The 1930 Chrysler 70 Series came from an era when Chrysler was building a reputation for well-engineered cars that sat above basic transportation without losing their roadgoing practicality. On a car of this age, tire choice is part fitment decision and part presentation decision, especially for owners balancing touring use with restoration goals. The 1930 Chrysler 70 Series uses bias-ply sizing in 28X5.50 and 550-18 on 18-inch rims. Within that fitment, available choices include blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall styles across several vintage tire series. Getting the right tire starts with confirming which of the two period sizes is on the car and matching it to the wheel already in place.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1930 Chrysler 70 Series
The 1930 Chrysler 70 Series uses two primary tire sizes, and both are bias-ply fitments tied to the same 18-inch wheel diameter. The first step is confirming which size is actually on the car, since a 1930 Chrysler 70 Series 6 Cyl. can be found with either size. Once that is settled, the decision shifts toward period-style appearance, available brands and tire series, and the wheel dimensions already fitted to the vehicle.
28X5.50 is an antique diameter-by-section size, meaning the first number refers to the tire's approximate overall diameter and the second refers to its section width in inches. On the 1930 Chrysler 70 Series, it is a bias-ply fitment that reflects early tire sizing conventions still common at the start of the 1930s. This size speaks more to period measurement style than to modern replacement shorthand, so it is important to compare it carefully with the actual wheel and tire presently on the car. It is especially useful for owners trying to stay close to an earlier presentation on a restoration-minded Chrysler.
550-18 is a numeric bias-ply size in which the 550 represents a nominal 5.50-inch section width and the 18 identifies the rim diameter in inches. For the 1930 Chrysler 70 Series, this is a traditional period fitment with the broadest visible range of choices, including Excelsior, Firestone, BFGoodrich, and Michelin offerings. Available tires span blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall styles across series such as Comp H, Firestone Classic Bias Ply, Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, and Double Rivet. This size gives owners the clearest path when the goal is balancing authentic-looking bias-ply construction with a specific visual finish.
Tire fitment for the covered 1930 Chrysler 70 Series sub-model is straightforward in construction but still requires a size check. The 6 Cyl. configuration can use either of the two period bias-ply sizes, so the tire already on the car and the wheel setup should be confirmed before selection.
1
1930 Chrysler 70 Series 6 Cyl.
The 1930 Chrysler 70 Series 6 Cyl. can be fitted with either 28X5.50 or 550-18, both in bias-ply construction. That makes the real choice less about radial versus bias-ply and more about matching the car's present wheel and tire setup, then choosing the sidewall style and tire series that suit the vehicle's intended appearance.
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 1930 Chrysler 70 Series Tires for Sale
Available 550-18 tires give the 1930 Chrysler 70 Series several useful comparison points, including Excelsior, Firestone, BFGoodrich, and Michelin options. Buyers can compare blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall presentations across vintage series with differing rim-width specifications, weights, and load figures.
These 1930 Chrysler 70 Series tire FAQs focus on the two primary bias-ply sizes, 18-inch rim fitment, sidewall and brand choices, and the checks that matter before putting a pre-war Chrysler back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1930 Chrysler 70 Series?
The 1930 Chrysler 70 Series uses two primary tire sizes: 28X5.50 and 550-18. Both are bias-ply fitments, and the covered 1930 Chrysler 70 Series 6 Cyl. can be found with either size depending on the setup on the car.
That means the best starting point is not guessing by model name alone, but checking the wheel and the size already mounted. On a car this old, wheels, tires, and restoration choices may have changed over time, so matching the tire to the actual 18-inch wheel and the car's present configuration is the safest way to narrow the correct option.
What size rim does a 1930 Chrysler 70 Series use?
The 1930 Chrysler 70 Series uses an 18-inch rim. The numeric bias-ply size 550-18 states that rim diameter directly, and the available product range for that size is built around 18-inch wheel fitment.
Rim diameter is only one part of the picture on a pre-war car. Wheel width also matters, especially when comparing among available 550-18 tires, so it is worth measuring the wheel before choosing a specific product. That extra check helps avoid problems with bead seating, sidewall profile, and the overall look of the tire on the car.
Does the 1930 Chrysler 70 Series 6 Cyl. use the same tire size?
The 1930 Chrysler 70 Series 6 Cyl. does not point to just one size. It can use either 28X5.50 or 550-18, and both are bias-ply sizes associated with this sub-model.
For an owner, that means the sub-model name alone does not settle the decision. The practical step is to confirm what wheel and tire combination is already on the car, then choose within that size family. That is especially important on an older restoration, where a prior owner may have selected one of the two period sizes for appearance or wheel availability.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 550-18 tire for a 1930 Chrysler 70 Series?
