The 1928 Graham 19 Series came from a period when American cars were rapidly becoming more refined, yet still relied on distinctly early tire sizing and wheel standards. For owners of this car today, tire choice is as much about preserving the right pre-war look and stance as it is about safe road use. The 1928 Graham 19 Series uses bias-ply fitments in 29X5.50 and 550-19 on 19-inch rims, with both sizes tied to the same covered sub-model. Available choices center on traditional blackwall or wide whitewall presentation within BFGoodrich's Silvertown Classic Bias Ply line. The key is matching the tire to the wheel and the restoration direction of the car.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1928 Graham 19 Series
The 1928 Graham 19 Series uses two primary tire sizes, and both are bias-ply fitments associated with the same covered sub-model on a 19-inch rim. That means the first step is understanding which size convention matches the wheels and tire style already on the car, then choosing the sidewall treatment and product details that best suit restoration appearance and intended road use.
29X5.50 is an antique diameter-by-section size, meaning the first number reflects an approximate overall tire diameter of 29 inches and the second number reflects an approximate 5.50-inch section width. This is a bias-ply fitment suited to the early sizing language commonly seen on late-1920s vehicles such as the Graham 19 Series. It is useful for buyers who want to understand the older flotation-style designation that may already be on the car. Before choosing it, confirm that the wheel setup and existing fitment correspond to this size convention rather than the numeric 550-19 marking.
550-19 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 550 represents an approximate 5.50-inch nominal section width and 19 identifies the rim diameter in inches. On the 1928 Graham 19 Series, this size opens the clearest product selection path, including BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply options in blackwall and 3.25-inch wide whitewall form. The available products share the same 19-inch rim diameter and traditional bias-ply construction. This size is the practical choice for buyers comparing visible sidewall style, rim-width compatibility, and restoration-oriented presentation.
Sub-model fitment is straightforward for the covered 1928 Graham 19 Series configuration. The 6 Cyl. model is associated with the same two bias-ply tire sizes, so the decision centers more on size convention, wheel confirmation, and sidewall appearance than on trim-level differences.
1
1928 Graham 19 Series 6 Cyl.
The 1928 Graham 19 Series 6 Cyl. uses the same pair of primary bias-ply fitments used across this covered application, with 29X5.50 and 550-19 both tied to the vehicle. That makes tire selection a matter of confirming which size marking matches the wheel and existing setup, then choosing between a traditional blackwall or wide whitewall look.
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 Graham 19 Series Tires for Sale
Available 550-19 choices center on BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply tires in either blackwall or wide whitewall form. Both share 19-inch rim fitment, with the main comparison points being sidewall presentation, rim-width compatibility, load specification, and the overall restoration look you want from the car.
These FAQs focus on 1928 Graham 19 Series tire size interpretation, 19-inch rim fitment, bias-ply tire selection, restoration-oriented sidewall choices, and the wheel, condition, and maintenance checks worth making before putting an early car back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1928 Graham 19 Series?
The 1928 Graham 19 Series uses two primary bias-ply tire sizes: 29X5.50 and 550-19. Both sizes are associated with the covered 1928 Graham 19 Series 6 Cyl. application, and both relate to a 19-inch wheel setup typical of the period.
The practical decision is confirming which size designation matches the wheels and the tire markings already on the car. Early vehicles can carry older size conventions, so it helps to verify the wheel diameter, compare the existing tire labeling, and make sure the replacement tire preserves the appearance and fitment the car currently requires.
What size rim does a 1928 Graham 19 Series use?
The covered 1928 Graham 19 Series tire fitment uses a 19-inch rim diameter. That rim diameter aligns directly with the 550-19 size, where the final number identifies the wheel diameter, and it also corresponds with the 29X5.50 fitment used on this application.
Rim diameter is only one part of the fitment picture on an early car. Wheel width also matters, especially when comparing actual tire products, so the wheel should be checked for condition and dimensions before mounting replacements. Many vintage vehicles have seen wheel changes over the years, making a hands-on confirmation worthwhile.
What does 550-19 mean on a 1928 Graham 19 Series?
550-19 is a numeric bias-ply tire size. The 550 portion represents an approximate 5.50-inch nominal section width, and the 19 identifies the rim diameter in inches, so it is a 5.50-width bias-ply tire made for a 19-inch wheel.
That older numeric format matters because it helps separate the tire's width designation from the wheel diameter in a way modern metric sizes do differently. On a 1928 Graham 19 Series, recognizing the meaning of 550-19 helps you compare correct-looking vintage tires, confirm wheel compatibility, and avoid choosing a replacement simply by appearance alone.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 550-19 tire for a 1928 Graham 19 Series?
