The 1931 Buick 60 Series comes from a period when Buick was building substantial, refined automobiles for drivers who wanted prestige without stepping into the very top luxury tier. Its long-wheelbase presence and early-1930s styling make tire choice an important part of how the car looks and feels on the road today. This Buick uses a 550-19 bias-ply tire on a 19-inch rim, keeping the fitment firmly in the prewar tire world. Available choices include a traditional blackwall or a 3.25 inch wide whitewall in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply line. For a restoration-minded owner, the key decision is usually appearance preference while staying within the proper size and construction.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1931 Buick 60 Series
The 1931 Buick 60 Series uses one primary tire size: 550-19. That fitment is a bias-ply tire for a 19-inch rim, and the covered 8 Cyl. sub-model uses the same basic size. With size selection kept straightforward, the real choice becomes how you want the car to present visually and whether a blackwall or wide whitewall better suits the Buick's restoration style.
In a numeric bias-ply size like 550-19, the 550 refers to an approximate 5.50-inch nominal section width and the 19 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. For a 1931 Buick 60 Series, that means a distinctly prewar tire format that matches the car's original-era construction style and visual proportions. Available examples in this size come from BFGoodrich in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series, with both blackwall and 3.25 inch wide whitewall presentations. Choosing this size keeps the Buick in the proper fitment range while letting the final look lean more formal, understated, or restoration-oriented.
Fitment is straightforward for the covered 1931 Buick 60 Series sub-model. The main reason to confirm the sub-model is simply to make sure the car remains on its proper 550-19 bias-ply setup before comparing sidewall appearance and other product details.
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1931 Buick 60 Series 8 Cyl.
The 1931 Buick 60 Series 8 Cyl. uses the same 550-19 bias-ply fitment that defines this application. That keeps tire selection focused on period-style replacement, rim compatibility, and whether a blackwall or wide whitewall better matches the car's intended presentation.
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 1931 Buick 60 Series Tires for Sale
Available 550-19 choices for the 1931 Buick 60 Series center on BFGoodrich's Silvertown Classic Bias Ply line. The main comparison points are sidewall presentation, with traditional blackwall and wide whitewall versions sharing the same 19-inch rim fitment and basic bias-ply character.
Common 1931 Buick 60 Series tire questions usually come down to proper 550-19 fitment, 19-inch wheel compatibility, sidewall appearance, and what to inspect before putting a prewar Buick back into regular road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1931 Buick 60 Series?
The 1931 Buick 60 Series uses a 550-19 tire size. This is a numeric bias-ply format, and it pairs with a 19-inch rim. The covered 8 Cyl. sub-model uses that same primary size, so the fitment itself is straightforward rather than split across several different tire options.
That simplicity makes the next step less about choosing among sizes and more about confirming the car still has the proper wheel setup. A Buick that has been modified over the years may have different wheels than expected, so checking actual rim diameter and width before mounting new tires is still important.
What size rim does a 1931 Buick 60 Series use?
The primary tire fitment for the 1931 Buick 60 Series uses a 19-inch rim. In this application, the 550-19 tire size and the available products both align with that 19-inch wheel diameter. That keeps wheel-diameter identification fairly clear for an owner replacing tires on a stock-style setup.
Wheel diameter is only part of the check on a prewar car. The available 550-19 tires are built around a relatively narrow rim specification, so it also helps to confirm the wheel has not been replaced with something outside the expected width range before selecting a tire.
Does the 1931 Buick 60 Series 8 Cyl. use the same tire size?
Yes. The covered 1931 Buick 60 Series 8 Cyl. uses the same 550-19 bias-ply tire size as the main model application. There is no separate second size within this covered fitment, so tire selection stays centered on one traditional prewar size rather than branching into multiple diameter or profile choices.
Even with shared fitment, it still pays to look closely at the actual wheels on the car. Older restorations and long-owned collector vehicles sometimes pick up replacement wheels over time, and that can affect rim-width compatibility, mounting choice, and the visual relationship between the tire and the car.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 550-19 tire for a 1931 Buick 60 Series?
