{"product_id":"banjo-style-vintage-steering-wheel-15-5-black-classic-vw-porsche-styling","title":"Banjo Style Vintage Steering Wheel — 15.5\" Gloss Black, Classic VW \u0026 Porsche 356 Look | 79-4059-0","description":"\u003cp\u003eA faithful tribute to the iconic 1950s \"banjo\" steering wheel style — a three-spoke wheel with multiple thin metal \"string\" spokes radiating from the center, instantly recognizable as the original Porsche 356 and early Volkswagen interior design. This 15.5\" wheel finished in gloss black brings the period-correct look to restored, resto-mod, and Cal-look air-cooled builds. EMPI part #79-4059-0.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat \"banjo\" means and why it became iconic\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe original banjo steering wheels of the late 1940s and 1950s used radiating thin spokes between the rim and the hub that resembled a banjo's strings — a structural design that kept the wheel light while creating an instantly distinctive look. Porsche 356 and early VW Beetles both used factory banjo-style wheels, and the design has been continuously revived in restoration and resto-mod culture for over half a century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis EMPI wheel reproduces the look in a 15.5\" diameter — a comfortable, period-correct size that suits both stock-look restorations and Cal-look custom Beetles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiameter:\u003c\/strong\u003e 15.5 inches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStyle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Banjo (multi-spoke radial design)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColor \/ finish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Gloss black\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpokes:\u003c\/strong\u003e Three primary spokes with banjo-style string detail\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePart number:\u003c\/strong\u003e 79-4059-0\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVendor:\u003c\/strong\u003e EMPI\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eFitment\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClassic VW (Beetle, Karmann Ghia, Type 3, Bus, Thing) with appropriate steering wheel hub adapter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVintage Porsche 356 and early 911\/912 with correct hub adapter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOther resto-mod, hot rod, and custom builds using a 15.5\" wheel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHub adapter required.\u003c\/strong\u003e Steering wheel hub patterns vary by year and model. This wheel uses a universal-style mounting pattern and requires a vehicle-specific hub adapter (sold separately) to fit your specific steering shaft. Common adapter applications include early\/late VW, Ghia, Porsche 356, and aftermarket steering columns — confirm your application before ordering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eFAQ\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill this bolt directly to my Beetle steering column?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nNo — you'll need a hub adapter that matches both this wheel's bolt pattern and your specific VW year\/model steering shaft. Adapters are inexpensive and widely available.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs the rim metal or wrapped?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nThe rim is finished in gloss black. This is a painted\/finished metal wheel — not a wood wheel and not leather-wrapped. The finish gives a period-correct factory-style look.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat's the difference between this and the silver version?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nIdentical wheel and construction; the silver version (79-4060-0) is finished in silver\/grey rather than gloss black. Choose based on interior color preference.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill it fit my Ghia or Type 3?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nYes, with the appropriate hub adapter for your specific application.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs the horn button included?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nCheck listing photos and contact us to confirm — horn button is sometimes a separate purchase depending on application. Most banjo wheel adapters include or are compatible with a center horn button.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs 15.5\" too small for daily driving?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n15.5\" is on the smaller side of stock-replacement wheel sizes (factory VW wheels were closer to 16–17\"). The smaller diameter requires slightly more effort to turn at parking-lot speeds on a non-power-steering VW, but most owners adapt within a few drives and prefer the look and feel.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"EMPI","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44863328354419,"sku":"79-4059-0","price":294.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0278\/2760\/1523\/files\/79-4059-0-500x454.jpg?v=1776836197","url":"https:\/\/shop.washburnsmetal.com\/products\/banjo-style-vintage-steering-wheel-15-5-black-classic-vw-porsche-styling","provider":"Washburn's Metal","version":"1.0","type":"link"}