The 1928 Falcon 12 Series comes from an era when tire choice was closely tied to both mechanical compatibility and the car’s visual character. On a late-1920s automobile like this, the right tire is not just about diameter and width, but also about preserving the tall, narrow stance that defines pre-war motoring. The 1928 Falcon 12 Series uses bias-ply fitments in 29X5.50 and 550-19 on 19-inch wheels. That gives owners a traditional blackwall or a more formal wide whitewall presentation within the same period-style tire family. The key is confirming which of the two period sizing conventions matches the wheels and existing setup on the car.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1928 Falcon 12 Series
The 1928 Falcon 12 Series uses two primary bias-ply tire sizes, and both are associated with the same covered sub-model. Because these sizes are expressed in different vintage sizing conventions, the first step is confirming what is already on the car and verifying the actual 19-inch wheel setup. From there, the decision becomes choosing the tire style that matches your restoration goals and road-use plans.
A 29X5.50 size uses an older diameter-by-section format, where the first number refers to the tire’s approximate overall diameter and the second refers to its nominal section width in inches. It is a bias-ply fitment suited to the tall, narrow proportions expected on a 1928 Falcon 12 Series. This format appeals to owners trying to stay close to an early motoring look and feel, especially on restoration-oriented cars. It is worth checking carefully against the wheel and current tire markings, since antique sizing can be unfamiliar compared with later numeric designations.
A 550-19 tire is a numeric bias-ply size, with 5.50 indicating nominal section width and 19 identifying the rim diameter in inches. On the 1928 Falcon 12 Series, it preserves a traditional bias-ply construction while giving buyers a clearer modern reference for wheel compatibility. Available choices include BFGoodrich offerings in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series, with both blackwall and wide whitewall sidewall treatments. This size is especially useful for owners who want a period-style replacement while also comparing visible appearance details such as sidewall presentation.
Tire fitment is straightforward for the covered 1928 Falcon 12 Series sub-model, since the same two bias-ply sizes are associated with it. Checking the exact sub-model still matters because vintage cars are often restored, re-wheeled, or updated over time, and the actual wheel setup should match the tire you choose.
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1928 Falcon 12 Series 6 Cyl.
The 1928 Falcon 12 Series 6 Cyl. uses the same pair of primary bias-ply size conventions found on this vehicle line, making fitment more about wheel confirmation than trim-to-trim variation. Tire selection then comes down to choosing the period-style size format and sidewall appearance that best suits the car’s restoration direction.
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 1928 Falcon 12 Series Tires for Sale
Available 550-19 choices center on BFGoodrich’s Silvertown Classic Bias Ply line, with both blackwall and wide whitewall versions. That gives the 1928 Falcon 12 Series owner a clear appearance choice while staying within the same traditional bias-ply size and 19-inch wheel fitment.
These FAQs focus on the tire sizes used on the 1928 Falcon 12 Series, how the 19-inch wheel fitment relates to those sizes, and what to consider when choosing between period-style bias-ply options for restoration and road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1928 Falcon 12 Series?
The 1928 Falcon 12 Series uses two primary bias-ply tire sizes: 29X5.50 and 550-19. Those sizes reflect two different vintage sizing conventions rather than a modern front-and-rear stagger, and both are associated with the covered 6-cylinder sub-model.
The practical next step is to inspect the tires and wheels already on the car, because many older vehicles have been restored or changed over the years. Matching the wheel setup and the size markings on the vehicle is more useful than assuming either format belongs on every surviving example without verification.
What size rim does a 1928 Falcon 12 Series use?
The 1928 Falcon 12 Series uses a 19-inch rim with its 550-19 bias-ply fitment. That rim diameter is the key wheel reference point on this vehicle, even though one of the tire sizes is also expressed in an older diameter-by-section format.
Wheel diameter should always be confirmed on the car before purchasing replacement tires, especially on late-1920s vehicles that may have seen wheel swaps or restoration work. Rim width also matters with vintage bias-ply tires, so the actual wheel should be checked for compatibility before settling on a specific tire option.
Does the 1928 Falcon 12 Series 6 Cyl. use the same tire size?
Yes. The covered 1928 Falcon 12 Series 6 Cyl. is associated with the same two primary bias-ply size conventions used on this vehicle line: 29X5.50 and 550-19. There is no separate alternate size shown for that sub-model within this fitment group.
