1928 Graham 35 Tires

The 1928 Graham 35 is associated with two primary tire sizes: 31X6.20 and 650-19. Both are bias-ply fitments, and the covered 1928 Graham 35 8 Cyl. uses these same size options rather than a separate radial size or modern metric format.

Choosing between them starts with the setup actually on the car. A vehicle that has been restored, re-wheeled, or adapted over the years may not still match its original-style tire size, so check the wheel dimensions and the size of the existing tires before selecting a replacement.

The 1928 Graham 35 uses a 19-inch rim with its 650-19 fitment, and the overall wheel setup is tied to that same 19-inch-era application. That rim diameter is the critical fitment point to verify before moving ahead with a replacement tire.

Rim diameter is only part of the picture on a vintage car. It also helps to confirm the wheel width and whether the car still has its intended wheels, since collector vehicles are sometimes fitted with later replacements that change what tire size makes practical sense.

31X6.20 is an antique diameter-by-section size. The 31 refers to the tire’s approximate overall diameter in inches, while 6.20 refers to its approximate section width, which is a much older sizing method than the later numeric bias-ply format seen in 650-19.

That difference matters because the size describes the tire in a different way, not because it is automatically interchangeable with another format. On a 1928 Graham 35, the practical next step is checking the wheels and current tire setup so the replacement matches the car’s actual configuration.

Start with the basics: correct size, bias-ply construction, and confirmed 19-inch wheel fitment. In 650-19, the 1928 Graham 35 has meaningful choice among Firestone, Lester, and Excelsior, along with blackwall and wide whitewall styles and several distinct vintage tire series.

From there, the decision usually comes down to how the car will be used and how it should look. A restoration-oriented car may lean toward a traditional sidewall presentation, while a driver may place more emphasis on matching the current wheel width and comparing product-level specifications carefully.

For the 1928 Graham 35, the available 650-19 product range includes both blackwall and wide whitewall sidewall styles. Those two looks can change the car’s visual character noticeably, especially on a late-1920s vehicle where the tire and wheel package is such a visible part of the overall presentation.

The right choice depends on the appearance goal for the car rather than on fitment alone. A blackwall tends to give a more restrained, utilitarian look, while a wide whitewall creates a brighter restoration-style presentation, so it helps to compare the tire to the car’s trim, paint, and period theme.

The available 650-19 fitment choices for the 1928 Graham 35 include Firestone, Lester, and Excelsior. Those brands appear across several vintage bias-ply lines, including Firestone Classic Bias Ply, Firestone Balloon, Lester Classic Bias Ply, and Excelsior’s Comp H series.

Brand alone should not be the only deciding factor on a car of this age. It is smarter to compare size correctness, sidewall style, rim-width suitability where stated, and the overall look you want, then choose the tire that matches both the vehicle setup and the intended character of the restoration.

A period-style 1928 Graham 35 usually starts with retaining one of its primary bias-ply sizes rather than trying to modernize the car’s appearance. That means first confirming whether the car is set up for 31X6.20 or 650-19, then choosing within that size based on the visual style and wheel compatibility.

For many restorations, the biggest appearance decision comes from the sidewall treatment and tire series rather than from the nominal size alone. If exact historical authenticity matters, compare the car against marque references, restoration photos, or other vehicle-specific documentation before settling on a blackwall or wide whitewall presentation.

On a restored 1928 Graham 35, bias-ply construction is a major part of the visual effect because it preserves the tall, narrow, distinctly vintage look associated with cars from the late 1920s. That construction works with the wheel and body proportions in a way that feels appropriate to the period.

Appearance is not only about whitewalls versus blackwalls. The tire’s profile, casing shape, and overall stance also contribute to how authentic the finished car looks, so a restoration-minded owner should evaluate the tire as part of the entire wheel-and-body presentation rather than as an isolated component.

Yes. A 1928 Graham 35 that has aftermarket wheels, altered suspension components, brake changes, or other long-ago modifications may no longer match the wheel and tire setup expected for its primary bias-ply sizes. Even on an older restoration, small changes can affect what tire is practical to run.

That is why it helps to inspect the car as it sits, not just assume every surviving example is the same. Verify wheel diameter, wheel width, and visible clearance around the fenders and steering components so the selected tire matches the actual vehicle rather than a presumed original configuration.

Before road use, inspect the wheels for condition and correct dimensions, confirm the tires are seated properly, and check inflation carefully. It also makes sense to look over the suspension, steering, and brakes, since a vintage car’s behavior on new tires can still be affected by worn mechanical parts.

A short local test drive is the safest way to confirm that everything feels settled before planning longer use. Pay attention to vibration, pull, unusual rub marks, or changes in steering feel, then recheck pressure and general tire condition after the first miles to catch any early issues.

Collector-car tires on a 1928 Graham 35 should be inspected regularly even if the car is driven only occasionally. Look for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and signs of pressure loss, because age and storage conditions can affect vintage tires long before the tread appears worn out.

Storage habits matter just as much as mileage on an infrequently used car. Keeping the vehicle away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires, and checking pressure before each drive reduces the chance of putting unnecessary stress on an older wheel-and-tire setup.