1929 Auburn 120 Series Tires

The 1929 Auburn 120 Series uses two primary bias-ply tire sizes: 30X6.50 and 650-18. Both sizes appear for the covered fitment, and the 1929 Auburn 120 Series 8 Cyl. is associated with both rather than being split into separate size-specific sub-models.

That means the first job is confirming which wheel and tire setup is actually on the car today. On a prewar Auburn, restorations, older repairs, or replacement wheels can change what is mounted, so checking the tire marking, wheel diameter, and overall presentation before choosing a replacement is more useful than assuming every surviving car still wears the same setup.

The 1929 Auburn 120 Series uses an 18-inch rim with the 650-18 fitment. Available 650-18 products are built for that 18-inch wheel, and their rim-width range is 3.25 to 3.50 inches.

That wheel measurement matters because early cars are often restored over many decades, and a tire size can look close while still being intended for a different rim. Measuring the wheel on the car, checking the width at the bead seat, and comparing it to the intended tire avoids ordering a period-style tire that matches the era visually but not the actual wheel hardware.

On a 1929 Auburn 120 Series, 650-18 is a numeric bias-ply size. The 650 portion represents an approximate 6.50-inch nominal section width, while the 18 indicates the tire fits an 18-inch rim.

For a buyer, that means the marking is describing a traditional prewar-style fitment rather than a modern metric radial size. It also explains why sidewall presentation plays such a large role in the final choice, since the Auburn’s look can change noticeably between blackwall and wide whitewall tires even when the basic size and bias-ply construction remain the same.

Start with the basics: confirm that the car is actually using the 650-18 setup, that the wheel is 18 inches in diameter, and that the rim width falls within the tire’s intended range. For this fitment, available choices stay within traditional Firestone Balloon bias-ply construction.

Once fitment is confirmed, the more personal decision is appearance and use. A blackwall gives a simpler, more understated presentation, while a wide whitewall creates a stronger period-style visual statement. It also helps to compare load information where shown and think about whether the Auburn will see show use, short local drives, or more regular touring at moderate road speeds.

For the 1929 Auburn 120 Series, the available 650-18 products include both blackwall and wide whitewall sidewall styles. Both are offered within Firestone Balloon bias-ply construction, so the difference is largely visual rather than a change in the basic period tire character.

That choice can have a major effect on how the car presents. A blackwall tends to look more restrained and mechanical, while a wide whitewall adds brightness and a more formal restoration-oriented appearance. When originality is especially important, it is wise to compare the sidewall choice against period photos, marque references, or the specific restoration goal for that individual Auburn.

Firestone is the brand represented in the available 650-18 fitment for the 1929 Auburn 120 Series. The products fall under the Firestone Balloon series, with both blackwall and wide whitewall versions available.

Since the brand choice is narrow here, the more meaningful comparison is within the series itself. Buyers should focus on whether the car needs the visual impact of a whitewall, whether the wheel matches the published rim-width range, and whether the stated load specification on the selected tire suits the vehicle’s intended use and setup.

A period-style 1929 Auburn 120 Series should stay centered on the bias-ply sizes associated with the car, with 30X6.50 and 650-18 being the fitments to evaluate. Among the currently visible product choices, the 650-18 Firestone Balloon line provides a traditional prewar look that suits the Auburn’s era.

The final decision depends on how the car is being finished and presented. A restoration aimed at a formal, high-visibility show appearance may lean toward a wide whitewall, while a more restrained presentation may favor blackwall. When exact historical accuracy matters more than general period style, marque-club guidance and period photography are worth consulting before settling on sidewall treatment.

Yes, tire fitment plays a major role in a 1929 Auburn 120 Series restoration because these cars visually depend on tall sidewalls, proper proportions, and the right wheel-to-tire relationship. Using the correct style of bias-ply sizing helps preserve the stance and character that define a late-1920s Auburn.

Correct fitment matters mechanically as well as visually. The wrong rim diameter, an unsuitable rim width, or an altered overall presentation can make the car look out of period and create avoidable clearance or mounting issues. Even on a finished restoration, it is smart to re-check the actual wheel dimensions before replacing aged tires that may have been on the car for many years.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1929 Auburn 120 Series, especially if the car has replacement wheels, altered ride height, brake conversions, or body and fender work from an older restoration. Even when a tire size appears visually close, the wheel diameter and width still need to match the intended fitment.

That is particularly important on prewar cars because surviving examples often have decades of accumulated changes. A replacement tire should be checked against the actual wheel on the car, not only the vehicle designation. Clearance at the front axle, steering travel, and fender edges should also be reviewed before road use so the finished setup remains practical as well as period-appropriate.

Before driving a 1929 Auburn 120 Series on new tires, inspect wheel condition, bead-seat cleanliness, valve hardware, and overall mounting quality. The tires themselves should be checked for proper inflation, even seating, and any visible issues such as cuts or handling damage from installation.

A broader road-readiness check matters just as much on a prewar car. Steering play, brake function, wheel bearing condition, and suspension wear can all affect how freshly mounted bias-ply tires feel once the car is moving. Taking a short, careful shakedown drive and rechecking pressure and fasteners afterward is a sensible step before longer touring use.

650-18 tires on a collector 1929 Auburn 120 Series should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and careful storage habits. Bias-ply tires on lightly used collector cars deserve extra attention because age, inactivity, and environmental exposure can affect condition long before tread is worn out.

Good maintenance includes watching for sidewall cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven wear, and slow air loss, then correcting issues before road use. Storage away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the rubber, and moving the car occasionally can reduce long-term stress from sitting in one position. Any tire that shows questionable age or condition deserves professional evaluation before driving.