That keeps the search simpler, but the car itself still needs to be checked carefully. A surviving Falcon may carry replacement wheels, older tire markings, or restoration-era changes, so the best approach is to confirm the wheel diameter and current setup before choosing between the available period-style replacement options.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 550-19 tire for a 1928 Falcon 12 Series?
Start with correct size, bias-ply construction, and wheel compatibility. For the 1928 Falcon 12 Series, 550-19 is available in BFGoodrich’s Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series, and the visible choice is mainly between a blackwall presentation and a wide whitewall presentation.
The right pick depends on how the car is being used and presented. A blackwall usually suits a simpler traditional look, while a wide whitewall can give the car a more formal restoration-oriented appearance. It also helps to compare rim-width suitability and load capacity before making a final selection.
What sidewall styles are available for 1928 Falcon 12 Series tires?
For the available 550-19 tire choices on a 1928 Falcon 12 Series, the sidewall styles include Blackwall and Wide Whitewall. Both are bias-ply options in the same general tire family, so the difference is mainly visual rather than a change in basic construction type.
That appearance choice matters on a late-1920s car because the sidewall has a strong effect on how the vehicle presents. Buyers focused on historical style often choose based on the car’s restoration theme, while drivers planning regular local use should also confirm wheel fit, condition, and the overall state of the chassis.
How do I choose between the available 550-19 tires for a 1928 Falcon 12 Series?
The available 550-19 options for a 1928 Falcon 12 Series stay within the same BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series, so the main comparison points are sidewall treatment, product weight, rim-width suitability, and the look you want on the finished car.
Choosing between them usually comes down to appearance and intended use rather than chasing a different tire category. A collector focused on show presentation may lean toward a wide whitewall, while a simpler touring or preservation-minded car may call for blackwalls. In either case, verify the actual wheel dimensions before finalizing the choice.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1928 Falcon 12 Series?
A period-style 1928 Falcon 12 Series should stay with one of its primary bias-ply fitments, either 29X5.50 or 550-19, depending on the wheel and tire convention already used on the car. That keeps the tall, narrow stance and traditional construction associated with late-1920s motoring.
Within the available 550-19 choices, the visual decision is largely blackwall versus wide whitewall. Buyers pursuing exact historical authenticity should compare that choice against marque references, period photography, or restoration documentation for the specific vehicle, since period-style appearance and exact original delivery are not always the same thing.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1928 Falcon 12 Series restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1928 Falcon 12 Series restoration because tire proportions are a major part of how the car sits and reads visually. The proper bias-ply size helps preserve the narrow profile and upright stance expected from a vehicle of this era.
Appearance is only part of the picture. Correct fitment also affects how the tire matches the wheel, how the car clears its fenders, and how confidently the finished restoration can be driven at normal collector-car speeds. On a pre-war style vehicle, small fitment mistakes can look obvious very quickly.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1928 Falcon 12 Series?
Yes. Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1928 Falcon 12 Series, especially if the car has replacement wheels, altered suspension components, brake conversions, or bodywork changes from an earlier restoration. Even when the tire size remains period-appropriate, the wheel and clearance conditions may no longer match the original arrangement.
That is why an older collector car should be inspected as it sits rather than treated as untouched. Wheel diameter, rim width, fender clearance, and steering movement all deserve a careful check before new tires go on. Vintage fitment works best when the actual car, not just the badge, guides the decision.
What should I inspect before driving a 1928 Falcon 12 Series on new tires?
Before driving a 1928 Falcon 12 Series on new tires, inspect the wheels for condition, verify proper mounting, and make sure the tires are inflated appropriately for the application. It is also wise to check for rubbing at full steering lock and confirm that the tires clear fenders, suspension parts, and brake components.
A short road test should follow only after the rest of the car is equally ready. On a late-1920s vehicle, steering components, wheel bearings, brakes, and suspension condition all influence how the tires behave in real use. A sound tire installation is most effective when the surrounding chassis is equally well sorted.
How should 550-19 tires on a collector 1928 Falcon 12 Series be maintained?
550-19 tires on a collector 1928 Falcon 12 Series should be inspected regularly for air loss, sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, and uneven tread wear. Collector cars often spend long periods parked, so age and storage conditions can matter as much as miles driven.
Good maintenance also includes keeping the car away from prolonged heat, direct sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources when possible. A Falcon that is driven only occasionally still benefits from routine pressure checks and periodic visual inspections before every outing, especially since older cars can place unusual demands on vintage-style tires.
