Grover Air Horns

[Archive]

Has anyone had trouble with their grovers? Mine were installed on 9-14-00 and they quit working a week ago, the compressor does not shut off nor does it put out any air. I called ricksons, where I bought them, yesterday and talked to a gentleman ( do not remember his name) abd he said there have been problems with the compressor and they are now looking into an "oiless" and much better compressor. They are not available yet, but should be in the near future. At least my compressor is under warranty and will be rebuilt or replaced. If anyone should need to order a replacement compressor, order from ricksons and not grover, BIG price difference.

 

[Archive]

I talked to Matt this afternoon and mentioned your topic here. He said that they should have the new compressor solution before the end of the year. The existing one has been pretty much problem-free, though, according to him. He said it's really important to check the oil level periodically, especially when they just come off the UPS truck because sometimes they are mishandled during shipping and they lose oil. If this happens, they can be refilled with 30 weight, non-detergent oil and everything will be fine. It's a shame you got a defective one, but I'm sure Rickson will make it right. They seem like great folks.

I wanted to ask you what's involved in doing the installation. How complicated is it, and where did you mount your holding tank and compressor? Did you wire your horn into the factory horn-button circuit, or add a separate switch? Where did you mount the horns, themselves?

I'd appreciate hearing about the install process. Matt said that the horns don't come with any installation instructions because they are sold for too many different vehicles to make that practical. He also said that he didn't recommend using the air horns for other than "emergency situations," because they are so loud. Have you found that to be the case in your experience? Too loud to just "toot" hello to a friend, or whatever?

They're pretty expensive, so I'm going to rely on any input I get off your thread, here, before ordering a set.

Thanks.

 

[Archive]

Sasquatch,
Use the search for grovers and look for a post for installation. There is a FANTASTIC set of instructions with pictures galore. I don't have the time right now. But, trust me, it's out there and worth your search. Joe

 

[Archive]

I have Hadley horns, no prolems with the compressor at all. Used on ambulance and small fire trucks up here. Only small problem is the solinoid valve can freeze closed in extreme cold weather. Have my receiver mounted inside the cab beside the passenger seat, the valve is direct mounted to the tank. Mounted the horns inside the front fenders, had to re/re the battery and air cleaner to get them in. Mounted the compressor on the driver's side inner fender, the presure switch is attached to the compressor. (cycles automaticly) The solinoid is wired in with the city horn,(both sound) with a switch to isolate the air horn. (city horn only) Yes they are very loud, but you can still give a quick polite toot if you want to. They are legal to use in the city were I live but not everywhere, best to find out. Install is fairly easy, did have to obtain some extra 1/4 plastic air line, but had plenty of fittings in the kit. Got mine from a local truck parts dealer.
Now for the cheap way, on my last truck I pieced together a set of horns,valve and receiver from a local truck wrecker. Didn't cost too much, had to look through a big pile of receivers to find the size that I wanted, even had brackets attached. Mounted the receiver under the bed opposite the fuel tank, a fairly large one will fit, mine was about 10" dia and 24" long. Had the horns mounted on the roof, with a manual valve mounted on a nipple through a hole in the roof, to the horn. Filled the receiver via a tire valve fitting mounted to the seat frame. Used to fill it up at the corner gas station to 90 psi. At the time the only small compressor thatI could find was the type used to inflate air shocks, it was so slow that it was almost useless, also got very hot.
Would recomend the Hadley horns, freind Rob also has a set on his 2nd gen.


Neil

 

[Archive]

Originally posted by Sasquatch:
I'm going to rely on any input I get off your thread, here, before ordering a set.

<font color = blue> Click out these links from fellow TDR member Dave Fritz plus the TDR thread #ad
This should answer most, if not all of your questions!!
Grover airhorns Intro

Grover airhorns installation

TDR Airhorns thread...

BTW, I second the earlier comments in this thread regarding the guys at Rickson #ad
. Matt and Dan will come through for you!!


<font color=black>
------------------
JMc

2001 Flame Red Sport 3500 QC, 5. 9L 24v Cummins, 4x4 Auto, 3. 54/LSD, 155 inch WB, Agate leather, Camper Special & Trailer Tow Groups , Sliding Rear Window, WAAG sidetubes with dually kickouts, Line-X UTR Bedliner & underseal, Grover Airhorns, Lance 1130 slide-in Camper, 60 gallon Aerotank, RS9000s, Reese Titan class 5 hitch, Roadmaster XX, in planning stages... . Gauges, Mag-Hytec, Exhaust Brake, Psychotty Air, Prime-Loc, 4" exhaust, Injectors, Rickson 19. 5" wheels, , Bill K. VB & TC.

