HR Jones

One of the most critical stages of getting a car to look like the sketch that inspired it is the positioning of the body and frame. That along with the exact proportion of body to tire to wheel can make or break a car. For the Yank Tank the wheel and tire size is not something that can be found down at the corner tire store. Ordering the Bonneville tires years before you use them is not a good idea (the fresher the better). Because I wanted to use 32” tall Dunlop classic race tires on 18” wheels the only thing that came close are 40’s and 50’s Firestone Indianapolis Speedway tires on 18” Divco milk truck wheels (Yes milk truck!).  I did some calling around and luckily Richard Munz had a pair of tires and rims that he was kind enough to lend me. Richard had been a major part of the 75 Deuce Hot Rod exhibit in 2007 and also runs a 32 at Bonneville. When Bill Jagenow at Brothers Customs in Troy MI mounted them he said they looked so good he hated to see them leave the shop. One of the most enjoyable aspects of building a car is when a new part (even a temporary part) goes on to the car and it gives everything a new look. Unfortunately I don’t think the sidewalls of the Dunlops will ever look as good as this.