Tip on End of Horn Stem Keeps Falling Off

[lazabby]

For as long as I've had my car, I've had problems keeping the tip of the horn stem on. If I bump it, it usually pops off with the spring adding additional pressure to pop it off. Besides gluing it on, how can that think be securely attached?

[stevedmc]

Zip ties.

[lazabby]

Zip ties.

That won't work.

I'm thinking about using a little bit of teflon tape on the inside so that the end piece fits over it. The tape may provide just enough friction to keep the cap from coming off so easily.

[dmc6960]

That won't work.

I'm thinking about using a little bit of teflon tape on the inside so that the end piece fits over it. The tape may provide just enough friction to keep the cap from coming off so easily.

If its friction your after then teflon is not ideal. The very nature of the material is a dry lubricant. Try electrical tape.

[lazabby]

If its friction your after then teflon is not ideal. The very nature of the material is a dry lubricant. Try electrical tape.

I think electrical tape may be too thinck but I may try it if teflon tape doesn't work. Beside, teflon tape being thinner is easier to work with.

[jawn101]

I think electrical tape may be too thinck but I may try it if teflon tape doesn't work. Beside, teflon tape being thinner is easier to work with.

But it won't work. It will decrease the friction of the stem, even though you think you're increasing the diameter of it. Besides, teflon tape is a use-once kind of deal - after the first time you press the stem the tape will bunch up and start coming off or tearing. Not the right tool for this job.

[Jonathan]

Shannon, if you think there is something on your assembly that could be swapped out with parts off a new one, let me know. I replaced my whole assembly a couple seasons ago and still have the old one. It was all functional and didn't pop apart, it was just that the left side stalk was bent pretty badly. If you think there would be a way to get the tip component off a used one and transplant it onto yours, I could see about mailing you my old one.

[lazabby]

But it won't work. It will decrease the friction of the stem, even though you think you're increasing the diameter of it. Besides, teflon tape is a use-once kind of deal - after the first time you press the stem the tape will bunch up and start coming off or tearing. Not the right tool for this job.

The tip doesn't move once it's seated onto the stem. It moves up and down with the stem. I put teflon tape on it and attached it to the stem. It seems to be holding.


Shannon, if you think there is something on your assembly that could be swapped out with parts off a new one, let me know. I replaced my whole assembly a couple seasons ago and still have the old one. It was all functional and didn't pop apart, it was just that the left side stalk was bent pretty badly. If you think there would be a way to get the tip component off a used one and transplant it onto yours, I could see about mailing you my old one.

Hey thanks for the offer. The only problem is I don't know if I'm missing a part or not. I need to compare it with someone else's. The tip has never stayed on very well. The next time I'm with another Delorean owner maybe I'll ask them to disassemble the stem and compare it with mine to see if I'm missing any parts. As best as I can tell, the spring "attaches" to the cap and the cap sorta snaps onto the end of the stem. Mine has lost its snapping capability.

[lazabby]

Here's an update on the issue I am (was) having. A fellow Delorean owner noticed small cracks on the end of the stem that was keeping the stem from providing enough tension to hold the cap. I've applied glue to it and will attempt to re-attach the cap this evening to see it that did the trick.

[Rich_NYS]

I'm curious to know how the horn stalk works, is the spring beneath the cap on the end?

[lazabby]

I'm curious to know how the horn stalk works, is the spring beneath the cap on the end?

Yes there is a spring underneath the cap. I had cracks in the cap and so it wouldn't stay on the end of the stem. I had to glue the cap together. I don't remember if I glued just the cap or glued the cap onto the stem. I haven't had a problem since. But I may not be able to get it off either.