[This message has been edited by JohnMcIntyre (edited 11-02-2000). ]

 

[Archive]

Originally posted by Sasquatch:
I talked to Matt this afternoon and mentioned your topic here. He said that they should have the new compressor solution before the end of the year. The existing one has been pretty much problem-free, though, according to him. He said it's really important to check the oil level periodically, especially when they just come off the UPS truck because sometimes they are mishandled during shipping and they lose oil. If this happens, they can be refilled with 30 weight, non-detergent oil and everything will be fine. It's a shame you got a defective one, but I'm sure Rickson will make it right. They seem like great folks.

I wanted to ask you what's involved in doing the installation. How complicated is it, and where did you mount your holding tank and compressor? Did you wire your horn into the factory horn-button circuit, or add a separate switch? Where did you mount the horns, themselves?

I'd appreciate hearing about the install process. Matt said that the horns don't come with any installation instructions because they are sold for too many different vehicles to make that practical. He also said that he didn't recommend using the air horns for other than "emergency situations," because they are so loud. Have you found that to be the case in your experience? Too loud to just "toot" hello to a friend, or whatever?

They're pretty expensive, so I'm going to rely on any input I get off your thread, here, before ordering a set.

Thanks.

Ricksons are very easy to work with and they are making it right, mine was not an oil problem and don't know what it is yet. I mounted the air tank and compressor under the cab and the horns under the radiator cross member, the horns are mounted crossways. I also wired into the factory horn and installed a toggle switch so i could can off the airs and yet use the factory horn only. Check out the links that JohnMcIntyre mentioned - very informative. If you get a set you will not be sorry, worth every penny IMO.

 

[Archive]

I have also had problems with my Grovers but when they work I LOVE em. The first problem was that there was not enough hose. No biggie here, but a hassel non the less. Then, the solonoid was leaking air around the base. I called Ricksons and they graciously agreed to replace the solonoid. The new one I tried to put in this weekend. I broke the plastic fitting... !@#$. I called Ricksons again after trying for 4 days to get through to Grover to complain about their solonoid. Dan at Ricksons said they would do watever was needed to solve my troubles.
When installing the pump it tells you to check for pressure shut off by running the pump with your finger over the output. It was a good thing I checked the oil level before testing because it was totally empty of oil... Another trip to the harware store to buy the non detergent 30 weight oil. And that crummy pump! Real chessy.
I do like the horns but the rest of the Grover setup ,IMHO, is junk. After talking to Ricksons at length, their reaction to the solonoid and pump are the same as mine. They are ,as we speak, trying to source a quality pump and solonoid valve.
Ricksons has been great to work with and very helpfull and commited to getting the quality into the products they sell. Even if it means taking a loss on the product to make it right. I know who will get my continued support and future purchases.
-Paul R. Haller-

 

[Archive]

Thank you, all, for the advice and the links. I'm wondering, given the trouble with the Grovers, if we should be talking about the Hadley horns, instead.

I'd really like to be able to combine the horn installation with a decent on-board compressor and air supply, including a big enough tank to fill up a tire without overheating the compressor.

 

[Archive]

Plastic fittings ????? Check oil levels ???

Been using Hadleys for years, Thought I was missing out on something ? Now I know how much some opinions are worth.

Ron

------------------
98 3500 QC 4X4 Int Blue, 6BTA5. 9, Auto 3. 54 LSD, PIAA Pro90's, RS9000's, Tonneau, Running Boards, 5K Air Bags, Hadley Air Horns, EGT/Boost/transmission Temp Gauges, Cobra / K40, Valley class V, Bugflector II, Bedliner, Tow Hooks, Cup Smoothie, Meg's turn-down tip, SS Fender Flares... .....

99 Lance 1110 Slide-On Truck Camper

 

[Archive]

Hi Guys, I have the Grovers and I think the compressor is not pumping any air. I have a toggle to shut it off til I can get time to test it. Question is, does anyone know what pressure the pump is set at? I bought a guage to mount inside the cab but again the time factor. Also when I received mine the oil was very low so check em when ya get em. Thanks, Lou

 

[Archive]

I have been using the same set of Hadleys, transferred to 3 different vehicles, for 15 years and they still work great. Sounds good, plenty loud.

------------------
1996 3500 Clubcab SLT, auto, 4. 10 limited-slip, TST #5, 370s, AFC spring kit, Psycotty, Dunrite converter, Trans-Go, Straight pipe, DiPricol EGT, boost & trans temp. gauges, 9 ft. aluminum flatbed and tool boxes with Venco dump. Custom front bumper, Hadley air horn.

 

[Archive]

Sasquatch,

I put Hadley Bullys on my truck about 4 months ago. They are louder and more piercing than the Grovers. Have compared them side by side with Papa Joes Grovers. No cheap fittings or cheap plastic parts, no leaks, lots of air line. Hadley supplies a switch to turn them off if you want to use the stock (woosey) horns, gauge on tank, and an auxilary air hookup on the tank with a hose for tires, rafts and mattresses. Hadley Bullys are a quality product. I am very pleased with mine!

