The 1931 Ford A Series sits at the end of the Model A era, a time when Ford’s simple, durable four-cylinder cars were carrying everyday drivers through the early Depression years. Today, these cars are appreciated for their mechanical honesty, upright styling, and strong restoration following. The 1931 Ford A Series uses a 475-19 bias-ply tire on a 19-inch rim, which keeps the fitment firmly in traditional pre-war sizing territory. Available choices center on classic Goodyear Deluxe All-Weather styling, including Blackwall and Wide Whitewall versions. For most owners, the real decision is preserving the right period look while confirming wheel condition and roadworthy tire setup.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1931 Ford A Series
The 1931 Ford A Series uses one primary tire size: 475-19. That fitment is a bias-ply design for a 19-inch rim, and it is shared by the covered 4 Cyl. sub-model. Since the size itself is straightforward, the main choice becomes selecting the right sidewall presentation and maintaining the traditional bias-ply appearance and fitment that suit a pre-war Ford.
In a 475-19 size, the 4.75 identifies the tire’s nominal section width in inches and the 19 identifies the wheel diameter it mounts on. This is a traditional bias-ply format, which matches the vintage construction and visual character expected on a 1931 Ford A Series. Available examples include the Goodyear Deluxe All-Weather in both Blackwall and Wide Whitewall form, giving owners an appearance choice without changing size. It is the right place to stay when preserving proper pre-war proportions, wheel compatibility, and period-style presentation.
Tire fitment is straightforward across the covered 1931 Ford A Series sub-models. The key point is simply confirming that the car remains on the original 19-inch wheel setup so the correct 475-19 bias-ply size can be selected with confidence.
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1931 Ford A Series 4 Cyl.
The 1931 Ford A Series 4 Cyl. uses the same 475-19 bias-ply fitment as the model core, so size selection stays simple. Tire choice then comes down to traditional appearance details such as Blackwall versus Wide Whitewall and the overall restoration direction of the car.
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 Ford A Series Tires for Sale
Available 475-19 choices center on the Goodyear Deluxe All-Weather series in bias-ply construction. The main comparison in the product grid is sidewall style, with both Blackwall and Wide Whitewall versions offered on the same 19-inch fitment.
Common 1931 Ford A Series tire questions usually focus on the 475-19 fitment, 19-inch rim compatibility, sidewall appearance choices, and the checks worth making before putting a restored or lightly driven car back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1931 Ford A Series?
The 1931 Ford A Series uses a 475-19 tire size. That is a bias-ply fitment mounted on a 19-inch rim, and it is the primary size associated with this exact vehicle. The covered 4 Cyl. sub-model uses the same size, which keeps fitment simple for most owners.
A correct size match is only the first step on a pre-war Ford. It is still important to confirm that the car has the proper 19-inch wheels, that the wheel width matches the tire’s intended application, and that no later wheel swap or restoration-era modification changed the setup.
What size rim does a 1931 Ford A Series use?
The 1931 Ford A Series uses a 19-inch rim with its 475-19 tire fitment. Available tires in this size are built around that 19-inch wheel diameter, and the product specifications for this fitment also reflect a 3-inch rim width. Keeping rim diameter correct is essential on a car from this era.
Wheel diameter should be checked directly on the car before purchasing tires, especially if it has been restored long ago or assembled from mixed parts. A 475-19 tire is meant for a 19-inch wheel, and confirming the wheel’s condition is just as important as confirming the size itself.
Does the 1931 Ford A Series 4 Cyl. use the same tire size?
Yes. The 1931 Ford A Series 4 Cyl. uses the same 475-19 bias-ply tire size as the model core. That means the basic fitment decision does not change from one covered configuration to another, which simplifies tire selection compared with vehicles that used multiple sizes across trim levels or body styles.
Even with shared fitment, a careful owner should still inspect the actual wheels on the car. Early Fords are often restored, repaired, or stored for long periods, so checking for the correct 19-inch wheel diameter, sound rim condition, and proper mounting surfaces helps avoid problems once the car is back in service.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 475-19 tire for a 1931 Ford A Series?
Start with the correct 475-19 size and bias-ply construction, since that keeps the tire in the proper vintage format for a 1931 Ford A Series. From there, the main considerations are sidewall style, overall presentation, and whether the tire suits a preservation-minded driver or a restoration with a stronger visual emphasis.
