Steering Wheel Boss Kit, for Banjo Wheels, Beetle 49-59

OVERVIEW

Elevate the interior aesthetic of your vintage Volkswagen with the EMPI Polished Billet Aluminum Steering Wheel Boss Kit, specifically engineered for the iconic Banjo-style steering wheels. For the air-cooled purist, nothing captures the spirit of the 1950s quite like the elegant, wire-spoke design of a Banjo wheel. However, mating these timeless wheels to an early Beetle or Karmann Ghia requires a mounting solution that is as robust as it is beautiful. This boss kit provides that critical link, precision-machined from high-quality billet aluminum and polished to a mirror finish. It doesn''t just serve as a functional adapter; it acts as a centerpiece for your dashboard, bridging the gap between mid-century styling and modern CNC manufacturing standards. Whether you are performing a concours-level restoration or building a period-correct Cal-Look cruiser, this hub ensures your steering interface is rock-solid and visually stunning.

Installation of this boss kit is designed to be straightforward for the early VW small-spline steering columns found in vehicles produced between 1949 and 1959. Because early Volkswagens utilized a specific spline count and diameter, using a generic or poorly fitting adapter can lead to dangerous play in the steering or damage to the column threads. EMPI has addressed these concerns by ensuring the internal splines are cut to exact tolerances, providing a snug, slip-free fit that maintains the integrity of your vintage steering box. The kit comes complete with the necessary mounting hardware, allowing you to move from the box to the road with minimal downtime. By choosing this billet aluminum hub, you are upgrading from the often brittle or corroded original cast pieces to a component that offers superior longevity, corrosion resistance, and a level of detail that stock components simply cannot match.

FITMENT

This steering wheel boss kit is designed specifically for early Volkswagen models with the small-diameter steering column splines. Please verify your vehicle year and model below:

• Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle (Standard): 1949, 1950, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959
• Volkswagen Type 14 Karmann Ghia: 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959
• Note: Specifically designed for wheels featuring the Banjo bolt pattern.

SPECS

Detailed technical specifications for the EMPI 79-4062-0 Boss Kit:

• Part Number: 79-4062-0
• Material: 6061-T6 Billet Aluminum
• Finish: High-Luster Mirror Polish
• Compatibility: Banjo Style Steering Wheels (3-bolt or specific Banjo patterns)
• Spline Count: Early VW Small Spline
• Included Hardware: High-tensile mounting bolts and horn contact ring components
• Weight: Approximately 4.35 lbs
• Manufacturing Process: Precision CNC Machined

PRO TIPS

Tip 1: Precise Spline Alignment and Centering

Before you remove your old steering wheel, ensure that your front wheels are pointed perfectly straight. We highly recommend using a piece of painter''s tape or a grease pencil to mark the "12 o''clock" position on the steering column shaft itself. When sliding the new EMPI Billet Boss Kit onto the splines, align it carefully with your mark. Because the splines are fine, it is easy to be off by one or two notches, which results in a crooked steering wheel when driving straight. Never force the hub onto the splines; if it doesn''t slide on smoothly, check for burrs or old debris in the grooves and clean them with a small wire brush or a pick. A light coating of anti-seize on the splines can also prevent the aluminum from "galling" to the steel shaft over time.

Tip 2: Horn Contact and Grounding Continuity

One of the most common frustrations with aftermarket steering wheel installations is a non-functioning horn or a horn that honks intermittently when turning the wheel. Ensure that the brass contact ring on the underside of the boss kit is clean and has a light coating of dielectric grease. This grease prevents wear on the spring-loaded contact plunger on your steering column while maintaining electrical conductivity. Additionally, verify that your steering column is properly grounded. Early VWs often rely on the steering coupler (rag joint) ground strap to complete the circuit. If your horn doesn''t work after installation, check that the ground strap across the rubber coupler in the front trunk area hasn''t snapped or corroded.

Tip 3: Proper Torque and Hardware Safety

When securing the main center nut that holds the boss kit to the steering column, do not over-tighten it with an impact wrench. Billet aluminum is strong, but the threads on your 1950s steering column can be fragile. Use a torque wrench to tighten the center nut to the factory-specified 36 ft-lbs (5 kgm). After the hub is secure, install your Banjo wheel using the provided hardware. We recommend using a small drop of blue (removable) thread-locking compound on the small mounting bolts to ensure that road vibrations don''t loosen the wheel over time. Periodically check these bolts during your routine maintenance to ensure everything remains tight and safe for the road.