The 1928 Jordan R comes from the late brass-to-classic transition period, when American cars were moving into more modern proportions but still relied on distinctly early tire sizing and wheel conventions. For collectors, that makes tire selection part fitment exercise and part preservation decision. This Jordan R uses bias-ply fitments, with both 28X5.25 and 5.25-18 appearing on the vehicle. Those sizes reflect two different vintage sizing systems rather than a simple modern-style substitution, so the important step is confirming which wheel and fitment arrangement the car actually has. For restoration-minded use, appearance, wheel compatibility, and safe road readiness all deserve equal attention.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1928 Jordan R
The 1928 Jordan R uses two primary tire sizes, and the first step is identifying which wheel and fitment arrangement is on the car. These are both bias-ply fitments, but they come from different sizing conventions and use different rim diameters, so confirming the actual wheel setup matters before choosing a replacement tire.
In the 28X5.25 format, the first number refers to the tire's approximate overall outside diameter in inches, while the second refers to its nominal section width. This is an early antique-style bias-ply sizing convention that belongs to the period character of a 1928 Jordan R. It differs from later rim-diameter-forward systems, so it needs to be read carefully when comparing tires or wheels. This size is most relevant for an owner trying to keep an authentic early presentation while making sure the tire matches the car's actual wheel dimensions.
In the 5.25-18 format, 5.25 refers to the nominal section width in inches and 18 identifies the rim diameter. This is a vintage numeric bias-ply size, still fully in keeping with the era of the 1928 Jordan R but easier for many buyers to interpret than an antique diameter-by-section marking. Its practical value is that it points directly to an 18-inch wheel requirement. This size should be evaluated by owners who have confirmed an 18-inch rim on the car and want a proper period-style bias-ply fitment.
Sub-model fitment is simple here because the covered Jordan R sub-model is associated with the same two primary tire sizes. Even so, checking the exact wheel diameter on the car remains essential, since these sizes use different sizing systems and different rim dimensions.
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1928 Jordan R 6 Cyl.
The 1928 Jordan R 6 Cyl. is associated with both 28X5.25 and 5.25-18 bias-ply fitments. Tire selection starts with confirming which wheel setup the car carries now, then choosing a period-style bias-ply tire that matches the intended appearance and road use.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Owners researching 1928 Jordan R tires usually need clarity on early size formats, wheel diameter, restoration-minded selection, and the checks that matter before putting a collector car back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1928 Jordan R?
The 1928 Jordan R uses two primary bias-ply tire sizes: 28X5.25 and 5.25-18. Those are both legitimate fitments for this vehicle, but they are not just two ways of writing the same size. They come from different vintage sizing conventions and correspond to different wheel dimensions.
The practical next step is to inspect the car itself before ordering tires. Measure the wheel diameter, confirm the wheel type currently installed, and make sure the car has not been changed over the years. On a collector vehicle from this era, surviving wheels and previous restorations can affect what belongs on the car now.
What size rim does a 1928 Jordan R use?
A 1928 Jordan R can be found with two rim-diameter references tied to its tire sizes. The 28X5.25 fitment is associated with a 5.0-inch rim diameter, while the 5.25-18 fitment uses an 18-inch rim. Because these are very different measurements, the wheel on the car must be confirmed directly.
This matters because early tire markings can be confusing to modern buyers. The 28X5.25 format emphasizes outside diameter and section width, while 5.25-18 clearly calls out an 18-inch rim. A quick wheel check avoids ordering the right-looking tire in the wrong size and helps preserve proper fitment for road use.
Does the 1928 Jordan R 6 Cyl. use the same tire size?
The 1928 Jordan R 6 Cyl. is associated with the same two primary tire sizes used on this vehicle line: 28X5.25 and 5.25-18, both in bias-ply construction. That means sub-model identification is less of a deciding factor here than wheel confirmation and the actual setup installed on the car.
For an owner, the key issue is not choosing among multiple trim-specific tire packages but verifying what is physically present. A Jordan that has been restored, re-wheeled, or stored for decades may not still carry its earlier configuration. Matching the tire to the wheel and overall presentation is the safest way to narrow the correct choice.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 28X5.25 or 5.25-18 tire for a 1928 Jordan R?
