The 1931 Dodge 6 Cyl. came from a period when American cars were expected to handle uneven roads, long-distance travel, and daily service with tall, narrow tires that were part of the car’s overall character. For many owners today, that means balancing authentic pre-war appearance with the practical realities of safe road use and wheel compatibility. This Dodge uses a 500-19 bias-ply tire on a 19-inch rim, keeping the fitment firmly in traditional vintage territory. Available choices in that size include blackwall tires from Excelsior and Firestone across Comp H and Dirt Track series. The key decision is usually preserving the correct period-style stance while confirming the tire matches the car’s intended use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1931 Dodge 6 Cyl.
The 1931 Dodge 6 Cyl. uses one primary tire size: 500-19, a bias-ply fitment for a 19-inch rim. The Base sub-model uses this same size, so the main choice is not between multiple fitments, but between available tire series, intended use, and whether the tire’s traditional appearance suits the kind of restoration or driving planned for the car.
The 500-19 size is a vintage numeric bias-ply designation in which the 5.00 figure refers to the tire’s nominal section width in inches and the 19 identifies the wheel diameter. On a 1931 Dodge 6 Cyl., that keeps the car in its proper pre-war sizing language and traditional bias-ply construction. In this size, available options include blackwall tires from Excelsior and Firestone in the Comp H and Dirt Track series, with differences in rim-width compatibility and intended tire character. Choosing 500-19 starts with preserving the Dodge’s original-style proportions, then narrowing the selection to appearance and use.
Tire fitment is straightforward across the covered 1931 Dodge 6 Cyl. sub-models. The main reason to check the exact sub-model is simply to confirm that the car still carries its correct wheel setup and has not been altered over the years.
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1931 Dodge 6 Cyl. Base
The 1931 Dodge 6 Cyl. Base uses the same 500-19 bias-ply tire size as the core fitment for this model. That keeps tire selection focused on period-style replacement, wheel-width compatibility, and choosing the tire series that best suits restoration display, touring use, or vintage driving needs.
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 Dodge 6 Cyl. Tires for Sale
Available 500-19 tires for the 1931 Dodge 6 Cyl. include Excelsior and Firestone blackwall bias-ply options in the Comp H and Dirt Track series. The main points to compare in the product grid are tire character, rim-width specifications, load detail where stated, and whether the car is being set up for display, road use, or vintage competition style.
These FAQs focus on 1931 Dodge 6 Cyl. tire size, 19-inch rim fitment, bias-ply selection, period-style appearance, and the wheel, suspension, and condition checks that matter before putting a pre-war Dodge back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1931 Dodge 6 Cyl.?
The 1931 Dodge 6 Cyl. uses a 500-19 tire size. This is a bias-ply fitment and it is the primary tire size associated with the model, including the Base sub-model.
That makes the first step fairly simple: confirm that the car still has 19-inch wheels and has not been changed to another diameter over the years. On an older restoration or survivor car, wheel swaps, later replacements, or mixed wheel sets can affect what actually belongs on the vehicle today.
What size rim does a 1931 Dodge 6 Cyl. use?
The 1931 Dodge 6 Cyl. uses a 19-inch rim with its 500-19 tire size. Product options in this fitment are built around that 19-inch wheel diameter, which is central to maintaining the car’s proper pre-war tire proportions.
Rim diameter should be confirmed before ordering because a vintage car may have had wheels changed at some point in its life. Wheel width matters too, especially when comparing individual tires, so checking the stamped wheel size or measuring the wheel helps avoid choosing a tire that does not match the actual setup on the car.
Does the 1931 Dodge 6 Cyl. Base use the same tire size?
Yes. The 1931 Dodge 6 Cyl. Base uses the same 500-19 bias-ply tire size as the core model fitment. There is no separate primary tire size shown for that sub-model.
That consistency keeps the buying decision centered on tire style and application rather than sorting through multiple factory sizes. Even so, it is worth verifying the car’s present wheels, especially on older restorations where replacement rims, split-rim service history, or other changes may affect what should be mounted safely today.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 500-19 tire for a 1931 Dodge 6 Cyl.?
