The 1930 Franklin 145 Series comes from an unusual chapter in American luxury motoring, when Franklin stood apart with its air-cooled engineering and reputation for refined touring. Owners restoring or maintaining one today usually care as much about stance and period character as roadworthiness. Tire fitment centers on two bias-ply sizes, 31X6.20 and 650-19, both tied to 19-inch wheel use on the 145 Series 6 Cyl. Within that fitment, the real choices are traditional blackwall versus wide whitewall presentation, plus differences among Firestone, Lester, and Excelsior offerings. Before choosing, it pays to confirm the wheel setup already on the car and decide whether authenticity of look or driving use is the main priority.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1930 Franklin 145 Series
The 1930 Franklin 145 Series uses two primary tire sizes, and the right choice starts with confirming exactly which wheel and tire setup is already on the car. Both sizes are bias-ply fitments associated with the 145 Series 6 Cyl., so the decision is less about modern construction changes and more about matching the car's current configuration, appearance goals, and the specific products available in each size.
A 31X6.20 size uses an older diameter-by-section format, where the first number refers to the tire's approximate overall diameter in inches and the second refers to section width. On a 1930 Franklin 145 Series, that places it firmly in the antique-era bias-ply category, where preserving the proper look and profile is often just as important as basic fitment. This size speaks to an earlier sizing convention than many modern buyers are used to seeing. It should be evaluated against the car's existing wheels and overall tire presentation before moving ahead with a replacement.
A 650-19 tire is a numeric bias-ply size, with 6.50 indicating nominal section width and 19 identifying the wheel diameter in inches. For the 1930 Franklin 145 Series, it opens up the widest visible product choice, including Firestone, Lester, and Excelsior options in blackwall and wide whitewall form across series such as Firestone Classic Bias Ply, Firestone Balloon, Lester Classic Bias Ply, and Comp H. Some products also show different rim-width compatibility ranges. That makes 650-19 the size where appearance, wheel specification, and product details deserve especially close comparison.
Sub-model fitment is straightforward here because the covered 145 Series configuration shares the same pair of primary tire sizes. Checking the exact sub-model still matters, since it confirms that tire selection should stay within the established bias-ply fitment for the 6-cylinder car.
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1930 Franklin 145 Series 6 Cyl.
The 1930 Franklin 145 Series 6 Cyl. uses the same two bias-ply tire sizes associated with this model range, so the fitment question is mainly about confirming which setup is already on the car. From there, the decision shifts to period-style presentation, wheel compatibility, and whether a blackwall or wide whitewall tire better suits the restoration.
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 Franklin 145 Series Tires for Sale
Available 650-19 tires give the 1930 Franklin 145 Series meaningful choice across Firestone, Lester, and Excelsior brands, with blackwall and wide whitewall options in several vintage bias-ply series. Some products also differ in rim-width compatibility, load specification, and overall tire weight.
These FAQs focus on the exact tire sizes used on the 1930 Franklin 145 Series, how the 19-inch wheel fitment should be confirmed, and how to choose among bias-ply, sidewall, and restoration-oriented product options.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1930 Franklin 145 Series?
The 1930 Franklin 145 Series uses two primary bias-ply tire sizes: 31X6.20 and 650-19. The covered sub-model, the 1930 Franklin 145 Series 6 Cyl., is associated with both sizes rather than just one, so tire selection starts with identifying which setup is already mounted on the car.
That matters because these are two different vintage sizing systems, and choosing between them is not just a matter of picking any 19-inch tire. A careful check of the wheels, existing tire markings, and overall tire profile will help keep the replacement consistent with the car's current fitment and appearance.
What size rim does a 1930 Franklin 145 Series use?
The 1930 Franklin 145 Series is associated with 19-inch rim use. The 650-19 size states that 19-inch wheel diameter directly, and the vehicle's fitment centers on that same rim diameter across the covered configuration.
Wheel diameter is only part of the picture on a collector car like this. Rim width should also be checked before selecting a specific tire, especially within the 650-19 product range, where some options are built around narrower vintage wheel widths than others.
Does the 1930 Franklin 145 Series 6 Cyl. use the same tire size?
The 1930 Franklin 145 Series 6 Cyl. shares the same two primary tire sizes used on this page: 31X6.20 and 650-19, both in bias-ply construction. That means the sub-model does not introduce a separate size that changes the basic fitment picture.
