1926 Studebaker Special Tires

The 1926 Studebaker Special uses two primary bias-ply tire sizes: 32X6.20 and 650-20. Both sizes are associated with this model, and the covered 1926 Studebaker Special 6 Cyl. sub-model uses the same pair of fitments rather than a separate sub-model-specific size.

That means the real job is not choosing from modern sizing at random, but confirming which of those two period sizes matches the wheels and setup currently on the car. Many collector vehicles have had wheel changes over the decades, so the safest next step is checking the actual rim dimensions and the tire size already mounted before selecting a replacement.

The 1926 Studebaker Special uses a 20-inch rim diameter with its primary tire fitments. The 650-20 size states that 20-inch rim directly, and the vehicle’s covered fitment centers on that same 20-inch wheel diameter across the listed tire options.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture on a car from this era. Actual wheel width should be checked as well, especially if the car has replacement wheels or a long restoration history. Verifying both diameter and width helps narrow the choice between the two accepted sizes and avoids buying a tire that matches the number but not the wheel.

Yes. The 1926 Studebaker Special 6 Cyl. uses the same two primary bias-ply tire sizes associated with the model core: 32X6.20 and 650-20. There is no separate tire-size split shown within this covered sub-model, so selection stays within those two period fitments.

Even with shared fitment, the choice still deserves a careful look because the two sizes are expressed in different vintage sizing systems. One is an antique diameter-by-section format and the other is a numeric bias-ply size. Matching the tire to the actual wheel and the car’s intended appearance is more useful than assuming either format is automatically the better choice.

Start with the basics: confirm that 650-20 is the size you want to run on the car’s 20-inch wheels, then compare the available bias-ply choices by brand, sidewall style, tire series, rim-width specification, and load figure where one is stated. Firestone, Denman, and Deka options are available in this size.

Beyond size, the best choice depends on how the Studebaker will be presented and used. A wide whitewall gives a more formal restoration-oriented look, while blackwall options can suit a more understated or utility-focused presentation. Tires in truck-oriented series also deserve a close look if the tread style and construction character are part of the goal for the vehicle.

For the 1926 Studebaker Special, the available 650-20 product assortment includes blackwall and wide whitewall sidewall styles. Firestone offers both a 3.75-inch whitewall and blackwall options, while Denman and Deka choices in this fitment are blackwall tires.

That sidewall decision has a strong effect on the car’s finished appearance, especially on a pre-war vehicle where the tire contributes heavily to the overall stance. A wide whitewall creates a more formal period-style presentation, while blackwall tends to look more restrained and functional. The right choice depends on the visual direction of the restoration rather than a universal rule.

The 1926 Studebaker Special has 650-20 tire options from Firestone, Denman, and Deka. Within those brands, the available products include classic bias-ply passenger-style choices and truck-oriented series, giving the buyer more than one path depending on the look and character being pursued.

Brand alone should not drive the decision. It is more useful to compare size, sidewall treatment, rim-width compatibility where stated, and whether the tire series leans toward a traditional passenger presentation or a classic truck style. On a vehicle this old, appearance, wheel match, and intended road use usually matter more than simply choosing by name.

A period-style 1926 Studebaker Special starts with the two primary bias-ply fitments used on the car: 32X6.20 and 650-20. Staying with bias-ply construction helps preserve the visual character expected on a mid-1920s automobile, especially if the goal is a traditional stance and vintage road-going presentation.

From there, the decision becomes more specific. A 650-20 wide whitewall creates a more formal restoration-oriented look, while blackwall choices feel more restrained or utility-minded. If exact originality matters beyond general period style, it is wise to compare the tire choice against marque literature, restoration photography, or other vehicle-specific historical references before making a final selection.

Tire construction has a major effect on how a restored 1926 Studebaker Special looks because bias-ply tires carry the traditional profile and visual character associated with cars of this era. Since the primary fitments for this model are bias-ply, that construction naturally aligns with a pre-war restoration approach.

Appearance is not only about the size number on the sidewall. The tire’s shape, tread character, and sidewall treatment all influence how authentic or appropriate the car looks once finished. On a 1920s vehicle, the tire is a highly visible styling element, so matching construction and sidewall style to the restoration’s visual goal is usually just as important as matching the size.

Yes. Even though the 1926 Studebaker Special uses 32X6.20 and 650-20 as its primary tire sizes, later wheel changes, brake work, suspension repairs, or body modifications can alter what actually fits the car today. That is especially common on older collector vehicles that have seen decades of maintenance and parts replacement.

A modified Studebaker should be checked for actual rim diameter, wheel width, and clearance at the fender, steering, and suspension points before a new set is chosen. Looking at the tire currently on the car can help, but it should not replace measurement. The goal is to confirm the present setup, not just assume the car still matches period dimensions.

Before road use, inspect the wheel condition, valve stems, mounting hardware, and the tires themselves for proper seating and inflation. On a 1926 Studebaker Special, it also makes sense to check for clearance through steering travel and suspension movement, since older vehicles can reveal fitment issues only once weight is on the tires.

A broader road-readiness inspection matters too. Look over the suspension, steering components, and brake system, and make sure the car tracks properly at low speed before any longer outing. New tires improve nothing if the surrounding chassis condition is poor, so a short test drive and careful recheck afterward are wise on a pre-war collector vehicle.

650-20 tires on a collector 1926 Studebaker Special should be kept properly inflated, inspected regularly for cuts, bulges, cracking, and irregular wear, and protected from long periods of harsh sun, moisture, and ozone exposure. Low annual mileage does not prevent aging, so condition matters just as much as tread depth.

Regular visual checks are especially important on a car that may sit for long stretches between drives. It helps to inspect the sidewalls before each outing and recheck pressure after storage. A collector car also benefits from clean, dry storage and occasional movement to avoid long-term flat spotting or unnoticed air loss that can compromise the next drive.