The 1930 Durant 17 Series comes from a transitional era when independent automakers competed on style, value, and mechanical simplicity in a rapidly changing market. For owners preserving one today, tire choice is closely tied to both authenticity of appearance and proper fit on a 19-inch wheel. This Durant uses bias-ply sizing in either 29X5.50 or 550-19, both reflecting the period tire language of the early 1930s. Available choices within that fitment include traditional blackwall and wide whitewall presentations in BFGoodrich's Silvertown Classic Bias Ply line. The important decision is confirming which of the two period size expressions suits the car's wheel setup and restoration goals before putting it back on the road.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1930 Durant 17 Series
The 1930 Durant 17 Series uses two primary bias-ply tire sizes, and both are tied to a 19-inch wheel fitment. Because the covered 6 Cyl. sub-model is associated with both sizes, the key step is confirming the wheel setup already on the car and deciding whether you want a period-style designation that follows antique diameter-by-section sizing or a vintage numeric bias-ply size with available product choices.
In 29X5.50, the first number refers to the tire's approximate overall diameter and the second number refers to its nominal section width in inches. This is a period-style bias-ply format that suits early 1930s vehicles such as the Durant 17 Series, where older sizing language is common. It represents a traditional way of describing the tire rather than the later numeric bias-ply method. Choosing this size starts with verifying that the wheel and existing vehicle setup match the intended diameter and width presentation before moving ahead with a replacement.
In 550-19, the 550 indicates an approximate 5.50-inch nominal section width and the 19 identifies the rim diameter in inches. This is a classic numeric bias-ply size for the 1930 Durant 17 Series and it is the size with current BFGoodrich product choices in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series. Those choices include Blackwall and Wide Whitewall sidewall styles, giving owners a meaningful appearance decision within the same fitment. It is a useful route for a restoration-oriented buyer who wants a traditional bias-ply tire and a clearly defined 19-inch rim fitment.
Sub-model fitment is straightforward here because the covered 1930 Durant 17 Series 6 Cyl. is associated with the same two primary bias-ply size expressions. Checking the exact sub-model still matters so the tire choice stays aligned with the car's actual wheel setup and restoration direction.
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1930 Durant 17 Series 6 Cyl.
The 1930 Durant 17 Series 6 Cyl. is associated with both 29X5.50 and 550-19 bias-ply fitments. That means the selection process centers less on trim differences and more on confirming the 19-inch wheel arrangement already on the car, then choosing the period-style size expression and sidewall presentation that best suits the vehicle.
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 Durant 17 Series Tires for Sale
Available 550-19 choices focus on BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply tires in either Blackwall or 3.25-inch Wide Whitewall form. That makes the main product comparison less about construction and more about sidewall appearance, rim-width compatibility, weight, and restoration intent.
For a 1930 Durant 17 Series, the biggest questions usually center on early tire sizing language, 19-inch rim fitment, period-style bias-ply choices, and what to inspect before driving a collector car that may see only occasional road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1930 Durant 17 Series?
The 1930 Durant 17 Series uses two primary bias-ply tire sizes: 29X5.50 and 550-19. The covered 6 Cyl. sub-model is associated with both size expressions, which means the car may be encountered with either an antique diameter-by-section designation or a vintage numeric bias-ply designation tied to a 19-inch rim.
That makes wheel confirmation especially important before choosing a replacement. A collector car may have older wheels, long-ago repairs, or changes made during restoration, so the safest next step is to verify the wheel size actually on the vehicle and compare the tire marking on the existing tire, if present, before selecting between the two period-style fitments.
What size rim does a 1930 Durant 17 Series use?
The 1930 Durant 17 Series uses a 19-inch rim with its primary tire fitments. The numeric bias-ply size 550-19 states that rim diameter directly, and the available products in that size are also built for a 19-inch wheel.
Rim diameter is only one part of the fitment picture on an early vehicle. It also helps to inspect the wheel's condition, confirm the wheel width, and make sure the tire size being considered matches the wheel style and the way the car is currently configured, especially if the Durant has been restored or reassembled over many years.
What does 29X5.50 mean on a 1930 Durant 17 Series?
The size 29X5.50 uses an antique diameter-by-section format. In plain terms, 29 refers to the tire's approximate overall diameter in inches, while 5.50 refers to the nominal section width. It is a traditional early sizing system that appears on vehicles from the period before later size conventions became more standardized.
