Banjo Steering Wheel - why are they sought after?

[ScubaChief60]

Who can tell me the story behind the Banjo Steering wheel? My 1935 has a plain looking large diameter black bakelite wheel. I am using it now. When I purchased my Ford back in 1991, there was a Banjo Wheel lying in the back seat.

I drove a nail in the wall in my barn and hung it there where it is still some 33 years later.

I've been wondering if I need to polish it up and use it instead... somewhere down the road when I can think of nothing else to do to the old gal.

I assume its just preference on which one to use. Thoughts?

[Krylon32]

I've owned dozens of 39 banjos both original and reproduction and used them on most of pkg 32 roadsters I build in the early 2000's. I have a 39 on my new 32 sedan. A few months ago I bought a banjo that was thought to be a 39 but turned out to be a 37. It's ready to paint and just needs the stainless spokes polished. Asking $450 shipped and everyone I send pictures to acts like it's got a fungus?

[Hitman]

. . . .

[DavidG]

It's a item that Ford starting using with the '36 deluxe models through the '39s. Some like to retrofit the '36 version on their '35s. If your '35 has a black steering wheel rather than one painted a sort-of taupe color, your car is likely a standard model.

[ScubaChief60]

Thanks for the information. I may clean it up and see if it's worth swapping out on my '35.

RE: 'If your '35 has a black steering wheel rather than one painted a sort-of taupe color, your car is likely a standard model.' I honestly can't say if it was painted or not in the past. A lot of weathering and fading had occurred over those 60 plus years.

From what I can figure... since my old gal came with a 1955 license plate... I imagine it sat 36 years before I found it. Then it sat another 30 years before life allowed me begin to restore her.

Either way... if it's an upgrade item... I may see if I can dress her up a bit more and give her a Banjo steering wheel.

Take care!

[34pickup]

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Because they are beautimous.

[ScubaChief60]

"beautimous"

They are for sure more so than the old bakelite version.

You made me laugh '34pickup' and I do thank you for that!

[34fordy]

"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder" it is said. My 36 Deluxe pickup has the banjo wheel. I will not change it but prefer the three spoke wheel in a pickup.

[51504bat]

Looked into putting one on my '39 p/u but everyone is out of stock and has been for a while. Maybe that's a good thing because pulling the light switch/horn rod sounds kike a PITA.

[ScubaChief60]

Speaking of changing it out... it is necessary to pull the rod out? I was wondering about that because I have heard its difficult. I was hoping that just changing the wheel did not require that. But someone tell me please... and thanks!!!

[TJ]

If you still have the stock light switch with the rod it will definitely need to be pulled out to change the wheel.

[deuce_roadster]

If the horn button is the same diameter and rod is the same length, you MAY be able to just use the later banjo wheel on your 35. I have a 37 banjo in my 32 5w, and I swapped the 37 horn button onto the 32 shaft by bending tabs and carefully taking the 32 horn button off and installing the 37 . You may have a challenge getting the 35 horn rod out of the steering column without bending it if you don't unbolt the whole box from the frame and dash or if your top happens to be off.
Not a quick simple task either way.

[ford38v8]

Originally Posted by 34fordy

"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder" it is said. My 36 Deluxe pickup has the banjo wheel. I will not change it but prefer the three spoke wheel in a pickup.

The original owner of your truck may have been described as a “Gentleman Farmer” for his buying a truck with all the Deluxe accouterments, which also included the chrome grill we all see on your avatar. Different strokes for different folks.

[34fordy]

Originally Posted by ford38v8

The original owner of your truck may have been described as a “Gentleman Farmer” for his buying a truck with all the Deluxe accouterments, which also included the chrome grill we all see on your avatar. Different strokes for different folks.

Yes, and the plain and thin 35 grille looks the best to me. I also have the sliding rear window and have wondered if the horn rod would flex enough for removal without dropping the column. I doubt it tho.

[Zeke3]

Originally Posted by 34fordy

I have wondered if the horn rod would flex enough for removal without dropping the column. I doubt it tho.

Probably not a good idea, the horn rod tube is very thin wall tubing and very likely to be deformed.

[glennpm]

Originally Posted by 34fordy

and have wondered if the horn rod would flex enough for removal without dropping the column. I doubt it tho.

As one old guy says, "Don't"

[ford38v8]

Originally Posted by 34fordy

Yes, and the plain and thin 35 grille looks the best to me. I also have the sliding rear window and have wondered if the horn rod would flex enough for removal without dropping the column. I doubt it tho.

The sliding rear window may be in line with the steering column, I don’t know, but don’t even think about trying to flex the rod.
If not directly in line, loosen the steering box mounting bolts, remove the floorboard and column bolts to the dashboard. This will allow the column to swing freely to point out the open drivers door.
The reason this is such a tricky operation is that the order of assembly had the body drop onto a complete chassis assembly. Same reason the passenger car fuel tanks are a bugger to replace.

[deuce_roadster]

When I looked at the avatar picture, I thought it was a sedan. Didn't notice it was a pickup. I shouldn't have mentioned if the top was off!

[34fordy]

Originally Posted by glennpm

As one old guy says, "Don't"

Ha Ha! I'm old too glen. Not as old as my pickup tho. Some things you never know unless you try. Ya just have to be able to feel that sweet spot right before the "Oh crap" spot. LOL

[Tim Ayers]

Originally Posted by Zeke3

Probably not a good idea, the horn rod tube is very thin wall tubing and very likely to be deformed.

100%, if you kink it, it's junk. If bent, it will turn the lights on every time you turn the wheel.

If someone has a way of straightening a bent horn rod, please post it here. I've toyed with taking it to an archery shop since they straighten arrows.

I've tried numerous ways without success.