The 1926 Moon A comes from an era when independent automakers competed on style, engineering character, and road presence in a fast-changing American market. For collectors, it represents the kind of mid-1920s car where tire selection affects not just appearance, but stance, drivability, and the authenticity of the overall presentation. This model uses bias-ply fitments in two period formats, 30X5.25 and 5.25-20, so identifying the wheel setup on the car matters before choosing a replacement. The decision often comes down to matching the correct size format to the vehicle while preserving a proper vintage look. Careful wheel measurement and fitment confirmation are especially important on a restoration-era car like this.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1926 Moon A
The 1926 Moon A uses two primary tire sizes, and the first step is confirming which wheel setup is actually on the car. Both fitments are bias-ply, but they differ by sizing system and rim diameter, so the tire decision starts with identifying whether your Moon A is set up for 30X5.25 or 5.25-20 before comparing period-style replacement options.
30X5.25 is an antique diameter-by-section size, meaning the first number refers to the tire's approximate overall diameter and the second refers to its section width. On the 1926 Moon A, this is a bias-ply fitment suited to the visual character and construction style expected on a mid-1920s automobile. This format is very different from later numeric sizing, so it helps to read the sidewall carefully rather than assuming the dimensions translate directly. It is the right size to evaluate when the goal is preserving an early-car appearance while matching the vehicle's existing wheel arrangement.
5.25-20 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 5.25 refers to nominal section width in inches and 20 identifies the rim diameter. For a 1926 Moon A using this fitment, the size reflects a more familiar vintage numeric system while still keeping the traditional bias-ply construction appropriate to the period. Because the code ties directly to a 20-inch rim, wheel confirmation is especially important before moving ahead with a replacement. This is the size to focus on if the car has that later-style vintage numeric setup rather than the 30X5.25 format.
The covered Moon A sub-model uses both primary tire sizes, so fitment is less about trim differences and more about confirming the actual wheel and tire setup on the individual car. That matters because these two bias-ply sizes use different sizing conventions and different rim diameters.
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1926 Moon A 6 Cyl.
The 1926 Moon A 6 Cyl. is associated with both 30X5.25 and 5.25-20 bias-ply tire fitments. Tire selection starts with checking which wheel and size format are on the car now, then choosing a period-style replacement that matches that setup rather than assuming one vintage size automatically substitutes for the other.
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
These FAQs focus on the actual tire sizes used on the 1926 Moon A, how to tell the two fitments apart, and what to inspect before putting a restored or long-stored collector car back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1926 Moon A?
The 1926 Moon A uses two primary bias-ply tire sizes: 30X5.25 and 5.25-20. Those are both valid fitments for this vehicle, but they are not the same size expressed two different ways. They represent different vintage sizing systems and different wheel setups.
The practical step is to inspect the tires and wheels currently on the car and confirm the rim diameter before choosing a replacement. On an older restored vehicle, wheels may have been changed over time, so the correct choice depends on the actual setup in front of you rather than assuming every 1926 Moon A still carries the same configuration.
What size rim does a 1926 Moon A use?
The 1926 Moon A is associated with two rim diameters, depending on which primary tire size is on the car. The 30X5.25 fitment corresponds to a 5.0-inch rim diameter, while the 5.25-20 fitment uses a 20-inch rim diameter. That difference is central to selecting the right tire.
A buyer should confirm the wheel diameter directly before ordering replacement tires, especially on a collector car that may have seen wheel changes during restoration or long service life. Matching the tire size to the wrong rim diameter is not a minor variation, so this vehicle rewards careful measurement rather than relying on appearance alone.
What does 30X5.25 mean on a 1926 Moon A?
30X5.25 is an antique diameter-by-section tire size. In that format, the first number refers to the tire's approximate overall diameter, and the second number refers to the section width. It is a traditional bias-ply size used on early vehicles such as the 1926 Moon A.
That older format can be confusing because it does not read like later numeric or modern radial sizing. On a Moon A, the key takeaway is that 30X5.25 should be treated as its own distinct fitment, not as shorthand for 5.25-20. Reading the sidewall carefully and checking the wheel itself helps avoid ordering a tire from the wrong era-specific sizing system.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 1926 Moon A tire?