Even with shared fitment, the car should still be inspected for wheel or tire changes made during earlier restoration work. Many older cars have been altered over time, so reading the current tire sidewall and confirming wheel dimensions can prevent choosing a period-looking tire that does not match the car's actual setup.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 650-19 tire for a 1930 Franklin 145 Series?
Start with the basics: make sure the car actually uses 650-19 rather than the alternate 31X6.20 sizing, and confirm that bias-ply construction matches the setup you want to retain. From there, compare brand, tire series, sidewall treatment, rim-width compatibility, weight, and any load specification attached to the tire.
A Franklin restoration often comes down to balancing appearance with intended use. A blackwall tire gives a more restrained presentation, while a wide whitewall changes the visual character noticeably, so the right choice depends on the look of the car and the wheel dimensions already in place.
What sidewall styles are available for 1930 Franklin 145 Series tires?
For the available 650-19 fitment, sidewall choices include blackwall and wide whitewall. Those two styles create very different visual impressions on a 1930 Franklin 145 Series, even when the underlying tire size and bias-ply construction remain the same.
Choosing between them is usually an appearance decision first, but it should still be tied to the exact tire series and wheel setup being used. Owners aiming for a quieter, understated look may lean toward blackwall, while a restoration with stronger period flair may call for the broader whitewall presentation.
What brands offer tires for the 1930 Franklin 145 Series?
The available 650-19 tire options for the 1930 Franklin 145 Series include Firestone, Lester, and Excelsior. Those brands appear across several vintage bias-ply series, including Firestone Classic Bias Ply, Firestone Balloon, Lester Classic Bias Ply, and Comp H.
Brand choice should be considered alongside the actual tire specification rather than by name alone. Some versions differ in sidewall style, some note rim-width ranges, and one Firestone Balloon whitewall also carries a stated maximum load of 1430@36 psi, so comparing details within the same size is worthwhile.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1930 Franklin 145 Series?
A period-style 1930 Franklin 145 Series should stay with one of its proper bias-ply sizes, either 31X6.20 or 650-19, depending on the wheel and tire setup already on the car. That keeps the sizing convention and construction in step with the Franklin's era rather than shifting the car toward a visibly later tire look.
Within that framework, the choice becomes more specific: blackwall versus wide whitewall, plus the character of the available tire series in 650-19. Owners pursuing exact historical accuracy should compare the car against marque references or restoration records before settling on a particular sidewall treatment.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1930 Franklin 145 Series?
On a restored 1930 Franklin 145 Series, bias-ply construction is part of the vehicle's visual character as much as a functional choice. The tire's section shape, vintage sizing style, and overall stance all contribute to the way the car sits and reads as an early-1930s automobile.
That is why the construction decision should not be separated from the restoration goal. Even among bias-ply options, sidewall style and tire series can shift the final look considerably, so the best result usually comes from viewing the tire as both a fitment item and a design element.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1930 Franklin 145 Series?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1930 Franklin 145 Series, even when the intended replacement stays within the correct vintage size range. Changes to wheel width, wheel diameter, ride height, brake components, or body clearance can all alter how a 31X6.20 or 650-19 tire works on the car.
That is especially important on older vehicles that may have gone through several rounds of restoration or mechanical updates. A close check of current wheel measurements, steering clearance, and fender space helps confirm that the replacement tire matches the car as it sits today, not only as it may have left the factory.
What should I inspect before driving a 1930 Franklin 145 Series on new tires?
Before putting a 1930 Franklin 145 Series back on the road, inspect the wheels, valve hardware, and the new tires themselves for proper mounting and condition. Tire pressure, visible sidewall damage, tread seating, and any signs of rubbing should all be checked before regular driving begins.
The first miles on a collector car are also a good time to watch for issues beyond the tire alone. Steering response, brake pull, suspension looseness, and unusual vibration can point to wheel or chassis problems that become more obvious once fresh bias-ply tires are installed.
How should 650-19 tires on a collector 1930 Franklin 145 Series be maintained?
650-19 tires on a collector 1930 Franklin 145 Series should be kept properly inflated, inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, and air loss, and protected from long periods of sun, heat, moisture, and ozone exposure. That kind of routine matters even more on a car that is driven only occasionally.
Collector vehicles often age their tires by time and storage conditions rather than by tread wear alone. A good habit is to check the tires before each outing and again before any longer drive, while also watching for uneven wear patterns that might suggest alignment or suspension issues.