Start with the actual wheel size on the car, because the 1928 Jordan R uses two different bias-ply fitments: 28X5.25 and 5.25-18. After that, think about how the car will be used. A restoration-focused car may prioritize a traditional period-style presentation, while a regularly driven collector car still needs correct sizing and sound wheel compatibility.
Condition and setup matter as much as the size itself. Check that the wheels are serviceable, the tires have adequate clearance, and the vehicle has not been modified in ways that change fitment. On a car of this age, selecting the right construction is usually straightforward because both primary fitments are bias-ply.
How do I choose between the available 1928 Jordan R tire sizes?
Choosing between the two sizes is not really a matter of preference. The 1928 Jordan R uses 28X5.25 or 5.25-18 depending on the wheel and fitment arrangement on the vehicle. Each size belongs to a different vintage sizing system, so the correct choice comes from the wheel already on the car rather than from styling alone.
Once the wheel diameter is confirmed, the decision becomes easier. Then the focus shifts to preserving the car's era-appropriate look, keeping the bias-ply construction that suits the period, and making sure the tire works with the existing wheel condition and overall stance. That approach prevents a visually similar but incompatible selection.
What rim-fitment details should I compare when choosing 1928 Jordan R tires?
The most important rim-fitment detail is diameter. A 1928 Jordan R may use a 28X5.25 tire tied to a 5.0-inch rim diameter or a 5.25-18 tire for an 18-inch rim, so the wheel itself must be identified before anything else. On an early collector car, the rim design and age also deserve close inspection.
After confirming diameter, examine the wheel for damage, rust, repairs, or distortion that could affect mounting and service. Collector cars sometimes wear replacement wheels from an earlier restoration, and that can change what size belongs on the car today. Tire selection should follow the actual wheel, not assumptions based only on the model name.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1928 Jordan R?
For a period-style 1928 Jordan R, the starting point is whichever of the two original-style bias-ply fitments matches the car's actual wheels: 28X5.25 or 5.25-18. Both sizes suit the era far better than a modern-looking substitute and preserve the visual character expected from a late-1920s American automobile.
Appearance and fitment should be considered together, not separately. A tire can look appropriate for the period and still be wrong for the installed wheel. If originality is a major restoration goal, compare the car against marque references, restoration photos, and wheel details so the final choice supports both presentation and proper installation.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1928 Jordan R restoration?
Correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1928 Jordan R restoration because the tires contribute heavily to the car's stance, proportions, and overall period impression. Using the proper bias-ply format also keeps the vehicle visually consistent with late-1920s construction and avoids the mismatch that a modern-looking alternative can create.
Fitment accuracy is also practical, not just cosmetic. The wrong tire size can create problems with wheel compatibility, clearance, and safe road preparation. On an older restoration, it is wise to confirm whether the wheels are original to the car's current setup before choosing tires strictly by memory, photographs, or previous owner notes.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1928 Jordan R?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1928 Jordan R. Changes such as replacement wheels, altered suspension height, brake updates, or body repairs can all influence which tire size belongs on the car and how much clearance is available. That is especially important here because the vehicle is associated with two very different size formats.
A Jordan that has been restored over many decades may not still match its earlier wheel setup. Measure the wheel diameter, inspect steering and fender clearance, and look for evidence of non-original parts before selecting tires. Small differences in an early chassis can matter, even when the car still appears stock at first glance.
What should I inspect before driving a 1928 Jordan R on new tires?
Before driving a 1928 Jordan R on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve hardware, mounting surfaces, and overall suspension condition. The steering components, wheel bearings, and brake system should also be checked on a collector car of this age, since fresh tires cannot compensate for age-related mechanical issues elsewhere in the chassis.
Road-readiness also includes confirming inflation, checking that each tire clears the body and steering range, and making sure there is no rubbing once the car is loaded. A short local test drive is a smart first step. Early cars reward careful preparation, especially after long storage or a recent restoration.
How should 1928 Jordan R tires be maintained for collector use?
Tires on a collector 1928 Jordan R should be inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, unusual wear, and air loss, even if the car is driven only occasionally. Low annual mileage does not prevent tire aging. A bias-ply tire on a seldom-used vintage car still needs consistent pressure checks and visual inspection.
Storage conditions matter almost as much as road miles. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone-producing equipment helps protect the rubber over time. During the driving season, recheck pressure and condition before longer trips, since a car that sits for weeks can develop issues that are easy to miss at a glance.
