The 1931 Auburn Custom comes from an era when American automobiles blended luxury, flowing design, and road presence in a way that still draws serious collector interest. Cars of this period depend heavily on correct tire proportions to preserve both stance and driving character. For the 1931 Auburn Custom, the primary fitment is a 6.00-17 bias-ply tire, a traditional pre-war size mounted on a 17-inch rim. That keeps the decision centered on choosing the right period-style bias-ply presentation rather than sorting through multiple factory fitments. For restoration-minded owners, the key is matching the proper size while also confirming wheel condition and overall roadworthiness before the car returns to service.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1931 Auburn Custom
The 1931 Auburn Custom uses one primary tire size: 6.00-17. It is a bias-ply fitment for a 17-inch rim, and that same size is used on the covered Auburn Custom sub-model here. With size selection settled, the real decision becomes choosing a period-appropriate bias-ply tire and verifying that the car still has the correct wheel setup before installation.
The 6.00-17 designation is a vintage numeric bias-ply size in which 6.00 refers to the nominal section width in inches and 17 refers to the wheel diameter. On a 1931 Auburn Custom, this construction suits the vehicle's pre-war character and preserves the tall, traditional look associated with the period. Because this is an older sizing system, the focus is less about modern metric comparisons and more about selecting a proper bias-ply tire with the right overall presentation for the car. It is a practical choice for owners who want the Auburn to retain an authentic pre-war stance and traditional tire appearance.
Tire fitment is straightforward for the covered 1931 Auburn Custom sub-model. The main value in checking the sub-model is confirming that the car still matches its original wheel and tire setup before choosing a replacement.
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1931 Auburn Custom Base
The 1931 Auburn Custom Base uses the same 6.00-17 bias-ply fitment that defines this application. That keeps tire selection focused on choosing the right period-style replacement and confirming that the wheels remain correct in size and condition for safe 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 researching tires for a 1931 Auburn Custom usually need clarity on the 6.00-17 size, 17-inch rim fitment, period-style bias-ply selection, and the basic checks to make before putting a pre-war collector car back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1931 Auburn Custom?
The 1931 Auburn Custom uses a 6.00-17 tire. This is a vintage numeric bias-ply size and it is the primary fitment for the vehicle covered here, including the Auburn Custom Base sub-model.
That means the first goal is not sorting through several factory sizes, but making sure the car still has the correct 17-inch wheels for a 6.00-17 tire. On an older collector car, wheel changes made decades later are always possible, so it is smart to confirm actual wheel dimensions and overall clearance before mounting replacement tires.
What size rim does a 1931 Auburn Custom use?
The 1931 Auburn Custom uses a 17-inch rim with its 6.00-17 tire size. In this sizing format, the second number identifies the wheel diameter, so the tire is intended for a 17-inch wheel.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture on a pre-war car. It is also worth checking that the wheels are structurally sound, properly seated, and still appropriate for the tire being installed. Old restorations, replacement wheels, or long storage can all affect how confidently a new set of tires can be put into service.
Does the 1931 Auburn Custom Base use the same tire size?
Yes. The 1931 Auburn Custom Base uses the same 6.00-17 bias-ply tire size as the core 1931 Auburn Custom fitment covered here. There is no separate primary size change shown for that sub-model.
That consistency makes the buying decision simpler, but it does not remove the need to inspect the actual car. An Auburn that has been restored, modified, or fitted with different wheels at some point in its life should still be checked carefully so the selected tire matches the wheel diameter and the car's present configuration.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 6.00-17 tire for a 1931 Auburn Custom?
Start with the correct size and construction. A 1931 Auburn Custom uses a 6.00-17 bias-ply tire, so the first priority is staying within that vintage fitment rather than substituting a modern size without careful comparison.
After size is confirmed, think about how the car will be used and presented. A touring Auburn that sees occasional road miles may call for a different decision than a show-focused restoration. Wheel condition, overall tire appearance, and how faithfully the owner wants to preserve the car's pre-war character all matter when narrowing the final choice.
