The 1931 Chrysler CD8 comes from an era when Chrysler was building large, prestige-minded automobiles with strong engineering appeal and a distinctly prewar American presence. Owners drawn to one today are often balancing preservation, restoration character, and reliable touring manners rather than chasing modern tire trends. For the CD8, the primary fitment is a 6.50-17 bias-ply tire on a 17-inch rim, which keeps the vehicle in the construction style associated with its period. The main choice is less about size and more about selecting the right period-style tire presentation for the car’s intended use. Wheel condition, overall stance, and restoration goals should guide the final decision.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1931 Chrysler CD8
The 1931 Chrysler CD8 uses one primary tire size: 6.50-17 in bias-ply construction on a 17-inch rim. The covered CD8 Base fitment stays consistent, so the real decision is choosing the right tire within that size while keeping wheel condition, period-style appearance, and intended road use in mind.
The 6.50-17 size is a numeric bias-ply designation in which 6.50 refers to the tire’s nominal section width in inches and 17 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. On a 1931 Chrysler CD8, this construction matches the traditional tire type expected for a large prewar car of the period and supports the original visual character more closely than a modern radial format. Buyers in this size are usually deciding how closely they want to stay with a restoration-oriented look and road feel. It is also wise to confirm the actual wheel diameter and inspect the rim before mounting new tires.
Tire fitment for the covered 1931 Chrysler CD8 sub-model is straightforward. The key is still verifying that the car remains on its correct 17-inch wheel setup, especially if it has been off the road for long periods or altered at some point in its life.
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1931 Chrysler CD8 Base
The 1931 Chrysler CD8 Base uses the same 6.50-17 bias-ply fitment associated with this model line. That keeps tire selection focused on proper size, traditional construction, and the kind of period-style presentation that suits a prewar Chrysler restoration or careful 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
These FAQs focus on 1931 Chrysler CD8 tire size, 17-inch rim fitment, bias-ply construction, restoration-oriented selection, and the basic checks that matter before putting a prewar car back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1931 Chrysler CD8?
The 1931 Chrysler CD8 uses a 6.50-17 tire size in bias-ply construction. That is the primary fitment for this vehicle and the covered CD8 Base sub-model uses that same size, keeping the fitment picture straightforward for most owners.
The important next step is confirming that the car still has 17-inch wheels and that the rims are in suitable condition for mounting fresh tires. On an older restoration or long-stored car, wheel changes, damaged rims, or mismatched parts can create confusion even when the correct nominal tire size is known.
What size rim does a 1931 Chrysler CD8 use?
The 1931 Chrysler CD8 uses a 17-inch rim with its 6.50-17 tire fitment. In this size designation, the final number identifies the wheel diameter, so matching the tire to the correct 17-inch wheel is a basic fitment requirement.
Rim diameter is only part of the check on a prewar car. It also helps to inspect the wheel for age, corrosion, damage, or prior repairs before mounting new bias-ply tires, especially if the car has been stored for years or carries wheels that may not be original to the vehicle.
Does the 1931 Chrysler CD8 Base use the same tire size?
Yes. The 1931 Chrysler CD8 Base uses the same 6.50-17 bias-ply tire size as the covered model fitment. That means the buyer does not need to sort through multiple primary sizes for this sub-model before choosing a tire.
Even with a shared fitment, it is still smart to verify the actual wheel setup on the individual car. Older collector vehicles sometimes carry replacement wheels or mixed parts, and that can affect mounting, appearance, and road clearance even when the intended tire size for the CD8 Base remains 6.50-17.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 6.50-17 tire for a 1931 Chrysler CD8?
Start with the correct 6.50-17 size and bias-ply construction, since that is the primary fitment for the 1931 Chrysler CD8. For a prewar Chrysler, the biggest decision is usually how closely the tire should support a restoration-oriented look versus a car intended for occasional touring and display use.
