Wills, Sainte Claire 6 Cyl. Tires
Wills Sainte Claire 6 Cyl. was an upscale American automobile of the late 1920s, built during a period when engineering ambition and rapid tire development often overlapped. Cars from this era can look straightforward at a glance, but tire selection is rarely simple because period sizing systems changed quickly and the same model line could use different conventions from one year to the next. Wills Sainte Claire 6 Cyl. is a good example, with both antique diameter-by-section sizes and numeric bias-ply sizes appearing across its short production run. The first thing to verify on the actual car is wheel diameter, because this fitment changes between 1926 and 1927.
Wills, Sainte Claire 6 Cyl. Tire Size Guide
Wheel diameter changed during Wills Sainte Claire 6 Cyl. production, moving from 21-inch rims in 1926 to 20-inch rims in 1927. Across 1926 to 1927, this model group uses four distinct tire sizes. Two of those use antique diameter-by-section sizing, where the leading number is the tire's outside diameter in inches rather than the wheel diameter.
33X6.00 is a 1926 Wills Sainte Claire 6 Cyl. size used alongside another 1926 option, so the car's actual wheel and configuration need to be matched carefully. In this format, 33 means the tire's approximate outside diameter in inches and 6.00 is the nominal section width, while the wheel diameter is not in the size code. Choose 33X6.00 only when your 1926 Wills Sainte Claire 6 Cyl. is already set up for that antique-size fitment and verify the rim dimensions on the car before moving forward.
600-21 fits 1926 Wills Sainte Claire 6 Cyl. applications and is the supported 21-inch rim option in the available product range. In this numeric bias-ply format, 600 indicates a nominal 6.00-inch section width and 21 is the rim diameter, with available products built for 21-inch wheels and some specifying 3.00 to 3.75-inch rim widths. Choose 600-21 when your car has 21-inch wheels and this later numeric replacement size matches the wheel and stance you are trying to preserve; A tube is required.
32X6.20 is a 1927 Wills Sainte Claire 6 Cyl. size used in the year when the model moved to a different wheel diameter. In this format, 32 is the tire's approximate outside diameter in inches and 6.20 is the nominal section width, while the wheel diameter must be confirmed from the wheel itself because it is not stated in the size code. Choose 32X6.20 only if your 1927 Wills Sainte Claire 6 Cyl. is set up for that antique-size fitment and confirm the actual rim before finalizing your selection.
650-20 fits 1927 Wills Sainte Claire 6 Cyl. applications and is the supported 20-inch rim size in the available product range. In this numeric bias-ply format, 650 indicates a nominal 6.50-inch section width and 20 is the rim diameter, with available products built for 20-inch wheels and some listing 3.00 to 5.00-inch rim widths. Choose 650-20 when your car carries 20-inch wheels and you want an available period-style bias-ply option in either passenger-car or truck-type series; A tube is required.
Wills, Sainte Claire 6 Cyl. Tires by Year
The year listing separates 1926 and 1927 Wills Sainte Claire 6 Cyl. fitments so you can match the car to the correct size family before narrowing to a product. Wills Sainte Claire 6 Cyl. production changed from 21-inch to 20-inch wheels in 1927, so verify which rim diameter the specific car carries before selecting a tire. The leading number in sizes such as 33X6.00 and 32X6.20 is the tire's outside diameter, not the wheel size, so the rim must be confirmed separately on antique-format fitments.
1926 Wills, Sainte Claire 6 Cyl.
- 33X6.00
- 600-21
1927 Wills, Sainte Claire 6 Cyl.
- 32X6.20
- 650-20
Best Wills, Sainte Claire 6 Cyl. Tires for Sale
Available Wills Sainte Claire 6 Cyl. tires span 3 brands and 9 products across 600-21 and 650-20 sizes. Sidewall choices include blackwall and wide whitewall, so confirm the correct size and the car's rim diameter before selecting.
600-21 Products
These are the available products for 600-21.
650-20 Products
These are the available products for 650-20.
