The 1928 Velie 88 Series came from an era when independent automakers still competed on durability, road presence, and mechanical character rather than sheer production scale. For owners keeping one of these late-1920s cars on the road, tire choice is part of preserving both its stance and its period driving feel. The 1928 Velie 88 Series uses 20-inch bias-ply fitments, with 32X6.20 and 650-20 both associated with the model. Available choices center on traditional bias-ply construction, with blackwall and wide whitewall presentations across passenger and truck-style series. The key is confirming which size suits the wheel and intended appearance before putting the car back into regular road use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1928 Velie 88 Series
The 1928 Velie 88 Series uses two primary tire sizes, and both are bias-ply fitments on 20-inch rims. Because the same covered sub-model is associated with both sizes, the first step is confirming the actual wheel and tire setup on the car before choosing a replacement. Once that is settled, the decision becomes one of size format, sidewall style, and whether a passenger-style or truck-style presentation better suits the vehicle.
The size 32X6.20 uses an older diameter-by-section format, where 32 refers to the tire's approximate overall diameter in inches and 6.20 refers to its section width. It is a bias-ply fitment that matches the period construction expected on a late-1920s vehicle such as the 1928 Velie 88 Series. This format appeals to owners who want an early tire designation that looks at home on a pre-war era car. Before choosing it, compare the wheel and mounted tire already on the vehicle so the size format and physical dimensions match the setup you intend to preserve.
The size 650-20 is a numeric bias-ply designation, with 6.50 representing the nominal section width in inches and 20 indicating rim diameter. On the 1928 Velie 88 Series, this is the size with the broadest visible product choice, including Firestone, Denman, and Deka offerings in blackwall and wide whitewall form across classic bias-ply and truck-oriented series. That makes it useful for owners balancing road use, appearance, and tire character. Wheel width, sidewall preference, and the car's existing wheel setup should all be checked before making the final selection.
Sub-model fitment is straightforward here because the covered 1928 Velie 88 Series sub-model is associated with the same two primary tire sizes. Even so, checking the exact wheel and tire already on the car still matters, since either size format may influence the replacement path you choose.
1
1928 Velie 88 Series 8 Cyl.
The 1928 Velie 88 Series 8 Cyl. is associated with both 32X6.20 and 650-20 bias-ply fitments on 20-inch rims. That gives the owner a choice between an antique diameter-by-section sizing format and a numeric bias-ply replacement path, so the actual wheels and the look being preserved should guide the decision.
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 Velie 88 Series Tires for Sale
Available 650-20 choices span Firestone, Denman, and Deka, with blackwall and wide whitewall styles and both passenger-style and truck-oriented series. These options stay within bias-ply construction but vary in appearance, rim-width compatibility, load specification, and overall character.
These FAQs focus on 1928 Velie 88 Series tire size identification, 20-inch rim fitment, bias-ply selection, appearance choices, and the inspection steps that matter before putting a seldom-driven collector car back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1928 Velie 88 Series?
The 1928 Velie 88 Series is associated with two primary tire sizes: 32X6.20 and 650-20. Both are bias-ply fitments, and both use a 20-inch rim. The difference is mainly in the sizing system, with 32X6.20 using an antique diameter-by-section format and 650-20 using a numeric bias-ply format that became familiar on many later vintage applications.
The practical choice starts with the car itself rather than the size chart alone. Check the wheels already on the vehicle, the size stamped or molded on the existing tires, and the overall look you want to maintain. A car restored around one format may not be best served by switching to the other without confirming wheel compatibility and visual proportions first.
What size rim does a 1928 Velie 88 Series use?
The 1928 Velie 88 Series uses a 20-inch rim with its primary tire fitments. That rim diameter matches the 650-20 size designation directly, and it also aligns with the model's 32X6.20 fitment context. Keeping that diameter correct is essential when replacing vintage tires on a vehicle from this period.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture on an older car. Wheel width, bead condition, and the actual wheel type on the vehicle should be inspected before mounting new tires, especially if the car has had repairs or wheel changes over the years. A correct 20-inch diameter does not automatically mean every 20-inch vintage tire is the right choice.
Does the 1928 Velie 88 Series 8 Cyl. use the same tire size?
The covered 1928 Velie 88 Series 8 Cyl. is associated with the same two primary tire sizes as the model core: 32X6.20 and 650-20. Both are bias-ply fitments for 20-inch rims. That means sub-model identification is not the main challenge here in the way it can be on later vehicles with multiple trim-specific wheel packages.
Even with shared sub-model fitment, the actual setup on the car still needs to be verified. Vintage vehicles are often restored in stages, and older wheels may have been changed long before current ownership. Looking at the tires currently mounted, confirming wheel measurements, and deciding whether you want a more passenger-car or truck-style presentation will make the final choice much clearer.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 650-20 tire for a 1928 Velie 88 Series?
