Horn Button Kit Banjo, For Beetle, Ghia & Type 3

OVERVIEW

Elevate the interior of your vintage Volkswagen with the EMPI Banjo Horn Button Kit, a premium restoration component designed to provide that quintessential period-correct look. The Banjo style steering wheel is widely regarded as one of the most elegant upgrades for the air-cooled era, but a wheel is only as good as its centerpiece. This kit features a stunning Wolfsburg-style crest emblem set against a deep black finish, offering a sophisticated focal point that bridges the gap between classic 1950s aesthetics and the functional requirements of 1960s and early 70s steering columns. Whether you are finishing a ground-up restoration or simply replacing a weathered, non-functional horn unit, this kit provides the crisp tactile feedback and high-end visual appeal that Appletree Auto customers demand for their prize-winning builds.

Engineering excellence meets vintage style in this comprehensive kit. Unlike many "button-only" offerings that leave you hunting for vintage hardware, this EMPI package is a complete solution. It includes the horn button assembly, the critical contact ring, and all necessary mounting hardware to ensure your horn actually sounds when you need it. The internal electrical contacts are manufactured to tight tolerances to prevent the dreaded "ghost honking" or intermittent connectivity issues common with aged original parts. By integrating modern material durability with the timeless design of the Banjo wheel, this horn button kit ensures that your Beetle, Ghia, or Type 3 maintains its iconic heritage while performing with modern-day reliability on every cruise or show circuit.

FITMENT

This kit is specifically engineered for Banjo-style steering wheels installed on the following Volkswagen models:

• Volkswagen Beetle (Type 1): 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971
• Volkswagen Super Beetle: 1971 (Only)
• Karmann Ghia: 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971
• Volkswagen Type 3 (Notchback, Squareback, Fastback): 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971

SPECS

• Brand: EMPI
• Part Number: 79-4061-0
• Application: Banjo Style Steering Wheels
• Finish: Classic Black
• Emblem: Integrated Crest Design
• Kit Contents: Horn Button, Contact Ring, and Specialized Mounting Hardware
• Material: High-density UV-resistant polymer and conductive metal alloys
• Weight: 0.19 lbs
• GTIN: 707924439663

PRO TIPS

1. Ensure a Perfect Ground Path

One of the most common issues when installing a new horn button kit is a failure to establish a solid ground. Before mounting the contact ring, take a moment to clean the mounting surface on the steering wheel hub with a fine scotch-brite pad or electronic cleaner. Any oxidation, old grease, or paint overspray can create resistance, leading to a weak or non-functional horn. Ensuring metal-to-metal contact between the kit''s hardware and the wheel hub is the secret to a loud, clear signal every time you press that crest.

2. Proper Wire Routing and Slack

When connecting the horn wire to the new contact ring, always verify that there is enough slack to allow the button to depress fully without tugging on the spade connector. If the wire is too tight, it can vibrate loose over time or cause the button to sit crookedly. I always recommend using a small dab of dielectric grease on the terminal connection; this prevents future corrosion and ensures that the electrical path remains consistent even in high-humidity environments or convertibles.

3. Centering the Crest for a Professional Finish

Nothing ruins the look of a high-end Banjo wheel faster than a crooked emblem. Before tightening the mounting hardware completely, sit in the driver''s seat with the front wheels pointed straight ahead. Align the crest perfectly vertical relative to the dashboard. Tighten the hardware in a star pattern (if applicable) or in small increments to ensure the button seats evenly. This attention to detail is what separates a "backyard" install from a professional restoration that will impress judges and enthusiasts alike.