1929 Packard 645 Series Tires

The 1929 Packard 645 Series uses two primary bias-ply tire sizes: 32X6.75 and 700-20. Those are not just alternate ways of writing the same tire. They belong to different sizing conventions, and they do not share the same rim diameter, so the correct choice depends on the wheel setup that is actually on the car.

That makes wheel verification the first step before comparing brands or sidewall styles. On a restoration, long-term collector car, or a car that may have had parts changed over time, the tires currently mounted may not tell the whole story. Confirm the actual wheel diameter and tire size requirement before selecting a replacement.

The 1929 Packard 645 Series is associated with two rim diameters because its primary tire sizes differ. The 32X6.75 size corresponds to a 5.0-inch rim diameter, while 700-20 uses a 20-inch rim. That is a major fitment difference, not a small variation within the same wheel family.

A buyer should confirm the wheel itself rather than assume every 1929 Packard 645 Series carries the same setup today. Older vehicles are often restored, re-bodied, or updated with different wheels over the decades. Measuring the wheel and matching it to the intended tire size is essential before moving on to brand, sidewall, or tread style.

On a 1929 Packard 645 Series, 700-20 is a numeric bias-ply size. The 700 portion indicates a nominal 7.00-inch section width class, and the 20 identifies the rim diameter in inches. It is an older sizing system that predates modern metric tire markings and was common on substantial pre-war and late-1920s vehicles.

Understanding that format helps when comparing available tires because the important follow-up checks are wheel diameter, rim width suitability, and the intended visual style. In 700-20, the available choices include blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall options, so once fitment is confirmed, appearance becomes a meaningful part of the decision.

Start with the basics: confirm that 700-20 is the correct primary size for the wheels on the car, then compare the available bias-ply options by sidewall style, tire series, and intended use. In this size, choices range from traditional passenger-style offerings to truck-oriented patterns, so the tire's character matters as much as the raw size.

Appearance is a major factor on a Packard of this era, especially if the car is restored or shown. A blackwall gives a restrained presentation, while wide whitewall or double-whitewall styling changes the visual impact noticeably. Rim-width specifications and load figures are also worth checking before deciding which 700-20 product best suits the vehicle.

For the 1929 Packard 645 Series in 700-20, available sidewall styles include blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall. Those options create very different visual effects even when the tire size remains the same. On a late-1920s luxury car, sidewall treatment can shape the vehicle's stance and overall restoration presentation as much as the wheel itself.

Choosing among them depends on the look you want rather than a simple right-or-wrong answer. Some owners prefer a more formal, understated blackwall, while others want the stronger period-style presence of a whitewall treatment. If historical accuracy is especially important, compare the sidewall choice against marque-specific restoration references for your particular car.

Available 700-20 tires for the 1929 Packard 645 Series come from Firestone, BFGoodrich, and Denman. Those brands appear across several series, including Firestone Balloon, Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, Highway Classic Truck, and Firestone Classic Truck. The result is a product mix that includes both restoration-oriented appearance options and more utility-focused bias-ply designs.

Brand choice should be considered alongside the tire's sidewall style, series character, rim-width compatibility, and how the Packard will be used. A formal touring car headed for shows may call for a different presentation than a vehicle driven more regularly. The best comparison is not brand name alone, but the total fitment and appearance package.

A period-style 1929 Packard 645 Series usually starts with staying in the correct primary bias-ply size for the wheels on the car, then selecting a tire that matches the vehicle's visual character. In 700-20, options include Firestone Balloon and Silvertown Classic Bias Ply lines, along with blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall presentations.

The right choice depends on whether the goal is a formal luxury appearance, a more restrained touring look, or a restoration that follows a specific historical reference. Exact originality can vary by body, delivery period, and prior restoration work. When that level of detail matters, compare the tire choice with marque-club guidance and period documentation.

Correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1929 Packard 645 Series restoration because the tire contributes heavily to the car's stance, wheel presentation, and overall proportions. Using the proper primary size for the wheel setup keeps the car visually coherent and avoids turning a luxury-era Packard into something that looks subtly out of period.

Fitment also affects the practical side of the restoration. The wrong rim diameter or an unsuitable tire style can create avoidable mounting and clearance issues, even before the car reaches the road. A careful restoration should treat tire selection as part of the total wheel-and-chassis package rather than as a final cosmetic detail.

Yes. Any change to wheel diameter, wheel width, hub components, suspension height, or body clearance can affect tire fitment on a 1929 Packard 645 Series. That matters even more on a vehicle of this age, where decades of restoration work or parts substitution may have altered the car from its earlier configuration.

A tire should be chosen to match the Packard as it sits today, not only what it may have carried when new. Check actual wheel dimensions, steering clearance, and fender space before mounting replacement tires. Older collector vehicles often carry a mix of original and replacement parts, so a visual inspection is always worthwhile.

Before driving a 1929 Packard 645 Series on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve hardware, mounting surfaces, and overall wheel condition, then confirm the tire is matched to the correct rim diameter and suitable rim width. It is also wise to look over steering movement and visible fender clearance before the car sees road speed.

A collector car deserves a broader check beyond the tires alone. Make sure the suspension, brakes, and wheel bearings are in sound condition, and confirm that inflation is appropriate for the tire being used. After the first short drive, recheck air pressure and look for any signs of rubbing, shifting, or uneven seating.

700-20 tires on a collector 1929 Packard 645 Series should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspection, and careful storage habits. Watch for cracking, cuts, bulges, irregular wear, and air loss, especially on a car that spends long periods parked. Collector vehicles often age their tires through time and storage as much as through mileage.

Good maintenance also means protecting the car from prolonged sun, moisture, and ozone exposure when possible. Move the vehicle periodically if it sits for extended stretches, and inspect the tires before each outing rather than assuming low miles equal good condition. On an older Packard, cautious pre-drive inspection is always part of responsible road use.