The 1930 Franklin 147 Series comes from a distinctive period in American motoring, when premium engineering, light weight, and air-cooled design helped Franklin stand apart from more conventional luxury cars of the era. Owners today usually approach one with a strong interest in authenticity, drivability, or both. Tire fitment for the 1930 Franklin 147 Series centers on two primary bias-ply sizes, 31X6.20 and 650-19, both tied to 19-inch fitment. Within that range, the choice extends to traditional blackwall and wide whitewall presentations across several classic tire series. The right selection depends on the car's existing wheel setup, desired period-style appearance, and intended road use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1930 Franklin 147 Series
The 1930 Franklin 147 Series uses two primary tire sizes, and both are bias-ply fitments associated with 19-inch wheels. Since the same sub-model can appear with either size, the first step is confirming the wheel and tire setup already on the car rather than assuming one universal fitment. After that, the real decision becomes choosing the tire style and series that best suits a restoration-oriented appearance or practical road use.
31X6.20 is an antique diameter-by-section size, meaning the first number refers to the tire's approximate overall diameter and the second refers to section width in inches. On a 1930 Franklin 147 Series, this is a period bias-ply format that speaks directly to early motoring fitment and appearance. It is especially relevant for owners trying to preserve the visual character of a late-1920s to early-1930s luxury automobile. Before choosing this size, confirm that the Franklin is actually equipped for 31X6.20 fitment and that the wheel dimensions and clearances match the car's current setup.
650-19 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 6.50 refers to the nominal section width in inches and 19 refers to the rim diameter. For the 1930 Franklin 147 Series, it represents a traditional vintage fitment with strong support in restoration-oriented tire lines. Available choices include Firestone, Lester, and Excelsior products, with both blackwall and wide whitewall sidewall treatments offered in classic series such as Firestone Balloon, Firestone Classic Bias Ply, Lester Classic Bias Ply, and Comp H. This size is the practical focal point when comparing visible appearance, rim-width compatibility, and other product details.
Sub-model fitment is straightforward here, but tire selection still requires attention because the covered 6-cylinder version can use more than one primary size. Checking the exact wheel and tire setup on the car matters before choosing between period-style replacements.
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1930 Franklin 147 Series 6 Cyl.
The 1930 Franklin 147 Series 6 Cyl. uses bias-ply tire fitment and can appear with either 31X6.20 or 650-19 sizing. That makes wheel confirmation especially important, and it also opens the door to choosing between a more traditional blackwall presentation and wide whitewall options where 650-19 is being used.
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 147 Series Tires for Sale
Available 1930 Franklin 147 Series tire choices center on 650-19 bias-ply products from Firestone, Lester, and Excelsior. The product grid lets you compare blackwall and wide whitewall styles, along with classic series such as Firestone Balloon, Firestone Classic Bias Ply, Lester Classic Bias Ply, and Comp H.
Owners of a 1930 Franklin 147 Series usually need to sort out exact tire size, 19-inch wheel fitment, bias-ply construction, sidewall appearance, and the condition checks that matter before the car goes back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1930 Franklin 147 Series?
The 1930 Franklin 147 Series uses two primary bias-ply tire sizes: 31X6.20 and 650-19. Both sizes are associated with this model, and the 1930 Franklin 147 Series 6 Cyl. can appear with either one rather than having a single universal size across every surviving car.
That means the safest first step is checking the size already mounted on the car and confirming the wheel dimensions before ordering replacements. On an early collector car like this Franklin, wheel changes, long service life, and restoration work over the decades can all affect what is currently fitted.
What size rim does a 1930 Franklin 147 Series use?
The 1930 Franklin 147 Series uses 19-inch rim fitment. The 650-19 size states that diameter directly, and the vehicle's fitment centers on 19-inch wheels even though 31X6.20 uses an older diameter-by-section style that does not place the wheel diameter in the same modern-looking format.
Rim diameter should be confirmed at the wheel before replacing tires, especially on a pre-war vehicle that may have seen restoration or parts changes. Once the 19-inch wheel is verified, the next step is making sure the tire size, wheel width, and overall setup all agree with the Franklin's current configuration.
Does the 1930 Franklin 147 Series 6 Cyl. use the same tire size?
The 1930 Franklin 147 Series 6 Cyl. does not point to one single tire size only. It can use either 31X6.20 or 650-19, both in bias-ply construction, so the sub-model itself does not remove the need to verify the car's exact wheel and tire setup.
