The 1929 Buick 116 Standard came from a period when Buick balanced upscale touring character with the sturdier road manners buyers expected before paved highways became the norm everywhere. For owners restoring or maintaining one today, tire choice is part fitment decision and part visual decision because the car uses early bias-ply sizing conventions. This Buick is associated with both 30X5.50 and 550-20 bias-ply sizing, with the modern buying focus usually centered on 550-20 options for a 20-inch rim. Available choices include traditional Blackwall and Wide Whitewall presentations, so the right selection depends on whether the priority is road use, restoration style, or both.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1929 Buick 116 Standard
The 1929 Buick 116 Standard is associated with two primary tire sizes, and both are bias-ply fitments tied to the same covered sub-model. One uses an earlier diameter-by-section style, while the other uses a numeric bias-ply format on a 20-inch rim. The key step is confirming which sizing convention matches the wheels and tire setup currently on the car before comparing available replacement choices.
30X5.50 is an antique diameter-by-section size, meaning the first number refers to an approximate overall tire diameter and the second identifies the nominal section width in inches. It represents an early bias-ply fitment style that suits pre-war vehicles such as the 1929 Buick 116 Standard. Buyers usually look at this size when preserving an earlier tire presentation or confirming a car that still follows older sizing language. Before choosing around this designation, compare the actual wheel setup on the car with the replacement tire format being considered so the fitment approach stays consistent.
550-20 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 550 indicates an approximate 5.50-inch nominal section width and 20 identifies the rim diameter in inches. For the 1929 Buick 116 Standard, this is the more straightforward replacement format because available tires are built specifically in 550-20 bias-ply construction. BFGoodrich offers this size in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series with both Blackwall and 3.25 Inch Wide Whitewall styling. It is the size to evaluate when the car uses 20-inch wheels and the goal is a practical period-style replacement with appearance options.
Fitment is fairly straightforward here because the covered 1929 Buick 116 Standard sub-model shares the same pair of bias-ply tire sizes. Checking the exact sub-model still matters so the tire search stays centered on the correct Buick 116 Standard application rather than a different 1929 Buick line.
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1929 Buick 116 Standard 6 Cyl.
The 1929 Buick 116 Standard 6 Cyl. uses the same two bias-ply sizing references associated with this application, so the main question is not trim variation but which size convention matches the car's present wheel and tire setup. That makes tire selection more about confirming the 20-inch wheel arrangement and choosing the preferred sidewall 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 1929 Buick 116 Standard Tires for Sale
Available 550-20 tires for the 1929 Buick 116 Standard center on BFGoodrich's Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series. The main comparison point is sidewall appearance, with both Blackwall and 3.25 Inch Wide Whitewall versions built for a 20-inch rim.
Common questions for the 1929 Buick 116 Standard usually center on its two bias-ply size designations, 20-inch rim fitment, sidewall appearance choices, and the checks worth making before putting a restored or lightly driven Buick back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1929 Buick 116 Standard?
The 1929 Buick 116 Standard is associated with two bias-ply tire sizes: 30X5.50 and 550-20. Those two designations reflect different vintage sizing conventions rather than a modern front-and-rear staggered setup, and the covered 1929 Buick 116 Standard 6 Cyl. uses both size references within this application.
The practical next step is confirming which size convention matches the wheels and tires currently on the car. A Buick that is already set up around a 20-inch rim and numeric bias-ply replacement usually points buyers toward 550-20, while an older presentation may still be referenced by 30X5.50 sizing language.
What size rim does a 1929 Buick 116 Standard use?
The 1929 Buick 116 Standard uses a 20-inch rim with its 550-20 tire fitment. That rim diameter is the clearest modern reference point when selecting an available replacement tire, since the current product options in this application are built around the 550-20 bias-ply size.
Rim diameter should be verified on the actual car before purchase, especially on a vehicle that may have changed hands or been restored years ago. Wheel width, lock-ring or multi-piece wheel condition, and any prior wheel changes also deserve attention so the replacement tire matches the Buick's present setup rather than assumptions.
Does the 1929 Buick 116 Standard 6 Cyl. use the same tire size?
Yes. The covered 1929 Buick 116 Standard 6 Cyl. shares the same two bias-ply size references used for this application: 30X5.50 and 550-20. That means there is no separate tire-size split within the included Buick 116 Standard sub-model coverage here.
Even with shared fitment, the owner still needs to match the replacement tire to the car's actual wheels. On an older Buick, years of service, restoration work, or earlier tire substitutions can leave the car wearing a setup that differs from what a buyer expects at first glance.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 550-20 tire for a 1929 Buick 116 Standard?
