1942-1948 Chevy Steering Wheel Horn Ring Why so rare?

[Firebird89]

Hey there Antique Auto Lovers,

 

I've got a 1942 1943 1944 1945 1946 1947 1948 Chevrolet steering wheel horn ring up for grabs on eBay. Check it out at my store Calvin's Corner Store or search for username Carnuts256 if you're interested. $155 starting auction with no reserve!

[keiser31]

Probably rare since there is such an expanse of plastic exposed to the sun.

[John_S_in_Penna]

Considering that plastic is relatively inexpensive,

and Chevrolets are popular, I can't see why someone

hasn't reproduced this before.  

 

Aren't reproductions available? 

[auburnseeker]

Repro's are available,  last I knew.  This is the accessory banjo wheel horn ring, thus the desirability.  With the damage I wouldn't think it would go alot higher.  I think the repro horn rings were around 450.  I've seen complete recast wheels in the 1200 range with all the horn parts.  Some for more. 

I had one in my 48 Fleetline aerosedan.  It was missing the horn ring assembly,  but fortunately I found what  I thought was a core until I cleaned it up and polished the plastic.  I did have to find a horn button though and that cost me around 150.00 for either an NOS or a repro.  I'm still not sure which it was.  I was happy to get it though as it really completed the wheel nicely.   

[Firebird89]

Auburnseeker,

 

What do you mean by "the accessory banjo wheel horn ring"? Was it something that had to be special ordered when purchasing the automobile from the dealership? Thanks for responses so far. Appreciate it!

[auburnseeker]

There was a standard wheel, cast in black plastic, painted brown.  That had a horn ring as well but was very plain in comparison to this accessory wheel which was cast in that ivory or bone color, had stainless bango spokes,  then this clear plastic horn ring which you could see the spokes through.  So the accessory wheel was available from your dealer and would have been purchased as such once you bought the car. 

Here are the 2 wheels   The accessory wheel shown first even has the accessory GM box. 

There may have been another even cheaper wheel with just a horn button like this one.  

[Brass is Best]

7 hours ago, Firebird89 said:

Auburnseeker,

 

What do you mean by "the accessory banjo wheel horn ring"? Was it something that had to be special ordered when purchasing the automobile from the dealership? Thanks for responses so far. Appreciate it!

Yes you would order this wheel out of the GM accessory catalog. Then the dealer would install it for you. Chevrolet had dozens of accessories for this series. Umbrella holders, hat holders, steering wheels, reversing lamps, outside temperature gauge, tool kits, car care kits, Wisk Brooms, there are lots of interesting things you could buy to equip your car.

[Firebird89]

That is really interesting. Thank you both Brass is Best and Auburnseeker. I am currently going through antique cars and trucks in the "junk yard" so if anyone is looking for parts, please let me know and I'll check if we've got them.

[Firebird89]

Were there any other rare and sought after parts from the 1942-48 Chevrolets? I'd love to know so I can keep an eye out for the parts when I am sifting through the seemingly endless pile of car parts my boss has.

 

Thank yous!!

[auburnseeker]

Rear window Venetian blinds, rear windshield wiper, a GM compass, the fleetline fender trim is desirable, Fold down center rear bumper guards,  Vent Visors for the windows, The accessory front grille guard.  A good clean 47-48 grille with usable chrome will command good money.  The grilles are riveted together so you could actually build a good one if you have a few that are damaged in different areas.   Pretty much any bolt on accessory has some value in good shape for a 1946-1948 Chevy,  especially on the west coast.  

[Curti]

Amen on  the compass !  In the grill GM fog lights.  GM fender skirts. 

[Firebird89]

Appreciate all of your input guys! The horn ring sold for $541.99 on auction on eBay! I think we found an interior window frame and a backseat ashtray from the same car this horn ring was removed from. Boss says he had a tissue box at one point, but doesn't remember where it ended up... Guess it's time to start digging a little deeper in the junk yard. ha ha

[auburnseeker]

Wow you got lucky on that one.  The tissue box would be worth scrounging up.  Some were metal (chromed) and others were a brownish almost black colored plastic.  I sold an NOS plastic one without the box for near 300.00.  That's for the 40's style one.  Any tissue dispenser in good shape with presentable chrome is probably worth scrounging and listing.  

[Firebird89]

Thanks. We'll definitely have to look for tissue box now

 

Jamie Lee