Banjo steering wheels

Tightline5 · Joined: 30 Aug 2007 Posts: 177 Location: Campbell Co. Va.

Does anyone have info on what years and model car Chris Craft got there banjo wheels from.
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Phil Jones

1948 US Plywood Executive Runabout Hull #1 "WeldWood"
1954 Racing Runabout R-496
1957 Deluxe Runabout D-17-2062
"MISBEHAVIN"

donj · Joined: 01 Jan 2007 Posts: 254 Location: mercer island, wa.

there has been a lot of discussion of this topic already in the buzz. From what I can gather, the wheel on the, say, 1939-42 19 custom looks like the one on the '36 or so, chev convertible (except for color,of course). I am guessing that they were made by the same supplier (who no one seems to be able to identify) but the hub is different and if you get one of these at a flea market for example, and try to place it on the cc steering wheel column, it will not fit. Probably al schinnerer of cal. classic boats is as knowledgeable as anyone about this topic.

drrot · Joined: 14 Nov 2005 Posts: 729 Location: McHenry, IL 60050

Some were Studebaker too.
The Chevrolet wheels also had a different amount of spokes depending on the year.

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Jim Staib
www.finewoodboats.com

Don Ayers · Posted: Sat Feb 06, 2010 10:54 am Post subject:

Banjo wheels first appeared in late 1936 on certain models.

from 1936-42 I have identified four unique banjo wheel styles used. One of the common ones was the 1937 Chevy wheel type.

Yes hub is different as in tapper shaft verses spline.

Been meaning to write an article on the subject but the day job gets in the way.

I can not speak to post war as I have not researched it thoroughly

Here is a pics of the later 1939 and 1940 version

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Don Ayers
1959 Riva Ariston
1931 Gar Wood 28-40

Stovebolt · Joined: 13 Nov 2009 Posts: 93 Location: Langley, BC, Canada

Grant Steering wheel company also makes reproductions. http://www.grantproducts.com/

They are a little pricey, but well made.
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1961 Chris Craft 17' Ski Boat

drrot · Joined: 14 Nov 2005 Posts: 729 Location: McHenry, IL 60050

Grant is WAY cheaper than restoring one.
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Jim Staib
www.finewoodboats.com

Tightline5 · Joined: 30 Aug 2007 Posts: 177 Location: Campbell Co. Va.

Thanks to everyone for your input, sorry I have not responded sooner but the crappy weather we have had this week setting up against the Mt. killed my satalite for days. SNOW Twisted Evil

I,m moving to Key West Rolling Eyes

_________________
Phil Jones

1948 US Plywood Executive Runabout Hull #1 "WeldWood"
1954 Racing Runabout R-496
1957 Deluxe Runabout D-17-2062
"MISBEHAVIN"

Tightline5 · Joined: 30 Aug 2007 Posts: 177 Location: Campbell Co. Va.

Will my center hub & throttle fit in the Grant wheel center? Hub is from a 1954 Racing Runabout.
_________________
Phil Jones

1948 US Plywood Executive Runabout Hull #1 "WeldWood"
1954 Racing Runabout R-496
1957 Deluxe Runabout D-17-2062
"MISBEHAVIN"

Reginald Down · Posted: Tue Feb 09, 2010 2:37 am Post subject:

I have been a Hot Rod enthusiast and owner for over 20 years and these banjo style wheels are very popular with the serious hot rod crowd as well.

Here's a few pic's from the 2009 LA Roadster Show in Pomona last June. These cars are referred to as 1932 Ford "Highboy" Roadsters - There were around 1,300 '32 Ford's at the event.

This is the display that Dennis from Quality Restorations had at the LA Roadster Show. Very cool stuff.

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Reg Down
1941 19' CC Custom
1952 18' CC Riviera
1966 Century Fibersport 17'