Frequently Asked Questions
The FAQ below focuses on the points that matter most for Wills Sainte Claire 6 Cyl. owners: the 1926-to-1927 wheel diameter change, the difference between antique and numeric size codes, and how to sort through available blackwall, whitewall, passenger, and truck-type bias-ply options.
Size Basics & Fitment
Wills Sainte Claire 6 Cyl. uses four sizes across its 1926 and 1927 production span: 33X6.00 and 600-21 for 1926, and 32X6.20 and 650-20 for 1927. The available product-supported rim diameters are 21 inches for 600-21 and 20 inches for 650-20. The antique sizes 33X6.00 and 32X6.20 follow an older diameter-by-section convention, so their wheel diameter is not stated in the size code itself.
The practical approach is to match year first, then inspect the wheels actually on the car. A Wills Sainte Claire 6 Cyl. can appear close enough across these two years to invite guesswork, but the tire family changes with the wheel diameter. If the car still carries antique-format sizing, compare the mounted wheel and overall tire proportions carefully before choosing a replacement path.
On a Wills Sainte Claire 6 Cyl., 33X6.00 is an antique diameter-by-section size. The 33 refers to the tire's approximate outside diameter in inches, while 6.00 is the nominal section width. That first number does not mean the wheel is 33 inches in diameter, which is the main point that confuses modern buyers when they first see early tire codes.
That difference matters because an owner can easily mistake the overall tire diameter for the rim size and end up searching the wrong category. On a Wills Sainte Claire 6 Cyl., antique sizes should be checked against the actual wheel, period photos, and any original service information you have for the specific car. The goal is to confirm the wheel diameter and visual profile together, not just the size stamping alone.
Wills Sainte Claire 6 Cyl. uses two rim diameters across the years covered here. The available 1926 numeric fitment, 600-21, uses a 21-inch rim, while the available 1927 numeric fitment, 650-20, uses a 20-inch rim. Antique sizes such as 33X6.00 and 32X6.20 do not identify rim diameter in the code, so that measurement has to be confirmed on the wheel itself.
That year-to-year change is the first fitment detail to settle before looking at sidewall style or tread type. A Wills Sainte Claire 6 Cyl. with replacement wheels or mixed-period parts can no longer be assumed to match its model year exactly. Measuring the wheel and comparing it to the mounted tire size is the cleanest way to avoid ordering a tire from the wrong rim-diameter family.
Wills Sainte Claire 6 Cyl. fitments here are all bias-ply types, including antique diameter-by-section and numeric bias-ply sizes. For these period-correct constructions, a tube is required. That applies to the available 600-21 and 650-20 products as well as to the earlier-style antique size conventions used on this model line.
Tube fitment is part of the overall assembly, not an afterthought, especially on a late-1920s car. When preparing a Wills Sainte Claire 6 Cyl., make sure the tube, flap if required by wheel type, tire, and rim condition are treated as one system. If the car has seen long storage, inspect the wheels for corrosion, sharp edges, and previous repairs before mounting fresh tubes and tires.
Buying the Right Tire
Start with the model year, because Wills Sainte Claire 6 Cyl. changes from 21-inch numeric fitment in 1926 to 20-inch numeric fitment in 1927, while also showing antique-format alternatives in both years. A 1926 car points toward 33X6.00 or 600-21, and a 1927 car points toward 32X6.20 or 650-20. Those pairs are not interchangeable without confirming what wheels are actually on the car.
The best check is physical: inspect the current tire marking, measure the wheel diameter, and compare the overall tire profile to the look you want for the car. A Wills Sainte Claire 6 Cyl. that has been restored decades ago may already be running a service replacement size rather than its earlier-style designation. If originality matters, compare your findings with factory literature or a knowledgeable Wills enthusiast before making the final call.
Wills Sainte Claire 6 Cyl. tires in the available product range include blackwall and wide whitewall sidewall styles. In 600-21, blackwall and a 3.50-inch whitewall are offered, while 650-20 includes blackwall and a 3.75-inch whitewall among the listed options. That gives owners a choice between a more understated service look and a more formal presentation.
