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This horn came with the Columbia BK machine I recently obtained. I suspect that it has almost no value and repairing it would not make much sense. I considered buying Bondo to fix the rust and sanding it all down in order to repaint it. Prices for a replacement are pretty reasonable? Is it too far gone to save?

I don't own any external horn machines so can't speak from experience, but would the Bondo possible affect the sound?

Rather than using Bondo, you may want to cut small pieces out of a very thin fiberglass sheet (the thinnest you can get) and apply them to the rusted out areas after complete sanding; then brush on a very light coat of resin over the repaired areas and then lightly sand to reduce thickness. It probably would be easier to work with than Bondo and could make the repairs somewhat less visible.

That's what I intend to do with one of my basket case machines whenever I get to it

Best wishes,
Oliver

I wouldn't do anything to it - I like it the way it is

If you want to remove the rust from the horn edges without sanding this is one method you can use. Use a container that the horn end will fit in. Buy some ordinary white vinegar and put it in the container. Set the horn in the container for 24 hrs. It will remove the rust all the way down to the metal with out affecting the metal. After it is clean pull the horn and rinse with water and immediately dry with a hair dryer because it will flash rust before your eyes. Be prepare to spray the area with primer as it is so clean that the humidity in the air will cause it to start rusting again. Note: You can raise the vinegar level in the container by filling the vinegar jugs with water and placing them in the container. I have done this many times and it is amazing how well it works. Here are some pics of a car seat frame on a car I restored.

I wouldn't do anything to it - I like it the way it is

I would sell it at a very modest price to someone like the above. Apply the proceeds to a horn you like.

Jerry B.

Jerry B. wrote: Mon Apr 25, 2022 9:59 am

I wouldn't do anything to it - I like it the way it is

I would sell it at a very modest price to someone like the above. Apply the proceeds to a horn you like.

Jerry B.

I agree with this bc I would buy this horn if somebody offered it for sell locally at a decent price. I run into horns similar to this for sale on CL and OfferUp, but they always think its worth $100 +.