'38 and '39 Banjo Difference?
 

Which one of these banjo steering wheels is 1939 and which is 1938, based on the center core? Thanks. John

Re: '38 and '39 Banjo Difference?
 

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...7&d=1694885729

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...8&d=1694885729

Re: '38 and '39 Banjo Difference?
 

2 pictures from the top might be better. I have a 38 that looks like the top picture. Are you sure the bottom wheel has not been modified?

Re: '38 and '39 Banjo Difference?
 

It has not been modified.

Re: '38 and '39 Banjo Difference?
 

The 38-39 Ford Book states the only difference between the banjo wheels is the little tie bar and the color of the rim with no difference in the hubs.
I remember in a talk given by the author Gary Mallast he said he was surprised when he reviewed the engineering drawings for the deluxe steering wheels and found there was any difference at all between the wheels other than the paint.
I too suspect one of the wheels has been modified, either an original after production, or as a reproduction wheel with a modified design from stock.

Re: '38 and '39 Banjo Difference?
 

I wonder what the core of a standard '38 and '39 look like? The '37 is quite sever in its cone shape at the core. The one that I have that I think is the '38, is also cone shaped but not as sever. The flat one seems to make sense that it is a '39 because the design seemed to be going in that direction. I have studied the pictures in the V-8 Club book. And the tie bar is very similar. Is one of the tie bars noticeable different in size? Thanks for your help.

Re: '38 and '39 Banjo Difference?
 

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...p;d=1694921005

1938 Ford Deluxe Banjo Steering Wheel

Re: '38 and '39 Banjo Difference?
 

I have had many '38 and '39 wheels, there was no difference between the two. The horn buttons are different of course.

Re: '38 and '39 Banjo Difference?
 

There is a difference that is so small almost noone notices it. The tie bars ends are more rounded on the 38 banjos and are more squared off on the 39 banjos.

Re: '38 and '39 Banjo Difference?
 

On the top picture It looks like the tie bar is out of position I can see the notch in the wire where it should be

Re: '38 and '39 Banjo Difference?
 

1939 deluxe

Re: '38 and '39 Banjo Difference?
 

Bingo!

Re: '38 and '39 Banjo Difference?
 

Does anyone have Oyster Gray paint info?

Re: '38 and '39 Banjo Difference?
 

I think on the 39 banjo wheel the groove in the tie bars had red paint in them

Re: '38 and '39 Banjo Difference?
 

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...p;d=1694959899

1939 Ford Deluxe Banjo Steering Wheel - Kube

Re: '38 and '39 Banjo Difference?
 

The Auto Color Library website at least recognizes the color exists. It appears to the the same information as the 38-39 book. Link here:https://www.autocolorlibrary.com/pag...HorizontalTab3

Re: '38 and '39 Banjo Difference?
 

You are correct. The wheel I'd restored, once installed, did receive the red paint in the "bars".

Re: '38 and '39 Banjo Difference?
 

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...p;d=1695010209

1939 Ford Deluxe Banyo Steering Wheel and Dash - Kube

Re: '38 and '39 Banjo Difference?
 

I was wrong. This wheel that I have has had the bottom sliced off to fit another kind of column. Does anyone know why somebody would do that? And what kind of column does it now fit. Thanks. jk

Re: '38 and '39 Banjo Difference?
 

The wheel probably has been "sliced" to more closely match the cup on a '40 & later Ford column.
I have done this in the past.