Horn Button

[Merle Coggins]

OK, what's the trick. I wanted to pull off my steering wheel to make reinstalling the cab easier but I couldn't get the horn button out. My manual states to press in and twist to the right as far as it'll go and it'll pop up and out. First of all, I can't get a good grip on it. And even with a nitrile glove on for grip, I can't get it to twist and unlock.

I managed to get the cab back on anyway, but it would have been easier with the wheel off. And I'd still like to remove it so that I can refinish it, and replace the horn wire.

Merle

[MBF]

Merle, perhaps you were pushing down too far and the dogs were binding on the bracket under the nut, or not hard enough to get past the detents. Did you try counterclockwise? It shouldn't be that difficult to remove unless someone previous has cobbled stuff together. Glad you got the cab back on. Mike

[Merle Coggins]

OK, I got it out. I had to drill a couple of 1/8" holes in the horn button and use one of my large snap-ring pliers to push in and twist. This gave me the grip and leverage that I needed. Once the horn button was out I could see the problem. It was VERY rusty down in there.

Now I could finally remove the steering wheel. I used an OTC Bearing Splitter with an "H" bar puller. It's a piece of cake with the right tools.

The tools

[Young Ed]

Thanks Merle I think I can rig something up now. I want to get my old truck wheel repainted and stop using the annoying wannabe leather wrap it has on it now. Did you get my message about the paint I used on my other wheel?

My truck wheel is supposed to be black as I'm sure yours is too but I'm thinking I might paint it brown to match my seats.

[Merle Coggins]

Yes I did, Ed. Thanks. I plan to keep mine black.

[Young Ed]

I might too. The whole brown idea just popped into my head. Do the pilot house trucks have brown seats? Mine has brown seats but the rest of the interior would normally be black. Mine has matching brown door panels already. I still need a floor mat and a headliner.

[Merle Coggins]

Yes, brown seats with somewhat matching interior panels.

[MBF]

My 49-52 had brown door panels and seat covers. I found a good used seat cover that someone had made and when I did the door panels over changed them to black to match the seat. Started working the panels around the back window too-kinda quiets it down inside. Next I think I'll put some sound deadening on the roof-don't know if I've got the patience to work up a headliner-had enough problems with the back panels. Mike

[anthonyb]

Or you could try the multi-color approach. Great for hiding stains when you spill something.

[Young Ed]

Ewe I think not. My nice brown ones look better any day.