T5 versus T6 Steering Wheel

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Greg Dumond
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T5 versus T6 Steering Wheel

#1 Post by Greg Dumond »

I have read a few articles in the Registry and understand the differences between the two wheels however I am trying to determine what year cars each of these two were found?

Jan Kolm
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Re: T5 versus T6 Steering Wheel

#2 Post by Jan Kolm »

The T5 style was used at least through the 1961 model year. The changeover point is not listed in the parts book. This can be a data point for Brett Johnson's Authenticity Guide.
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Jules Dielen
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Re: T5 versus T6 Steering Wheel

#3 Post by Jules Dielen »

i believe the 'thick spoke' T6B/C wheel was introduced with the T6B. i believe the reason was that the T5B spokes were too fragile and would easily bend in a crash so they redesigned the 3 spoke wheel to make it stronger. Spokes and hub are easy 'spotting tools'.
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David Jones
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Re: T5 versus T6 Steering Wheel

#4 Post by David Jones »

I do not have my car here to compare so tell me if this is T5 or T6?
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Mark Reich
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Re: T5 versus T6 Steering Wheel

#5 Post by Mark Reich »

David, that is a T6 wheel. The spokes on that wheel form something of a channel, whereas the T5 spokes are flat with no "sides". The T5 spokes have an almost sharp edge rather than rolling over. In a crash, I imagine they would easily bend. The channels of the T6 wheel have greater stiffness due to their three-dimensional sectioning.
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David Jones
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Re: T5 versus T6 Steering Wheel

#6 Post by David Jones »

Thanks Mark. I must have never examined a T5 wheel that closely. I was fairly sure this is the same as my 64 C but old age and failing memory can cause one to doubt ones judgement.
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Mark Reich
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Re: T5 versus T6 Steering Wheel

#7 Post by Mark Reich »

I just had my T5 wheel restored so I was holding it in my hands. I also have a T6 wheel for comparison. Once you see them together the difference is obvious!
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Brad Ripley
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Re: T5 versus T6 Steering Wheel

#8 Post by Brad Ripley »

See below for steering wheel comps. backside of spokes is the fastest/easiest way to tell one for the other
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SteeringWheel T5 back spoke.jpg
SteeringWheel T6 back spoke.jpg

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David Jones
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Re: T5 versus T6 Steering Wheel

#9 Post by David Jones »

Thanks Brad, that makes it abundantly clear.
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Jules Dielen
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Re: T5 versus T6 Steering Wheel

#10 Post by Jules Dielen »

The Bt5 wheel also has a crisp 'edge' where the spoke meets the hub whereas the BT6 wheel has a smooth transition from hub to spoke.
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B steering wheel2.jpg
bt6 steering wheel.JPG
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Re: T5 versus T6 Steering Wheel

#11 Post by Mark Reich »

I think that's the "bend point"!
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David Campbell
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Re: T5 versus T6 Steering Wheel

#12 Post by David Campbell »

Wow, I have a 1961 T-5 (114665) and based upon the photos it came into our family's ownership with the latter style wheel.

I do know the car was originally crunched in the front end and repaired with a new front clip. I bet in the accident the original was snapped.
My dad bought it from insurance salvage circa 1969, so chances are he pulled a steering wheel from dealer inventory when the car was fixed. He was far from an authenticity fanatic, but extremely innovative and thrifty. Thanks for the information.
1961 B Coupe
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chris romney
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Re: T5 versus T6 Steering Wheel

#13 Post by chris romney »

Weren't there also fewer finger slots on the T-5 wheel?
 

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Greg Dumond
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Re: T5 versus T6 Steering Wheel

#14 Post by Greg Dumond »

Very interesting guys. My original question was kind of answered by Jan but this is the first time reading about why the change was made to the sturdier T6 design. I was under the impression these were the two choices depending on the model and the year of the car. If it is true that Porsche made the change and redesigned the wheel for safety reasons I'm assuming that Porsche felt that the T5 wheel was sturdy enough to keep them on the market.

I'm wondering if Porsche ever had any recalls on any of their products back in the day like manufactures due these days? Now I'm curious. I can't imagine there were too many if any?

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Jules Dielen
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Re: T5 versus T6 Steering Wheel

#15 Post by Jules Dielen »

They did not learn a lot, as the first 911s came with aluminum spokes. They also bent easily so in 1966 they went to steel spokes. I'm sure there were recalls in the day, but probably not as elaborate as they are today. The low volume probably made them irrelevant.
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