The 1929 Franklin 137 Series came from an era when air-cooled engineering and lightweight construction gave Franklin automobiles a character distinct from many other late-1920s American cars. Owners today usually approach one of these cars with a strong interest in authenticity, drivability, and the visual presence that proper tall bias-ply tires bring to a pre-war chassis. The 1929 Franklin 137 Series uses bias-ply fitments in 31X6.20 and 650-19 on 19-inch wheels. Within that fitment, there are meaningful choices in blackwall and wide whitewall styles across Firestone, Lester, and Excelsior offerings. The key is matching the tire to the car's wheel setup and restoration direction before putting the car back on the road.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1929 Franklin 137 Series
The 1929 Franklin 137 Series uses two primary tire sizes, and both are bias-ply fitments associated with the covered 6 Cyl. sub-model. Because these sizes share the same general 19-inch wheel context, the first step is confirming which size is actually on the car now and whether the wheels remain true to the original type. From there, the real decision becomes selecting the right period-style tire series and sidewall treatment for the car's intended appearance and road use.
31X6.20 is an antique diameter-by-section size, meaning the first number refers to an approximate 31-inch overall tire diameter and the second number refers to an approximate 6.20-inch section width. It is a bias-ply fitment suited to the tall, upright tire profile expected on a late-1920s automobile such as the 1929 Franklin 137 Series. This format tends to matter most to buyers trying to preserve an early-car stance and visual proportion rather than moving into a later sizing convention. It is worth checking the actual wheel setup on the car so the selected tire matches both the rim and the restoration direction.
650-19 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 650 indicates an approximate 6.50-inch nominal section width and 19 identifies the rim diameter in inches. On a 1929 Franklin 137 Series, this size opens the door to a broader set of actual tire choices, including Firestone, Lester, and Excelsior products in blackwall and wide whitewall form, along with series such as Firestone Balloon, Firestone Classic Bias Ply, Lester Classic Bias Ply, and Comp H. Buyers usually focus here on appearance, rim-width compatibility, and whether they want a more understated blackwall presentation or a more formal whitewall look.
Tire fitment is straightforward across the covered 1929 Franklin 137 Series sub-model, since the same two primary sizes are associated with it. Checking the exact sub-model still matters because it confirms that the car falls within this fitment group before choosing between the available bias-ply size and style options.
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1929 Franklin 137 Series 6 Cyl.
The 1929 Franklin 137 Series 6 Cyl. uses the same two bias-ply tire sizes associated with this vehicle line, so the main task is determining which of those sizes matches the car's present wheel and tire setup. That makes selection less about trim differences and more about preserving the right pre-war look, confirming wheel dimensions, and choosing among blackwall or wide whitewall offerings.
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 137 Series Tires for Sale
Available 650-19 tires give a 1929 Franklin 137 Series owner several useful comparison points, including Firestone, Lester, and Excelsior choices in blackwall and wide whitewall styles. The product grid also shows differences in tire series, rim-width suitability, weight, and other restoration-oriented details.
These FAQs focus on the two bias-ply tire sizes used on the 1929 Franklin 137 Series, along with rim fitment, sidewall choices, restoration appearance, and the inspection steps that matter before regular road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1929 Franklin 137 Series?
The 1929 Franklin 137 Series uses two primary bias-ply tire sizes: 31X6.20 and 650-19. The covered sub-model, the 1929 Franklin 137 Series 6 Cyl., is associated with both sizes, so either one may be relevant depending on the wheel and tire setup on the individual car.
That means the first job is not guessing by year alone, but checking the tires already on the car and confirming the wheel dimensions before selecting a replacement. On a pre-war vehicle, changes made over many decades can affect what is mounted today, so matching the replacement size to the actual wheel and overall presentation of the car is the safest approach.
What size rim does a 1929 Franklin 137 Series use?
The 1929 Franklin 137 Series uses a 19-inch rim with its 650-19 tire fitment. The 31X6.20 fitment sits within the same general 19-inch wheel context shown for this vehicle, so wheel diameter remains an important part of confirming the correct replacement setup.
Rim diameter is only part of the picture on an early car like this one. Wheel width, bead type, and the actual condition of the rim should also be checked before mounting new tires, especially if the car has been restored, modified, or stored for long periods. A proper wheel inspection helps avoid selecting a tire that looks correct on paper but conflicts with the actual wheel assembly.
What does 650-19 mean on a 1929 Franklin 137 Series?
650-19 is a numeric bias-ply tire size. The 650 portion refers to an approximate 6.50-inch nominal section width, while 19 refers to the rim diameter in inches. On the 1929 Franklin 137 Series, it is one of the two primary bias-ply fitments associated with the covered 6 Cyl. sub-model.
