{"product_id":"banjo-style-vintage-steering-wheel-15-5-black-classic-vw-porsche-styling","title":"EMPI Banjo Style Steering Wheel | Classic VW \u0026 Porsche 356 | 15.5\" Gloss Black 3-Spoke (79-4059-0)","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cb\u003eEMPI Banjo Style Vintage Steering Wheel | 15.5\" Gloss Black, Classic VW \u0026amp; Porsche 356 (79-4059-0)\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA faithful tribute to the iconic 1950s \u003cb\u003e\"banjo\" steering wheel\u003c\/b\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe original banjo 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. This EMPI wheel reproduces that look in a comfortable 15.5\" diameter that suits both stock-look restorations and Cal-look custom Beetles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eVehicle Fitment\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis wheel uses a universal-style mounting pattern and requires a vehicle-specific hub adapter (sold separately) to fit your steering shaft. Hub patterns vary by year and model — confirm your application before ordering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eClassic VW:\u003c\/b\u003e Beetle, Karmann Ghia, Type 3, Bus, Thing — with the appropriate steering wheel hub adapter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eVintage Porsche:\u003c\/b\u003e 356 and early 911\/912 — with the correct hub adapter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eCustom:\u003c\/b\u003e Other resto-mod, hot rod, and custom builds using a 15.5\" wheel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eTechnical Specifications\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eDiameter:\u003c\/b\u003e 15.5\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eStyle:\u003c\/b\u003e Banjo (multi-spoke radial design)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eColor \/ Finish:\u003c\/b\u003e Gloss black\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eSpokes:\u003c\/b\u003e Three primary spokes with banjo-style string detail\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eMounting:\u003c\/b\u003e Universal-style pattern (vehicle-specific hub adapter required, sold separately)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eBrand:\u003c\/b\u003e EMPI\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003ePart Number:\u003c\/b\u003e 79-4059-0\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eWill this bolt directly to my Beetle steering column?\u003c\/b\u003e No — 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\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eIs the rim metal or wrapped?\u003c\/b\u003e The 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\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eWhat's the difference between this and the silver version?\u003c\/b\u003e Identical 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\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eWill it fit my Ghia or Type 3?\u003c\/b\u003e Yes, with the appropriate hub adapter for your specific application.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eIs the horn button included?\u003c\/b\u003e Check 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\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eIs 15.5\" too small for daily driving?\u003c\/b\u003e 15.5\" 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\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eExplore Related Categories\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eComplete your interior: browse \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/steering\"\u003eSteering\u003c\/a\u003e for wheels, bosses, and hub adapters, \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/interior\"\u003eInterior\u003c\/a\u003e for cabin trim, and \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/porsche-356\"\u003ePorsche 356\u003c\/a\u003e for vintage 356 restoration parts.\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:\/\/www.washburnsmetal.com\/products\/banjo-style-vintage-steering-wheel-15-5-black-classic-vw-porsche-styling","provider":"Washburn's Metal","version":"1.0","type":"link"}