Do a search for "Hadley Horns" for more info.

------------------
<font color=blue>WHITE OBSESSION" 99 Quad Cab, White, SLT, 4x4, 5-sp, 3:54's LSD, Raven cap (cab high), Rhino liner, Stainless Nerf Bars, Stainless Rocker Panels, Tow package, Pro-flap mud flaps with Stainless Cummins "C" add to rear flaps, Valentine One, Uniden PC78LTW CB, Hadley Bully Air Horns, Power Edge, Psychotty Air Induction, Braided SS Fuel Lines, 4" Jardine Exhaust (Love the deep throaty sound), 285/75R16 Cooper A/T's. </font>

<A HREF="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=1086000&a=9265455" TARGET=_blank><font color=red>My 99 Dodge Cummins</A></font>
<font color=purple>
Things to come; The clutch has let me know it is going to need attention very soon!
Pyro, Boost and Fuel Pressure gauges, PE timing module and injectors.

NRA Life Member! (Need to protect our rights and FREEDOM!!)<font size=-2>

[This message has been edited by BIG BOB (edited 11-03-2000). ]

 

[Archive]

Bob,

Thanks for your response and for the information on: http://www.hadley-products.com

Can you take a minute to relate installation details on your truck. Where'd you put the various components? How long did the job take. Where did you tap into your truck's power to hook up the "switched" (ignition/on) wire. Which wire did you "T-tap" into, or which spot on the fuse panel?

My truck has so many gauges, CBs, electronic mirrors, GPS, Exhaust Brakes, aux. driving/backup lights, "parking partner" (radar), that the area around the fuse box (plus the cig. lighter/aux. power) have been "t-tapped" and spliced into more than Chevy Chase's house the night before Christmas! (Ever see "Christmas Vacation?") #ad
#ad


I should have gotten one of those "painless wiring" systems offered through Geno's, but it'd take a NASA engineer with the patience of JOB to rewire everything on my truck, now. There's a nest of relays between my driver's side battery and power distribution block that would break the back of a Clydesdale... (My Motto: "If it's worth doing, it's worth overdoing!")

I've got a couple of small compressors for driving nail guns. Their tanks aren't really big enough to fill up a truck tire without cycling the compressor pump -- almost, though. My concern would be mounting up a couple of Grover or Hadley horns and then not being able to use the little compressor for doing work other than charging the horn's air tank. Lots of folks, including Matt at Ricksons, have stated that use of the compressor pump to fill tires would probably fry that little motor pretty quickly.

It seems, then, that the motor and tank should be big enough/heavy-duty enough to perform both tasks, whenever necessary -- as often as necessary. I'd like to keep 50' of air hose on board at all times so that I could easily refill tires on my truck, or that of a friend at hunting camp. It's be cool to use "quick-disconnect" type fittings, and rig something up so that I wouldn't have to crawl under the truck to hook up for air -- just have the "female" coupling bracketed to the underside of the rear bumper/receiver hitch -- somewhere easy to plug into.

 

[Archive]

Sasquatch,

You might want to review the following link,
https://www.turbodieselregister.com/ubb//Forum3/HTML/001142.html

I used the supplied switch in line with the wiring for the stock horns to activate the Bullys. Thought there might be sometime I would just want to use only the stock horns. I haven't seen that day yet. The stock horns blow with the Bullys even though you can't here them. Always use the Bullys. I pulled power off the fuse box (can't remember which terminal, will edit post with that info. )to power the compressor.

I can't remember how long it took to install them. I am very meticulous and want everything exactly perfect so it sometimes take a little longer.

I have to admit the air tank and compressor are pretty small. In the instructions it said not to run the compressor continously for more than 7 minutes.

Hope this helps, if you need more info email me. I am going to get some pictures taken and post with my pictures.

 

[Archive]

BIG BOB:

I appreciate the patient advice.

 

[Archive]

Thank God, Big Bob has patience, otherwise their would be patients. #ad


Was that profound, or what #ad
#ad
Papa Joe

 

[Archive]

Easy Papa Joe, I have mellowed in my 48 years. Now back in the 70's when I was boxing and a bouncer thing may of been different.

 

[Archive]

Just received my replacement compressor and installed it. WOW, horns work great again and even sound louder.

 

[Archive]

My compressor is running everytime I get in the truck now (after sitting awhile). So I have a leak. Bummer. I tried the soapy water, but haven't found it yet. #ad
Joe
Don't have time for this... ... ...

 

[Archive]

Papa Joe, do your horns still work? Mine did the same thing and the horns did not work so they replaced the compressor