The 1931 Chrysler CM6 comes from a period when Chrysler was building well-engineered cars for drivers who wanted modern features without stepping into the highest luxury classes. On a car like this, tire choice shapes both appearance and road manners because the tire is such a visible part of the overall stance. The 1931 Chrysler CM6 uses a 5.25-19 bias-ply tire, giving the page a very clear fitment starting point. That simplicity still leaves room to consider brand, period-style presentation, and how closely the tire matches the car's restoration goals. For a roadworthy vintage Chrysler, the right decision begins with correct sizing and careful wheel-condition verification.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1931 Chrysler CM6
The 1931 Chrysler CM6 uses one primary tire size: 5.25-19, a bias-ply fitment for a 19-inch rim. The same size applies to the covered CM6 Base model, so the main decision is not between multiple fitments but between the available tires within that size and how closely the final choice suits restoration appearance, wheel compatibility, and intended road use.
The 5.25-19 designation is a numeric bias-ply size in which 5.25 refers to the nominal section width in inches and 19 identifies the wheel diameter. On a 1931 Chrysler CM6, that format reflects the tire construction and sizing language common to early 1930s American automobiles. This is a traditional fitment category for buyers who want the right visual proportion and period-style presentation for a pre-war Chrysler. The key step is confirming that the car still wears proper 19-inch wheels in sound condition before selecting a tire in this size.
Tire fitment for the 1931 Chrysler CM6 is straightforward because the covered sub-model uses the same primary size. Checking the exact sub-model still matters so the tire selection starts from the correct vehicle listing and stays aligned with the wheel setup actually on the car.
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1931 Chrysler CM6 Base
The 1931 Chrysler CM6 Base uses the same 5.25-19 bias-ply tire size that defines this application. That keeps tire selection focused on choosing the right period-style replacement and confirming that the vehicle still has its correct 19-inch wheel configuration before 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 of a 1931 Chrysler CM6 usually need clear answers on 5.25-19 sizing, 19-inch wheel fitment, restoration-minded tire selection, and the basic inspections that matter before putting a pre-war car back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1931 Chrysler CM6?
The 1931 Chrysler CM6 uses a 5.25-19 tire size. This is a bias-ply fitment, and it is the primary size associated with the CM6 on a 19-inch rim.
That makes the starting point simple, but an older car still deserves a careful check before new tires are chosen. Confirm that the wheels on the car are actually 19-inch wheels and that a previous owner has not changed the wheel or brake setup, since vintage cars are often modified over time.
What size rim does a 1931 Chrysler CM6 use?
The 1931 Chrysler CM6 uses a 19-inch rim with its 5.25-19 tire size. In this sizing format, the final number in the tire code matches the wheel diameter, so the 19 indicates a 19-inch wheel.
Rim diameter is only part of the picture on an early Chrysler. The wheels should also be inspected for structural condition, correct width for the intended tire, and any signs of age or damage around the bead area before mounting tires for road use.
Does the 1931 Chrysler CM6 Base use the same tire size?
Yes. The 1931 Chrysler CM6 Base uses the same 5.25-19 bias-ply tire size. There is no separate primary tire size for the covered Base sub-model within this CM6 application.
That consistency helps narrow the search quickly, but the car should still be checked as an individual vehicle. Restored and long-owned pre-war cars sometimes carry replacement wheels, altered hubs, or non-original brake components, and those changes can affect what should be mounted safely.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 5.25-19 tire for a 1931 Chrysler CM6?
Start with the correct 5.25-19 size and the proper bias-ply construction for the 1931 Chrysler CM6. On a pre-war car, the right size does more than fit the wheel; it also preserves the visual proportion between the body, fenders, and tire sidewall.
After size and construction are settled, focus on how the tire suits the car's purpose. A restoration-oriented Chrysler may call for a more traditional presentation, while a regularly driven example may place more emphasis on wheel condition, overall tire freshness, and dependable road-use preparation.
How do I choose between the available 5.25-19 tires for a 1931 Chrysler CM6?
Choosing between 5.25-19 tires for a 1931 Chrysler CM6 comes down to selecting a tire that matches the car's intended appearance and use while staying within the correct size and construction. On a vehicle of this age, preserving the proper overall look is usually part of the buying decision.
Think about whether the car is being finished for a restoration, shown occasionally, or driven on local tours. That context helps determine how much emphasis to place on period-style visual character versus general road-readiness, while keeping wheel compatibility and sound vehicle condition at the center of the decision.
Why does correct tire size matter on a 1931 Chrysler CM6?
Correct tire size matters on a 1931 Chrysler CM6 because the car was built around a 5.25-19 fitment and a 19-inch wheel. On a pre-war vehicle, tire dimensions play a major role in stance, steering feel, and the relationship between the wheel opening and the tire itself.
Using the proper size also helps avoid unnecessary fitment surprises once the tires are mounted. Even when a car looks stock, years of repairs or restoration work can change wheel details, so matching the tire to the actual wheel and vehicle setup remains an important final check.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1931 Chrysler CM6?
For a period-style 1931 Chrysler CM6, the right starting point is the correct 5.25-19 bias-ply size. That keeps the car within the traditional sizing and construction language associated with an early 1930s Chrysler and supports the tall, narrow tire look that suits the body and fenders.
Appearance-driven buyers should treat size and construction as the foundation, then compare the available tire presentation against the car's restoration goals. When exact originality matters, period photography, marque-club guidance, and vehicle-specific historical references can help narrow the most appropriate finishing details.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1931 Chrysler CM6 restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1931 Chrysler CM6 restoration. A pre-war Chrysler carries a lot of its visual character in the wheel and tire combination, so the proper 5.25-19 size has a strong effect on stance, proportion, and the car's overall presence.
Fitment also affects how convincingly the restoration comes together once the car is on the ground. Even a carefully finished body and interior can look off if the tire size is not right, which is why wheel diameter, tire construction, and overall presentation deserve close attention before final assembly.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1931 Chrysler CM6?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1931 Chrysler CM6 even when the car still appears mostly original. Changes to wheels, hubs, brakes, suspension height, or body components can alter the space available for the tire and may change what should be checked before installation.
A careful look at the actual car is especially important on older restorations and long-stored vehicles. Verify wheel diameter, inspect for non-original parts, and turn the steering through its full range to make sure there is no contact issue before the car returns to regular road use.
What should I inspect before driving a 1931 Chrysler CM6 on new tires?
Before driving a 1931 Chrysler CM6 on new tires, inspect the wheels for cracks, corrosion, bead-seat problems, and any signs of structural weakness. The rest of the car also deserves attention, including steering components, suspension wear, brake condition, and whether the tires are inflated appropriately for safe operation.
A short local test drive is a smart next step after installation. Pay attention to straight-line behavior, steering response, unusual rubbing, and any sign of air loss, since collector vehicles that have been inactive for long periods often reveal mechanical issues only after they start moving again.
How should 5.25-19 tires on a collector 1931 Chrysler CM6 be maintained?
5.25-19 tires on a collector 1931 Chrysler CM6 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and careful storage habits. Vintage cars often accumulate fewer miles than modern vehicles, so age, drying, and environmental exposure can become just as important as tread wear.
Inspect the sidewalls and tread for cracking, cuts, bulges, and persistent air loss before each driving season and before any longer outing. Storage away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources can help protect the tires, especially on a pre-war car that spends much of its time parked.