Start with the basics: the correct size is 550-19, the construction is bias-ply, and the wheel diameter is 19 inches. From there, the biggest choice is usually presentation, since available options in this size include both blackwall and wide whitewall versions within the same Silvertown Classic Bias Ply family.
Selection should also reflect how the Buick will be used and how closely the owner wants to follow a restoration-oriented look. A touring car driven occasionally may prioritize traditional appearance, while any car should still have its actual wheel width, tire condition standards, and load suitability checked before road use.
What sidewall styles are available for 1931 Buick 60 Series tires?
The available 550-19 tires for a 1931 Buick 60 Series include two distinct sidewall presentations: blackwall and wide whitewall. Both are bias-ply tires from BFGoodrich's Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series, so the visual difference is the main divider rather than a change in basic fitment category.
That makes sidewall choice largely an appearance decision. A blackwall gives the Buick a more restrained, utilitarian look, while a wide whitewall creates a dressier prewar presence. Owners aiming for historical accuracy should compare the final look against period photos or marque-specific restoration guidance for their particular car.
How do I choose between the available 550-19 tires for a 1931 Buick 60 Series?
The available 550-19 choices are closely related in size, brand family, and construction, so the comparison is mostly about finish and presentation. Both options are BFGoodrich bias-ply tires in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series, with the clearest distinction being blackwall versus 3.25 inch wide whitewall styling.
A good way to decide is to match the tire to the car's overall restoration direction. A more formal or show-oriented Buick often looks different on a whitewall than on a blackwall, even with the same size and construction. Wheel condition, rim compatibility, and the intended road use should still be verified before final selection.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1931 Buick 60 Series?
A period-style starting point for a 1931 Buick 60 Series is the proper 550-19 bias-ply size on a 19-inch rim. Keeping the original-era sizing format and construction helps preserve the Buick's prewar stance and tire profile, which are important visual elements on a car from this period.
From there, the decision usually turns to sidewall presentation rather than size. A blackwall creates a simpler traditional look, while a wide whitewall gives the car a more formal appearance. When exact originality matters, it is worth checking period photographs or Buick-focused restoration references before settling on a final style.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1931 Buick 60 Series restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1931 Buick 60 Series restoration. A prewar car's proportions are heavily influenced by tire height, sidewall shape, and overall construction style, so staying with the proper 550-19 bias-ply format helps maintain the Buick's intended visual balance.
Fitment also affects how convincing the finished restoration looks once the car is on the ground. Even small departures in wheel setup or sidewall presentation can change the character of the car. Before mounting new tires, confirm the wheels are the right diameter and suitable width for the chosen 550-19 specification.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1931 Buick 60 Series?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1931 Buick 60 Series even when the intended tire size is still 550-19. Changes such as replacement wheels, altered suspension height, brake conversions, or body work can influence wheel width, tire clearance, and how a bias-ply tire sits within the fender opening.
A collector car that has changed hands over many years may not still be on its original wheel setup. Measuring the actual rim diameter and width, then checking steering and fender clearance at full lock and suspension movement, helps avoid surprises before new tires are mounted and the car is returned to the road.
What should I inspect before driving a 1931 Buick 60 Series on new tires?
Before driving a 1931 Buick 60 Series on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, and overall mounting condition first. It also helps to look over wheel hardware, confirm the tires are inflated appropriately for the setup, and make sure there is no interference at the fenders or steering components.
A prewar Buick deserves a broader road-readiness check as well. Brake function, steering play, suspension condition, and bearing health all affect how safely the car can use its tires. After the first short drive, recheck air pressure and inspect for any rubbing, uneven seating, or signs of fresh contact.
How should 550-19 tires on a collector 1931 Buick 60 Series be maintained?
550-19 tires on a collector 1931 Buick 60 Series should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and careful storage habits. Look for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and slow air loss, especially on a car that spends long periods parked between drives or appears only at occasional events.
Storage conditions matter almost as much as mileage on a low-use collector car. Keeping the Buick away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps protect the tires over time. It is also smart to inspect them before every outing rather than assuming low annual mileage means they are ready to go.
