Bent Postwar F-3 Horn

Tom you should be able to gently push it back in place or remove the shell and there is two tabs that you can straighten to remove the horn and then bend it back into shape.

I’d go with the latter of what Rick said....he’s right on the money....best to get the horn out of there before attempting a repair....I’ve tried the cheat method with disastrous results many many moons ago.....even if you accidentally break one of fold overs, a tiny drop of epoxy would hold it forever....

Pat

Just use your thumb. Don't try to remove, You will regret it.

@Chuck Sartor posted:

Just use your thumb. Don't try to remove, You will regret it.

And he’ll regret it even worse if the roof implodes Chuck......

Pat

It won't. Those tabs on the under side of the body are machine bent. Trying to straighten one or two of the tabs will bend the bracket and never fit correctly again.  The plastic won't crack or break pushing on the bell of the horn. Just 'sayin from experience.

Put your thumb on the back of the bracket and push forward and at the same time use your 1st finger and push down on the bell of the horn. By pushing forward on the bracket it will bend it back and relieve most of the stress on the plastic while bending.

Listen to Chuck -- been there, done that.

Thanks all for your suggestions based on personal experience.  I will first try using my thumb and fingers; and if it doesn't want to bend I might try some needle-nose pliers after applying electrical tape to the tips of the pliers to avoid scratching the metal.  Tom

Replacement horns are available for about $1.50; replacement shells are as available as hen’s teeth.  If you have to sacrifice something make it the horn.

I used needle-nose pliers to bend two horns back into place.  I first covered the plier jaws with electrical tape so I would be less likely to scratch the horn assembly.  I applied a small amount of torque and the metal slowly bent back to a more normal position.  The amount of force needed was below any concern over damaging the plastic.  I purchased the F-3 set on eBay and they arrived today.  I've attached before and after pictures for the two bent horns.  Tom

That’s great Tom!..what a pretty set of Southerns.....I’m sure glad it worked out like Chuck suggested, ...I would have been puckered up on a nice set of 2356’s like that...Santa Fe’s, sure....but those you don’t see all the time,....and they look like a premium set....great job!,..chalk another one up for Chuck!..

Pat