The 1929 Franklin 135 Series comes from an era when American luxury and engineering individuality often went hand in hand, and Franklin’s air-cooled design gives the car a character all its own. Buyers restoring or maintaining one of these late-1920s automobiles usually care as much about stance and visual authenticity as they do basic road readiness. Tire fitment centers on 19-inch bias-ply sizes, with both 31X6.20 and 650-19 associated with the 135 Series. Within 650-19, there is meaningful choice in brands, tire series, and blackwall or wide whitewall sidewall presentation. The right selection starts with confirming which size is on the car now and whether the goal is touring use, preservation, or a period-style restoration.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1929 Franklin 135 Series
The 1929 Franklin 135 Series uses two primary tire sizes, and both are bias-ply fitments associated with 19-inch wheels. Since the covered 6 Cyl. sub-model can use either 31X6.20 or 650-19, the first step is confirming which size is already on the car and verifying the wheel setup before choosing a replacement.
31X6.20 is an older size format that describes the tire primarily by its approximate overall diameter and section width, rather than by a modern rim-first code. On the 1929 Franklin 135 Series, it represents a period bias-ply fitment suited to the car’s late-1920s construction and appearance. This format is especially relevant to restoration-minded owners who want to stay close to an early tire-sizing convention. Before choosing it, confirm that the car is actually set up for 31X6.20 and compare the installed wheel and existing tire dimensions carefully.
650-19 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 6.50 refers to nominal section width in inches and 19 refers to rim diameter. For the 1929 Franklin 135 Series, it is a traditional 19-inch fitment with the broadest visible range of available choices. Firestone, Lester, and Excelsior options appear in several series, with blackwall and wide whitewall treatments that can change the car’s finished look significantly. This size is often the more product-rich path when the goal is to balance correct-era presentation with a specific sidewall style and wheel-width match.
Sub-model fitment is straightforward here because the covered 1929 Franklin 135 Series 6 Cyl. can use the same two primary tire sizes. Checking the sub-model still matters, but the bigger step is confirming which of those two sizes is already matched to the car’s wheels.
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1929 Franklin 135 Series 6 Cyl.
The 1929 Franklin 135 Series 6 Cyl. is associated with both 31X6.20 and 650-19 bias-ply tires. That makes the real selection issue less about trim differences and more about confirming the wheel and existing tire setup before choosing between a restoration-style replacement and the wider product assortment found in 650-19.
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 Franklin 135 Series Tires for Sale
Available 650-19 choices span Firestone, Lester, and Excelsior, with classic bias-ply construction, blackwall or wide whitewall sidewalls, and several tire series including Firestone Classic Bias Ply, Firestone Balloon, Lester Classic Bias Ply, and Comp H.
These 1929 Franklin 135 Series tire questions focus on the two primary sizes, 19-inch wheel fitment, bias-ply selection, sidewall appearance, and the checks that matter before putting a collector car back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1929 Franklin 135 Series?
The 1929 Franklin 135 Series is associated with two primary bias-ply tire sizes: 31X6.20 and 650-19. The covered 1929 Franklin 135 Series 6 Cyl. can use either of those sizes, so the correct replacement begins with identifying which one is already mounted on the car and matched to its wheels.
That matters because these are not just two different ways of writing the same size. A Franklin that is presently set up for 650-19 should be evaluated as a 19-inch numeric bias-ply fitment, while a car wearing 31X6.20 should be checked against that older diameter-by-section sizing convention before any change is made.
What size rim does a 1929 Franklin 135 Series use?
The 1929 Franklin 135 Series uses a 19-inch rim with its primary tire fitments. That rim diameter is directly associated with 650-19, and the vehicle’s covered tire applications center on 19-inch wheel fitment rather than a mix of wheel diameters.
Rim diameter is only part of the picture on a car of this age. It is still worth confirming the actual wheel on the vehicle, especially if the Franklin has been restored over time, because wheel width and the tire size already in place can affect which replacement makes the most sense.
Does the 1929 Franklin 135 Series 6 Cyl. use the same tire size?
The 1929 Franklin 135 Series 6 Cyl. does not narrow the fitment to just one size. It is associated with the same two primary bias-ply sizes used at the model level, which are 31X6.20 and 650-19.
That means the sub-model name alone does not settle the tire choice. The practical next step is to inspect the car’s current tire and wheel setup so the replacement matches the size convention already being used, especially on a collector vehicle where wheels and tires may have been changed during earlier restoration work.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 650-19 tire for a 1929 Franklin 135 Series?