Start with the correct size, construction, and wheel compatibility. For the 1928 Graham 19 Series, 550-19 is a bias-ply fitment on a 19-inch rim, and available options in this size share the traditional construction expected for a vehicle of this era.
From there, the real choice becomes appearance and product specification. The available 550-19 products differ by sidewall style, with blackwall and wide whitewall options, and they also carry rim-width and load details worth comparing. A restoration-focused car may call for one visual treatment, while a touring car may be judged more by wheel match and overall condition.
What sidewall styles are available for 1928 Graham 19 Series tires?
For the 1928 Graham 19 Series products available in 550-19, the sidewall styles include blackwall and wide whitewall. Both are offered within BFGoodrich's Silvertown Classic Bias Ply line, so the choice is primarily about visual presentation rather than a change in basic tire construction.
That sidewall decision can noticeably change the car's character. A blackwall gives a more restrained, utilitarian look, while a wide whitewall creates a brighter period-style presentation that many restoration-minded owners prefer. The best choice depends on the car's finish, trim, and whether the goal is a conservative road look or a more formal vintage appearance.
What tire series are available for the 1928 Graham 19 Series?
The available 550-19 products for the 1928 Graham 19 Series fall within the BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series. That keeps the selection focused on a traditional bias-ply tire family suited to the car's era rather than splitting the buyer across several unrelated modern-style product lines.
Even within one series, there are still meaningful choices to compare. Sidewall treatment, rim-width specification, product weight, and the overall visual effect can all influence the final decision. For a late-1920s vehicle, selecting within a consistent vintage-style series also helps maintain a unified look instead of mixing period appearance with mismatched tire character.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1928 Graham 19 Series?
A period-style 1928 Graham 19 Series is best approached with the correct primary bias-ply fitment and a sidewall treatment that suits the car's overall presentation. In 550-19, BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply options are available in both blackwall and wide whitewall form.
The right choice depends on how the car is being finished and how exact the restoration needs to be. A wide whitewall creates a more formal vintage look, while a blackwall keeps the appearance simpler and more restrained. When strict originality matters, marque-specific references and restoration photography are useful for confirming the visual direction before final selection.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1928 Graham 19 Series restoration?
Correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1928 Graham 19 Series because tire size, construction, and sidewall style strongly affect how the car sits and how authentically it presents. Early cars wear their tires very visibly, so a wrong size or mismatched style can change the whole visual balance.
Fitment also matters beyond appearance. Using the proper bias-ply format and the right 19-inch wheel relationship helps keep the car aligned with its intended proportions and avoids unnecessary fitment surprises. A restoration-minded owner should confirm the wheel dimensions and decide early whether the goal is a more formal whitewall presentation or a simpler blackwall look.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1928 Graham 19 Series?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1928 Graham 19 Series. If the car has replacement wheels, altered suspension height, brake conversions, or bodywork changes, those updates can influence how a 29X5.50 or 550-19 tire sits in the fender opening and on the wheel.
That is especially important on a vehicle of this age, where surviving cars may no longer match their original wheel setup exactly. Checking wheel diameter, wheel width, and physical clearance at full steering lock helps prevent surprises. A car that looks stock can still have later changes, so confirmation on the vehicle itself is the safest approach.
What should I inspect before driving a 1928 Graham 19 Series on new tires?
Before driving a 1928 Graham 19 Series on new tires, inspect the wheels for cracks, rust, distortion, and bead-seat condition, then confirm that the tires are mounted in the correct size and inflated appropriately for their application. Lug hardware, valve stems, and overall wheel integrity also deserve close attention.
A short test drive should be approached carefully on any pre-war vehicle. Steering feel, brake behavior, and tire clearance should all be observed at low speed before longer use. It also helps to recheck air pressure and fastener tightness after the first miles, since early cars benefit from frequent inspection whenever fresh tires are installed.
How should 550-19 tires on a collector 1928 Graham 19 Series be maintained?
550-19 bias-ply tires on a collector 1928 Graham 19 Series should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and careful storage habits. Look for cracking, bulges, cuts, irregular tread wear, or slow air loss, especially if the car is driven infrequently or spends long periods parked indoors.
Collector vehicles often age their tires through time as much as through mileage. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, heat, and ozone sources can help preserve the sidewalls, and moving the car occasionally can reduce long stationary loading. Any sign of age-related deterioration should be taken seriously before road use resumes.
