The 1930 Reo 20 Series comes from the late pre-war period, when tire sizing and wheel conventions were still in transition and owners often encounter more than one period fitment style for the same vehicle. That makes tire selection for a 1930 Reo 20 Series less about broad brand shopping and more about confirming the size format already on the car. This application uses bias-ply tires, with 30X6.00 and 6.00-18 both associated with the model. For a restoration-minded owner, the important step is understanding how those size codes relate to an 18-inch wheel setup and choosing a tire that suits the car's present wheels, stance, and intended road use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1930 Reo 20 Series
The 1930 Reo 20 Series uses two primary tire sizes, and the key first step is confirming which size format matches the wheels and existing setup on the car. Both fitments are bias-ply, and the vehicle is associated with an 18-inch rim diameter, so the real decision is whether your Reo is currently set up around a 30X6.00 interpretation or a 6.00-18 numeric bias-ply tire.
30X6.00 is an antique diameter-by-section size, meaning the first number refers to an approximate 30-inch overall tire diameter and the second number refers to an approximate 6.00-inch section width. It is a bias-ply fitment and reflects the older sizing language commonly seen on late 1920s and early 1930s vehicles. For a 1930 Reo 20 Series, this size is especially useful for owners trying to stay close to an early-period presentation. It also deserves a careful wheel check so the tire size convention on the car matches the rim and overall fitment already in place.
6.00-18 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 6.00 refers to nominal section width in inches and 18 identifies the rim diameter. This format is more familiar to many collector-car owners because it ties the tire directly to an 18-inch wheel. On the 1930 Reo 20 Series, it serves as a straightforward period-style bias-ply fitment for owners confirming wheel diameter first. It is a practical choice to evaluate when the car is already known to use 18-inch rims and the goal is to keep traditional construction and proportions without guessing across older sizing systems.
Sub-model fitment is straightforward here because the covered Reo 20 Series sub-model shares the same pair of bias-ply tire sizes. Even so, checking the exact setup on the car still matters, since older vehicles may be wearing wheels or tires that differ from what another restored example uses.
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1930 Reo 20 Series Base
The 1930 Reo 20 Series Base is associated with both 30X6.00 and 6.00-18 bias-ply tire sizes. That means tire selection starts with confirming which size convention matches the wheels and present fitment on the car, then choosing a period-style bias-ply tire that supports the restoration or driving plan.
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
These FAQs for the 1930 Reo 20 Series focus on its two bias-ply size conventions, 18-inch wheel fitment, period-style tire selection, and the basic inspection steps that matter before putting an early collector car back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1930 Reo 20 Series?
The 1930 Reo 20 Series is associated with two primary bias-ply tire sizes: 30X6.00 and 6.00-18. Both are period fitment styles for this model, but they express size differently, with one using an older diameter-by-section format and the other using a numeric bias-ply format tied directly to an 18-inch rim.
The practical next step is to confirm what is actually on the car before choosing a replacement. On an older vehicle like this Reo, wheel changes, older restorations, or mixed spare-wheel setups can affect which size convention makes the most sense, so checking rim diameter and present tire markings is important.
What size rim does a 1930 Reo 20 Series use?
The 1930 Reo 20 Series is associated with an 18-inch rim diameter. That rim diameter is stated directly with the 6.00-18 size and is also the wheel size to keep in mind when evaluating the alternate 30X6.00 fitment used on the same model.
Rim diameter should be verified at the wheel before ordering tires, especially on a pre-war vehicle that may have been changed over the decades. Measuring the wheel and confirming the tire markings already in use helps prevent confusion between older size conventions that can sound similar but are not interpreted the same way.
What does 30X6.00 mean on a 1930 Reo 20 Series?
On a 1930 Reo 20 Series, 30X6.00 is an antique diameter-by-section tire size. The 30 refers to approximate overall tire diameter in inches, while 6.00 refers to approximate section width in inches, which is different from later numeric sizing that names the rim diameter directly.
That distinction matters because a buyer cannot read 30X6.00 the same way as 6.00-18. When replacing tires on an early Reo, it is helpful to confirm both the wheel diameter and the current tire format on the car so the new tire matches the intended wheel setup and visual proportions.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 30X6.00 tire for a 1930 Reo 20 Series?
