The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay 6v horn relay

Hey all,

I'm wondering if a 6v horn relay will still work in a 12v conversion? I'm working on a 50 & 52 chevy trucks.

Thanks!

I installed a 12v relay. They are not expensive.

Its not a matter of cost. The question still stands. Will a 6v horn relay work in a 12v system?

That’s going to depend on the specific relay
There are many manufacturers and variants
Without more data all we can suggest is anecdotal experience.
Since it’s not expensive to fail, try it and see
Worst case it burns out or gets stuck on right?

I thought that there shouldn’t be a relay for the horn on that year so you won’t be risking an original part anyway
One of my trucks is operating the 6v horn on 12 v directly to the horn switch in the steering wheel, I don’t use it much, but it’s lasted that way since the previous owner converted it many years ago
-s

I plan on installing original horns on two trucks. I have a couple of button style horn buttons that clamp to the steering column. I figured a horn relay would be required in doing this. My 48 chevy fleetline has this type of setup, but its a 6v system with stock Delco relay. I have an nos 6v Delco relay, but don't want to fry it in a trial an error test. I'd rather get the the proper guidance which is why I posed the question here. Is a relay not required? Why would they come stock on 48 chevy car and not on a 50 or 52 trucks? Did GM do away with the relay after a certain year?

Thanks!

My 50 wire diagram show no relay 6v
http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/electrical/wiring/images/50ctsm1203.jpg

Cannot find a 52 diagram

Im 12 volts and added one, it was a 12 volt relay.

Im not sure if relays are voltage sensitive.

53 truck wire diagram shows a horn relay 6v

http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/electrical/wiring/pdf/53truck.pdf


So your right , at some point they were eliminated then re introduced

In 1953, the truck horn changed to the “seashell” style horn (on the intake manifold)

That horn used a relay, as did the 6v “seashell” standard equipment 1954/55st 6v horn (and RPO/accessory dual seashell 6v horns) behind the front grill, mounted on the outside of the radiator frame.