1926 Franklin 11A Tires

The 1926 Franklin 11A is associated with two primary bias-ply tire sizes: 31X5.25 and 525-21. Those sizes use different sizing conventions, and they do not point to the same wheel setup, so both should be treated as separate fitment paths rather than interchangeable labels.

The practical next step is to inspect the car’s actual wheels and any existing tires before choosing a replacement. A Franklin that is already set up for 21-inch rims will lead you toward 525-21 choices, while an antique-style 31X5.25 setup needs to be matched on its own terms.

Rim size on a 1926 Franklin 11A depends on which tire size is on the car. The 525-21 fitment uses a 21-inch rim, while the 31X5.25 fitment is tied to a different wheel specification and should not be assumed to share the same rim diameter.

Wheel confirmation matters before anything else, especially on a car of this age that may have seen restoration work or wheel changes over time. Measuring the rim and comparing it to the tire already installed helps avoid ordering a correct-looking tire in the wrong size system for the vehicle.

31X5.25 is an antique diameter-by-section tire size. The 31 refers to the tire’s approximate overall outside diameter in inches, while 5.25 refers to the nominal section width, which is a much older way of expressing size than later numeric bias-ply formats.

That older format is important because it changes how the tire should be interpreted during restoration or replacement. Instead of assuming it behaves like a modern or later vintage size, check the wheel setup carefully and match the tire to the car’s existing dimensions and presentation goals.

Start with the correct primary tire size and wheel setup, because the 1926 Franklin 11A is associated with both 31X5.25 and 525-21 bias-ply fitments. Once that is settled, the decision shifts to product details such as sidewall style, tire series, rim-width compatibility, and the kind of period-style appearance you want the car to carry.

A restoration-focused owner may lean toward a more traditional visual presentation, while a driver-centered owner may focus first on matching the tire to the wheel already on the car. It also helps to compare load figures, product construction details, and the vehicle’s actual clearance before making a final selection.

For the 1926 Franklin 11A, available 525-21 products include blackwall and wide whitewall sidewall styles. That gives owners a meaningful appearance choice while staying within a period-appropriate bias-ply presentation for a mid-1920s automobile.

Sidewall style can change the character of the car even when the tire size stays the same. A blackwall often gives a simpler traditional look, while a wide whitewall creates a more formal restoration-oriented presentation, so the best choice depends on how the car is being preserved, shown, or driven.

Available 525-21 tires for the 1926 Franklin 11A come from Firestone and Excelsior. Firestone options appear in the Firestone Classic Bias Ply series, while Excelsior offers a Comp H tire in the same general size application.

Brand choice is only part of the decision on a car like this. It still makes sense to compare sidewall treatment, rim-width range, load information where available, and the overall visual character of the tire so the final selection matches both the wheel setup and the restoration direction.

A period-style 1926 Franklin 11A should begin with the tire size that matches the car’s actual wheel setup, either 31X5.25 or 525-21, and remain in bias-ply construction. That keeps the sizing approach and visual character aligned with the era in which the car was built.

Once the basic fitment is confirmed, appearance choices such as blackwall or wide whitewall become the main decision. Owners pursuing exact historical accuracy should compare the car against marque references, restoration photos, or period documentation before settling on a sidewall treatment or brand presentation.

Correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1926 Franklin 11A because tire size affects both the car’s visual stance and whether the wheel setup looks appropriate for the period. Using the right size system is especially important here, since 31X5.25 and 525-21 represent different fitment paths.

A mismatched tire can alter the look of the car even before any driving considerations come into play. Careful attention to size, construction, and sidewall style helps the restoration feel coherent, and it also reduces the chance of running into avoidable wheel or clearance issues once the car returns to the road.

Yes. Any change to wheels, hubs, suspension height, or body clearance can affect tire fitment on a 1926 Franklin 11A, especially since the car is associated with two different primary tire sizes. Even a visually subtle wheel change can alter the rim dimensions needed for the tire you plan to use.

A modified car should be checked as it sits today rather than treated as a stock reference. Measure wheel diameter and width, inspect steering and fender clearance, and look closely at how the existing tires sit in the wheel openings before deciding between antique-style and numeric bias-ply replacements.

Before driving a 1926 Franklin 11A on new tires, inspect the wheels for condition and correct size, confirm the tires are mounted for the proper application, and check inflation carefully. It also makes sense to look over the suspension, steering components, and brake system on a collector car that may have spent long periods parked.

The first road use should include a careful clearance check at full steering lock and a short test drive at modest speed. Recheck air pressure afterward and watch for any signs of rubbing, unusual movement, or uneven settling so small fitment issues are caught early.

Tires on a collector 1926 Franklin 11A should be inspected regularly for air loss, sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, and uneven wear, even if the car is driven only occasionally. Collector vehicles often age their tires through time and storage conditions as much as through mileage.

Storage habits matter almost as much as road use on a pre-war era automobile. Keep the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources, maintain proper inflation, and examine the tires before each outing so age-related problems are found before they affect road manners or safety.