1927 Paige 85 Series Tires

The 1927 Paige 85 Series is associated with two primary bias-ply tire sizes: 32X6.20 and 650-20. The covered sub-model, the 1927 Paige 85 Series 8 Cyl., uses those same two sizes, so the fitment question is less about trim differences and more about which wheel and tire setup is actually on the car now.

That matters because antique cars are often restored, re-wheeled, or converted over time. Start by confirming the wheel diameter and reading the size on the current tires, then compare that against the vehicle's stance and clearance. A buyer choosing 650-20 will also have a clearer range of available product and sidewall options to compare.

The 1927 Paige 85 Series uses a 20-inch rim with its primary tire fitments. That rim diameter aligns directly with 650-20, and it also matches the vehicle's 32X6.20 fitment context as a tall, early-style bias-ply setup intended for a substantial late-1920s automobile.

Rim diameter is the first thing to verify before ordering tires, especially on a collector car that may have had wheels changed decades ago. Measuring the wheel and checking its width is worthwhile, because a correct 20-inch diameter alone does not answer every fitment question. Wheel condition, bead-seat integrity, and overall compatibility deserve the same attention.

On a 1927 Paige 85 Series, 32X6.20 is an antique diameter-by-section tire size. The 32 refers to the tire's approximate overall diameter, while 6.20 refers to its nominal section width in inches. It is a bias-ply format from an earlier sizing language than the more familiar modern radial and passenger-car systems.

Understanding that format helps prevent confusion when comparing it with 650-20. The two sizes are expressed differently, so the code should not be read as a modern width-aspect-ratio-rim formula. Anyone replacing old tires on a restored Paige should inspect the current wheel and mounted size carefully before deciding which style of fitment to continue.

A 650-20 tire for a 1927 Paige 85 Series should first match the car's existing 20-inch wheel setup and the owner's intended use. Available choices stay within bias-ply construction, but they vary by brand, tire series, sidewall appearance, rim-width specification, weight, and in some cases load-related details.

From there, the decision usually becomes one of presentation and application. A wide whitewall creates a more formal restoration-oriented look, while blackwall tires suit a plainer or more utilitarian appearance. It also helps to compare wheel width and overall vehicle condition, particularly if the car will see regular road miles rather than display-only use.

For the 1927 Paige 85 Series, the available 650-20 product choices include blackwall and wide whitewall sidewall styles. Those options let the owner keep the same basic tire size while changing the visual character of the car, which can make a noticeable difference on a tall-wheel late-1920s vehicle.

The right choice depends on how the Paige is being presented. A wide whitewall usually gives a more formal, dress-car appearance, while blackwall leans more restrained and practical. Since sidewall style does not answer the fitment question by itself, make sure the selected tire still matches the wheel dimensions and overall setup on the car.

650-20 tires for the 1927 Paige 85 Series are available from Firestone, Denman, and Deka. Those choices span Firestone Classic Bias Ply, Firestone Classic Truck, Highway Classic Truck, and Deka Classic Truck series, giving the buyer several ways to compare traditional bias-ply tires within the correct 20-inch fitment family.

Brand selection should be weighed alongside the tire's intended character rather than treated as a ranking exercise. Some options lean toward a more passenger-car presentation, while others have truck-style series names and attributes. Matching the tire to the car's appearance goal, wheel width, and expected driving use is more helpful than choosing by brand alone.

A period-style 1927 Paige 85 Series tire choice starts with the vehicle's primary bias-ply fitments, 32X6.20 or 650-20. Those sizes keep the car within the kind of tall, traditional tire presentation expected for a late-1920s Paige, rather than shifting it into a visibly modern sizing and construction profile.

From there, the decision depends on how exact the restoration needs to be. Owners focused on authentic presentation should compare the car against period photos, marque-club references, and restoration records before choosing sidewall treatment. Buyers using 650-20 also have the advantage of comparing blackwall and wide whitewall options without leaving the original-style sizing family.

Correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1927 Paige 85 Series because the tire has a strong effect on the car's stance, wheel-well proportion, and overall visual balance. On a substantial eight-cylinder Paige, an incorrect tire size or visibly modern profile can change the restored car's appearance almost as much as an incorrect wheel would.

Fitment also affects how the finished car sits and drives. A buyer working toward a restoration-oriented result should verify the wheel diameter, actual mounted setup, and preferred sidewall style before choosing between 32X6.20 and 650-20. Getting those details right helps preserve the car's period character without making unsupported originality assumptions.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1927 Paige 85 Series even when the tire size appears correct on paper. Changes to wheel width, replacement rims, brake updates, suspension work, or body and fender alignment can alter how a tall bias-ply tire sits and clears through steering and normal suspension movement.

That is why the actual car should be inspected before choosing between 32X6.20 and 650-20. A restored Paige may not still be on its original wheel setup, and collector cars often carry decades of changes. Checking wheel dimensions, clearance at full lock, and the car's ride height will prevent surprises after mounting.

Before driving a 1927 Paige 85 Series on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, lug hardware, and the general condition of the steering and suspension. The tires themselves should be checked for proper inflation, secure seating on the rim, and any early signs of air loss after installation.

A short shakedown drive is sensible on a collector car of this age. Recheck pressure after the first outing and look for any rub marks, uneven clearance, or steering issues that might not have been obvious in the shop. It is also smart to confirm that the spare, jack equipment, and roadside tools match the tire and wheel setup.

650-20 tires on a collector 1927 Paige 85 Series should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspection, and careful storage habits. Even when tread wear is minimal, collector-car tires deserve attention for cracking, cuts, bulges, flat spotting, and slow air loss because age and inactivity can matter as much as mileage.

Storage conditions play a major role in preserving a bias-ply tire on an infrequently driven Paige. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps protect the sidewalls. Periodic movement of the vehicle and occasional close inspection of the wheels and rim flanges are also worthwhile before longer road use.