For an owner, that means the decision starts at the car, not just at the sub-model name. Reading the sidewall on the existing tire, measuring the wheel, and checking for any older restoration changes will help determine which of the two primary sizes belongs on that particular Franklin.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 650-19 tire for a 1930 Franklin 147 Series?
Start with correct size and construction, since the 1930 Franklin 147 Series uses 650-19 as a bias-ply fitment. From there, the meaningful differences are brand, tire series, sidewall style, and certain product specifications such as rim-width range, weight, and in some cases stated load capacity.
Appearance matters on a car from this era, so blackwall versus wide whitewall can change the Franklin's presentation significantly. It also helps to compare the wheel itself against the tire's rim-width range where that specification is given, particularly if the car has been restored or the wheels may not be original to its present setup.
What sidewall styles are available for 1930 Franklin 147 Series tires?
For 650-19 fitment on the 1930 Franklin 147 Series, available sidewall styles include blackwall and wide whitewall. Those two presentations give owners a clear visual choice, whether the goal is a more restrained touring appearance or a brighter period-style look that stands out on a restored pre-war car.
The best choice depends on how the Franklin is being presented and driven. A wide whitewall can become a major styling feature, while a blackwall keeps the tire visually quieter. Either way, the sidewall treatment should be chosen after confirming the correct tire size and wheel setup for the car itself.
What brands offer tires for the 1930 Franklin 147 Series?
The 650-19 size for the 1930 Franklin 147 Series is available from Firestone, Lester, and Excelsior. Those brands appear across several vintage-style product lines, including Firestone Classic Bias Ply, Firestone Balloon, Lester Classic Bias Ply, and Excelsior's Comp H series.
Brand choice should be part of a broader comparison rather than the only deciding factor. It helps to look at sidewall style, series character, stated rim-width range where available, and how the tire supports the Franklin's intended use, whether that means show presentation, occasional touring, or a balanced collector-car approach.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1930 Franklin 147 Series?
A period-style 1930 Franklin 147 Series should begin with one of its primary bias-ply sizes, either 31X6.20 or 650-19, depending on the wheel and fitment already on the car. That keeps the tire construction and overall presentation aligned with the Franklin's original era rather than introducing a modern-looking substitute.
From there, the visual choice becomes more specific. A 650-19 setup offers blackwall and wide whitewall options across several classic series, which can change the car's appearance noticeably. When exact originality matters, compare the tire choice against marque references or restoration documentation tied to the individual vehicle.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1930 Franklin 147 Series restoration?
Correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1930 Franklin 147 Series because tire size and construction have a strong effect on stance, wheel-fill, and overall period character. Using one of the proper bias-ply sizes helps the car look and sit the way an early-1930s Franklin is expected to look.
Fitment also affects how the restoration reads to knowledgeable enthusiasts. A tire that is visually off in size or sidewall treatment can change the car's proportions quickly. Even when the goal is not concours judging, confirming the right size, wheel diameter, and appearance is an important finishing step on a thoughtful restoration.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1930 Franklin 147 Series?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1930 Franklin 147 Series. Changes to wheels, suspension height, brake components, hubs, or body clearance can alter what size works cleanly, even when the car is being matched to one of its proper bias-ply sizes such as 31X6.20 or 650-19.
A Franklin that has been restored over many decades may carry parts or wheels different from its earlier configuration, so visual inspection matters. Check wheel diameter, wheel width, and available clearance at the fenders and steering components before choosing a replacement tire, especially if anything on the chassis has been altered.
What should I inspect before driving a 1930 Franklin 147 Series on new tires?
Before driving a 1930 Franklin 147 Series on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve hardware, and overall mounting condition, then verify inflation and look for proper seating on the rim. It is also worth checking brakes, steering play, and suspension condition so the new tires are not being asked to mask unrelated problems.
A short, careful test drive is a smart follow-up on a collector car from this era. Watch for rubbing, unusual vibration, or pull at low speed first, then recheck air pressure and mounting condition afterward. Early vehicles reward careful setup, and small issues are easier to correct before regular road use begins.
How should 650-19 tires on a collector 1930 Franklin 147 Series be maintained?
650-19 tires on a collector 1930 Franklin 147 Series should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and careful storage habits. Since cars like this often spend long periods parked, sidewall cracking, flat spotting, cuts, bulges, and gradual air loss deserve close attention even when tread wear is minimal.
Storage conditions make a difference on low-use collector vehicles. Keeping the Franklin away from prolonged sunlight, excessive heat, moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve the tires' condition over time. It also helps to inspect them before every meaningful drive rather than relying on mileage alone as the service guide.
