The 1929 Graham 27 comes from a period when American cars were moving rapidly toward more refined styling, stronger multi-cylinder performance, and a more substantial road presence. That makes tire choice especially important, because the stance and ride character of a late-1920s Graham depend heavily on getting the proper period-style sizing and construction. This model uses bias-ply fitments in 31X6.20 and 650-19, both tied to 19-inch wheel fitment considerations. Available choices center on traditional blackwall and wide whitewall presentations across several classic bias-ply series. For a restoration-minded owner, the real task is confirming which of the two original-style size formats suits the car's wheel setup and appearance goals.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1929 Graham 27
The 1929 Graham 27 uses two primary tire sizes, and both are bias-ply fitments associated with 19-inch wheel use. Since the same sub-model can appear with either size, the first step is confirming the wheel setup already on the car and then choosing the tire format and sidewall style that best match its restoration direction and intended road use.
A size such as 31X6.20 uses an older diameter-by-section format, where 31 refers to the tire's approximate overall diameter in inches and 6.20 refers to its approximate section width. It is a bias-ply fitment that suits the late-1920s character of the 1929 Graham 27 and preserves the traditional construction associated with cars of this era. This format is especially relevant for owners focused on period-style proportions and authentic-looking tire shape. Before choosing it, confirm that the car's wheels and current setup match this older sizing convention rather than the alternate numeric bias-ply option.
The 650-19 size uses a numeric bias-ply format in which 6.50 represents the tire's nominal section width in inches and 19 identifies the rim diameter. On the 1929 Graham 27, it offers a traditional bias-ply choice with meaningful variation in brand, tire series, and sidewall presentation, including blackwall and wide whitewall options. Firestone, Lester, and Excelsior all appear in this size, with series ranging from classic bias-ply designs to Firestone Balloon and Comp H offerings. It is the size to evaluate when the car is already set up for 19-inch rims and the goal is to balance appearance, series style, and wheel compatibility.
Sub-model fitment is straightforward here, but tire choice still needs a closer look because the covered Graham 27 configuration can use two different bias-ply size formats. Checking the exact wheel setup matters more than trim distinction when selecting between these period-style sizes.
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1929 Graham 27 8 Cyl.
The 1929 Graham 27 8 Cyl. can use either 31X6.20 or 650-19 in bias-ply construction. That means tire selection depends less on the sub-model name itself and more on confirming which wheel and tire format the car carries today before choosing a blackwall or wide whitewall 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 Graham 27 Tires for Sale
Available 650-19 tires give the 1929 Graham 27 a useful mix of Firestone, Lester, and Excelsior choices, with blackwall and wide whitewall sidewalls across classic bias-ply, Balloon, and Comp H series. Rim-width specifications also vary slightly, so wheel compatibility is worth comparing in the product grid.
These FAQs focus on the two bias-ply tire sizes used on the 1929 Graham 27, how 19-inch wheel fitment affects selection, and what restoration-minded owners should check before putting a collector car back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1929 Graham 27?
The 1929 Graham 27 uses two primary bias-ply tire sizes: 31X6.20 and 650-19. Those are both period-style fitments for this model, and the covered 1929 Graham 27 8 Cyl. can appear with either size rather than one universal choice for every car still on the road today.
The practical next step is confirming which wheel and tire setup is already on the car. A restored or long-stored Graham may have been changed over the years, so measuring the wheel diameter and checking the size currently mounted helps prevent choosing the wrong format simply because both sizes are associated with the same model.
What size rim does a 1929 Graham 27 use?
The 1929 Graham 27 uses a 19-inch rim. That is stated directly with the 650-19 fitment, and the vehicle's rim-diameter summary also centers on 19-inch wheel use for this model.
Even with that known rim diameter, the tire format still matters because this Graham can use both 31X6.20 and 650-19 bias-ply sizes. A buyer should confirm the actual wheel dimensions on the car, especially if the vehicle has been restored, stored for decades, or fitted with replacement wheels at some point in its life.
What does 31X6.20 mean on a 1929 Graham 27?
On a 1929 Graham 27, 31X6.20 is an antique diameter-by-section tire size. The first number refers to the tire's approximate overall diameter in inches, while the second number refers to its approximate section width, making it different from later numeric bias-ply sizing such as 650-19.
