

[WHO1DMC]

I had a idiot almost wreck right in front of me!!!
Watching the mirrors not the road.

Dave B.

[Totally 80s]

I had a idiot almost wreck right in front of me!!!
Watching the mirrors not the road.

Dave B.

Yeah I have had enough. Yesterday a Semi Truck ran me into the shoulder and then less than 3 minutes later a woman nearly creamed me in a roundabout.

I think Train Horns are the answer. Does anyone have them installed?

[dodint]

The motorcycle analogy is very good. I drive the DMC a lot like a ride a motorcycle. I learned that the first time I drove it and realized that any thought that you can predict other drivers behavior goes out the window when you're driving a stainless steel car. I'll even say that driving the DMC long distances is more mentally draining than driving any other car I've owned just because of the heightened state of alert that you have to stay in.

To draw another motorcycle analogy, adding a train horn to your car to be more visible is akin to 'loud pipes save lives.' They don't, and a train horn won't. You'll get to draw even more (unwanted) attention to yourself after the fact, though, so there's that.

[81dmc]

I'm thinking of doing the same.

Install compressor where the spare tire sits, and install the three horns between the radiator fans and the crumple extension.

[Michael]

Oh this is gold!
:poke:

[Totally 80s]

The motorcycle analogy is very good. I drive the DMC a lot like a ride a motorcycle. I learned that the first time I drove it and realized that any thought that you can predict other drivers behavior goes out the window when you're driving a stainless steel car. I'll even say that driving the DMC long distances is more mentally draining than driving any other car I've owned just because of the heightened state of alert that you have to stay in.

To draw another motorcycle analogy, adding a train horn to your car to be more visible is akin to 'loud pipes save lives.' They don't, and a train horn won't. You'll get to draw even more (unwanted) attention to yourself after the fact, though, so there's that.

So "Loud pipes don't save lives" So by that logic we should remove our horns entirely? I don't understand that logic at all.

Driving like a motorcycle is fine and I'm sure most of us already do that but when a 25,000 pound semi is coming over on you there is only one solution, THE LOUDEST FUCKIN HORN ON EARTH!

When someone is about to kill me I could care less if I've drawn more attention to me after the fact.

[Mark D]

Oh boy, please not again.

http://dmctoday.com/showthread.php?2405-Train-Horns

http://dmctoday.com/showthread.php?2409-Banter-on-horns

[81dmc]

Oh boy, please not again.

http://dmctoday.com/showthread.php?2405-Train-Horns

http://dmctoday.com/showthread.php?2409-Banter-on-horns

Hey, DMCTalk needs its share too :neener:

[dodint]

Hey, you do you, it's your money and time.

I agree with you completely that you don't understand.

What I do is I don't put myself in the position to get run over by trucks. I drive defensively to mitigate risks to the fullest extent possible. Putting yourself in peril and hoping a gimmick horn bails you out is a bold strategy.

Part of safety on the road for a truck driver (or any driver) is spotting obstacles so as to avoid them. If you're cruising along in a semi's blind spot and the truck begins to encroach into your lane, your reaction will be to blast a train horn? It's just going to confuse the driver further by introducing a distinctive sound from another kind of road hazard. He'll be looking around frantically and still not seeing you because you chose to drive a 44" tall car, the same color as pavement, in his blind spot.

There are other factors involved (Doppler effect, road conditions, fatigue, time of day, etc.) but if you're unwilling to drive defensively then they're not useful for you.

Best of luck to you.

[DMC-81]

Oh this is gold!
:poke:

:hysterical:

I agree with having to drive in a heightened state of alert especially because the car is low and relatively small. I mostly see lug nuts and tires beside me on semis.

I'll share 2 observations from my neck of the woods:
- Over the last 1-2 years, I have seen a decrease in people wanting to get close etc., mainly because a LOT of people are looking away/down at their devices.
-even fire trucks have installed twirling lights on front and a LOUD horn to try and compensate for the people that are not paying attention. It's annoying as they are louder at night.

[Michael]

I say go for it. Be sure to post pics on how that air compressor fits in the luggage compartment and how much the hood bows to latch over it. I bet there is tons of space left after the install. How nice will it be to have it turn on intermittently from time to time. I wonder how that robust and always up to the task DeLorean charging system will handle the draw of a compressor...I bet it doesn't even dim the headlights when it turns on.

[Totally 80s]

Hey, you do you, it's your money and time.

I agree with you completely that you don't understand.

What I do is I don't put myself in the position to get run over by trucks. I drive defensively to mitigate risks to the fullest extent possible. Putting yourself in peril and hoping a gimmick horn bails you out is a bold strategy.

Part of safety on the road for a truck driver (or any driver) is spotting obstacles so as to avoid them. If you're cruising along in a semi's blind spot and the truck begins to encroach into your lane, your reaction will be to blast a train horn? It's just going to confuse the driver further by introducing a distinctive sound from another kind of road hazard. He'll be looking around frantically and still not seeing you because you chose to drive a 44" tall car, the same color as pavement, in his blind spot.

