The 1928 Studebaker President came from a period when American manufacturers were pushing larger, more refined cars with impressive road presence and strong long-distance capability. On a car of this era, tire choice affects far more than appearance, because the right size and profile help preserve stance, wheel compatibility, and the character of pre-war driving. The 1928 Studebaker President uses bias-ply fitments in 31X6.20 and 650-19 on 19-inch wheels. That leaves room to choose among blackwall and wide whitewall presentations, along with period-style series from Firestone, Lester, and Excelsior. The key is matching the correct size to the car’s wheel setup and restoration goals before putting miles on it.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1928 Studebaker President
The 1928 Studebaker President uses two primary tire sizes, both in bias-ply construction, and both appear on the covered President 8 Cyl. fitment. Because 31X6.20 and 650-19 use different sizing conventions, the first step is confirming which size is on the car now and verifying the actual 19-inch wheel setup. Once that is settled, the decision usually comes down to period-style appearance, brand preference, and the tire series that best suits how the car is being restored or driven.
A 31X6.20 size uses an older diameter-by-section format, where 31 refers to the tire’s approximate overall diameter in inches and 6.20 refers to its approximate section width. This is a bias-ply fitment that suits the pre-war driving character and tall-tire appearance associated with a late-1920s full-size automobile. On this Studebaker, the size matters because it affects stance and visual proportion as much as basic fitment. Before choosing it, compare the tire marking on the car, confirm the wheel setup, and make sure the existing wheels match the intended tire specification.
A 650-19 tire uses a numeric bias-ply size system in which 6.50 represents the nominal section width in inches and 19 identifies the wheel diameter. This format is familiar on many late-1920s and early-1930s vehicles and keeps the traditional bias-ply construction that suits the Studebaker President’s period character. In this size, there is meaningful choice across Firestone, Lester, and Excelsior offerings, with both blackwall and wide whitewall styles and several classic tire series. It is the size to evaluate carefully if appearance, sidewall treatment, and wheel-width compatibility are central to the restoration plan.
Fitment is straightforward here because the covered sub-model shares the same two primary tire sizes already associated with the 1928 Studebaker President. Checking the exact sub-model still matters, since the car may already be equipped with one size or the other and that should guide the replacement decision.
1
1928 Studebaker President 8 Cyl.
The 1928 Studebaker President 8 Cyl. uses the same two bias-ply fitments found at the model level, so the main task is determining which size is actually mounted on the car. That shapes the next decision between a blackwall or wide whitewall presentation and among the available period-style tire series.
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 Studebaker President Tires for Sale
Available 650-19 choices span Firestone, Lester, and Excelsior, with period-style bias-ply construction offered in blackwall and wide whitewall form. The product grid is most useful for comparing tire series, sidewall presentation, and wheel-width details where they are stated.
These FAQs focus on the tire sizes used on the 1928 Studebaker President, how to sort out the two bias-ply fitments, and what to check for wheel compatibility, restoration appearance, and safe road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1928 Studebaker President?
The 1928 Studebaker President uses two primary tire sizes: 31X6.20 and 650-19. Both are bias-ply fitments, and the covered President 8 Cyl. sub-model is associated with both sizes rather than a separate construction or modern radial fitment.
The practical question is not just the model name but which size is actually on the car and which wheel setup it has today. A late-1920s vehicle may have been changed over the years, so the tire sidewall markings, wheel diameter, and general wheel dimensions should be checked before selecting a replacement.
What size rim does a 1928 Studebaker President use?
The 1928 Studebaker President uses a 19-inch rim with its 650-19 fitment, and the vehicle’s summary fitment is centered on 19-inch wheels. That makes rim diameter one of the first details to confirm before choosing between available replacement tires.
Diameter is only part of the picture on a collector vehicle of this age. Wheel width and the actual wheel type on the car should also be reviewed, especially if the Studebaker has had replacement wheels, restoration work, or a long service history with parts changed along the way.
What does 31X6.20 mean on a 1928 Studebaker President?
A 31X6.20 marking uses an antique diameter-by-section format. The first number, 31, refers to the tire’s approximate overall diameter in inches, while 6.20 refers to the approximate section width rather than the wheel diameter.
That older format can look unfamiliar beside a numeric size like 650-19, so it helps to read the sidewall carefully before ordering. On a restoration-era Studebaker, understanding the format keeps the focus on the actual tire already fitted to the car instead of assuming every 19-inch pre-war tire is the same.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 650-19 tire for a 1928 Studebaker President?
