{"product_id":"banjo-style-vintage-steering-wheel-kit-15-5-silver-grey-classic-vw-porsche-styling","title":"Banjo Style Vintage Steering Wheel — 15.5\" Silver \/ Grey, Classic VW \u0026 Porsche 356 Look | 79-4060-0","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 silver \/ grey brings the period-correct look to restored, resto-mod, and Cal-look air-cooled builds. EMPI part #79-4060-0.\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 Silver \/ grey\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 79-4060-0\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 silver \/ grey. 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 black version?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nIdentical wheel and construction; the black version (79-4059-0) is finished in gloss black rather than silver. 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":44863213404275,"sku":"79-4060-0","price":294.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0278\/2760\/1523\/files\/79-4060-0-500x454.jpg?v=1776836129","url":"https:\/\/shop.washburnsmetal.com\/products\/banjo-style-vintage-steering-wheel-kit-15-5-silver-grey-classic-vw-porsche-styling","provider":"Washburn's Metal","version":"1.0","type":"link"}