The Ford Barn

bluecollarbill · 12-26-2023, 10:41 AM

I have a 1946 Woodie that I think would look great with a banjo wheel - but I can't recall seeing a post war car with a banjo wheel

Were they no longer offered by Ford after the war ?

Were there aftermarket manufacturers ?

Thanks

Bluecollarbill
[email protected]

19Fordy · 12-26-2023, 10:52 AM

Don't know the answers to your banjo steering wheel availability on a 46 but, if you like it on your car "go for it". I personally think it would look great.

Zeke3 · 12-26-2023, 11:17 AM

I thought Ford only offered banjo steering wheels from 1936 through 1939. However, I concur with 19fordy to install whatever winds your watch.

19Fordy · 12-26-2023, 11:51 AM

Here's another "watch winder" predicament. May "work" and "may not".

42merc · 12-26-2023, 12:11 PM

The hub interface between the top bell of the '40 & later column & the taper of the banjo wheel is an ugly mis match.

petehoovie · 12-26-2023, 12:18 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Quote:

Originally Posted by 19Fordy

Here's another "watch winder" predicament. May "work" and "may not".

TJ · 12-26-2023, 12:39 PM

42 Merc has it correct that the banjo wheel is an ugly mismatch with your column.. If you want a banjo wheel there are many options on e-Bay and you can get a Grant brand adapter that would match the aftermarket wheel with your column. Keep in mind that most wheels are smaller than your stock wheel so it would have an effect on your steering. The smaller wheel makes your steering harder.

Als48 · 12-26-2023, 12:58 PM

Yes, if your car does not have power steering, you won't like a smaller than stock size steering wheel.

Al H

drolston · 12-26-2023, 05:31 PM

I found an adapter for aftermarket steering wheels to 41 - 48 steering shafts, and a banjo style steering wheel. All very expensive. It stuck way out from the bell at the column top, and looked ugly. And maneuvering with a 15" wheel versus 17" wheel doesn't sound like much, but it takes 15% more force at the rim to get the same torque on the shaft. I was able to get my money back
I satisfied my urge for a cooler steering wheel with a lace-on leather rim cover for the stick wheel I also appreciate the better grip for those circumstances when you just have to turn the wheel while the car is not moving.

12-26-2023, 10:41 AM	#1
bluecollarbill Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2015 Posts: 14	Is Banjo wheel appropriate for 1946 car ? I have a 1946 Woodie that I think would look great with a banjo wheel - but I can't recall seeing a post war car with a banjo wheel Were they no longer offered by Ford after the war ? Were there aftermarket manufacturers ? Thanks Bluecollarbill [email protected]

12-26-2023, 10:52 AM	#2
19Fordy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Coral Springs FL Posts: 10,950	Re: Is Banjo wheel appropriate for 1946 car ? Don't know the answers to your banjo steering wheel availability on a 46 but, if you like it on your car "go for it". I personally think it would look great.

12-26-2023, 11:17 AM	#3
Zeke3 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Columbus, IN Posts: 1,407	Re: Is Banjo wheel appropriate for 1946 car ? I thought Ford only offered banjo steering wheels from 1936 through 1939. However, I concur with 19fordy to install whatever winds your watch.

12-26-2023, 12:11 PM	#5
42merc Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Buchanan, MI Posts: 676	Re: Is Banjo wheel appropriate for 1946 car ? The hub interface between the top bell of the '40 & later column & the taper of the banjo wheel is an ugly mis match.

12-26-2023, 12:39 PM	#7
TJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Napa,California Posts: 6,037	Re: Is Banjo wheel appropriate for 1946 car ? 42 Merc has it correct that the banjo wheel is an ugly mismatch with your column.. If you want a banjo wheel there are many options on e-Bay and you can get a Grant brand adapter that would match the aftermarket wheel with your column. Keep in mind that most wheels are smaller than your stock wheel so it would have an effect on your steering. The smaller wheel makes your steering harder.

12-26-2023, 12:58 PM	#8
Als48 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2020 Location: Paducah Ky Posts: 279	Re: Is Banjo wheel appropriate for 1946 car ? Yes, if your car does not have power steering, you won't like a smaller than stock size steering wheel. Al H

12-26-2023, 05:31 PM	#9
drolston Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Williamsburg, VA Posts: 1,627	Re: Is Banjo wheel appropriate for 1946 car ? I found an adapter for aftermarket steering wheels to 41 - 48 steering shafts, and a banjo style steering wheel. All very expensive. It stuck way out from the bell at the column top, and looked ugly. And maneuvering with a 15" wheel versus 17" wheel doesn't sound like much, but it takes 15% more force at the rim to get the same torque on the shaft. I was able to get my money back I satisfied my urge for a cooler steering wheel with a lace-on leather rim cover for the stick wheel I also appreciate the better grip for those circumstances when you just have to turn the wheel while the car is not moving.