A 30X6.00 tire for a 1930 Reo 20 Series should first be chosen around correct size interpretation and traditional bias-ply construction. Since this is an antique diameter-by-section format, the tire needs to suit the wheel setup already on the car and preserve the period-style proportions expected from an early 1930 vehicle.
Selection usually comes down to restoration priorities and fitment confirmation rather than chasing modern-style alternatives. A buyer should inspect the existing wheel diameter, compare the current tire markings, and think about whether the goal is show presentation, occasional touring, or general collector use before settling on a replacement.
What should I consider when choosing a 6.00-18 tire for a 1930 Reo 20 Series?
A 6.00-18 tire for a 1930 Reo 20 Series should be selected with attention to its bias-ply construction and 18-inch rim relationship. This size is a straightforward numeric fitment, so it often becomes the easier path when the wheel diameter is already confirmed and the owner wants to stay with a traditional collector-car tire layout.
Beyond the size itself, think about how the car will be used and how closely the tire should reflect a period-style appearance. It is also smart to inspect wheel condition, check for old repairs or distortion, and confirm that all wheels on the car match before replacing a full set.
How do I choose between the available tire sizes for a 1930 Reo 20 Series?
Choosing between 30X6.00 and 6.00-18 for a 1930 Reo 20 Series starts with identifying which sizing system matches the car's current wheels and tire setup. Both are bias-ply fitments associated with the model, but they are written in different sizing languages and should not be treated as interchangeable by assumption.
A good approach is to read the sidewall markings on the tires already fitted, confirm the wheel diameter, and inspect whether the car has been restored or modified in the past. That keeps the decision grounded in the actual vehicle rather than in a generic assumption about what another Reo may be using.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1930 Reo 20 Series?
For a period-style 1930 Reo 20 Series, the starting point is one of the two bias-ply fitments associated with the car: 30X6.00 or 6.00-18. Both support a traditional pre-war appearance, but the right choice depends on which size format and wheel setup the car is actually using today.
Owners pursuing a more historically faithful presentation should compare the car's present wheels, existing tire markings, and restoration goals before making a selection. If exact originality matters beyond general period style, marque references, restoration photos, and vehicle-specific documentation can help narrow the most appropriate presentation.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1930 Reo 20 Series restoration?
Correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1930 Reo 20 Series because tire size strongly affects stance, wheel presentation, and the overall character of a pre-war vehicle. Using the proper bias-ply size format also helps the car look consistent with its era instead of appearing visually mismatched.
Fitment also influences practical details such as wheel compatibility and clearance at low speeds and during steering. Even on a restoration that is not chasing show-level authenticity, confirming the right size system before purchase avoids unnecessary compromises in appearance and reduces the chance of ending up with a tire that does not suit the car.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1930 Reo 20 Series?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1930 Reo 20 Series. If the car has replacement wheels, brake changes, suspension work, or body adjustments from an older restoration, those changes can alter which tire size format makes sense and how well a bias-ply tire sits within the available space.
That is why older collector vehicles should be checked as individual cars rather than by name alone. Verifying wheel diameter, wheel condition, steering clearance, and the present tire markings helps confirm whether the car is still set up around 30X6.00 or 6.00-18 before any new tires are chosen.
What should I inspect before driving a 1930 Reo 20 Series on new tires?
Before driving a 1930 Reo 20 Series on new tires, inspect the wheels for cracks, distortion, rust damage, and old repairs, then confirm the tires are mounted in the correct size and seated properly. It is also wise to check valve stems, inflation pressure, lug security, and basic steering and brake condition.
A short, careful test drive is a sensible next step on any early collector car. Watching for rubbing, unusual vibration, pull, or air loss gives the owner a chance to catch setup problems early, especially if the Reo has not been on the road recently or has been through a long-term restoration.
How should tires on a collector 1930 Reo 20 Series be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1930 Reo 20 Series should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspection, and careful storage habits. Bias-ply tires on low-use antique vehicles deserve close attention for sidewall cracking, tread separation signs, flat-spotting after storage, cuts, bulges, and slow air loss.
Storage conditions matter almost as much as mileage on a car of this age. Keeping the Reo away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires, while periodic movement and inspection reduce the chance of discovering age-related damage only when the car is ready to drive.