Start with the basics: correct 550-18 size, bias-ply construction, and compatibility with the wheel on the car. From there, the meaningful differences are brand, tire series, sidewall style, rim-width specification, tire weight, and in some cases stated load capacity such as 1000@32 psi or 1125@32 psi.
The right choice depends on how the Chrysler is being used and how it should look. A blackwall tire gives a restrained, utilitarian presentation, while wide whitewall or double-whitewall options create a more formal restoration-oriented appearance. Checking wheel width before settling on a specific tire helps keep the decision grounded in fitment rather than style alone.
What sidewall styles are available for 1930 Chrysler 70 Series tires?
For 550-18 fitment on the 1930 Chrysler 70 Series, available sidewall styles include blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall. Those options create distinctly different visual results even when the tire size and bias-ply construction remain the same.
Choosing among them usually comes down to the presentation of the car rather than a change in basic fitment. A touring-minded or preservation-style car may suit blackwalls, while a more formal or show-oriented build may lean toward whitewall treatment. Since sidewall appearance changes the character of the whole car, many owners decide on style only after confirming the exact tire size and wheel width.
What brands offer tires for the 1930 Chrysler 70 Series?
In 550-18, the 1930 Chrysler 70 Series has tire options from Excelsior, Firestone, BFGoodrich, and Michelin. Those choices span several period-style series, including Comp H, Firestone Classic Bias Ply, Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, and Double Rivet.
Brand choice should be weighed alongside sidewall style, wheel-width requirements, and the intended look of the car. Some owners want a simple blackwall touring presentation, while others are focused on a whitewall appearance that better suits the vehicle's restoration direction. Looking at the whole combination helps narrow the tire without treating brand name as the only deciding factor.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1930 Chrysler 70 Series?
A period-style 1930 Chrysler 70 Series should begin with one of its proper bias-ply sizes, either 28X5.50 or 550-18, depending on the wheel and setup on the car. That keeps the construction and overall presentation in step with the vehicle's era before sidewall details are even considered.
After size is confirmed, the appearance decision usually comes down to the tire series and whether the car looks best with blackwall, wide whitewall, or double-whitewall styling. Owners pursuing exact historical originality should compare their choice with marque references, period photos, or other vehicle-specific documentation, since a period-style option is not automatically the same as a verified factory-delivered combination.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1930 Chrysler 70 Series?
On a restored 1930 Chrysler 70 Series, bias-ply construction has a strong visual effect because it preserves the traditional shape and character associated with early 1930s automobiles. Since the primary fitments here are bias-ply, construction choice is closely tied to maintaining an era-appropriate stance and overall presentation.
Appearance is also shaped by the sidewall itself, not just the casing style. A blackwall, wide whitewall, or double-whitewall treatment can make the same size read very differently once mounted on the car. For a restoration-minded owner, tire construction and sidewall treatment should be considered together so the finished Chrysler looks coherent from wheel opening to body line.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1930 Chrysler 70 Series?
Yes. Even though the 1930 Chrysler 70 Series uses period bias-ply sizing, modifications can still affect fitment. Changes such as different wheels, altered wheel width, suspension work, brake conversions, or body adjustments may influence how either 28X5.50 or 550-18 sits on the car.
That is why an older Chrysler should be checked as an individual vehicle rather than assumed to match original dimensions. Looking at wheel diameter, wheel width, steering travel, and clearance around fenders and suspension helps prevent surprises. A car restored many years ago may differ from a freshly rebuilt one even when both carry the same model designation.
What should I inspect before driving a 1930 Chrysler 70 Series on new tires?
Before road use, inspect the wheels, valve hardware, and the overall condition of the suspension and steering components along with the new tires themselves. On the tires, check inflation, bead seating, visible damage, and whether there is adequate clearance at the fenders and through the full steering range.
A pre-war car benefits from a careful walk-around after the first few miles as well. Rechecking pressure and looking for any sign of rubbing or irregular stance can catch setup issues early. Since collector vehicles often sit for long periods, it also helps to confirm that nothing else on the chassis has deteriorated before asking the car to return to regular road use.
How should 550-18 tires on a collector 1930 Chrysler 70 Series be maintained?
550-18 tires on a collector 1930 Chrysler 70 Series should be kept properly inflated, inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, and uneven wear, and protected from long periods of heat, sunlight, and ozone exposure. Cars that are driven infrequently still need periodic checks because age and storage conditions matter as much as mileage.
Routine maintenance also includes watching for slow air loss and keeping an eye on how the tire sits on the wheel over time. Occasional movement of the car can help avoid prolonged stress in one contact area during storage. On a vehicle from 1930, steady inspection habits are often the difference between a tire that merely looks right and one that is ready for careful road use.