How do I choose between the available 6.00-17 tires for a 1931 Auburn Custom?
The best way to compare 6.00-17 tires for a 1931 Auburn Custom is to keep the fitment fixed and evaluate the remaining details. Once the correct bias-ply size is established, differences in appearance and intended use become the real points of comparison.
A restoration-oriented owner may prioritize a traditional sidewall presentation and period-style look, while a driver focused on occasional touring may place more weight on overall condition and wheel readiness. The useful approach is to compare each tire against the car's goals, then confirm that the wheel dimensions and vehicle setup still suit the chosen tire.
What rim-fitment details matter when choosing tires for a 1931 Auburn Custom?
The critical rim-fitment detail is that the 1931 Auburn Custom uses a 17-inch wheel with a 6.00-17 tire. Matching the wheel diameter is essential, because a vintage bias-ply tire is built around that specific rim size.
Beyond diameter, the wheel itself should be inspected for age-related issues, damage, corrosion, or previous repairs before mounting new tires. On a collector car from 1931, the safest path is to verify the actual wheel condition and fitment at the car, especially if the vehicle has been restored or has not seen regular road use in many years.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1931 Auburn Custom?
A period-style 1931 Auburn Custom starts with the correct 6.00-17 bias-ply size. That preserves the visual proportions and traditional construction associated with a pre-war luxury automobile of this era, which is often just as important as simple mechanical fitment.
Owners pursuing a serious restoration should treat correct size as the foundation, then compare tire appearance against the car's overall finish and historical intent. If exact originality matters beyond general period style, marque-club guidance, restoration records, and period photography can help narrow the most appropriate visual presentation for the specific Auburn being restored.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1931 Auburn Custom restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1931 Auburn Custom restoration. A pre-war car's stance, wheel opening proportion, and overall visual balance are strongly influenced by tire size and construction, so using the proper 6.00-17 bias-ply fitment helps preserve the car's character.
The benefit is not only appearance. Correct fitment also helps avoid clearance issues, wheel mismatch, and an out-of-place look that can undermine an otherwise careful restoration. Even when the car is mostly for display, taking time to confirm tire size, wheel diameter, and general compatibility keeps the finished Auburn more coherent and historically believable.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1931 Auburn Custom?
Yes. Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1931 Auburn Custom even when the intended tire size remains 6.00-17. Changes to wheels, suspension height, brake components, or body clearances can all alter how comfortably a tire fits and operates on the car.
An Auburn that has lived through multiple restorations may not still match its original wheel setup, so a quick size check is rarely enough. Looking at wheel diameter, overall wheel condition, steering clearance, and available space around fenders and suspension parts helps prevent surprises once the new tires are mounted and the car is driven.
What should I inspect before driving a 1931 Auburn Custom on new tires?
Before driving a 1931 Auburn Custom on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve hardware, and overall mounting condition, then make sure the tires are properly inflated and seated. It is also wise to look over steering and suspension components, since old wear in those systems can affect how a pre-war car behaves on the road.
A tire change should be treated as part of a broader roadworthiness check rather than an isolated repair. Sidewall clearance, brake function, wheel fastener security, and signs of fluid leakage all deserve attention before the first drive. On a collector car that may have sat for long periods, a cautious inspection routine is especially important.
How should 6.00-17 tires on a collector 1931 Auburn Custom be maintained?
6.00-17 tires on a collector 1931 Auburn Custom should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and careful storage habits. Even when tread wear is minimal, a low-mileage collector car can still develop aging issues that matter more than mileage alone.
Looking for cracking, cuts, bulges, and slow air loss helps catch problems before a tour or event. Storage also plays a major role, since prolonged exposure to heat, sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources can shorten tire life. Keeping the car clean, dry, and routinely inspected supports both appearance and dependable road use.
