The 1930 Kissel 73 comes from the final years of an independent American marque known for upscale, sporting automobiles with distinctive coachwork and strong collector appeal today. Buyers looking after one of these pre-war cars usually want a tire that respects both its era and its mechanical character on the road. The 1930 Kissel 73 uses a 6.00-18 bias-ply tire on an 18-inch rim, keeping the fitment squarely in traditional pre-war territory. That makes the main decision less about multiple sizes and more about choosing a period-style 6.00-18 tire that suits restoration goals and careful road use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1930 Kissel 73
The 1930 Kissel 73 uses one primary tire size: 6.00-18, a bias-ply fitment for an 18-inch rim. The 6 Cyl. sub-model follows that same size, so the key decision is not which primary size fits, but which 6.00-18 tire best matches the car’s intended appearance, restoration direction, and road-going setup.
A 6.00-18 size uses the vintage numeric bias-ply system, where the first number refers to nominal section width in inches and the last number identifies the 18-inch rim diameter. On a 1930 Kissel 73, that format reflects the traditional construction and profile expected on a pre-war American automobile of this type. The practical choice within 6.00-18 is usually centered on period-style presentation and how closely the tire suits the car’s restoration character. Before selecting one, confirm the actual wheel dimensions and inspect clearance and overall chassis condition, especially on a long-stored collector vehicle.
Fitment is straightforward across the covered 1930 Kissel 73 range. The 6 Cyl. sub-model uses the same primary tire size, so selection is more about choosing the right 6.00-18 bias-ply tire than sorting through multiple fitment patterns.
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1930 Kissel 73 6 Cyl.
The 1930 Kissel 73 6 Cyl. uses the same 6.00-18 bias-ply fitment as the model core. That keeps tire selection focused on finding a traditional 18-inch tire that supports the car’s pre-war appearance and should still be checked against the actual wheel and vehicle condition before road use.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Owners of a 1930 Kissel 73 usually need clear guidance on 6.00-18 sizing, 18-inch rim fitment, period-style tire selection, and the inspection checks that matter before putting a pre-war collector car back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1930 Kissel 73?
The 1930 Kissel 73 uses a 6.00-18 tire size. This is a vintage numeric bias-ply size, and it is the primary fitment for the model covered here, including the 1930 Kissel 73 6 Cyl.
That means the first step is usually not comparing several primary sizes, but making sure the car still has the correct 18-inch wheel setup for a 6.00-18 tire. On collector cars, wheels, brakes, and suspension may have changed over time, so it is wise to verify the actual wheel dimensions and inspect for clearance issues before mounting new tires.
What size rim does a 1930 Kissel 73 use?
The 1930 Kissel 73 uses an 18-inch rim with its 6.00-18 tire size. In this sizing format, the final number identifies the wheel diameter, so the 18 confirms the intended rim diameter.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture on a pre-war car. The wheel should also be checked for proper width, condition, and true running surface before putting the car back into service. Old rims can have rust, damage, or prior repairs, and those issues matter just as much as the nominal 18-inch diameter when selecting a tire.
Does the 1930 Kissel 73 6 Cyl. use the same tire size?
Yes. The 1930 Kissel 73 6 Cyl. uses the same 6.00-18 bias-ply tire size as the model core. That keeps fitment simple and avoids the need to sort between multiple sub-model tire sizes.
Even with shared fitment, the car should still be checked carefully before replacement tires are chosen. A long-restored or modified example may have different wheels than expected, and a car that has sat for years can reveal clearance or steering issues once fresh tires are mounted. Verifying the actual wheel setup helps prevent surprises during installation and road use.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 6.00-18 tire for a 1930 Kissel 73?
Start with the confirmed primary fitment: 6.00-18 bias-ply on an 18-inch rim. For a 1930 Kissel 73, the main considerations are staying with the correct vintage size format, preserving a traditional pre-war look, and selecting a tire appropriate for the way the car will actually be driven.