A Blackwall version gives a restrained traditional look, while a Wide Whitewall creates a more formal period-style appearance. It also helps to compare rim-width compatibility, maximum load capacity of 900 lbs. @ 32 psi, and tire condition priorities if the car will see regular touring rather than occasional display use.
What sidewall styles are available for 1931 Ford A Series tires?
The available 475-19 tires for a 1931 Ford A Series come in Blackwall and Wide Whitewall styles. Both are offered within the same Goodyear Deluxe All-Weather series and the same bias-ply size, so the decision is centered on appearance rather than a change in tire dimensions or construction type.
That makes sidewall choice especially important on a vehicle with visible tall, narrow tires and upright pre-war proportions. A Blackwall usually suits a simpler, workmanlike presentation, while a Wide Whitewall creates a brighter restoration-oriented look. The right choice depends on how the car is finished and how authentic-looking you want the overall stance to feel.
How do I choose between the available 475-19 tires for a 1931 Ford A Series?
The available 475-19 choices are closely related because they share the same Goodyear Deluxe All-Weather series, bias-ply construction, 19-inch rim fitment, and 900 lbs. @ 32 psi load specification. The most visible difference is sidewall treatment, with one tire presented as a Blackwall and the other as a Wide Whitewall.
That means the decision is less about changing the underlying fitment and more about matching the tire to the car’s finished appearance. Owners should also confirm the wheels are suitable 3-inch rims and think about how the car will be used, since collector vehicles benefit from routine inspection even when the size choice is straightforward.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1931 Ford A Series?
A 475-19 bias-ply tire is the proper period-style starting point for a 1931 Ford A Series because it preserves the tall, narrow look associated with pre-war Ford fitment. Within that size, the available Goodyear Deluxe All-Weather options keep the construction and sizing consistent while allowing an appearance decision between Blackwall and Wide Whitewall.
For many restorations, the sidewall style has a major effect on the car’s finished character. A simpler car may look more restrained on Blackwalls, while a brighter show-oriented presentation may benefit from Wide Whitewalls. When exact originality matters, it is wise to compare period photos, marque references, and restoration records for the specific car.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1931 Ford A Series restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1931 Ford A Series because the tire’s height, width, and construction are visually prominent on the finished car. Staying with the 475-19 bias-ply format helps preserve the proportions and stance that make a pre-war Ford look mechanically and visually appropriate.
Fitment also affects more than appearance. The proper rim diameter, a suitable wheel width, and a sound mounting surface all contribute to safe road use and a settled presentation. Even a beautifully restored car can look slightly off if the tire profile or sidewall style does not match the era and the rest of the build.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1931 Ford A Series?
Yes. A 1931 Ford A Series may use the correct 475-19 tire size only if it still has the wheel and chassis setup intended for that fitment. Later wheel swaps, altered fenders, suspension changes, or hot rod modifications can all change the space available around the tire and the type of wheel the tire must mount on.
That is why the actual car should be inspected before any tire decision is finalized. Check wheel diameter, wheel width, bead condition, steering clearance, and body clearance at full turn and full suspension movement. Even small changes on an early Ford can matter because the tire profile is narrow and the wheel opening is visually exposed.
What should I inspect before driving a 1931 Ford A Series on new tires?
Before road use, inspect the wheels for cracks, corrosion, bent edges, and overall structural condition, then confirm the 19-inch rims are appropriate for the 475-19 tires. The tires themselves should be checked for proper inflation, secure mounting, and any signs of shipping damage or installation issues before the car is driven any distance.
A broader roadworthiness check also makes sense on a collector Ford that may have spent years in storage. Look at brake operation, steering play, wheel bearing condition, and the way the tires clear the body and suspension during low-speed turning. A short test drive close to home is a smart final step before extended use.
How should 475-19 tires on a collector 1931 Ford A Series be maintained?
475-19 tires on a collector 1931 Ford A Series should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspection, and careful storage habits. Owners should watch for sidewall cracking, tread separation, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and slow air loss, especially on a car that is driven infrequently and may sit for long periods between outings.
Collector vehicles benefit from being stored away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources such as electric motors or welders. It also helps to move the car periodically so the tires are not loaded in one position for months at a time. Early attention to age and condition matters as much as tread depth.