Start with the correct 650-19 size, then compare the available bias-ply options by sidewall style, tire series, and wheel-width suitability where it is stated. In this size, choices include blackwall and wide whitewall versions from Firestone, Lester, and Excelsior.
The right choice depends on how the Studebaker will be presented and used. A period-style touring look may point one way, while a restoration centered on bright trim and traditional whitewall appearance may point another. It also helps to compare wheel dimensions and any stated load or rim-width details before deciding.
What sidewall styles are available for 1928 Studebaker President tires?
For the available 650-19 products, the main sidewall choices are blackwall and wide whitewall. Both keep the traditional bias-ply construction that suits the visual character of a 1928 Studebaker President, but they create very different presentations on the car.
A blackwall usually gives a more restrained, workmanlike appearance, while a wide whitewall draws much more attention to the wheel and body line. The best choice depends on the car’s trim, finish, and restoration goals. Owners focused on historical exactness should also compare the tire look against marque-specific reference material.
What brands offer tires for the 1928 Studebaker President?
The available 650-19 options for a 1928 Studebaker President include tires from Firestone, Lester, and Excelsior. Those choices appear across several classic bias-ply series, so the brand decision is tied closely to sidewall style and the specific series presentation you want.
Brand alone should not be the whole decision. It makes sense to compare the exact tire series, whether the tire is blackwall or wide whitewall, and any wheel-width details attached to the product. That approach keeps the focus on fitment and appearance rather than assuming every tire in the size serves the same purpose.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1928 Studebaker President?
A period-style 1928 Studebaker President starts with one of its correct bias-ply sizes, either 31X6.20 or 650-19, depending on the car’s actual setup. Within the available 650-19 range, period-minded choices include traditional blackwall and wide whitewall tires in classic Firestone, Lester, and Excelsior series.
The best restoration choice depends on whether the goal is authentic-looking road presence, a more formal show presentation, or a touring-ready driver with a traditional appearance. Exact originality can vary by body, market, and prior restoration decisions, so serious authenticity work should be checked against marque-club and historical reference material.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1928 Studebaker President restoration?
Correct tire fitment matters on a 1928 Studebaker President because tire size strongly affects the car’s stance, wheel opening proportion, and overall period presentation. On a pre-war automobile, the tires are a large visual element, so an incorrect size can change the look as much as the driving feel.
Fitment also matters mechanically. The wheel diameter, wheel width, and the actual size mounted on the car should be confirmed before replacing anything, especially on a long-restored vehicle that may have had parts changed over time. Matching those details helps preserve both appearance and sensible road manners.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1928 Studebaker President?
Yes. Even though the 1928 Studebaker President is associated with 31X6.20 and 650-19 bias-ply sizes, actual fitment can change if the car has replacement wheels, altered suspension height, brake conversions, or body and fender work completed during an older restoration.
A modified car should be checked at the wheel itself rather than ordered by model name alone. Verifying wheel diameter, wheel width, and visible clearance at the fender and steering components helps prevent expensive mistakes. That step is especially important on a nearly century-old vehicle with a long maintenance history.
What should I inspect before driving a 1928 Studebaker President on new tires?
Before road use, inspect the wheels for damage or distortion, confirm the tire is seated correctly, and look over the valve stems, lug hardware, and general wheel condition. A collector Studebaker should also be checked for adequate clearance at the fenders and steering range once the tires are mounted.
The rest of the car deserves equal attention. Steering play, brake condition, suspension wear, and wheel-bearing condition can all affect how a fresh set of tires behaves on the road. A careful shakedown drive at moderate speed is a smart way to confirm that the full assembly is working as intended.
How should 650-19 tires on a collector 1928 Studebaker President be maintained?
Collector-car tires in 650-19 size should be kept properly inflated, inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, and uneven wear, and protected from long exposure to sunlight, heat, and moisture. Because a 1928 Studebaker President may spend long periods parked, visual inspection matters as much as mileage.
Storage habits make a real difference on a low-use vehicle. Clean, dry conditions and occasional movement help reduce flat spotting and stress on one area of the tire. It is also wise to recheck air pressure before every outing, since collector vehicles often sit long enough for gradual pressure loss to go unnoticed.
