I want to change out the steering wheel in my RPU. I bought a real nice original 36 ford banjo wheel. My RPU has one of the hot rod columns that uses a 3 hole mounting flange to mount the wheel. I have looked for an adapter with zero luck. My choices are: Make my own adapter ? Replace the column wit a vintage truck column ? Anyone done this before ?
If it were me, I would use the vintage column at the top and attach it to your existing steering with a u joint down toward the box.
You need a sector shaft with a keyway to match your banjo wheel. Cut off the end of it, weld it to your existing shaft.
I made my own adapter to use a 38 chevy wheel on a Speedway 3 bolt column. Not the prettiest, but it works.
That's exactly what I was thinking of doing ! I am just wondering if I would be better off just replacing the column.
my solution was similar to what motoandy did but the result was that I could "see" the adapter. so made a "trim" piece.. sorry i dont have a better shot of the adapter but heres the "trim" http://recycled40fordwoodie.blogspot.com/2008/06/thanks-buddy.html
Although I don't see it listed now, Speedway did have the adapter you need. It was used to mount the Model T style wheel to a bucket T's column. You might try giving them a call to see if they still stock it.
What kind of steering box are you using? Is the three flange adapter welded onto the aftermarket hot rod shaft? Is the aftermarket hot rod shaft 3/4" OD? Within the last couple weeks there's been an article posted about mounting Ford wheels on GM steering shafts. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Found it, go here: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=334471
Total performance also had a tapered stub piece with the slot for the woodruf key that could be welded to any 3/4" shaft. They were very popular in the early days of T buckets and probably still available.
Nice job,btw that is a 39 wheel. the 36 wheel has the spokes straight into the hub, the 39 spokes taper out as they come into the hub. nice wheel i got one on my 35 pickup. 8-Ball
Well... I called Speedway/Total performance today. No such animal or even the tapered stub. So I guess I'll have to make my own with a little creative grinding and welding. A cover made out of a stainless cup is a great idea. If I could find a 35-39 column, I would prefer to just change it out and deal with it at the other end. You would think there would be a market for adapters for those running vintage wheels..... Thanks guys !
I have a somewhat similar problem..... I need to adapt my splined 40s Stude wheel to a tapered/keyed VW Kombi column. I'm watching this thread with interest.
Does a Model T wheel have the same taper and key as '28-'48 wheels?....'cause that is what Speedway says this will fit.
BINGO !!!!!!!!! That's what I want. I talked to the tech guys... I searched their site with 'key' words .... and came up empty. You guys are great ! The rest will be easy. The other piece of the puzzle will be the horn button. I don't need it functional. The stock one had this narrow 4 inch shaft that goes into the stock column. I guess I need to cut it down to an inch, drill a hole in the above piece I buy from speedway, and RTV in place ????
Maybe this ain't it Reading the dimensions a little closer, it's a 3/4 inch shaft. The end is not tapered, and quite a bit smaller than 3/4 inch. My 36 wheel is 3/4 inch, that tapers down from that.
Sawzall did a killer job. I to intend on cover it up some. I just used what I had. Speedway could not help me. That is where I bought the column from. Good luck and post what you end up with.
Do the early steering wheels have the same 7* taper as a tie rod end? Maybe an adapter could be made using one of those, if so.
We make a banjo column that will work, taper & key at the top , 3/4 36 spline at the bottom with a wire for a working horn , not cheap but it will work & has ball bearings top & bottom .(Stainless steel , plain or polished ) Sorry for the ad but it is a solution.
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