The 1931 Jordan 80 comes from the closing years of an independent American automaker, giving it a distinctly prewar place in collector-car circles. Owners of these cars often balance drivability with a strong interest in preserving the character of a late brass-and-classic-era automobile. Tire selection for the 1931 Jordan 80 centers on one primary size, 550-18, in bias-ply construction on an 18-inch rim. Within that fitment, the choices include blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall presentations across several vintage tire series. The real decision is how closely the tire’s appearance and specifications should match the car’s restoration goals and intended road use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1931 Jordan 80
The 1931 Jordan 80 uses one primary tire size: 550-18 in bias-ply construction on an 18-inch rim. The same fitment carries across the covered sub-model, so the main choice is not between multiple sizes, but between sidewall style, tire series, brand preference, and how restoration-oriented or road-use oriented the finished setup should be.
A 550-18 size uses a vintage numeric bias-ply format in which the 5.50 figure refers to the tire’s nominal section width in inches, while 18 identifies the wheel diameter. On the 1931 Jordan 80, this is a traditional bias-ply fitment that suits the vehicle’s prewar chassis character and visual proportions. Available choices include blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall styles from Excelsior, Firestone, BFGoodrich, and Michelin across series such as Comp H, Firestone Classic Bias Ply, Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, and Double Rivet. Selecting within this size usually comes down to wheel-width compatibility, appearance goals, and how the car will actually be driven.
Sub-model fitment is straightforward for the 1931 Jordan 80. The covered sub-model uses the same 550-18 bias-ply size, so the key step is confirming wheel condition and choosing the tire style that best matches the car’s presentation and use.
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1931 Jordan 80 Base
The 1931 Jordan 80 Base uses the same 550-18 bias-ply fitment found across this application. That keeps tire selection focused on sidewall appearance, brand and series preference, and making sure the wheel setup matches the tire’s rim-width requirements before installation.
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 Jordan 80 Tires for Sale
Available 550-18 tires for the 1931 Jordan 80 span Excelsior, Firestone, BFGoodrich, and Michelin, with choices across Comp H, Firestone Classic Bias Ply, Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, and Double Rivet series. The main comparisons are sidewall style, bias-ply construction details, and rim-width compatibility.
Common 1931 Jordan 80 tire questions usually come down to interpreting the 550-18 size, confirming 18-inch rim fitment, comparing period-style sidewall choices, and checking the car’s wheels and overall condition before returning it to road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1931 Jordan 80?
The 1931 Jordan 80 uses a 550-18 tire size in bias-ply construction. That size is the primary fitment for this application and is paired with an 18-inch rim, which places it firmly in the vintage numeric bias-ply category used on many prewar automobiles.
Using the correct size matters because vintage tires are part of the car’s stance, steering feel, and visual balance. Even with one established fitment, it is still worth confirming the actual wheel diameter and width on the car, especially if it has been restored long ago, re-wheeled, or modified during its lifetime.
What size rim does a 1931 Jordan 80 use?
The 1931 Jordan 80 uses an 18-inch rim with its 550-18 tire fitment. The 18 in the tire size refers to wheel diameter, so the tire and wheel must match on that dimension before any other fitment detail is considered.
Diameter is only the first step on a car of this age. Wheel width, bead condition, and overall wheel integrity should also be checked before mounting replacement tires, particularly on an older collector vehicle that may have seen decades of repairs, storage, or prior restoration work.
Does the 1931 Jordan 80 Base use the same tire size?
Yes. The 1931 Jordan 80 Base uses the same 550-18 bias-ply tire size. That keeps fitment simple, since the buyer does not need to sort through multiple primary sizes for the covered sub-model before looking at brand, sidewall, or series differences.
Even with shared fitment, the actual tire choice can still affect the car’s final look. A blackwall presents differently than a wide whitewall or double-whitewall, so the best selection depends on whether the goal is a restrained touring-car appearance or a more restoration-oriented visual statement.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 550-18 tire for a 1931 Jordan 80?