Start with the basics: correct size, bias-ply construction, and confirmation that the car is using the 20-inch wheel setup associated with 550-20. In this application, 550-20 choices come from BFGoodrich's Silvertown Classic Bias Ply line, so the main differences are sidewall presentation and product specifications such as rim-width compatibility and load capacity.
Selection usually comes down to how the Buick will be used and presented. A restoration-oriented car may lean toward a traditional whitewall look, while a more restrained appearance may point to Blackwall. The wheel itself, the look of the car, and the way the Buick will be driven should guide the final choice.
What sidewall styles are available for 1929 Buick 116 Standard tires?
For the available 550-20 tires on a 1929 Buick 116 Standard, sidewall choices include Blackwall and a 3.25 Inch Wide Whitewall. Both are bias-ply tires in the BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series, so the sidewall is the main visual difference rather than a change in construction type.
That makes the decision largely about appearance and restoration character. A wide whitewall gives the car a brighter, more formal period-style presentation, while a blackwall creates a plainer and more understated look. It is worth stepping back and judging the tire against the Buick's paint, trim, and overall restoration direction.
What brands offer tires for the 1929 Buick 116 Standard?
The available 550-20 tires for the 1929 Buick 116 Standard are offered by BFGoodrich. Within that brand, the products fall under the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series and include both Blackwall and 3.25 Inch Wide Whitewall versions for buyers who want different visual presentations in the same size.
Since brand choice is limited here, the more useful comparison is within the product details themselves. Sidewall style, rim-width suitability, weight, and how closely the tire's presentation matches the car's restoration goals will usually matter more than trying to compare multiple manufacturers in this application.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1929 Buick 116 Standard?
A period-style 1929 Buick 116 Standard generally points toward staying with a bias-ply tire in the correct vintage size convention, with 550-20 being the active replacement format available here. That keeps the construction and visual character aligned with what buyers expect from a late-1920s Buick touring-era car.
Appearance then becomes the deciding factor. A Wide Whitewall creates a more formal restoration-oriented look, while a Blackwall keeps things simpler and more restrained. When exact originality matters beyond general period style, Buick-specific historical references and marque guidance are the right next step before making a final choice.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1929 Buick 116 Standard restoration?
Yes, tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1929 Buick 116 Standard because the tire is such a visible part of the car's stance and character. Using the proper vintage size convention and bias-ply construction helps preserve the proportions and road-era appearance that make an older Buick look settled and believable.
Fitment is not only about looks, though. Correct sizing also supports wheel compatibility and helps avoid clearance surprises on a vehicle with older body, suspension, and steering geometry. On a restoration, tires should be evaluated as part of the full wheel-and-chassis package rather than as a finishing touch added at the end.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1929 Buick 116 Standard?
Yes. Any wheel change, brake conversion, suspension alteration, or body modification can affect tire fitment on a 1929 Buick 116 Standard, even when the car is being fitted with the correct vintage tire size. Older vehicles often accumulate changes over time, and those changes can alter clearance or wheel compatibility.
The best approach is to inspect the actual wheel diameter, wheel width, and available space around the tire before selecting replacements. Steering travel, fender clearance, and the condition of the suspension should also be checked so the chosen tire suits the Buick's present configuration rather than its assumed original setup.
What should I inspect before driving a 1929 Buick 116 Standard on new tires?
Before road use, inspect the wheels, valve hardware, and the tires themselves for secure mounting, proper inflation, and any visible defects. It also makes sense to look over the steering, suspension, and brakes, since a new set of tires cannot compensate for worn chassis parts on a vehicle from this era.
A short, careful test drive is wise before any longer outing. Watch for rubbing, unusual vibration, pull, or uneven contact that could point to wheel or alignment issues. On an older Buick that has seen long storage, it is smart to recheck pressure and hardware after the first few miles.
How should 550-20 tires on a collector 1929 Buick 116 Standard be maintained?
Collector-car tires in 550-20 size should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and careful storage habits. Even when tread wear is minimal, age and inactivity matter on a 1929 Buick 116 Standard because long parked periods can be harder on tires than steady, moderate use.
Keeping the Buick in a clean, dry space away from prolonged sunlight, ozone sources, and extreme heat helps preserve sidewall condition. The tires should also be checked for cracking, cuts, bulges, and slow air loss before driving. Routine inspection matters just as much as mileage on a low-use pre-war vehicle.
