I doesn't surprise me that the banjo wheels are prone to breakage -- just
look at them. Over half the rim (moreover, the half you are most likely to
be gripping) is unsupported, and any fore-and-aft force applied to it is
translated into twisting of the narrow, flexible spokes.
A PO replaced mine with an unusual wood-rim wheel, with three equally-spaced
slotted spokes (I say unusual in that I have never seen another one on a B).
This type is correctly installed with the center spoke aiming upwards -- in
this way the spokes don't block the view of the gauges. It is also much more
resistant to flexing than the more usual varieties of aftermarket wheels.
on 7/2/04 10:55 AM, Dodd, Kelvin at doddk@mossmotors.com wrote:
> Dave:
>
> The 63-67 MGB steering wheel was very weak and prone to breaking.
> During the daily life of the cars back in the 70s many wheels failed and
> were replaced with all kinds of wondrous stuff. It would be very
> unusual to find a usable original early steering wheel, and personally I
> don't think going out of your way to install a problem prone item is a
> great idea.
>
> The reproduction wheels are made of better plastic than the originals
> and seem to be holding up very well. It's hard to get an accurate
> opinion, as they may not be facing the same hard use as the originals.
> Visual quality on the repros is very good and can be improved by hand
> polishing the mold line on the outer rim of the wheel.
>
> Be very wary of used wheels purporting to be original. The 1968-69
> steering wheel is visually the same as the earlier one and they can be
> found in good original condition as they seem to be made of a stronger
> material. The spline is smaller and the wheels can not be interchanged.
>
> Hope this helps
>
> Kelvin.
--
Max Heim
'66 MGB GHN3L76149
If you're near Mountain View, CA,
it's the primer red one with chrome wires
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