Start with the correct 500-19 size and the traditional bias-ply construction used on the 1931 Dodge 6 Cyl. From there, compare the tire’s series, rim-width specification, load detail where available, and whether the tire’s overall character matches how the car will actually be used.
A pre-war Dodge shown at events may call for a different presentation than one driven regularly on secondary roads or set up with vintage competition flavor. Looking at wheel condition, intended mileage, and whether the car prioritizes appearance or active use will usually narrow the choice more effectively than focusing on brand alone.
What sidewall styles are available for 1931 Dodge 6 Cyl. tires?
The available 500-19 tires for the 1931 Dodge 6 Cyl. are offered in blackwall form. That suits the traditional, understated look many owners want on a pre-war Dodge, especially when the goal is to preserve an authentic vintage presentation.
Since the sidewall style does not vary here, selection comes down more to the tire series and the car’s intended role. A blackwall tire can still differ in character from one product line to another, so it helps to compare the tire’s application, wheel compatibility, and how the finished stance will look on the car.
What brands offer tires for the 1931 Dodge 6 Cyl.?
The 500-19 fitment for the 1931 Dodge 6 Cyl. is available from Excelsior and Firestone. Those options appear in different tire series, giving owners a choice beyond simply matching the size designation.
Brand alone should not be the only deciding factor on a vintage vehicle like this. It is smarter to compare each tire’s intended use, rim-width specification, and overall visual character, then match those details to whether the Dodge is being restored for display, driven occasionally, or prepared for a more specialized vintage setup.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1931 Dodge 6 Cyl.?
A 500-19 bias-ply tire is the right starting point for a period-style 1931 Dodge 6 Cyl. That size and construction preserve the tall, narrow visual profile that suits a pre-war Dodge far better than trying to force a later-looking tire onto the car.
From there, the best choice depends on how closely the restoration is trying to match a particular historical presentation. Owners seeking exact originality should compare tire appearance against marque references, period photos, or restoration documentation, while drivers pursuing a broadly authentic look can focus on the proper size, blackwall presentation, and wheel compatibility.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1931 Dodge 6 Cyl. restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1931 Dodge 6 Cyl. because the tire’s height, width, and construction strongly affect the car’s stance, visual balance, and overall pre-war character. Using the correct 500-19 sizing helps the Dodge look proportionate and mechanically appropriate.
Fitment also matters beyond appearance. A tire that does not suit the wheel can create mounting or clearance concerns, and a tire that changes the car’s visual profile too much can undermine an otherwise careful restoration. On a collector car from this era, tires are a major part of both presentation and road-readiness.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1931 Dodge 6 Cyl.?
Yes. Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1931 Dodge 6 Cyl., even when the intended tire size remains 500-19. Changes to wheel width, wheel type, ride height, brake components, or front-end geometry can alter clearance and influence what mounts and operates properly.
That is especially important on older cars that may have been updated more than once over several decades. Checking actual wheel dimensions, steering travel, and fender clearance before mounting tires is a smart step, particularly if the Dodge has non-original wheels, suspension work, or any signs that the running gear has been altered.
What should I inspect before driving a 1931 Dodge 6 Cyl. on new tires?
Inspect the wheels first, especially their diameter, width, overall condition, and any damage around the bead area. Then look over the steering and suspension components, because loose joints, worn bushings, weak springs, or alignment problems can make a newly mounted tire behave poorly on an older chassis.
Tire pressure, valve condition, and initial clearance checks also matter before the car goes back on the road. After a short first drive, it helps to recheck inflation, confirm that nothing is rubbing at full steering lock, and look for any uneven wear patterns that suggest the Dodge needs additional chassis attention.
How should 500-19 tires on a collector 1931 Dodge 6 Cyl. be maintained?
Maintain 500-19 tires on a collector 1931 Dodge 6 Cyl. by keeping them properly inflated, inspecting them regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, and air loss, and storing the car away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone-producing equipment. Low annual mileage does not stop tires from aging.
A pre-war car that sits for long periods benefits from routine visual checks before every drive rather than only at service intervals. It is also wise to examine the wheels and valve stems at the same time, since tire condition on a collector vehicle is closely tied to storage habits and the condition of the surrounding hardware.