A touring car used for occasional local drives may call for a different selection mindset than a restoration aimed at era-authentic presentation. Wheel condition, storage history, and the overall health of the steering and suspension also matter. Choosing the right tire involves more than matching the sidewall number; it means matching the tire to the car’s real mechanical and cosmetic needs.
How do I choose between the available 6.00-18 tires for a 1930 Kissel 73?
The best comparison points are construction style, visual presentation, and how closely a given 6.00-18 tire matches the character of a pre-war automobile. Since the 1930 Kissel 73 uses one primary size, the choice is usually about the type of period-style replacement rather than moving between different fitment categories.
It helps to decide early whether the car is being prepared for show-focused restoration, careful touring, or general collector use. That choice affects how much emphasis is placed on appearance versus broader practical considerations such as wheel condition and intended driving habits. A tire can be correct in size yet still be the wrong choice for the car’s purpose.
What rim-fitment details matter when choosing tires for a 1930 Kissel 73?
The key rim-fitment detail is the 18-inch wheel diameter required by the 6.00-18 size. Beyond that, the actual wheel should be checked for width, straightness, surface condition, and any signs of age-related damage before a new tire is mounted.
Pre-war vehicles often have wheels that have seen decades of use, restoration work, or long periods of storage. A sound-looking tire choice can still create problems if the rim has corrosion, distortion, or past repairs that affect seating and balance. Confirming the wheel itself is in proper condition is a necessary part of choosing any tire for a 1930 Kissel 73.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1930 Kissel 73?
A period-style 1930 Kissel 73 should begin with the correct primary size and construction type, which is 6.00-18 bias-ply. That sizing format suits the car’s pre-war character and provides the right starting point for an appearance that feels appropriate to the era.
Restoration goals can still vary, especially between a car meant for driving events and one aimed at closer historical presentation. When exact originality matters, details beyond size may deserve verification through marque references, period photography, or restoration records tied to the individual car. The right visual result starts with correct fitment, then moves into vehicle-specific historical research.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1930 Kissel 73 restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters because the tire has a major effect on stance, visual balance, and the overall impression of a pre-war car. On a 1930 Kissel 73, the proper starting point is the 6.00-18 bias-ply size used on an 18-inch rim.
A tire that departs from the intended size or construction can change how the car sits and how authentic the finished restoration feels. It can also introduce practical issues involving wheel compatibility and clearance. Even when appearance is the main goal, fitment should be checked with the same care given to paint, trim, upholstery, and other visible restoration details.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1930 Kissel 73?
Yes. A 1930 Kissel 73 may no longer have its original wheel or suspension setup, and changes there can affect how a 6.00-18 tire sits and clears the body or steering components. Even small differences in wheel dimensions can matter on an older collector vehicle.
Cars that have received replacement wheels, altered ride height, brake updates, or steering work should be checked carefully before new tires are installed. The safest approach is to confirm actual wheel diameter, wheel width, and available clearance at full steering movement. That extra verification is especially important on a pre-war chassis where parts history may span many decades.
What should I inspect before driving a 1930 Kissel 73 on new tires?
Inspect the wheels, valve hardware, steering components, suspension condition, and brake system before putting a 1930 Kissel 73 back on the road. New tires improve nothing if the surrounding parts are loose, worn, damaged, or out of adjustment after long storage.
Air pressure, bead seating, visible clearance, and smooth steering travel should also be checked once the tires are mounted. A short, careful test at low speed can reveal rubbing, vibration, or pulling before the car is driven farther. On an older collector car, road-readiness depends on the whole system, not just the fresh rubber.
How should 6.00-18 tires on a collector 1930 Kissel 73 be maintained?
Maintain 6.00-18 tires on a collector 1930 Kissel 73 by checking inflation regularly, watching for air loss, and inspecting the tread and sidewalls for cracking, bulges, cuts, or other age-related damage. Collector cars often cover limited mileage, so visual condition can matter as much as tread depth.
Storage conditions also play a major role in tire life. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excessive heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve both appearance and serviceability. Regular inspection before each drive is a smart habit, especially on a pre-war vehicle that may spend long periods parked between outings.
