The 1928 Reo Flying Cloud comes from a period when American cars were rapidly moving into more modern styling and more capable road manners, yet still depended on tire designs that look and feel distinctly prewar. For owners of this Reo, tire choice is less about modernizing the car and more about understanding which vintage size belongs on the car as equipped. The Flying Cloud uses bias-ply fitments in 30X6.20 and 650-18, both tied to an 18-inch wheel setup in this application. Available choices in 650-18 include traditional blackwall and wide whitewall versions in the Firestone Balloon series. The key is confirming which size is on the car now and matching that choice to restoration goals, wheel specs, and intended road use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1928 Reo Flying Cloud
The 1928 Reo Flying Cloud uses two primary tire sizes, and both appear on the 6 Cyl. sub-model. That makes the first step confirming which size is actually on the car, then checking the wheel setup before choosing a replacement. Since both fitments are bias-ply and use an 18-inch rim in this application, the real decision usually comes down to matching the existing size and selecting the appearance you want.
30X6.20 is an antique diameter-by-section size, meaning the first number refers to an approximate overall tire diameter of 30 inches and the second number refers to an approximate section width of 6.20 inches. It is a bias-ply fitment suited to the prewar character of the 1928 Reo Flying Cloud and reflects an earlier sizing convention than many later collector cars use. Buyers typically look at this size when preserving a traditional early-car presentation and keeping the vehicle aligned with its original-era tire format. Wheel diameter, wheel width, and actual clearance on the car should still be verified before replacement.
650-18 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 6.50 represents the tire's nominal section width in inches and 18 identifies the rim diameter. On a 1928 Reo Flying Cloud, this size keeps the vehicle in a traditional bias-ply construction while using a format many vintage car owners recognize more easily than earlier diameter-by-section sizing. Available choices in this size include the Firestone Balloon series in both blackwall and wide whitewall form, giving the buyer an appearance decision as well as a fitment decision. It is the size to evaluate carefully if the car already wears 18-inch wheels and the goal is a period-style roadgoing setup.
Sub-model fitment is straightforward here because the covered 1928 Reo Flying Cloud 6 Cyl. uses the same pair of primary tire sizes. Even so, checking the exact size already on the car still matters, since both vintage fitments may be encountered on an 18-inch wheel setup.
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1928 Reo Flying Cloud 6 Cyl.
The 1928 Reo Flying Cloud 6 Cyl. uses both 30X6.20 and 650-18 bias-ply tire fitments. That means tire selection starts with confirming the wheel-and-tire combination currently on the car, then choosing the replacement that best suits a traditional blackwall look or a more restoration-oriented wide whitewall presentation.
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 Reo Flying Cloud Tires for Sale
Available 650-18 choices center on the Firestone Balloon series, with both blackwall and wide whitewall bias-ply options. That gives 1928 Reo Flying Cloud owners a clear appearance choice within the correct vintage size while keeping rim-diameter compatibility consistent.
These 1928 Reo Flying Cloud tire FAQs focus on the two primary sizes, 18-inch wheel fitment, bias-ply construction, appearance choices, and the practical checks that matter before putting a collector car back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1928 Reo Flying Cloud?
The 1928 Reo Flying Cloud uses two primary tire sizes: 30X6.20 and 650-18. Both are bias-ply fitments, and the covered 6 Cyl. sub-model can use either of those sizes depending on the wheel-and-tire setup on the car.
The practical next step is to inspect the existing tires and confirm the wheel dimensions before ordering replacements. Because this is a prewar vehicle, many cars have been changed over time, so matching the size already in service is often the safest starting point unless the car is being intentionally returned to a different period-style setup.
What size rim does a 1928 Reo Flying Cloud use?
The 1928 Reo Flying Cloud uses an 18-inch rim with its 650-18 tire fitment, and the vehicle's rim diameter is 18 inches in this application. That makes wheel confirmation especially important when comparing replacement tires for a car of this age.
An 18-inch wheel does not eliminate the need to verify width and actual tire size already mounted on the car. Early vehicles are often restored, modified, or fitted with replacement wheels over the years, so checking the wheel itself helps avoid choosing a tire that matches the model but not the current hardware.
Do all 1928 Reo Flying Cloud sub-models use the same tire size?
The covered 1928 Reo Flying Cloud 6 Cyl. uses the same two primary tire sizes: 30X6.20 and 650-18. In that sense, sub-model fitment is straightforward within this application because there is not a separate tire size assigned to a different trim or configuration here.
