The 1926 Rickenbacker 6 Cyl. comes from an era when American automobiles were rapidly moving from pioneer simplicity toward more refined touring design, and tire selection remains a key part of preserving that character. This is a car that rewards period-appropriate fitment rather than casual substitution. Two bias-ply sizes appear on the 1926 Rickenbacker 6 Cyl.: 31X5.25 and 525-21, so the first step is confirming which wheel setup is actually on the car. Available choices include traditional blackwall tires as well as a wide whitewall presentation in 525-21. For restoration, display, or road use, wheel diameter and visual style matter just as much as getting the nominal size right.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1926 Rickenbacker 6 Cyl.
The 1926 Rickenbacker 6 Cyl. uses two primary tire sizes, and they do not share the same rim diameter. Before choosing a tire, confirm the actual wheel setup on the car, since one fitment uses 31X5.25 and the other uses 525-21. Once wheel diameter is settled, the decision shifts to selecting the right bias-ply tire style and product configuration for the way the car is being restored or driven.
In the 31X5.25 format, the first number refers to the tire's approximate overall diameter and the second refers to section width, making it an older antique-style sizing system rather than a modern rim-first format. This is a bias-ply fitment, which suits the pre-war character and visual stance expected on a 1926 Rickenbacker 6 Cyl. Because this sizing style can be unfamiliar to modern buyers, it is important to verify the actual wheel dimensions on the car before moving ahead. This size is best evaluated by confirming the existing wheel setup and the kind of period presentation the car is meant to keep.
The 525-21 size is a numeric bias-ply designation in which the leading number represents the nominal section width and the final number identifies a 21-inch rim. On a 1926 Rickenbacker 6 Cyl., this size keeps the vehicle in a traditional bias-ply construction that matches the driving and appearance expectations of the period. Available choices include Firestone and Excelsior products, with blackwall options and a 3.00 inch wide whitewall version also offered in this size. It is the size to examine closely if the car wears 21-inch wheels and the goal is either a restrained original-style look or a more formal whitewall presentation.
Fitment is straightforward in one sense because the covered sub-model is the Base, but tire choice still depends on the wheel setup actually on the car. Since the Base can use more than one primary tire size, confirming wheel diameter matters before selecting a replacement.
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1926 Rickenbacker 6 Cyl. Base
The 1926 Rickenbacker 6 Cyl. Base can use either of the two period bias-ply fitments associated with this model. That makes wheel confirmation the key first step, followed by choosing the tire style that best matches the car's restoration direction and road-use plans.
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.
Best 1926 Rickenbacker 6 Cyl. Tires for Sale
Available 525-21 tires give a useful mix of period-style choices, including Firestone and Excelsior offerings, Firestone Classic Bias Ply and Comp H series, and both blackwall and wide whitewall sidewall treatments. Rim-width specifications also vary, so product comparison should include wheel compatibility as well as appearance.
Owners of a 1926 Rickenbacker 6 Cyl. usually need to sort out wheel diameter first, then decide between period-style blackwall or whitewall bias-ply options. The questions below focus on tire size meaning, rim fitment, restoration appearance, and the checks worth making before road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1926 Rickenbacker 6 Cyl.?
The 1926 Rickenbacker 6 Cyl. uses two primary tire sizes: 31X5.25 and 525-21. Both are bias-ply fitments, and the correct choice depends on the wheel setup on the car rather than a one-size-fits-all assumption.
That makes wheel confirmation the first step before choosing a replacement tire. A collector car from this era may have changed wheels over time, so checking the actual rim diameter and comparing the tire markings already on the car will help keep the replacement aligned with the vehicle's current fitment and appearance.
What size rim does a 1926 Rickenbacker 6 Cyl. use?
The 1926 Rickenbacker 6 Cyl. appears with more than one rim diameter depending on which tire size is on the car. The 525-21 fitment uses a 21-inch rim, while the 31X5.25 fitment should be verified carefully against the wheel setup being used.
For a buyer, that means tire shopping should start with the wheel itself, not just the vehicle name. Measure the existing rim, confirm the markings on the current tire if they are still readable, and make sure the wheel width also matches the tire being considered before selecting a period-style replacement.
Why does the 1926 Rickenbacker 6 Cyl. have more than one tire size?
More than one primary tire size appears on the 1926 Rickenbacker 6 Cyl., which means replacement fitment depends on the wheel configuration actually present on the car. Both sizes are period bias-ply fitments, but they are not the same sizing system and they do not point to the same wheel diameter.