Start with the established 550-18 size and confirm that the tire’s bias-ply construction suits the car’s intended character and use. From there, compare rim-width compatibility, sidewall treatment, brand, tire series, and practical specifications such as load figures where they are stated.
A Jordan 80 kept for shows or traditional restoration work may call for a very different look than one used for occasional tours. Matching the tire to the wheel setup and the car’s visual goals is usually more important here than chasing variety, because this fitment is really about selecting the right version of the correct vintage size.
What sidewall styles are available for 1931 Jordan 80 tires?
The 1931 Jordan 80’s 550-18 fitment is available in several sidewall styles, including blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall. Those choices give the owner room to shape the car’s appearance without changing the underlying tire size or moving away from the established bias-ply construction.
Sidewall style has a strong visual effect on a prewar car. Blackwalls tend to look more restrained and mechanical, while whitewall treatments create a more formal, restoration-oriented presentation. The right choice depends on how the car is finished, the era impression being pursued, and whether the owner prioritizes subtlety or show-field presence.
What brands offer tires for the 1931 Jordan 80?
Tires for the 1931 Jordan 80 in 550-18 are available from Excelsior, Firestone, BFGoodrich, and Michelin. The available series include Comp H, Firestone Classic Bias Ply, Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, and Double Rivet, all within the same general vintage fitment category.
Brand choice should be considered alongside the tire’s sidewall style, stated rim-width fitment, and how the car will be presented. On a collector vehicle from 1931, selection is usually less about switching sizes and more about choosing the combination of appearance and specifications that best suits the wheels already on the car.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1931 Jordan 80?
A period-style 1931 Jordan 80 should stay with the 550-18 bias-ply size, since that preserves the visual scale and vintage construction associated with the car. From there, the main decision becomes whether a blackwall, wide whitewall, or double-whitewall presentation better suits the restoration direction.
A more restrained driver-quality car may look appropriate on blackwalls, while a fuller whitewall treatment can support a more formal prewar presentation. When exact originality matters, the safest path is to compare the tire choice against period photographs, marque references, and restoration documentation tied to the individual car.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1931 Jordan 80 restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1931 Jordan 80 restoration. The 550-18 size affects the car’s stance, wheel-to-tire proportion, and the overall visual impression in a way that is especially noticeable on prewar automobiles with tall, narrow tire profiles.
Construction and sidewall style matter almost as much as size. A bias-ply tire with an appropriate vintage presentation helps the car look settled and coherent, while the wrong visual treatment can stand out quickly. Checking the wheel dimensions before purchase also helps avoid compromising the restoration with an unsuitable mounting combination.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1931 Jordan 80?
Yes. Even though the established fitment is 550-18, modifications can change what needs to be checked before mounting tires on a 1931 Jordan 80. Wheel substitutions, altered wheel widths, brake work, suspension changes, or body repairs can all influence how a vintage tire sits and clears.
Cars from this era often pass through many decades of repairs and restorations, so the actual setup may not be exactly as built. Looking at wheel diameter, wheel width, fender clearance, and steering clearance before installation helps prevent assuming that a historically correct size will automatically suit every surviving example.
What should I inspect before driving a 1931 Jordan 80 on new tires?
Before driving a 1931 Jordan 80 on new tires, inspect the wheels carefully for damage, corrosion, cracking, and bead-seat condition, then confirm that each tire is mounted on a compatible rim width. It is also smart to check valve stems, inflation, lug security, and general brake and steering condition.
A prewar car places as much importance on the condition of the surrounding hardware as on the tire itself. After installation, recheck air pressure, listen for unusual vibration, and look for any signs of rubbing or uneven seating once the car has rolled a short distance under its own weight.
How should 550-18 tires on a collector 1931 Jordan 80 be maintained?
550-18 tires on a collector 1931 Jordan 80 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections for cracking or cuts, and occasional tread and sidewall review even if the car sees limited mileage. Collector cars can age their tires through time, storage conditions, and inactivity as much as through road wear.
Storage matters on a vehicle like this. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources can help protect the rubber, while moving the car periodically helps avoid long-term flat spotting. Any persistent air loss, bulge, or sidewall separation should be addressed before the car returns to road use.