Sidewall style should follow the way your Wills Sainte Claire 6 Cyl. is being restored or presented. A blackwall often suits a practical, less ornate appearance, while a wide whitewall creates a more dressed-up period impression. If the car is intended for judged restoration, compare the sidewall treatment to period photos, surviving originals, and the standards used by the club or event where the car will be shown.
The available brands for Wills Sainte Claire 6 Cyl. sizes here are Lester, BFGoodrich, Firestone, Denman, and Deka. Lester and BFGoodrich appear in 600-21, while Firestone, Denman, and Deka appear in 650-20. Those offerings include both passenger-car style classic bias-ply tires and truck-oriented bias-ply series in the 650-20 size.
Brand choice on a Wills Sainte Claire 6 Cyl. often comes down to the look you want, the sidewall style you need, and whether the car is being set up as a passenger restoration or for a more utilitarian-duty presentation. It is also worth checking whether all four tires will match in brand and visual style, since mixed tread families can change the car's appearance even when the size itself is correct.
Wills Sainte Claire 6 Cyl. products here include Lester Classic Bias Ply, Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, Firestone Classic Bias Ply, Highway Classic Truck, Deka Classic Truck, and Firestone Classic Truck series. The first group represents passenger-car style bias-ply construction, while the truck series are heavier-duty bias-ply offerings in 650-20. All remain period-type crossply tires, but they are aimed at different visual and service roles.
For a Wills Sainte Claire 6 Cyl. restored as a passenger automobile, the classic bias-ply passenger series will usually be the more natural fit in appearance. The truck-family series in 650-20 may appeal where load-focused construction or a more commercial tread character is desired. Matching the tire series to the car's intended use and restoration style often matters as much as matching the basic size.
Maintenance & Longevity
A Wills Sainte Claire 6 Cyl. should be stored in a cool, dry, dark space with the tires kept away from direct sunlight, electric motors, ozone sources, and petroleum contamination. Clean floors, stable temperature, and proper inflation help preserve the casing shape on a low-use collector car. Because this is a late-1920s bias-ply application, long static loads can create flat spotting more readily than on a modern radial-equipped car.
If the Wills Sainte Claire 6 Cyl. will sit for extended periods, move it slightly from time to time or support it in a way that reduces continuous loading on one contact patch. Keep the car on sound wheels with the valve stems and tubes checked regularly. Storage habits have a direct effect on how smoothly a collector car drives when it returns to the road.
Tires on a Wills Sainte Claire 6 Cyl. should be inspected before every drive and given a more thorough check several times during the season. On a collector car using bias-ply construction, inspection means more than checking tread depth. Look for sidewall cracking, casing distortion, loosened valve stems, irregular wear, cuts, embedded debris, and any sign that the tube or bead area has been stressed.
Regular inspection is especially important on a Wills Sainte Claire 6 Cyl. because age, storage history, and infrequent use usually matter more than mileage. A car that looks freshly restored can still be riding on tires with years of dormant aging behind them. Building a habit of visual checks and pressure verification before movement helps catch small issues before they become a roadside problem.
Tires on a Wills Sainte Claire 6 Cyl. should be replaced when age, cracking, impact damage, casing separation, chronic air loss, or visible deformation appears, even if tread wear still looks light. Collector tires often age out long before they wear out. On a late-1920s car, sidewall condition and casing integrity are more important indicators than tread depth alone.
That rule is even more important for a Wills Sainte Claire 6 Cyl. that is driven infrequently or displayed more than used. Time, heat cycles, and storage conditions all affect rubber and fabric structure. If a tire's history is uncertain, a specialist inspection is wise before the next driving season, because age-related deterioration can advance quietly while the car remains parked.
