The 1926 Overland 93 Series comes from a period when practical American motoring was rapidly maturing, and tire fitment still reflected the industry's transition from earlier sizing conventions to more standardized wheel-and-tire combinations. For owners of this car, the main fitment question is especially important because the 1926 Overland 93 Series appears with two bias-ply sizes: 30X5.25 and 5.25-20. Those sizes are not simply different labels for the same thing, and they point to different wheel dimensions. Choosing the right tire starts with confirming which wheel setup is actually on the car, then balancing period-style appearance, restoration goals, and road-use practicality.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1926 Overland 93 Series
The 1926 Overland 93 Series uses two primary tire sizes, and the first step is confirming which wheel diameter is on the car. Both fitments are bias-ply, but they differ by size system and rim diameter, so selecting the right tire depends on identifying the actual wheel setup rather than choosing between appearance options alone.
30X5.25 is an antique diameter-by-section size, which means the first number represents an approximate overall tire diameter of 30 inches and the second number represents an approximate section width of 5.25 inches. It is a bias-ply fitment suited to an early motoring application where tire sizing was often expressed by outside diameter rather than modern rim-first conventions. For a 1926 Overland 93 Series, this size points to a very specific wheel and tire setup that should be preserved carefully on restoration-minded cars. It is the right choice only after the wheel dimensions and existing fitment have been confirmed on the vehicle itself.
5.25-20 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 5.25 refers to the nominal section width in inches and 20 identifies the rim diameter. That makes it easier for many buyers to interpret than earlier diameter-based sizing, but it still belongs to the same vintage bias-ply era as the Overland 93 Series. On this application, the practical significance is that it uses a 20-inch wheel, making wheel confirmation essential before ordering. This size is the better path when the car is equipped for the later numeric convention and the goal is to keep the vehicle on the proper vintage-style tire type.
Sub-model fitment is straightforward here because the covered 6 Cyl. version is associated with the same two primary tire sizes used on the 1926 Overland 93 Series overall. The important step is still verifying which wheel and tire setup is on the car, since the two sizes do not share the same rim diameter.
1
1926 Overland 93 Series 6 Cyl.
The 1926 Overland 93 Series 6 Cyl. is associated with both 30X5.25 and 5.25-20 bias-ply fitments, so the tire decision centers on the actual wheel setup rather than a separate sub-model-only size. Confirming the wheel diameter and the tire format already on the car will help keep a restoration or road-use replacement on the right path.
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
Owners of a 1926 Overland 93 Series usually need clarity on vintage tire sizing, wheel-diameter confirmation, period-style bias-ply selection, and the extra inspection steps that matter before putting an early car back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1926 Overland 93 Series?
The 1926 Overland 93 Series uses two primary bias-ply tire sizes: 30X5.25 and 5.25-20. Those are distinct fitments, not interchangeable labels, and they correspond to different wheel setups. That makes this car a case where tire size must be confirmed on the vehicle before choosing a replacement.
The practical next step is to inspect the wheels already on the car and confirm the actual rim diameter before selecting a tire. On an early vehicle like this, wheels may have been changed over time, and a restoration may not still wear its earlier setup. Matching the tire to the wheel on the car matters more than assuming one size applies to every surviving example.
What size rim does a 1926 Overland 93 Series use?
The 1926 Overland 93 Series appears with two different rim diameters depending on tire size. The 30X5.25 fitment is associated with a 5.0-inch rim diameter, while the 5.25-20 fitment uses a 20-inch rim. Rim confirmation is therefore the first fitment step on this car.
Because those dimensions point to very different wheel setups, it is important to inspect the wheel itself rather than relying only on the tire currently mounted. Older tires may be mismatched, and collector cars are often altered during long ownership histories. Verifying the wheel diameter and the existing tire format helps avoid choosing a tire from the wrong sizing system.
What does 30X5.25 mean on a 1926 Overland 93 Series?
30X5.25 is an antique diameter-by-section tire size. On the 1926 Overland 93 Series, the 30 refers to an approximate overall tire diameter in inches, while 5.25 refers to the approximate section width. It is a vintage bias-ply format that predates the more familiar modern rim-first radial sizing systems.
That format matters because it should not be read the same way as a size like 5.25-20. One identifies the tire by overall diameter and width, while the other uses width and rim diameter. Reading the code correctly helps you confirm whether the car is wearing an earlier-style tire setup and prevents confusion when comparing reproduction vintage tires.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1926 Overland 93 Series?