That difference matters because an antique collector vehicle may have been restored, repaired, or re-equipped long after it left the showroom. Rather than choosing by model name alone, confirm the current wheel diameter and compare the existing tire size so the new tire matches the car's actual setup and intended look.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 525-21 tire for a 1926 Rickenbacker 6 Cyl.?
Start with the basics: the tire must be the correct 525-21 size, bias-ply construction, and a match for the wheel dimensions on the car. From there, the main choices are brand, tire series, sidewall style, and the rim-width specification tied to each product.
A wide whitewall creates a more formal restoration-oriented appearance, while a blackwall gives a plainer traditional look. Comparing Firestone and Excelsior options also means checking whether the wheel width matches the tire's intended range, since appearance alone should not decide the final selection on a pre-war car.
What sidewall styles are available for 1926 Rickenbacker 6 Cyl. tires?
In 525-21, the available sidewall styles include blackwall and wide whitewall. Those choices can change the visual impression of a 1926 Rickenbacker 6 Cyl. quite a bit, even when the tire size and basic bias-ply construction remain the same.
A blackwall usually suits a more restrained period presentation, while a wide whitewall adds a stronger visual accent that many restoration-minded owners prefer. The best choice depends on how the car is being finished, how closely the appearance is being researched, and whether the wheel setup matches the specific tire selected.
What brands offer tires for the 1926 Rickenbacker 6 Cyl.?
The available 525-21 tires for the 1926 Rickenbacker 6 Cyl. come from Firestone and Excelsior. Those options also span different tire series, including Firestone Classic Bias Ply and Excelsior Comp H, giving buyers more than one path within the correct period-style sizing.
Brand choice should be weighed alongside sidewall treatment, rim-width compatibility, and the overall character of the restoration. A buyer comparing products for a touring-era car usually gets the best result by deciding the correct size and wheel match first, then narrowing the field by appearance and series preference.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1926 Rickenbacker 6 Cyl.?
A period-style 1926 Rickenbacker 6 Cyl. should stay with the primary bias-ply fitment that matches the wheel setup on the car, either 31X5.25 or 525-21. Keeping the proper size format matters because these early tire designations influence both the vehicle's stance and its visual authenticity.
After confirming the wheel diameter, the next decision becomes presentation. In 525-21, blackwall and wide whitewall choices create very different looks, so owners focused on exact historical accuracy should compare those options against marque references, period photos, and restoration documentation before finalizing the tire style.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1926 Rickenbacker 6 Cyl. restoration?
Correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1926 Rickenbacker 6 Cyl. because tire size, construction, and sidewall style all affect the car's stance, proportions, and overall period impression. On an early automobile, the wrong size can stand out immediately even to casual observers.
Fitment also affects how naturally the car sits on its wheels and how confidently a restoration reads as intentional rather than improvised. Even when the visual goal is the priority, the wheel dimensions still need to match the tire being considered so appearance and practical fitment stay aligned.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1926 Rickenbacker 6 Cyl.?
Yes. If a 1926 Rickenbacker 6 Cyl. has different wheels than it originally carried, or if suspension and brake components have been changed during restoration, those changes can affect which tire size is appropriate. That is especially important here because more than one primary tire size appears for the model.
A modified collector car should have its wheel diameter, wheel width, and available clearance checked before any replacement tire is chosen. Steering lock, fender clearance, and the way the tire sits on the rim are all worth confirming, particularly when the car's current configuration may not mirror its earlier setup.
What should I inspect before driving a 1926 Rickenbacker 6 Cyl. on new tires?
Before road use, inspect wheel condition, valve hardware, tire seating, and inflation pressure, then make sure the tires clear the fenders and steering components through the full range of movement. On a collector vehicle of this age, it also helps to check for looseness or wear elsewhere in the running gear.
A short, careful shakedown drive is a sensible next step after installation. Recheck pressure, look for any signs of rubbing, and confirm that the car tracks normally, since early vehicles and restored cars can reveal fitment issues only after the tires have been mounted and put into real motion.
How should tires on a collector 1926 Rickenbacker 6 Cyl. be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1926 Rickenbacker 6 Cyl. should be inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and air loss, even if the car is driven only occasionally. Low annual mileage does not prevent aging, and long storage periods can be just as hard on bias-ply tires as road use.
Good storage habits help preserve both appearance and service life. Keep the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, standing moisture, and ozone sources, and check pressure before every outing rather than assuming the tires stayed stable since the last drive. That routine is especially important on rarely used pre-war vehicles.
