1931 Chrysler 70 Series Tires

The 1931 Chrysler 70 Series uses a 550-18 tire size. This is a vintage numeric bias-ply fitment on an 18-inch rim, and it is the primary size associated with the covered model.

That means the usual question is not which modern size might be close, but which 550-18 tire best matches the car’s wheels, appearance, and intended use. Before selecting a tire, confirm the actual rim diameter and wheel width on the car, especially if it has been apart for restoration or fitted with replacement wheels sometime in its life.

The 1931 Chrysler 70 Series uses an 18-inch rim with its 550-18 tire size. That rim diameter is central to the fitment because the tire’s final number, 18, refers to the wheel diameter in inches.

Rim diameter should be verified before any tire purchase, since pre-war cars sometimes pick up swapped wheels over the decades. Wheel width matters too, because available 550-18 tires are built around different rim-width specifications. Measuring the wheel and checking its condition is especially worthwhile on a car that has spent long periods in storage or gone through restoration work.

Yes. The covered 1931 Chrysler 70 Series 6 Cyl. uses the same 550-18 bias-ply tire size as the main model fitment. There is no separate primary tire size within the covered sub-model information.

That simplifies the fitment decision, but it does not eliminate the need to inspect the actual wheel setup on the car. A restorer or owner can focus on choosing among blackwall, wide whitewall, or double-whitewall styles and comparing tire series, while still confirming that the wheel diameter and width remain suitable for the specific 550-18 tire being considered.

Start with the correct 550-18 size and 18-inch rim fitment, then compare the available bias-ply options by sidewall appearance, brand, tire series, and wheel-width specification. On a pre-war Chrysler, those details shape both the visual stance of the car and how closely the tire matches the era.

A blackwall usually gives a restrained, practical presentation, while wide whitewall and double-whitewall options create a more formal restoration-oriented look. It also helps to compare product details such as stated rim width and, where given, load capacity at the specified pressure. Matching the tire to the actual wheel and the car’s intended road use is more useful than choosing by appearance alone.

The 1931 Chrysler 70 Series has 550-18 tire options in blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall styles. Those choices let the same primary size take on a noticeably different character, from understated driver presentation to a more dressed pre-war restoration look.

Sidewall style should be chosen with the car’s overall finish in mind, including paint, wheel treatment, and how authentic or formal the completed car is meant to appear. Appearance alone should not decide the purchase, though. Once the preferred sidewall style is narrowed down, compare the tire series and wheel-width suitability so the visual choice still matches the mechanical setup.

Available 550-18 tires for the 1931 Chrysler 70 Series include products from Excelsior, Firestone, BFGoodrich, and Michelin. The assortment spans series such as Comp H, Firestone Classic Bias Ply, Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, and Double Rivet, all within the vintage bias-ply format used by this car.

Brand is only one part of the decision on a pre-war fitment like this. It helps to compare whether a given tire is offered as a blackwall, wide whitewall, or double-whitewall, and to check the wheel-width specification attached to that product. For many owners, the best match is the tire that aligns with the car’s visual goal and wheel setup rather than a brand name alone.

A period-style 1931 Chrysler 70 Series should begin with the proper 550-18 bias-ply fitment, since that size and construction match the car’s pre-war character. From there, the real choice is the visual treatment and tire series, including blackwall, wide whitewall, or double-whitewall presentations.

The right option depends on how the car is being restored and how formal or restrained the finished presentation should look. When exact originality matters, compare the tire choice against marque-club references, period photography, and vehicle-specific restoration documentation. That approach keeps the appearance grounded in the car’s era while still using a tire that suits the wheel and intended road use.

On a restored 1931 Chrysler 70 Series, bias-ply construction is part of the car’s visual language. The tall vintage profile, sidewall shape, and overall stance of a 550-18 bias-ply tire contribute strongly to the upright, formal look associated with early 1930s American automobiles.

Appearance is also influenced by sidewall treatment, since blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall versions can change the personality of the same car. For a restoration-minded owner, construction and sidewall style should be considered together rather than separately. A tire can look convincingly period-style without making claims of exact factory originality unless the specific historical evidence supports that conclusion.

Yes. Even though the primary fitment is 550-18, changes such as replacement wheels, altered ride height, brake conversions, or body and fender work can affect how that tire sits on the car. Any deviation from the original-style wheel setup can change the fitment picture quickly on a pre-war vehicle.

The practical step is to inspect the actual wheel diameter and width, then check clearance at the fenders and through the steering range before finalizing a tire choice. Cars restored over many decades often carry mixed components, so assuming the current setup matches original dimensions can lead to avoidable problems once the tires are mounted and the car returns to road use.

Before road use, inspect the wheels for cracks, distortion, rust damage, and secure mounting surfaces, then confirm correct tire pressure and proper seating of each tire on the rim. On the car itself, check steering movement, suspension condition, and visible clearance around the tire at normal ride height.

A pre-war Chrysler also benefits from a careful walk-around after the first short drive. Look for signs of rubbing, uneven stance, fresh air loss, or hardware that may have loosened after the tires were installed. Low-use collector cars can hide wheel and chassis issues, so treating the first miles as a shakedown is a smart way to catch problems early.

Collector-car 550-18 tires should be checked regularly for pressure, tread condition, sidewall cracking, bulges, cuts, and any signs of aging from long storage. A 1931 Chrysler 70 Series may see limited annual mileage, which makes calendar age and storage environment just as important as wear.

Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, excess heat, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires between drives. It is also wise to inspect the wheels and valve stems at the same time, since tire condition on an infrequently used car is only part of the road-readiness picture. Routine checks before tours and seasonal drives are especially worthwhile.