There are other factors involved (Doppler effect, road conditions, fatigue, time of day, etc.) but if you're unwilling to drive defensively then they're not useful for you.

Best of luck to you.

You sure assume to know the situation at all times when I'm driving. I like your blame the victim mentality though. You sound like the guy who tells a girl she was asking to be raped because she wore a tight dress.

I already told you I drive defensively but you have to be right about me so you create a whole scenario where I'm the one at fault. It's hilarious.

[Totally 80s]

I say go for it. Be sure to post pics on how that air compressor fits in the luggage compartment and how much the hood bows to latch over it. I bet there is tons of space left after the install. How nice will it be to have it turn on intermittently from time to time. I wonder how that robust and always up to the task DeLorean charging system will handle the draw of a compressor...I bet it doesn't even dim the headlights when it turns on.

This is why I asked if someone else had done it. I am doing research. That compressor will fit fine in the trunk, it's not that big.

Do your Delorean horns turn on intermittently from time to time? I have not experienced that.

The draw of the compressor was something I was interested in and wondering if others had problems.

Perhaps there is something that is made that is quite a bit louder than a standard horn but not as crazy loud and power consuming as a train horn?

[Michael]

This is why I asked if someone else had done it. I am doing research. That compressor will fit fine in the trunk, it's not that big.

Do your Delorean horns turn on intermittently from time to time? I have not experienced that.

The draw of the compressor was something I was interested in and wondering if others had problems.

Perhaps there is something that is made that is quite a bit louder than a standard horn but not as crazy loud and power consuming as a train horn?

Not the horns, the compressor will turn on from time to tine to keep the horns charged. It's almost impossible to stop air from bleeding out. You will also have to dump the tanks every day to keep moisture out, and that dump valve will need to drain outside the car. Also a moisture trap to keep water from entering the horns themselves. I personally don't see the need to lose over half of my already limited storage and the hassle for a horn.

[David T]

Also consider that if you use a very loud horn you could startle a driver who isn't paying attention and actually cause the accident you are trying to avoid. While it is true the stock horns are not loud and you could add louder horns, you can also overdo it. Also consider that the horn circuit does NOT have a relay. All of the current goes through the horn switch. You MUST add a relay if you are going to do anything that will increase the current you are going to pull through the switch. If you really want to avoid accidents you must drive defensively and anticipate anything that can happen. Stay out of other driver's blind spots. Add a third brake light. Drive with your headlights on during the day. Use your directional signals. Do not count on your horn to help. By then it is probably too late.

[dodint]

You said you run with your lights on and have a louder horn.

You also said you're 'constantly swerving' to avoid collisions with other motorists.

I can infer that you've taken passive measures to improve safety, but despite them, you're still putting yourself into bad situations. I've read other owners say that they have had unfortunate incidents in traffic that can be ascribed to the small stature of the car; but you're the only one I've seen that has a 'constant' problem. I drive the same car in a variety of situations and do not have a 'constant' problem; but I drive very defensively and actively place my car in the best road position to mitigate risk.

You're not a victim if you create the circumstance that leads to the incident. Trucks are not predators out to get you, you're getting in their way. They are the victim.

I relayed your problem to a friend of mine. He advised you purchase one of those dune buggy flags and run that off the back of the car, it will increase the ability of drivers around you to see you which addresses your problem (inability of trucks to see you in their blind spot) whereas a train horn is a reactive measure that doesn't address the visibility problem. Or just drive defensively and accept the residual risk.

Or install an train horn and be a nuisance/center of attention. Keep us posted though as I have a sincere interest in how you plan to overcome the practical challenges posed by Michael.

[Totally 80s]

Not the horns, the compressor will turn on from time to tine to keep the horns charged. It's almost impossible to stop air from bleeding out. You will also have to dump the tanks every day to keep moisture out, and that dump valve will need to drain outside the car. Also a moisture trap to keep water from entering the horns themselves. I personally don't see the need to lose over half of my already limited storage and the hassle for a horn.

Check this one out. It has a small compressor and is rated at 138db. Might be a good compromise.

https://www.amazon.com/Stebel-11690019-Nautilus-Compact-Black/dp/B00CMX20H4/ref=as_at/?creativeASIN=B00CMX20H4&imprToken=RkXsTc4VW3ffrAdQeYgTDg&slotNum=2&s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1516035373&sr=1-2&keywords=Stebel+Nautilus+Compact&linkCode=w61&tag=dan0389-20&linkId=e38d9521201428d1bbfe74625c4d6fdd

[Totally 80s]

You said you run with your lights on and have a louder horn.

You also said you're 'constantly swerving' to avoid collisions with other motorists.

I can infer that you've taken passive measures to improve safety, but despite them, you're still putting yourself into bad situations. I've read other owners say that they have had unfortunate incidents in traffic that can be ascribed to the small stature of the car; but you're the only one I've seen that has a 'constant' problem. I drive the same car in a variety of situations and do not have a 'constant' problem; but I drive very defensively and actively place my car in the best road position to mitigate risk.