That distinction matters when comparing tires for a late-1920s car because the two size systems describe the tire differently even though both belong to the same period. Matching the car's existing wheel setup and overall presentation is important, especially when the goal is to preserve period-style proportions rather than simply choosing the first 19-inch tire that seems close.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 650-19 tire for a 1929 Graham 27?
Start with the basics: the 1929 Graham 27 uses 650-19 in bias-ply construction, so the first decision is whether that is the actual size and format your car is set up to use. From there, the choices widen into brand, tire series, sidewall style, and rim-width specification.
Available 650-19 options include Firestone, Lester, and Excelsior, with blackwall and wide whitewall presentations across classic bias-ply, Balloon, and Comp H lines. Looking closely at wheel compatibility and appearance goals is worthwhile, since a restoration-focused car may call for a different visual treatment than a driver intended for regular touring and local event use.
What sidewall styles are available for 1929 Graham 27 tires?
For the 1929 Graham 27, the available 650-19 product range includes both blackwall and wide whitewall sidewall styles. Those two looks can change the car's visual character significantly, even when the underlying tire size and bias-ply construction remain the same.
Blackwall tires tend to give a more restrained, utility-oriented appearance, while wide whitewalls create a stronger period luxury and show-car impression. The right choice depends on how the Graham is being presented, so it helps to consider the vehicle's paint, trim, restoration theme, and whether the goal is road use, display, or a more formal late-1920s look.
What brands offer tires for the 1929 Graham 27?
The 1929 Graham 27 has 650-19 tire options from Firestone, Lester, and Excelsior. Those choices all stay within the correct period-style bias-ply construction, but they differ in tire series, sidewall presentation, and some wheel-compatibility details.
Brand selection should come after confirming the correct tire size for the car, since this Graham can also appear with 31X6.20. Once size is settled, compare the available series and sidewall treatments carefully, especially if the car is being restored to a specific visual theme or if the wheel setup needs a narrower or broader rim-width range.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1929 Graham 27?
A period-style 1929 Graham 27 should begin with one of its proper bias-ply fitments, either 31X6.20 or 650-19, depending on the wheel setup on the car. That keeps the construction and general visual character in line with what a late-1920s Graham would have carried in service.
After confirming the size, appearance becomes the next major decision. Blackwall and wide whitewall choices are both available in 650-19, so the best match depends on the restoration's theme rather than a one-answer rule. If exact originality matters, compare the tire decision against marque references, period photos, and other vehicle-specific historical sources.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1929 Graham 27 restoration?
Correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1929 Graham 27 restoration because tire diameter, section width, construction, and sidewall presentation all shape how the car sits and reads visually. On a prewar-style vehicle, the tires are a major part of the finished stance rather than a small background detail.
Using the right bias-ply size format also helps avoid a mismatched look between the body, wheels, and tire profile. Since this model can use more than one period-style size, restoration planning should include confirming wheel dimensions, reviewing the car's current setup, and deciding whether a blackwall or wide whitewall better suits the intended final presentation.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1929 Graham 27?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1929 Graham 27, even when the tire size itself is associated with the model. Replacement wheels, altered rim widths, suspension changes, brake conversions, and body or fender work can all change the space available for a period-style bias-ply tire.
That is especially important here because the Graham can use two different original-style tire formats. A car that has been updated over the decades may no longer match its earlier wheel setup, so checking wheel diameter, rim width, steering clearance, and fender clearance is a smart step before settling on 31X6.20 or 650-19.
What should I inspect before driving a 1929 Graham 27 on new tires?
Before driving a 1929 Graham 27 on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve hardware, and overall mounting condition, then check that each tire is seated correctly and inflated appropriately for its application. It is also wise to look over steering and suspension components on a collector car that may have spent long periods parked.
A short shakedown drive should be paired with another visual inspection for rubbing, unusual wear, and air loss. On an older vehicle, tire condition is only part of the picture, so attention to wheel integrity, brake operation, and front-end looseness helps confirm that the car is ready for real road use rather than just a move around the garage.
How should 650-19 tires on a collector 1929 Graham 27 be maintained?
650-19 tires on a collector 1929 Graham 27 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and careful storage habits. Because collector vehicles often spend more time parked than driven, sidewall cracking, flat spotting, tread aging, and slow air loss can become more important than simple mileage wear.
Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, excess heat, and ozone sources helps protect the rubber over time. It also pays to inspect the tires before every meaningful outing rather than assuming low annual mileage means low risk, since an older Graham may sit for long stretches between drives, tours, and show appearances.
