1956 Ford steering wheels?

[Ford Freak]

Hey Guys! I understand that there are 2 styles of steering wheels on the various models in '56. Could someone please post some pics of the 2 types of wheels, along w/their designated horn buttons & horn rings? Thanks in advance! F F

 

[mercman from oz]

1956 Ford Steering Wheel design

 

[dmsfrr]

The only differences I'm currently aware of in the original steering wheels is the lettering on the horn buttons for optional 'Power Steering'. A little hard to see in the third photo, at the top of the middle chrome spoke.

Photo 1: Customline, Photo 2: Thunderbird, Photo 3: Fairlane

 

[Ford Freak]

Yes, I have seen the PS horn rings before. Ok now: in the T-Bird pic, I notice the grooves or rings in about 2/3rds of the wheel. Is this on T-Bird exclusively?
How about some pics of the cheaper model Mainline center horn "button" & wheel?
Thanks! F F

 

[Greg Rogers]

I know 56 was the 1st year of a recessed wheel on trucks. 55 and older wheel was flat- 56 and up into 60's was recessed. Also 56 up column was shorter so wheel ended up in same spot.

 

[dmsfrr]

Yes, I have seen the PS horn rings before. Ok now: in the T-Bird pic, I notice the grooves or rings in about 2/3rds of the wheel. Is this on T-Bird exclusively?
How about some pics of the cheaper model Mainline center horn "button" & wheel?
Thanks! F F

I hadn't noticed the grooves in the outer rim of the T-bird wheel before, sorry. These '56 examples are just copied photos, not cars I've seen in person or have better or more pictures of.

I know 56 was the 1st year of a recessed wheel on trucks. 55 and older wheel was flat- 56 and up into 60's was recessed. Also 56 up column was shorter so wheel ended up in same spot.

Yes I believe that's correct.

 

[yblock57]

Here’s the mainline/customline wheel… just happens to be in a Fairlane…

 

[Ford Freak]

yblock57: Yes! That's what I wanted to see, the center horn "button" Thanks! F F