{"product_id":"banjo-style-vintage-steering-wheel-kit-15-5-silver-grey-classic-vw-porsche-styling","title":"EMPI Banjo Style Steering Wheel | Classic VW \u0026 Porsche 356 | 15.5\" Silver\/Grey 3-Spoke (79-4060-0)","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cb\u003eEMPI Banjo Style Vintage Steering Wheel | 15.5\" Silver \/ Grey, Classic VW \u0026amp; Porsche 356 (79-4060-0)\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 silver \/ grey 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 Silver \/ grey\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 79-4060-0\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 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\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eWhat's the difference between this and the black version?\u003c\/b\u003e Identical wheel and construction; the black version (79-4059-0) is finished in gloss black rather than silver. 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":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:\/\/www.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"}