Horn - MINI Cooper Forum

Milquetoast · #1 (**permalink**) May 12th, 2002, 03:06 AM

This is probably a longshot, but does anyone think it would be possible to install an 18-wheeler air horn into the MINI? Pardon the naivete - I have no idea about the construction/fitting of such a device - I just think it would be neat to give a sport futility vehicle an earfull if one ever cut me and my MINI off

.

Lorien · #2 (**permalink**) May 12th, 2002, 04:08 AM

is that legal in the US?

cmt · #3 (**permalink**) May 12th, 2002, 04:56 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Milquetoast
This is probably a longshot, but does anyone think it would be possible to install an 18-wheeler air horn into the MINI? Pardon the naivete - I have no idea about the construction/fitting of such a device - I just think it would be neat to give a sport futility vehicle an earfull if one ever cut me and my MINI off .

I don't know about the legality of them, but Mini-mania sel some for $49.95 , link here I think these are what you want??

Wynn · #4 (**permalink**) May 12th, 2002, 03:33 PM

Before I finally sat in a MINI about a week ago, I had wondered about finding an impressive horn for it... not so much for "safety" as because small cars usually have tinny, wimpy horns.

So I was surprised and delighted to honk the MINI and find that its horn is already pleasant and substantial. It does not sound thin, high or squeaky, and I wouldn't be embarrassed to use it.

Though it may still be fun to drop a seriously overwhelming horn in there, just to freak people out.

Sealevel · #5 (**permalink**) May 12th, 2002, 04:04 PM

A horn from an 18 wheeler would be impossible. They're almost 2' long and require a substantial compressed air supply from an engine-driven pump. But smaller horns are available that use a compact electrical air pump, deliver a loud but less "trucklike" tone, are legal & very effective--see cmt's earlier post & link. I got one like this to replace the pathetic, wimpy horn on my Toyota pickup. There are also non-air horn kits available that replace standard OEM horns and give a similar effect at even less cost.

noahe · #6 (**permalink**) May 12th, 2002, 05:33 PM

Well, although it is legal, I don't know how good an idea it is, but the more devious side of me wants one of these...

It is a Wheelen Power Airhorn. Exact same sound as a police or ambulance makes when they honk their horn. It's that very electric sounding blat noise, that makes you jump.

The sound, not being an actual siren, is not a restricted noise (although in some jurisdictions, the volume exceeds the maximum allowed). You would need this, and a 100 watt PA speaker. They DO sell very compact ones that could be tucked into a MINI somehow.

This particular module is for 'volunteers' and does not include a siren of any kind. Just the airhorn sound.

While you certainly wouldn't want to rig this to your horn button, it would be very satisfying at times to have it rigged to a secret button.

At any rate, I think this is a very gray market item, and if you all get one, it will be banned VERY soon. Depending on how I'm treated in my MINI, it would be a fun secret project - although for the price (expensive!) I can think of other ways to spend money.

This does not really encourage safe driving, so much as it rather caters to your agressive personality type - and gives you some form of retrobution. Overall, not a good idea... But I still secretly want one.

ELISEBOY · #7 (**permalink**) May 12th, 2002, 05:48 PM

yeah i agree that the horn is surprisingly good on the MINI
i was plesently surprised

Milquetoast · #8 (**permalink**) May 13th, 2002, 03:49 AM

Thanks Noahe, that looks interesting. I agree that there are probably a number of more useful and sensible things to buy than this (would still be fun to have though

). I guess it's just that id part of me that wants it

. And Sealevel, good of you to set me straight with the 18-wheeler thing - I didn't think that would work out.

monsta · #9 (**permalink**) May 13th, 2002, 04:13 AM

Out of interest, you can here the MINI Horn noise here:

http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthrea...&threadid=3367

ELISEBOY · #10 (**permalink**) May 13th, 2002, 07:26 AM

!!!

maybe we should have a MINI sound effects thread
what the door closing sounds like
what 6000rpm in 1st sounds like
hehe

the horn is good though

monsta · #11 (**permalink**) May 13th, 2002, 07:38 AM

If you scroll down there are better versions (plus engine noises)

New Horn
Standing start
Acceleration in second gear

Morty · #12 (**permalink**) May 13th, 2002, 08:11 AM

!!
damn ....
Monsta just has everything !!!

monsta · #13 (**permalink**) May 13th, 2002, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Morty
!!
damn ....
Monsta just has everything !!!

I did those ages ago for those poor americans who had to wait so long for the MINI.

(now the have the S and we don't - if only I'd known!)

R1 · #14 (**permalink**) May 13th, 2002, 08:17 AM

As a guy I know who owns a Dodge Viper once said:

"Thats a big sounding horn for such a pipsqueak of a car!!"

stanMINI · #15 (**permalink**) May 13th, 2002, 08:33 AM

I drive an old BMW with an electric air horn installed. My Dad was the original owner of the car and felt the factory horn was just to wimpy. It is nice to have when a good honking is in order. However, the friendly tap to wake someone up at a stoplight is ususally not very well appreciated. It is difficult not to lay on the horn when you pull up to someone you know just to give them (and you) a thrill.

I think this is great idea for a MINI.