Even with shared fitment, the buyer still needs to identify which of those two sizes is actually on the individual car. That matters because these are different vintage sizing conventions, and replacement choice should follow the existing wheel setup, appearance goals, and any restoration decisions already made during the car's life.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 650-18 tire for a 1928 Reo Flying Cloud?
Start with the basics: confirm that 650-18 is the size currently used on the car, then make sure the wheel is the correct 18-inch type for that fitment. In this size, the available options remain bias-ply and stay within the traditional prewar character of the 1928 Reo Flying Cloud.
From there, the decision usually comes down to appearance and wheel compatibility. A blackwall Firestone Balloon gives a more understated look, while a wide whitewall version brings a stronger restoration-oriented visual statement. Rim width is also worth checking, especially on an older car that may have had wheels changed during restoration or long-term ownership.
What sidewall styles are available for 1928 Reo Flying Cloud tires?
For the 1928 Reo Flying Cloud in 650-18, available sidewall styles include blackwall and wide whitewall. Both appear in the Firestone Balloon series, so the visual difference comes from sidewall treatment rather than a change to a different construction type.
That choice has a strong effect on the finished look of the car. A blackwall keeps the presentation simple and functional, while a wide whitewall creates a more formal period-style appearance that many restoration-minded owners prefer. The better option depends on how the car is being finished, shown, and driven rather than on any universal rule.
What brands offer tires for the 1928 Reo Flying Cloud?
Firestone is the available brand for the 1928 Reo Flying Cloud products shown here, specifically in the Firestone Balloon series for 650-18. Those options keep the tire selection focused on a traditional vintage bias-ply presentation rather than splitting the choice across several different manufacturers.
That narrower brand selection makes the buying decision more about the details within the size than about comparing competing brand families. Owners should focus on confirming the correct tire size first, then deciding between blackwall and wide whitewall styling, along with checking the wheel dimensions and general condition of the car's running gear.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1928 Reo Flying Cloud?
A period-style 1928 Reo Flying Cloud should stay with one of its bias-ply primary sizes, either 30X6.20 or 650-18, depending on the wheel-and-tire combination already on the car. That keeps the sizing and construction in line with the vehicle's late-1920s character rather than shifting it toward a visibly modern presentation.
The finer point is deciding how authentic or how visually expressive the finished car should look. A blackwall treatment feels more restrained, while a wide whitewall creates a more formal vintage appearance. When exact historical presentation matters, marque-specific references and period photographs can help guide the final sidewall choice.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1928 Reo Flying Cloud restoration?
Correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1928 Reo Flying Cloud because the tire is such a visible part of the car's stance, proportions, and overall character. Using one of the proper bias-ply sizes helps preserve the way the car sits and the way the wheel opening is visually filled.
Fitment also affects the practical side of a restoration. A mismatched size can create unwanted clearance issues, awkward appearance, or wheel-compatibility problems that distract from an otherwise well-finished car. Confirming size, rim dimensions, and intended sidewall style early in the process prevents last-minute compromises after the restoration is nearly complete.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1928 Reo Flying Cloud?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1928 Reo Flying Cloud even when the vehicle is using one of its proper vintage tire sizes. Changes to wheels, suspension height, brake components, fenders, or steering parts can alter the space available around the tire.
A collector car that has been restored over many decades may not still match its original wheel setup exactly. Checking wheel diameter, wheel width, and clearance at full steering lock is a smart step before replacement. That is especially important when the car has replacement wheels or any chassis work that may have changed how the tire sits.
What should I inspect before driving a 1928 Reo Flying Cloud on new tires?
Before driving a 1928 Reo Flying Cloud on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage or corrosion, verify that the tires are seated properly, and confirm inflation pressure appropriate to the tire and vehicle setup. It is also wise to check that the valve stems, wheel hardware, and general mounting condition are all sound.
A short, careful test drive should follow, with attention to straight-line tracking, steering response, and any sign of rubbing. Since early cars can spend long periods in storage, it also helps to inspect suspension and steering components for looseness before road use. Tire replacement works best when the surrounding running gear is equally ready.
How should 650-18 tires on a collector 1928 Reo Flying Cloud be maintained?
650-18 tires on a collector 1928 Reo Flying Cloud should be kept properly inflated, inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, and uneven wear, and protected from long exposure to sunlight, ozone, and damp storage conditions. Low annual mileage does not eliminate the need for routine checks.
Collector cars often age tires through time as much as through road use, so appearance alone should never be the only standard. Looking over the sidewalls and tread before each drive helps catch issues early. Clean storage conditions and periodic pressure checks go a long way toward preserving both ride quality and roadworthiness.