Beyond size, pay attention to wheel condition, the car’s stance, and how the tire complements the overall presentation. A CD8 that is driven sparingly may prioritize period-style appearance, while a road-going car still needs careful attention to mounting, inflation, and general compatibility with the wheel and chassis setup.
How do I choose between the available 6.50-17 tires for a 1931 Chrysler CD8?
With a single primary size, the choice comes down to selecting a 6.50-17 tire that suits the car’s purpose and visual character. Owners usually weigh restoration appearance, traditional bias-ply construction, and how closely they want the finished car to reflect a proper prewar tire presentation.
It helps to think about whether the Chrysler is a preserved original, a formal restoration, or a vehicle intended for regular event driving. That context affects how much emphasis to place on period-style looks, ride expectations, and wheel inspection, all of which matter more here than comparing multiple size fitments.
What does 6.50-17 mean on a 1931 Chrysler CD8?
On a 1931 Chrysler CD8, 6.50-17 is a numeric bias-ply size. The 6.50 portion refers to the tire’s nominal section width in inches, while 17 is the wheel diameter in inches, making it a traditional sizing format typical of prewar American automobiles.
Understanding the format helps prevent confusion with later alphanumeric or metric radial sizes that look very different on paper. For an older Chrysler, the size code is part of preserving correct proportions, so the buyer should match the tire to the wheel diameter and verify that the car has not been altered from its intended setup.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1931 Chrysler CD8?
A period-style 1931 Chrysler CD8 should begin with the correct 6.50-17 size in bias-ply construction. That keeps the car aligned with the traditional tire format and visual proportion associated with a large prewar Chrysler rather than shifting the appearance toward a later look.
For many restorations, tire choice influences stance and overall authenticity almost as much as paint or trim details. When exact originality matters beyond basic fitment, it is worth comparing the finished tire choice against marque-club guidance, historical photos, or restoration records so the tire complements the car’s broader presentation.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1931 Chrysler CD8 restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1931 Chrysler CD8 restoration. The proper 6.50-17 bias-ply size helps preserve the car’s intended proportions, wheel-to-body relationship, and overall prewar character in a way that an incorrect size can easily disrupt.
Fitment also affects practical details such as wheel compatibility and clearance at the fenders and steering components. Even on a display-focused restoration, tires should not be treated as an afterthought, because the wrong size or construction can change both the visual balance of the car and the confidence of road use.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1931 Chrysler CD8?
Yes. Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1931 Chrysler CD8 even when the intended tire size is still 6.50-17. Wheel substitutions, suspension changes, altered ride height, brake conversions, or body repairs can all influence how a tire sits in the wheel opening and how it clears during steering.
That is why an individual car should always be checked before mounting new tires. A CD8 with aftermarket wheels or non-original chassis work may need closer review of wheel diameter, wheel width, and clearance at full lock, rather than relying only on the nominal factory-era tire size.
What should I inspect before driving a 1931 Chrysler CD8 on new tires?
Before driving a 1931 Chrysler CD8 on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve hardware, and the general condition of the suspension and steering. It is also important to confirm proper inflation, look for rubbing points, and make sure the tires seat correctly on rims that are sound and suitable for use.
A prewar car deserves a cautious first road test after tire replacement. Check for vibration, pulling, unusual noises, and any sign of contact at the fenders or steering components, then recheck pressure and wheel hardware after the first few miles so the car can settle in safely.
How should 6.50-17 tires on a collector 1931 Chrysler CD8 be maintained?
6.50-17 tires on a collector 1931 Chrysler CD8 should be kept properly inflated, inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, or air loss, and protected from long periods of heat, sunlight, and moisture. Collector cars that are driven infrequently can age their tires quietly, even when tread wear is minimal.
Routine inspection matters as much as mileage on a car like this. It helps to check the tires before each outing, move the car occasionally during long storage periods, and keep an eye on how the tires are carrying the vehicle so age and storage conditions do not catch up with an otherwise attractive set.