Start with the basics: confirm that 650-19 is the size actually on the car, verify the 19-inch wheel, and stay with bias-ply construction if the goal is to preserve the Franklin’s traditional fitment character. Within 650-19, there are choices in brand, tire series, sidewall style, and in some cases rim-width specification.
Selection usually comes down to how the car will be used and how it should look when finished. A blackwall tire gives a more understated presentation, while a wide whitewall changes the visual character noticeably. Wheel width, overall condition of the wheels, and the kind of road use planned should all be part of the decision.
What sidewall styles are available for 1929 Franklin 135 Series tires?
For the available 650-19 products, the visible sidewall choices are blackwall and wide whitewall. Both appear in bias-ply offerings, so the decision is less about construction type and more about the finished appearance you want on the 1929 Franklin 135 Series.
That choice can strongly influence the car’s presentation. A blackwall usually suits a more restrained, utilitarian look, while a wide whitewall gives a brighter and more formal period-style appearance. Owners pursuing a restoration-oriented result often choose sidewall style only after settling the correct size, wheel compatibility, and overall stance.
What brands offer tires for the 1929 Franklin 135 Series?
In 650-19, the 1929 Franklin 135 Series has product choices from Firestone, Lester, and Excelsior. Those offerings span several series, including Firestone Classic Bias Ply, Firestone Balloon, Lester Classic Bias Ply, and Comp H, all within a vintage bias-ply selection.
Brand alone should not decide the purchase. It is smarter to compare the exact tire series, sidewall style, rim-width specification where given, and the look you want on the car. Two tires may share the same size but still differ in presentation and wheel compatibility details that matter on a late-1920s automobile.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1929 Franklin 135 Series?
A period-style 1929 Franklin 135 Series usually starts with staying in one of its correct-era bias-ply sizes, either 31X6.20 or 650-19, depending on the car’s actual wheel and tire setup. That keeps the sizing language, construction, and visual character aligned with what buyers expect from a late-1920s automobile.
The finer point is choosing a tire that matches the restoration goal rather than chasing a one-size-fits-all answer. If appearance is the priority, compare blackwall and wide whitewall presentations carefully. When exact historical originality matters, it is worth checking marque-specific references or period photographs before settling on a sidewall treatment.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1929 Franklin 135 Series restoration?
Correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1929 Franklin 135 Series because tire size and construction affect both the car’s appearance and how authentically it sits on its wheels. Using one of the proper bias-ply size formats helps preserve the visual proportions expected of a late-1920s Franklin.
Fitment accuracy also avoids practical problems during assembly and road use. A restoration should account for actual wheel diameter, wheel width, and the size currently matched to the car. Even when the tire looks close at a glance, changing to a different size format without checking those details can alter stance and complicate replacement decisions later.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1929 Franklin 135 Series?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1929 Franklin 135 Series, even when the car is still using one of the correct primary sizes. Changes to wheel width, replacement rims, suspension height, brake conversions, or body and fender positioning can all influence clearance and the way a tire sits on the car.
That is especially important on older collector vehicles, where decades of repairs may have altered the original setup. A Franklin with non-original wheels should be measured carefully before selecting 31X6.20 or 650-19. Checking steering movement, fender space, and wheel condition helps prevent choosing a tire that matches the catalog size but not the car.
What should I inspect before driving a 1929 Franklin 135 Series on new tires?
Before road use, inspect the wheels for condition and true fit, confirm that each tire is the intended size, and check inflation, tread condition, and sidewalls for cuts, cracking, or bulges. On a 1929 Franklin 135 Series, it is also wise to look closely at valve stems, mounting quality, and any signs of uneven seating.
A short test at low speed is a sensible next step before any longer drive. Pay attention to steering feel, rubbing, and how the car tracks once the tires are installed. Collector cars that spend long periods parked should also be checked for age-related deterioration, even when the tires appear visually clean.
How should 650-19 tires on a collector 1929 Franklin 135 Series be maintained?
650-19 tires on a collector 1929 Franklin 135 Series should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspection, and careful storage habits. Bias-ply tires on low-use cars deserve extra attention because they may age out or develop condition issues long before they accumulate much road mileage.
Good maintenance includes watching for flat spotting after storage, examining the sidewalls for weathering, and keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources when parked. It also helps to inspect the wheels themselves periodically, since an older rim in poor condition can compromise tire service even when the tire remains sound.