Start with the actual tire size and wheel setup on the car, because the 1926 Overland 93 Series uses either 30X5.25 or 5.25-20, both in bias-ply construction. The first choice is not brand or appearance but matching the tire to the proper size system and rim diameter already in use.
After size confirmation, think about how the car will be used and how authentic you want the finished presentation to look. A touring car driven occasionally may prioritize dependable vintage-style fitment, while a restoration may place more emphasis on keeping the correct-looking size format. Tire age, wheel condition, and the car's actual setup should all be reviewed before road use.
How do I choose between 30X5.25 and 5.25-20 for a 1926 Overland 93 Series?
Choose between 30X5.25 and 5.25-20 by confirming which wheel setup is on the car. Both are primary bias-ply fitments for the 1926 Overland 93 Series, but they are different sizes with different rim diameters. One should not be selected simply because the numbers appear similar in width.
The safest approach is to inspect the mounted wheels, read the size on any serviceable existing tires, and compare that with the vehicle's current configuration. Early cars sometimes pass through multiple restorations, and wheel changes are not unusual. Selecting the tire that matches the present wheel hardware is the key decision before considering any appearance or restoration preference.
What rim-fitment details matter when choosing 1926 Overland 93 Series tires?
Rim diameter is the most important rim-fitment detail on a 1926 Overland 93 Series because the two primary sizes do not use the same wheel. A 30X5.25 setup differs fundamentally from a 5.25-20 setup, so the wheel itself must be matched to the tire's intended sizing system.
Condition matters just as much as dimension on an early vehicle. Wheels should be checked for age-related damage, corrosion, trueness, and any signs of prior repair before mounting new tires. Collector cars that have sat for long periods can hide wheel issues, and correcting those problems first helps the new tires perform as intended on the road.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1926 Overland 93 Series?
A period-style 1926 Overland 93 Series should stay with the correct primary bias-ply size for the wheel setup on the car, either 30X5.25 or 5.25-20. Both sizes reflect authentic vintage tire conventions from the era, so the central restoration choice is matching the actual wheel and preserving the car's proper visual proportions.
When originality matters beyond basic fitment, the details should be checked against marque-specific references, restoration photos, or other vehicle history tied to the individual car. Many early cars have been updated over the decades, so a careful restoration approach starts with confirming what wheels are present now and whether they match the appearance goal for the finished car.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1926 Overland 93 Series restoration?
Correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1926 Overland 93 Series restoration because tire size has a strong effect on stance, wheel appearance, and the overall visual character of an early car. Using the proper bias-ply size for the wheel setup helps the vehicle look consistent with its period and avoids an obviously mismatched presentation.
Fitment also affects more than appearance. A tire chosen from the wrong sizing system can create mounting problems or an awkward visual relationship with the wheel and body. Restorers should confirm the actual wheels on the car first, then select the tire size that supports both safe installation and the traditional look expected from a mid-1920s Overland.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1926 Overland 93 Series?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1926 Overland 93 Series, especially because this car already has two different primary size paths tied to different wheel setups. Replacement wheels, brake work, suspension changes, or prior restoration decisions can all alter what tire size and wheel combination the car now requires.
A modified car should be inspected as it sits rather than treated as a stock reference example. Measure the wheel diameter, check the wheel's physical condition, and look at fender and steering clearances before selecting a tire. That extra verification is particularly important on early vehicles, where parts substitutions over many decades are common.
What should I inspect before driving a 1926 Overland 93 Series on new tires?
Before driving a 1926 Overland 93 Series on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve hardware, and overall mounting condition, then look over the rest of the chassis for anything that could affect safe road use. Steering components, suspension pieces, and brake condition all matter on an early car returning to service.
Tire-related checks should include inflation, bead seating, visible cuts, bulges, and any signs of rubbing once the car is on the ground and turned lock to lock. A short, careful test drive followed by a second inspection is a smart step. Collector vehicles that have spent years parked often reveal additional issues only after movement resumes.
How should tires on a collector 1926 Overland 93 Series be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1926 Overland 93 Series should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and careful storage habits. Even on a lightly used car, age matters, so sidewall cracking, tread separation, flat spotting, and slow air loss deserve attention long before the tires look worn out in the usual sense.
Storage conditions make a real difference for low-mileage vintage cars. Keeping the Overland away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps protect the rubber over time. It also helps to move the car periodically or adjust its resting position so the tires are not left under the same static load for months at a time.