Restoration & Authenticity
Wills Sainte Claire 6 Cyl. is shown here with both antique diameter-by-section sizes and later numeric bias-ply sizes across 1926 and 1927. That tells you the model sits in a period where sizing conventions overlapped, rather than pointing to one single universal tire specification for every car. The available products are replacement tires in classic bias-ply and truck-type series, not a single confirmed original-equipment combination for all examples.
For restoration work, the right choice on a Wills Sainte Claire 6 Cyl. depends on the exact year, the wheels on the car, and the level of authenticity you want to achieve. If your goal is factory-style presentation, compare the current wheel and tire setup with original literature, period photographs, and marque expertise. That extra step can clarify whether your car should remain in antique sizing or in a period replacement numeric size.
Correct tire fitment can absolutely affect how a Wills Sainte Claire 6 Cyl. is judged and how authentic it appears to knowledgeable enthusiasts. Size, sidewall style, overall tire profile, and construction type all influence the visual stance of a late-1920s automobile. Even when the car is mechanically sound, the wrong tire proportions can make an otherwise careful restoration look out of period.
For a Wills Sainte Claire 6 Cyl., authenticity usually means more than simply finding a tire that fits the rim. Judges and experienced restorers often look at whether the tire style suits the year and presentation of the car. If the car is headed for concours or marque judging, use club standards and period reference material to settle questions about sidewall treatment and the most appropriate size family.
Wills Sainte Claire 6 Cyl. products here are offered in blackwall and wide whitewall styles. Either can suit a late-1920s restoration depending on the exact presentation of the car, with blackwall giving a more restrained appearance and wide whitewall creating a more formal, upscale period look. The key is choosing a sidewall style that matches the year, trim character, and visual intent of the restoration.
A Wills Sainte Claire 6 Cyl. restored for touring can reasonably favor the style you prefer, but a show-focused car benefits from consistency with period imagery and marque expectations. Matching all four tires in sidewall style is just as important as selecting the correct size. If the car has surviving original photos or sales literature tied to its history, those are strong guides for final presentation.
Safety & Road Use
A properly fitted new bias-ply tire can be suitable for careful public-road use on a Wills Sainte Claire 6 Cyl., provided the wheels, brakes, steering, tubes, and chassis are in sound condition. These are period-type tires for a late-1920s automobile, so they should be judged as part of the whole car rather than in isolation. Safe operation begins with correct size, correct rim diameter, and sound mechanical preparation.
Driving a Wills Sainte Claire 6 Cyl. on public roads calls for realistic expectations about braking distance, cornering feel, and lane stability compared with modern cars. Keep speeds modest, leave extra following distance, and avoid treating a restored collector car as if it were engineered for modern traffic flow. Thoughtful setup and conservative driving matter as much as the tire choice itself.
Before driving a Wills Sainte Claire 6 Cyl., inspect inflation, valve stems, visible sidewall condition, tread integrity, wheel hardware, and any sign of tube-related leakage or casing distortion. Also confirm that all four tires are the intended size family for the car's wheel diameter. On a late-1920s bias-ply setup, small issues that seem cosmetic can have an outsized effect once the car is moving.
A short walk-around before every outing is one of the best habits a Wills Sainte Claire 6 Cyl. owner can develop. If the car has been sitting, pay special attention to flat spotting, cracking, and pressure loss. It is also wise to test brakes and steering response at very low speed before joining traffic, especially after winter storage or any recent wheel and tire work.
Appropriate speed for a Wills Sainte Claire 6 Cyl. on period-type tires is a conservative speed that respects the limits of late-1920s chassis design, bias-ply construction, and road conditions. Even with fresh tires, the car will not respond like a modern vehicle. Stability, braking, and steering effort all deserve more margin than drivers are used to in contemporary traffic.
The safest approach is to drive a Wills Sainte Claire 6 Cyl. at moderate speeds that keep the car comfortable and composed rather than pushing toward modern highway expectations. Build speed gradually, listen for vibration or wandering, and back off if the car feels unsettled. A collector automobile is best enjoyed within the mechanical rhythm it was designed for, not at the edge of its capability.