For a buyer, that size code matters because it points to both the tire's general proportions and the wheel diameter it is meant to fit. It also opens up actual product choices in blackwall and wide whitewall form, so the decision becomes not just size selection, but also whether the car calls for a more understated touring look or a stronger restoration-oriented presentation.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 650-19 tire for a 1929 Franklin 137 Series?
Start with the basics: confirm that 650-19 is the size actually used on the car, then compare the available bias-ply products by brand, tire series, sidewall style, and wheel compatibility. For this size, choices include Firestone, Lester, and Excelsior, with blackwall and wide whitewall offerings that can change the car's visual character significantly.
A careful comparison should also include rim-width suitability where it is stated, along with details such as tire weight and any load figure tied to inflation pressure. On a collector car, the best choice is often the one that balances correct overall presentation with the wheel setup already on the vehicle, rather than simply picking the first tire in the proper nominal size.
What sidewall styles are available for 1929 Franklin 137 Series tires?
For the available 650-19 fitment, sidewall choices include blackwall and wide whitewall. Those two styles create very different visual results on a 1929 Franklin 137 Series, even when the tire size and basic bias-ply construction remain the same.
Blackwall usually gives the car a more restrained, utilitarian presentation, while a wide whitewall adds a more formal and visually prominent period-style look. The right choice depends on how the car is being presented and what appearance suits the restoration. Buyers focused on historical accuracy should compare photos, marque references, and other vehicle-specific documentation before settling on a sidewall treatment.
What brands offer tires for the 1929 Franklin 137 Series?
The available 650-19 tire options for the 1929 Franklin 137 Series include Firestone, Lester, and Excelsior. Those brands appear across several different bias-ply series, so the brand name is only one part of the buying decision for this particular fitment.
It helps to compare each option by tire series, sidewall treatment, and wheel specification rather than assuming every 650-19 product serves the same purpose. A Firestone Balloon, for example, presents a different character than a Lester Classic Bias Ply or an Excelsior Comp H. Looking at the full combination of size, style, and wheel suitability gives a clearer basis for choosing the right tire.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1929 Franklin 137 Series?
A period-style 1929 Franklin 137 Series starts with the correct primary bias-ply sizing, either 31X6.20 or 650-19, depending on the wheel setup on the car. From there, the choice usually narrows to the overall look you want, including blackwall versus wide whitewall and the particular tire series that best matches the car's restoration approach.
Because pre-war appearance details can vary by body, ownership history, and restoration standard, exact originality should be checked against marque literature, period photos, and other authoritative references tied to the individual car. For many owners, the practical goal is a tire that preserves the Franklin's late-1920s proportions and visual balance without claiming a detail that the car itself may not have carried originally.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1929 Franklin 137 Series restoration?
Correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1929 Franklin 137 Series because the tire is a major part of the car's stance, wheel opening fill, and overall pre-war appearance. Using the proper bias-ply size family helps preserve the tall profile and visual proportions that belong on a late-1920s automobile.
Fitment also matters mechanically, since an early car's wheels, clearances, and chassis setup can be less forgiving of casual substitutions than many later vehicles. Even when two tires seem visually close, the right approach is to confirm wheel dimensions and the car's actual configuration before deciding. That keeps the restoration focused on both appearance and practical roadworthiness.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1929 Franklin 137 Series?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1929 Franklin 137 Series. If the car has replacement wheels, altered suspension components, brake changes, or body repairs that changed clearance around the fenders, a tire in the nominally correct size may still need closer evaluation before installation.
That is especially important on a pre-war car that may have had decades of maintenance and restoration work. Checking wheel diameter, wheel width, and visible clearance at the fender and steering positions helps avoid surprises. A careful inspection of the actual setup on the car is more useful than relying on age alone when selecting between 31X6.20 and 650-19 fitments.
What should I inspect before driving a 1929 Franklin 137 Series on new tires?
Before road use, inspect the wheels, valve stems, and overall tire installation, then confirm that the tires are properly seated and inflated for the application. It also makes sense to check steering movement, fender clearance, and any signs that the wheel or tire is contacting surrounding suspension or body components.
A broader pre-drive inspection is just as important on a collector car. Look over the tread and sidewalls for cuts, bulges, or mounting damage, and verify that the spare and tools are in usable condition if the car will travel any distance. Early vehicles reward careful preparation, and a slow walk-around before the first outing can prevent a great deal of trouble.
How should 650-19 tires on a collector 1929 Franklin 137 Series be maintained?
650-19 tires on a collector 1929 Franklin 137 Series should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspections, and attention to storage conditions. Even when a car is driven sparingly, bias-ply tires still age over time, so sidewall condition and any signs of cracking or air loss deserve close attention.
Good storage habits make a real difference on an infrequently used car. Keeping the Franklin away from prolonged sunlight, excessive heat, moisture, and ozone-producing equipment helps protect the rubber, while periodic movement can reduce the effects of long-term static loading. The goal is not just preserving tread, but preserving overall tire condition so the car remains ready for careful road use.