Start with the exact primary size that matches the car's current wheel setup, either 30X5.25 or 5.25-20. Both are bias-ply fitments, so the main decision is not bias-ply versus radial, but confirming the correct sizing system and rim diameter for the individual vehicle before moving on to appearance or restoration priorities.
A 1920s car often has a long service history, and wheel changes can happen over the decades. That makes direct measurement worthwhile. After the size is confirmed, choose a tire that supports the way the car will be used, whether the focus is display, parade use, or regular collector driving, while keeping the vintage stance and proportions in mind.
How do I choose between the available 30X5.25 and 5.25-20 tires for a 1926 Moon A?
The choice is not between two interchangeable tires, but between two different fitments that apply to the 1926 Moon A. 30X5.25 uses an antique diameter-by-section format, while 5.25-20 uses a numeric bias-ply format tied to a 20-inch rim. The correct tire is the one that matches the car's actual wheels.
Once the wheel setup is confirmed, think about how closely the tire's look matches the character of the restoration and how the car will be driven. A careful owner should also inspect clearance around fenders and suspension, especially if anything has been altered over the years. Vintage fitment decisions are usually won or lost in the measuring stage.
Why is wheel confirmation so important when choosing tires for a 1926 Moon A?
Wheel confirmation matters because the 1926 Moon A can use two different tire sizes with two different rim diameters. A tire marked 30X5.25 does not mount to the same rim setup as a 5.25-20 tire. Even though both are period bias-ply sizes, they should be treated as distinct fitments.
That makes a quick visual guess risky on a nearly century-old vehicle. The safer approach is to verify the existing tire markings, measure the wheel where needed, and inspect whether the car has been modified or restored with non-original components. Correct wheel-to-tire matching supports proper mounting, better presentation, and fewer surprises once the car is back on the road.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1926 Moon A?
A period-style 1926 Moon A should stay with the primary bias-ply tire size that matches its actual wheel setup, either 30X5.25 or 5.25-20. Both sizes suit the era of the car, but they reflect different vintage sizing systems, so the most authentic-looking result begins with confirming which format belongs on the vehicle as it sits.
For a restoration-oriented car, tire shape and overall presentation matter almost as much as basic fitment. A correctly matched bias-ply tire helps preserve the upright, early-automobile look that can be lost with the wrong size. When exact originality is important, marque references, period photos, and restoration documentation are useful final checks before making a selection.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1926 Moon A restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1926 Moon A restoration because the tire has a strong effect on stance, wheel proportion, and the overall visual character of the car. Using the proper bias-ply size for the wheel setup helps the vehicle look cohesive rather than mismatched or overmodernized.
Fitment also affects practical details beyond appearance. The wrong size can create mounting problems, alter visual balance, or introduce clearance concerns that do not belong on a carefully restored car. Taking time to confirm the existing rims and vintage size markings is one of the simplest ways to protect both the restoration investment and the finished presentation.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1926 Moon A?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1926 Moon A. Wheel changes, brake work, suspension alterations, or restoration decisions made long after the car left the road can all influence which tire size actually belongs on the vehicle now. That is especially important here because two different primary fitments are associated with this model.
A careful inspection should include wheel diameter, wheel condition, and visible clearance around fenders, steering components, and suspension parts. Even a car that looks stock may not be carrying its original setup. Measuring first helps avoid choosing a tire that matches the car on paper but not the hardware currently installed on the vehicle.
What should I inspect before driving a 1926 Moon A on new tires?
Before driving a 1926 Moon A on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve hardware, mounting surfaces, and the general condition of the steering and suspension. Tire pressure should be checked after mounting, and the car should be looked over for signs of rubbing, uneven stance, or any mismatch between the tire and wheel setup.
A short, cautious test drive is a smart follow-up on a collector car, especially one that has spent long periods parked. Pay attention to tracking, steering response, and any contact noises at low speed. Early cars deserve a slower reintroduction to road use, with another visual inspection afterward to confirm that everything is settling in properly.
How should tires on a collector 1926 Moon A be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1926 Moon A should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspections, and careful storage habits. Look for cracking, bulges, cuts, flat spotting, and any signs of air loss, even if the car is driven only occasionally. Low-use vintage vehicles can age tires long before they wear them out.
Storage conditions matter almost as much as mileage. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps protect the rubber over time. It also helps to inspect the tires before every outing rather than only on a schedule, because collector cars often sit long enough for changes in condition to go unnoticed.