That older format can be unfamiliar if you are used to modern radial or later bias-ply markings. On a 1930 Durant 17 Series, it helps explain the tire's general shape and era rather than just the wheel diameter, so comparing it carefully with the wheel on the car and any existing tire markings is an important part of selecting the right replacement.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 550-19 tire for a 1930 Durant 17 Series?
Start with the basics: correct size, bias-ply construction, and compatibility with a 19-inch wheel. In 550-19, the available choices center on BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply tires, with the same general fitment but different sidewall presentations and small differences in product weight.
The decision usually comes down to how the car will be presented and used. A blackwall suits a more understated look, while a wide whitewall creates a stronger restoration-oriented appearance, and either choice should be checked against the wheel width, overall vehicle setup, and the condition of the wheels before regular road use.
What sidewall styles are available for 1930 Durant 17 Series tires?
The available 550-19 tires for the 1930 Durant 17 Series include Blackwall and Wide Whitewall sidewall styles. Both are bias-ply tires in the BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series, so the sidewall treatment is the biggest visible difference between the available product choices.
That appearance choice matters more on a pre-war style vehicle than it does on many later cars. Sidewall style affects the car's visual character immediately, so it helps to think about whether the Durant is being preserved with a restrained traditional look or a more formal restoration presentation before narrowing the tire selection.
What tire series are available for the 1930 Durant 17 Series?
The available 550-19 products for the 1930 Durant 17 Series are in the BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series. Within that series, the main variation is sidewall style rather than a change in construction type, since the options remain traditional bias-ply tires for a 19-inch rim.
That keeps the buying decision fairly focused. Instead of comparing several unrelated series, the better approach is to confirm the correct size first, then compare the Blackwall and Wide Whitewall presentations, along with wheel-width suitability and the overall look you want the Durant to carry once it is back on the road.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1930 Durant 17 Series?
A period-style 1930 Durant 17 Series should stay with one of its primary bias-ply fitments, either 29X5.50 or 550-19, depending on the wheel setup and the size expression you are following on the car. Keeping the traditional bias-ply construction preserves the early-1930s visual character more closely than moving into a modern-looking format.
For many owners, the next decision is appearance rather than construction. A blackwall gives the car a simpler, workmanlike presentation, while a wide whitewall creates a more formal restoration look, and anyone chasing exact historical accuracy should compare the tire choice against marque-specific references and period photos for the vehicle.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1930 Durant 17 Series restoration?
Correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1930 Durant 17 Series because the tire's diameter, width, construction style, and sidewall appearance are all highly visible on an early car. Even when two size expressions point to a similar period fitment, the wrong selection can alter the car's stance and visual balance.
Fitment also affects how confidently the restoration can be driven and displayed. Confirming wheel diameter, wheel width, and the tire size already associated with the car helps avoid mismatches, while attention to sidewall style lets the finished Durant look intentional rather than generic when the restoration is complete.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1930 Durant 17 Series?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1930 Durant 17 Series even when the tire size itself is period appropriate. Changes such as replacement wheels, altered suspension height, brake conversions, or body repairs around the fender openings can influence how much clearance the car has and which size expression makes the most sense.
That is why an old tire size alone should not be the only guide. A Durant that has been rebuilt over time should have its wheel diameter, wheel width, tire-to-fender clearance, and steering clearance checked before a new set goes into service, especially if the car's present configuration differs from its original restoration plan.
What should I inspect before driving a 1930 Durant 17 Series on new tires?
Before driving a 1930 Durant 17 Series on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage or excessive corrosion, confirm the rims match the intended tire size, and make sure the tires are mounted and inflated properly. It is also wise to check steering movement, visible clearance at the fenders, and the general condition of the suspension and brake system.
A collector vehicle often sits for long periods, so road readiness involves more than fresh rubber. The first drive should be cautious and include attention to air retention, any unusual pull or vibration, and signs that the tires are contacting bodywork or suspension parts under slow-speed turning and normal load.
How should 550-19 tires on a collector 1930 Durant 17 Series be maintained?
550-19 tires on a collector 1930 Durant 17 Series should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspection of the sidewalls and tread, and periodic review of the wheels themselves. A low-mileage antique car can still develop age-related tire issues, so cuts, cracking, bulges, and slow air loss deserve attention even when tread wear is minimal.
Storage conditions matter just as much as mileage on a pre-war vehicle. Keeping the Durant away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires, and it is smart to inspect them again before each driving season so the car is not returned to the road on rubber that looks acceptable but has aged in place.
