Horn, 12 Volt, Fits All Years Aircooled VW

OVERVIEW

When you''re cruising the open road in a classic Beetle or navigating through modern traffic in a vintage Bus, being heard is just as important as being seen. This EMPI 12-Volt replacement horn is an essential safety component designed to provide that crisp, authoritative warning signal that every air-cooled enthusiast needs. Over decades of service, original factory horns often fall victim to internal corrosion, diaphragm fatigue, or simple electrical failure, leaving you silent when you need to alert a distracted driver. This high-quality replacement restores your vehicle''s voice, ensuring you meet local safety inspection requirements and providing peace of mind during every Saturday morning drive or cross-country trek to a VW show.

Engineered for versatility and longevity, this 12V horn is the go-to choice for owners performing 12-volt conversions on early 6-volt cars, as well as those looking for a reliable direct replacement for later models. The robust construction features a weather-resistant housing designed to withstand the elements, whether tucked behind the spare tire well in a Bug or mounted under the front beam of a Ghia. It utilizes a universal mounting strap and standard spade terminals, making the installation process straightforward for the DIY mechanic. Don''t let a muffled or non-functional horn compromise your safety; upgrade to a unit that matches the iconic spirit of your Volkswagen with the reliability of modern manufacturing standards.

FITMENT

This 12-Volt horn is designed to be a universal fit for virtually all air-cooled Volkswagen models equipped with a 12-volt electrical system. Detailed fitment includes:

• Type 1: Beetle and Super Beetle (All Years)
• Type 2: Bus, Transporter, Kombi, and Microbus (All Years)
• Type 3: Squareback, Fastback, and Notchback (All Years)
• Type 4: 411 and 412 Models
• Karmann Ghia: All Years and Models
• VW Thing: Type 181 Military and Civilian versions
• Custom Applications: Ideal for Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, Manx clones, and Baja Bugs

SPECS

Built to meet or exceed original equipment standards, the technical specifications for this unit ensure a seamless integration into your VW''s electrical grid:

• Operating Voltage: 12 Volts DC
• OEM Cross Reference: 111-951-113A / 111951113A
• Housing Material: Heavy-duty stamped steel with a corrosion-resistant black finish
• Connector Type: Two standard male spade (0.250 inch) terminals for easy wiring
• Mounting: Integrated flexible metal mounting strap for vibration isolation
• Tone: Standard automotive low-to-mid range warning frequency
• Current Draw: Low amperage design to prevent taxing vintage wiring harnesses

PRO TIPS

1. Ensure a Perfect Ground Connection

In many air-cooled VW circuits, the horn button on the steering wheel actually completes the ground side of the circuit. However, the horn body itself still needs a solid mechanical connection to the chassis via its mounting bracket to ensure stability. When installing this new unit, use a wire brush or sandpaper to clean the mounting point on the vehicle''s body or beam. Removing old undercoating, rust, or paint from the mounting hole ensures that the electrical path is clear, which prevents the weak, "dying duck" sound often caused by high resistance in the ground path.

2. Essential for 6V to 12V Conversions

If you are in the process of converting an early 1950s or 1960s Volkswagen from a 6-volt to a 12-volt system, the horn is a component that must be replaced. While an old 6-volt horn will certainly sound loud when hit with 12 volts, it will very quickly overheat the internal electromagnetic coils and burn out, often after only a few uses. This 12V EMPI horn is the perfect solution for these conversions, fitting into the original mounting locations while being fully compatible with your new alternator or generator setup and 12V battery.

3. Trouble-Shoot the Steering Column Path

If you install your new horn and find it still isn''t working, the problem is frequently located in the steering column rather than the horn itself. On many VWs, the horn wire runs down the center of the steering shaft. Check the brown wire at the base of the steering box to ensure it hasn''t been pinched or disconnected. Additionally, ensure the steering column coupler (the "rag joint") has the necessary ground strap or wire jumping across it; without this small jumper wire, the steering wheel cannot complete the ground circuit, and your brand-new horn won''t make a sound.