Model BB & Model 51
Model A Ford Garage
NOS 'Big Truck' Steering Wheel
Pictured above is an NOS BB-3600-B1 steering wheel as used on all Model BB and Model 51 heavy duty trucks from 1932 until 1937, and possibly beyond.
This 17 inch four-spoke steering wheel resembles a 1930-31 Model A steering wheel at first glance, however it is unique to V8 era heavy truck and will not fit a Model A.
This steering wheel hub fits the large Model BB truck steering shaft taper, and has a single locating keyway position rather than two.
The most distinctive differences to a Model A is the shape of the back of the hub, and the interface to the straight 1932-37 era steering column tube.
This steering wheel fits a much smaller diameter steering column tube than that of the Model A.
I believe, but am not certain, that some or all the 1938 and 1939 big truck steering wheels are also similar, but with a slight dish shape from the rim to the hub.
This particular wheel is a Sheller Manufacturing Company phenolic style wheel, though some others are the same geometry but made in hard rubber material.
Good original Model BB truck steering wheels are very difficult to find and are not currently being reproduced.
More related information on Ford Garage:
- For more Model A & B related information, use the Site Search box at the top or bottom of this page.
- Model A, B, & V8 Steering Column Light Switch Rods
- Model A, B, & V8 Steering Shaft and Worm Gear Chart
January 2008