Horn don't work and Roof strut question

Post by **Bogwoppit** » 18 Jun 2008, 10:02

I thought I would put them both in one thread so as not to clog!

Firstly, my horn doesn't work. Is it a pretty simple case of taking the steering column cover off and checking the wiring or could it be anything more complicated? I would like to get airhorns at some point but obviously the wiring needs to be ok first. I'm sure it worked when I bought the van - must have done as it had just had its MOT.

And - in the roof there is what looks like it used to be a third roof strut or something in the middle, just behind the gap. It's the same hingey type anchor thing on the roof as the rams at either end are in, and on the 'floor' there is a runner type thing, so it looks as though it had an extra piece of metal as opposed to a gas ram which slid along this runner as the roof went up. Does anyone know if this would have been the case? I only ask because the roof does bend as I put it up, and it's really hard to lift too but I put that down to needing new rams. t's a Viking roof.

Thanks

Post by **ermie571** » 18 Jun 2008, 10:57

Hi Bogwoppit,

the viking in my garage (will be on van this weekend, god and weather willing!) has 3 struts. All the vikings I have seen in the flesh have 3 struts.

HOWEVER - the middle one appears to do nowt; they are not fixed in that slider, so can move around. Pacmans (the last one I looked at) is the same.

The roof will be heavy - its huge. I have got some new struts for it, so am hoping that I will be able to get irt up and down!! If I can't, hubby will have a field-day as he isn't 100% behind the conversion.

....but its my van!!

Maybe its role will become more apparent when it all goes together...

Em
x

Post by **Pepperami** » 18 Jun 2008, 11:02

With the horn (fnarr) check the wires on the horn (again) first.

Post by **ermie571** » 18 Jun 2008, 11:21

I had no horn due to the contacts under the pressure plate in the steering wheel being shot (worn away). So hubby wired in a new swtich on the dash!

Em
x

Post by **Pepperami** » 18 Jun 2008, 11:24

When i fitted a new steering wheel i had to fit a door bell on the dash.

Post by **Bogwoppit** » 18 Jun 2008, 12:55

Thanks guys. I'll attempt to have a look at the horn (

@ Pepperami ) wiring and see what's going on.

As for the roof, thanks Em. I'll have to see about getting one made up or something then. I don't suppose you could send or post a picture of yours for me could you? Is it just a straight piece of metal with that connection at the top then?

The roof actually twists as it goes up. Is that ok? I don't want it to fall apart on me!

The rams don't actually engage until it's right at the top, hence me thinking I need new ones. I thought it should catch on about halfway up? Atm I'm having to prop it up with a clothes prop, then climb on the passenger seat to push it up!

And tell hubby Ner! As you say, tis your van!

Post by **ermie571** » 18 Jun 2008, 13:15

Bogwoppitt,

I have three gas struts or rams as you put it. The central one is a gas strut same as the other 2, But it looks as if it slides in the metal box-like thing...

this is steve and bev's van without the canvas

[img:400:300]http://img4011.photobox.co.uk/526792834 ... 8e4f49.jpg[/img]
[img:300:400]http://img4011.photobox.co.uk/79014821e ... 70905d.jpg[/img]

Hope this helps
Em
x

Post by **Bogwoppit** » 18 Jun 2008, 13:23

Yes, thank you very much

That is exactly what mine looks like (but without the strut obv!)

I've actually just found where I can buy the whole set of three, so I might go for that.

I'm also wondering whether to get an extra hinge for the middle, as that side bows out quite a lot and won't push back in. Again, I don't want to risk it splitting...

But would that mean taking the roof off to attach it? Sorry to picking your brain Em but as you happen to have one handy...

E D I T: Sorry for the 'rams' thing - I drive buses, they're all rams on them!

Post by **ermie571** » 18 Jun 2008, 13:38

Hello again.

dunno about the hinges...mine has space for four, and I have bought 4 heavy duty ones from campershop - is that where you are getting your struts from? - 2 at each end. Useful info about bending......may put two at rear, one at b pillar and one at the front.

Bending I can only assume down to not lifting centrally, and struts not lifting with you.

I will let you know how the fitting and resulting lifting of roof goes. Dunno about adding a hinge - would deffo have thought the whole lot would have to come off, though

Em
x

Post by **Steve P** » 18 Jun 2008, 15:09

Hi guys, have got back on here for this evening only (until our own Mac comes back from repair).

I've spoken to Clive at Individual Interiors/Campershop about this centre strut in the past. He says it helps to start the roof off when it is being put up, and then the other two struts take over. When you put the roof back down, the centre strut hits the stop and stops the roof from crashing down. Also helps the gas struts to last longer apparently.

As for the hinges - we have four on ours.

Hope that helps

Steve

Post by **ermie571** » 18 Jun 2008, 15:11

Steve - thanks so much for that!!!!! Makes sense too!!!!

hope all is well, and hop eyou didn't mind me hosting your piccies!

Em
x

Post by **Steve P** » 18 Jun 2008, 15:15

Not at all Em. Just hope what I've been told isn't a load of twaddle!

Got the bars back by the way worked out at £23.50 each inc VAT and both now have a coat of primer on them.

Keep your fingers crossed that the van goes through on Friday please!

Steve

Post by **Bogwoppit** » 18 Jun 2008, 16:53

That is indeed very useful Steve, and it makes a lot of sense! Without one it's bound to bend more I would think, as well as being harder to push up! Can't think why it would have been taken out...

Yes Em, I am getting them from Campershop. I rang the guy earlier and he was very helpful. He too said the whole thing would probably have to come off to fit the centre hinge

It might just be bowing because of the whole missing strut thing, but I can't see why that would make a difference there... Might be an idea to do what you say with yours.

Thanks again for all the help guys

Post by **ermie571** » 23 Jun 2008, 10:43

Bogwoppit,

having fitted the roof, we Disco and T'hulley worked out exactly why the hinges are where they are.....they are either side of the futhest gas strut, and need to be there to support the weight of the roof. I used the heavy duty replacement ones from campershop.

Mine has been fitted with only 2 struts at present....will try and fit the third, but not looking good - need to look at Steve and Bevs.

Roof does twist a bit as it goes up, but seems fine once up and resting on the strus supports.

Hope this helps

Emma

Post by **fried chicken** » 23 Jun 2008, 20:53

For your horn,
Pry off the button with a screwdriver,
24 mm scocket will remove the nut,
wiggle & pull off the steering wheel,
Emery paper / sand paper all the metal conections of the horn that are now exposed.
Clean
If the connections are looking worn turn the steering wheel 5-10 deg and refit.

Worked for me.