EMPI Banjo Style Steering Wheel | Classic VW & Porsche 356 | 15.5" Gloss Black 3-Spoke (79-4059-0)
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EMPI Banjo-Style Vintage Steering Wheel, 15.5 in Black (79-4059-0)
This is a three-spoke, 15.5 in banjo-style steering wheel in black from EMPI, with finger grips on the underside of the rim. It is supplied with a horn button and installs on classic VW Beetle, Karmann Ghia and Type 3 steering shafts with the matching EMPI boss kit (sold separately). EMPI describes it as having an old-school look.
Fitment
| Model | Years | Boss kit required |
|---|---|---|
| VW Beetle & Karmann Ghia | 1949–1959 | 79-4062-0, 24-spline |
| VW Beetle & Karmann Ghia | 1960–1974½ | 79-4063-0, 40-spline |
| VW Type 3 | 1961–1971 | 79-4063-0, 40-spline |
| Porsche 356 | n/a | No EMPI-listed boss kit. Contact us before ordering. |
Specifications
| Part number | 79-4059-0 |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 15.5 in (15 1/2 in) |
| Style | Three-spoke banjo style, finger grips on the underside |
| Color | Black |
| Horn button | Supplied |
| Boss kit | Required, sold separately |
| Boxed dimensions | 18 x 16 x 4 in |
What's Included
- Banjo-style steering wheel, 15.5 in, black
- Horn button
What You Also Need
- Boss kit for your year: 79-4062-0 (24-spline, 1949–1959) or 79-4063-0 (40-spline, 1960–1974½).
- Optional: crest-emblem banjo horn button (79-4061-0).
- Prefer silver? The silver/grey version (79-4060-0) is also listed.
Installation Notes
- This is a bolt-on installation with basic hand tools. Disconnect the battery before removing the old wheel and horn contacts.
- Center the front wheels before fitting the boss so the spokes sit level when driving straight.
- Check that the horn works and that the turn-signal cancel works before driving.
Cross-Reference
- EMPI 79-4059-0 (this wheel), 79-4060-0 (silver/grey), 79-4062-0 and 79-4063-0 (boss kits), for reference
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this bolt straight onto my steering column?
No. EMPI states that a boss kit must be bought to complete the installation: 79-4062-0 (24-spline) for Beetle and Karmann Ghia 1949–1959, or 79-4063-0 (40-spline) for Beetle and Ghia 1960–1974½ and Type 3 1961–1971.
Does it come with a horn button?
Yes. EMPI states the wheel is supplied with a horn button. A crest-emblem horn button (79-4061-0) is also available separately.
Will it fit a Porsche 356?
EMPI lists boss kits for this wheel only for VW Beetle, Karmann Ghia and Type 3. We have not verified a boss kit that fits a 356 steering shaft, so contact us with your car's details before ordering for a 356.
What size is it?
15.5 in (15 1/2 in) in diameter, with three spokes in the banjo style and finger grips on the underside of the rim.
Is there a different color?
Yes. The same wheel is listed in silver/grey as 79-4060-0.
Which boss kit do I need for my year?
Beetle or Karmann Ghia 1949–1959: 79-4062-0 (24-spline). Beetle or Karmann Ghia 1960–1974½, or Type 3 1961–1971: 79-4063-0 (40-spline).
Explore Related Categories
Complete your interior: browse Steering for wheels, bosses and hub adapters, Interior for cabin trim, and Porsche 356 for vintage 356 restoration parts.
California Proposition 65 Warning: This product can expose you to chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov. EMPI states its parts are legal for use on pre-pollution-controlled vehicles only.
Porsche® and model designations are trademarks of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG. Washburn's Metal is not affiliated with or endorsed by Porsche. Part numbers are for reference only.
