Packard Forum Index » Pre-War (1899-1942)

I have seen a number of Banjo wheels for sale for 39-40 Packards but no clarification on whether wheels will fit all models.
I believe Flack clarified that earlier wheels will not fit the 39 since columns were changed with change to column shifters.
Has anyone put a Banjo wheel on the Six or know if it was offered as an option.

Others can fill in details on fit and availability better than I but for what it is worth, the banjo wheel is shown in the 39 accessory folder along with other items typically standard on high end but optional for the lower end models. Packard sometimes listed accessory model specific availability in the folders but there is none on the wheel so I would take that to indicate it could be bought for and installed on a six.

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Howard- Thanks for the information. I have had the opportunity to inspect one Banjo wheel and found that the opening for the steering shaft was apx 1/4 inch larger diameter than the shaft for my 39 Six.
I also noticed that the wheel hub appears to be a steel insert pressed into the wheel.
I was curious as to whether that insert can be chilled or heated and removed / replaced with a different size sleeve.
The diameter of the sleeve on the Banjo was also a greater diameter than that of the 39 so they would not interchange.
Has anyone offered different size sleeves with the grooves to inter lock the steering column grooves to accomplish that switch?
Parts interchange on the old Packards is frustrating.

Hi Ewrecks,
My '39 Six has the banjo wheel Howard showed. I have had it off several times for various reasons and did not see any bushings or 'jump-sizing'. It just fits directly on to the spline of the steering shaft. It's a tolerance fit and requires a puller to remove it, but nothing more. Is it possible a) Packard had more than one 'Banjo' wheel, or b) that the wheel you have (or are looking at) is from another brand? I believe Banjo wheels were popular in many cars in that era.
Chris.

Chris- Thanks for the reply. I was unaware that your car had the banjo wheel but that answers the question as to whether it was offered on the 39 Juniors.
The shaft diameter on my steering column is apx 1/4 inch smaller than what purports to be a 39 Banjo wheel. There is a metal sleeve on both my wheel and the Banjo I inspected that has the grooves that slide over the steering shaft.
I am not sure whether the overall wheels were identical and the sleeves could be changed or whether there were different wheels for the different models.
If you have a spare Banjo that would fit my car lying around…drop a note. LOL

39-40 110, 120, Super 8.

You may have encountered a 39 V12 Banjo which would otherwise appear identical, but has a larger steering shaft as you suggest.

DF

Two shaft sizes were used on 1939 6 cyl.(1700). Cars prior to motor no. B6456 have a smaller diameter shaft, than cars after eng.B6455. The later shaft is the same size as all 1939 to 1942 all series,(except 12 ??).....D

That makes sense Darrin180, as my motor # is B23002A so I'd have the larger diameter spline. Chris.

Thanks all for the information. Without confirming my engine number, I am speculating that it was in the early production run since it was delivered in December 1938 and the light switch and dash wiring follows the 1938:schematic.
I am also going easing that since the smaller shaft unit was only offered for part of the 39 production run that those wheels will be harder to find.

If anyone out there has a wheel that will work on the smaller shaft ….and wants a buyer…..please PM with price.

Getting tired of looking for parts