39 Chrysler Steering Wheels

[trickydicky43richard]

On my late1938 built 1939 C22 Royal the steering wheel has 3 solid spokes yet I notice on some other cars they have Stainless steel "wire" Spokes ?

Is this due to the month built or model option or whatever is in the assembly line parts bin,or ??!!

This difference is also demonstrated if you Google images 1939 Chrysler steering wheels. The two types are illustrated.

Any body have any clues why the difference?

Rich

 

[keiser31]

I think the banjo (wire) spoke wheels were an option, but just a guess.

[Rusty_OToole]

The wire spoke or 'banjo' steering wheel was said to absorb road shock. They were more expensive to make and on some cars, were an optional extra. They may have been standard equipment on some luxury cars. I don't know about Chryslers. I don't recall seeing one with a banjo wheel, which I associate with Ford products.

[Hudsy Wudsy]

Banjo wheels were options on Chrysler products, but they must have been expensive. In all of my years, I don't think that I've seen more than a half dozen of them.

[Spinneyhill]

They were an option on Studebakers too.

[trickydicky43richard]

Thanks so far guys,

So !!

The banjo multi spoked steering wheel may have been an option? 

My Aussie built '39 C22 has the solid spoke type yet a derelict engine/gearbox less car I just bought for spares has the banjo type. However I wouldn't think that with the small amount of cars that came to Australia (all in knocked down form) would have been offered with any options.

Both the 6 cyl Royal (mostly) and a few 8 cyl Imperial's came here. So I wonder if the spoked banjo type was an Imperial fitment?

Over to you, 

R

Edited September 26, 2016 by trickydicky43richard (see edit history)

[John Loney]

Yes, the banjo wheel was an option. My Imperial just has the 3 spoke but both of my New Yorkers have the banjo. 

[John Loney]

[Rusty_OToole]

In those days every car dealer had a display case of accessories in the showroom or parts department. They must have tossed a few in the crate when they made up the order. The same wheel would have fit every model, and over a period of several years.

Edited October 2, 2016 by Rusty_OToole (see edit history)