You're not a victim if you create the circumstance that leads to the incident. Trucks are not predators out to get you, you're getting in their way. They are the victim.

I relayed your problem to a friend of mine. He advised you purchase one of those dune buggy flags and run that off the back of the car, it will increase the ability of drivers around you to see you which addresses your problem (inability of trucks to see you in their blind spot) whereas a train horn is a reactive measure that doesn't address the visibility problem. Or just drive defensively and accept the residual risk.

Or install an train horn and be a nuisance/center of attention. Keep us posted though as I have a sincere interest in how you plan to overcome the practical challenges posed by Michael.

It only takes one bad driver to kill you. I'm trying to stop distracted and bad drivers from hitting me. If your answer to avoiding all accidents is driving defensively then you and I differ on opinion. I think thats only 50 percent of the solution. The other is to be seen and heard when a problem arrives.

[valdez]

A horn won't save you no matter how loud it is, unless you always have it on so everybody knows you are near at all times.
If you have time to use the horn, and the other driver has time to realize it was for them and then figure out the situation and a way around it....
Could have avoided them yourself by then, or the accident was going to happen anyway.

Horns are more for giving the finger after the fact.
Here is a better solution for when you can't avoid the stupidity of others.... more bumpers!
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2338161/Street-legal-bumper-car-complete-electrical-pole-popular-expected-eBay.html

[bfloyd]

If you want loud horns, just find you an early 90's model Buick LeSabre in a junk yard. All electric car horns I've ever seen use one wire to operate. Just swap out the horns. We used to have a 95 LeSabre and it's horns were excruciatingly and annoyingly load. Would be perfect.

[valdez]

If you want loud horns, just find you an early 90's model Buick LeSabre in a junk yard. All electric car horns I've ever seen use one wire to operate. Just swap out the horns. We used to have a 95 LeSabre and it's horns were excruciatingly and annoyingly load. Would be perfect.

I've got one of those in my back yard. Come to think of it nobody has ever hit it (nothing to do with the horn). There is the secret! Drive what the seniors buy! Everybody automatically gives you extra room assuming you are the hazard.
There are other pluses to driving a Buick:
- Nearly invisible to police = less likely to get a ticket.
- Very durable = if you do get hit the car will likely be fine.
- Also cheap = whoever hits you will likely have a nicer car and cry much harder than you = you win!
Downside: you are driving a boring Buick.

[refugeefromcalif]

Yeah I have had enough. Yesterday a Semi Truck ran me into the shoulder and then less than 3 minutes later a woman nearly creamed me in a roundabout.


I've had Many close calls when driving my D but, I had a semi tractor nearly hit me a month ago in my Pacifica.

I saw the semi tractor on the left from the time I crossed the speed bump and couldn't believe he wasn't paying attention turning onto the road.
I only have a stock horn on my mini van and it was enough for him to take, (a late), notice.
(Although I did hit the horn before he left the parking lot).

Here's a dash cam video of it.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_hK-YPee6o

George

[dodint]

At that speed (25mph) you could've simply slowed to a controlled stop and avoided any chance of an accident.

That's a great illustration between the difference of what I do, and what Totally 80s does.

[David T]

One Delorean I saw in Ohio had a HUGE wing on the back with antennas and flags. That was his way of trying to be seen. Under the right lighting conditions a Delorean can become invisible. The rear view mirrors suck, and being so low most driver's side view mirrors look right over you so they can't see you if you are alongside them. Between all of the SUV's, the drivers driving distracted and trucks, you really do have to learn how to drive defensively in a Delorean. Typically we stay in the center lane and keep up with the flow of traffic. Every once in a while some car starts driving all around us and taking pictures. Especially dangerous if it is the driver taking the pictures! A loud horn is only part of the solution. The best option is to not even get into that situation that you need the horn.

[Totally 80s]

At that speed (25mph) you could've simply slowed to a controlled stop and avoided any chance of an accident.

That's a great illustration between the difference of what I do, and what Totally 80s does.

What the hell is wrong with you dude? Just stop already. This thread is not about your opinion on my driving. It's a thread about loud horns.

Nobody cares about your opinion of how they drive nor would anyone ever ask for it. You are looking like a jackass.

[Michael]

You don't want to hear our opinions becuase pretty much everyone here says it's just a ridiculous answer to a common problem that anyone with a small car or mototcycle has. After not getting the advice you wanted, you are now turning this into a debate. Everyone here can see right through your "safety concerns". Someone has cut you off more than once and next time, you want to scare the crap out of them.

So just do it already. Yes you can shoehorn a freaking air compressor in your car and yes you can mount a set of horns in there somewhere. Yes you will have the nuisance of dumping the tanks and watching your volt meter dip to 5v every time it cuts on. You will most likely be drilling and mounting in your compartment and running the air lines and wiring.

If you are willing, strap that puppy across the bonnet and have a great beginning to a BTTF 3 time machine.

I have seen this type of behavior before. WTF is it about horns and DeLoreans that turns people into psychos anyway?

[SamHill]

Evil lies not in the heart of the atom, but in the heart of the BMW driver. --Albert Einstein