A 650-20 tire for a 1928 Velie 88 Series should first match the car's actual wheel diameter and intended vintage character. Available 650-20 choices stay within bias-ply construction but differ by brand, sidewall treatment, and tire series. Firestone options include blackwall and wide whitewall styles, while Denman and Deka offerings add truck-oriented series in blackwall form.
Selection comes down to how the car will be used and how it should look. A restoration-oriented owner may care most about traditional sidewall presentation, while a road-use owner may focus more on rim-width compatibility and load specification. The wheel itself should be measured and inspected so the chosen tire matches both the hardware and the visual style of the finished car.
What sidewall styles are available for 1928 Velie 88 Series tires?
The visible sidewall styles available for the 1928 Velie 88 Series in 650-20 include blackwall and wide whitewall. That gives owners two very different period-style presentations within the same general size range. Blackwall tends to deliver a more restrained commercial or touring appearance, while wide whitewall creates a more formal and dressy vintage look.
The right choice depends on the character of the car and the result you want from the restoration. Sidewall style can change the whole visual impression even when size and construction stay the same. Before deciding, consider the wheel finish, body color, and whether the car is being preserved as a road car, a show car, or a balanced driver with period-inspired appearance.
What brands offer tires for the 1928 Velie 88 Series?
The available 650-20 tire options for the 1928 Velie 88 Series include Firestone, Denman, and Deka. Those brands appear across classic bias-ply and truck-oriented series, giving buyers several ways to stay within the correct vintage size family. Firestone also offers the broadest visible sidewall variety here, including both blackwall and wide whitewall presentations.
Brand choice should be weighed alongside the tire's series, sidewall style, and overall purpose rather than treated as a standalone decision. Some options lean toward a traditional passenger-car look, while others reflect a more truck-style construction and appearance. Matching the tire to the wheels, the vehicle's stance, and the intended use will usually matter more than choosing by brand name alone.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1928 Velie 88 Series?
For a period-style 1928 Velie 88 Series, the starting point is staying with the model's correct vintage bias-ply fitment family in either 32X6.20 or 650-20, depending on the actual wheel and tire setup on the car. Both formats suit the era, and 650-20 offers the clearest range of available product choices for owners balancing appearance and use.
The best period-style result usually comes from matching size format, sidewall treatment, and overall stance to the car rather than focusing on one detail in isolation. If exact restoration authenticity is a priority, compare the tire choice with marque references, period photos, or other vehicle-specific documentation. That helps separate a broadly vintage-correct look from a more exact historical presentation.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1928 Velie 88 Series?
Tire construction matters a great deal on a restored 1928 Velie 88 Series because the shape, sidewall character, and overall presentation of a bias-ply tire are closely tied to the look of a late-1920s automobile. Since the primary fitments here are bias-ply, staying within that construction preserves the traditional visual relationship between tire, wheel, and body proportions.
Appearance is not just about color or whitewall width. The size format itself, whether 32X6.20 or 650-20, also influences how authentic the finished car feels to the period. Owners pursuing a faithful restoration should evaluate the tire as part of the whole presentation, including ride height, wheel design, and sidewall style, instead of treating the tire as a separate cosmetic detail.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1928 Velie 88 Series?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1928 Velie 88 Series even when the replacement tire remains within a correct vintage size family. Wheel changes, brake updates, altered suspension height, or fender repairs can all change the space available around the tire. On a vehicle this old, past repairs and long ownership history can matter just as much as intentional modifications.
A careful fitment check should include wheel diameter, wheel width, tire-to-fender clearance, and steering clearance at full lock. It also helps to inspect for uneven spring height or axle position changes that may not be obvious at first glance. Any car carrying non-original wheels or chassis changes deserves extra measurement before new tires are mounted and driven at road speed.
What should I inspect before driving a 1928 Velie 88 Series on new tires?
Before driving a 1928 Velie 88 Series on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve hardware, and the general condition of the suspension and steering. The tires themselves should be checked for proper inflation and secure mounting, while the wheels should be free from cracks, severe rust, or bead-seat damage. On an older car, tire fitment is only one part of overall road readiness.
A short, careful shakedown drive is wise after installation. Watch for rubbing, steering pull, unusual vibration, or signs that the tire is not centered properly on the wheel. It also helps to recheck air pressure after the first drive and inspect for any contact marks. Collector vehicles often reveal old mechanical issues only after fresh tires return them to regular movement.
How should 650-20 tires on a collector 1928 Velie 88 Series be maintained?
650-20 tires on a collector 1928 Velie 88 Series should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspection, and proper storage practices. Bias-ply tires on low-use vintage cars deserve close attention because age, long stationary periods, and environmental exposure can matter as much as tread wear. Sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, and gradual air loss should all be taken seriously.
Good storage helps preserve both appearance and service life. Keep the car away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone-producing equipment, and move it periodically if it sits for long stretches. Before any longer drive, inspect the tread and sidewalls again and confirm pressure with an accurate gauge. A collector car's tires may look fine at a glance while still needing careful evaluation.
