Horn ring parts for 1956 Thunderbird

zuburg

zuburg

Senior Member
I’m having issues with my horn going off intermittently. The last time a neighbor rang my doorbell to let me know my horn was going off as the car was parked in the driveway. I have read several Forum posts and think my problem is in the steering wheel/horn ring. One reason is when I was driving the car and it went off on it’s own, I could get it to stop by pressing the horn ring once or twice.

I have replaced the spring and thin foam insulator. I have now found the rubber pressure pad was toast (hard and cracking apart). I tried ordering it from NPD:
(INSULATOR, Horn Ring, rubber, repro, each

NPD Part Number : T-13A813-1
Manufacturer Reference #'s: 13A806E, and it was out of stock

After calling them I found the last one they sold was in 2024 and their supplier is now out of business or at least not making theses any more.

I found a similar one online that appeared to be cross referenced to the number above (CODZ-13A813-A) but it was not the same and it appears is for 1960 and later cars. This one is thicker and shaped like a donut. (Photos attached)

Can anyone confirm this part is no longer available and give some details about making a substitute? I read about using a spark plug boot but no details. Do you just put it in there and smash it all together or is some trimming required?
 

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I'm assuming you have a three spoke steering wheel.

Have you called other T-Bird parts suppliers? If there was only one manufacturer and now no one has the part that's possible but other parts shops may still have them.
Here is an example...
https://www.classictbird.com/mobile/Rubber-Insulator-Horn-Ring-56_7-1-Per-car/productinfo/13A806E/
This online part listing does not show 'unavailable' but it's always best to call them and confirm.

Prestige or Hills may also have that horn part.

https://prestigethunderbird.com/
https://hillsresto.com/parts/thunderbird-center/
.
 
Thanks, DMSFRR suggested the same thing. I was able to put it in my cart but during Checkout they gave a notice that it is not available for shipping. I will call on Monday to verify they no longer have it like the other sources I tried.
 
I will call on Monday to verify they no longer have it like the other sources I tried.
Click to expand...

Please let the board know as FORD deleted (for what ever reason) the ILL and TXT from the FINAL EDITION MPC.

One would need a correct period CHASSIS PARTS CATALOG to sort it out.
 
zuburg said:
I was able to put it in my cart but during Checkout they gave a notice that it is not available for shipping. I will call on Monday to verify they no longer have it like the other sources I tried.
Click to expand...

What was the outcome?
 
Just to close the loop on this. I was able to get the horn working. It feels and works well. It used to only work when you pressed the ring on one side but not the other before it started going off at random.

I was able to use the donut shaped pressure pad used for 1960s and later Fords. I had to trim it down to make it less high and that was a feat in itself since it was such soft and pliable rubber. I ended up stretching it over the end of one of those 2-part epoxy tubes where you knead the 2 parts together. Then I had trouble cutting it with a utility knife so I ended up using a coping saw with very fine teeth. It has a great feel to it now.
 
Well at least you got her.

No word on further availability?

It was removed from the MPC FINAL EDITION so I cannot get the correct FORD PN.

When replacement parts for such a popular car as a BIRD begins dropping, it is a sign of what is coming in the hobby.
 
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