1931 Kissel 126 Tires

The 1931 Kissel 126 uses a 700-18 tire size. This is a bias-ply fitment, and the covered 8 Cyl. sub-model uses that same primary size rather than a separate alternate size. For most buyers, the fitment question is therefore simple: the correct primary size to start with is 700-18.

The next step is confirming that the car still has the expected 18-inch wheels and that the wheel width matches the tire being considered. Since 700-18 products for this vehicle range from traditional passenger-car styles to heavier-duty offerings, selection should also reflect how the Kissel will be used, whether that means show presentation, touring, or occasional road driving.

The 1931 Kissel 126 uses an 18-inch rim with its 700-18 tire size. That rim diameter is central to the fitment because the final number in 700-18 refers to the wheel diameter, not the tire’s overall height. Staying with the proper rim diameter is essential before comparing tire choices.

Wheel width still matters even when the diameter is correct. Some 700-18 options are intended for relatively narrow rims, while others suit wider applications, so a quick wheel measurement is worthwhile before committing to a tire. On an older collector car, it is also wise to confirm that the wheels are the ones actually on the car now, not just what the model originally used.

On a 1931 Kissel 126, 700-18 is a vintage numeric bias-ply size. The 700 portion represents an approximate nominal section width of 7.00 inches, and the 18 refers to the rim diameter in inches. It is an older sizing convention that predates modern metric radial formats and is typical of prewar American automobiles.

Understanding that format helps when comparing products, because the size itself does not tell the whole story. Different 700-18 tires can vary in sidewall style, intended wheel width, load specification, and overall presentation. That is why two tires with the same size code may still suit different restoration goals or operating conditions on a prewar car like the Kissel.

Start with the correct 700-18 size and the fact that the 1931 Kissel 126 is a bias-ply application. From there, compare the tire series, sidewall appearance, wheel-width suitability, and any load figures that matter to how the car will be used. A blackwall touring look and a wide whitewall restoration look can lead to very different choices even within the same size.

The practical decision usually comes down to matching the tire to the vehicle’s purpose. A show-oriented car may emphasize period-style sidewall treatment, while a car driven more regularly may place more weight on wheel compatibility and operating demands. It also helps to inspect the actual wheel setup on the car, since many collector vehicles have had wheels changed over the decades.

The 1931 Kissel 126 has 700-18 tire options in blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall styles. Those sidewall treatments can change the car’s appearance dramatically even though the primary tire size stays the same. For a prewar luxury automobile, sidewall choice often matters nearly as much visually as the tire brand or series.

Choosing the right look depends on the character of the vehicle and the kind of presentation you want. A blackwall can suit a more restrained or utility-oriented appearance, while wide whitewall and double-whitewall styles create a more formal, restoration-minded look. If originality matters at a very high level, compare the tire appearance against period photos or marque-specific restoration references before making a final choice.

Tires for the 1931 Kissel 126 are available in 700-18 from Firestone, Lester, Excelsior, and STA. Those brands cover several different tire series and not just one uniform product style, so brand is only part of the decision. Sidewall treatment, wheel-width compatibility, and intended use can be just as important as the name on the sidewall.

A useful way to compare them is to separate appearance-driven choices from application-driven ones. Some 700-18 offerings emphasize classic passenger-car presentation, while others carry heavier-duty specifications that may suit different wheel widths or service expectations. Rather than trying to pick a brand first, narrow the field by confirming the car’s wheels and deciding how original-looking or utility-focused the finished setup should be.

A period-style 1931 Kissel 126 should begin with the correct 700-18 bias-ply size, because the tall prewar stance and traditional construction are part of the car’s visual identity. From there, the decision usually shifts to the tire series and sidewall treatment, with blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall options all available in this size.

The best period-style choice depends on how the car is being restored and presented. Some owners prefer a more restrained blackwall look, while others want the more formal visual impact of white sidewalls. Exact originality can vary by body style, market, and past restoration history, so high-level authenticity work should be checked against period photography and model-specific restoration references.

Correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1931 Kissel 126 because the tire height, sidewall shape, and construction style strongly influence how a prewar car sits and presents. Using the proper 700-18 bias-ply format helps preserve the vehicle’s proportions in a way that modern-looking substitutions often do not.

Fitment also affects the practical side of a restoration. The wheel diameter must remain correct, and the wheel width should suit the exact 700-18 tire selected. A restoration-minded tire should not be chosen on appearance alone, since clearance, wheel condition, and the car’s intended use all play a part in whether the finished setup feels right on the road as well as in the garage.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1931 Kissel 126 even when the intended size remains 700-18. Changes to wheels, wheel width, ride height, brakes, springs, or body clearance can all influence how a bias-ply tire sits and operates. On a prewar car, even seemingly small deviations from the original wheel setup can change the fitment picture.

That is why the actual vehicle should be checked before ordering replacement tires. Measure wheel diameter and width, inspect fender and steering clearance, and confirm that nothing in the suspension or chassis setup has been altered in a way that affects space around the tire. Collector cars often carry changes made decades ago, so assumptions based only on model identity can be misleading.

Before driving a 1931 Kissel 126 on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, rust, looseness, or age-related deterioration and make sure the rims match the tire’s required diameter and suitable width. It also helps to check steering travel, brake clearance, and overall suspension condition so the new 700-18 tires are not being installed onto a compromised setup.

Once mounted, verify inflation, look for any interference at full steering lock, and recheck that the tires seat and run properly. A low-use collector car also deserves inspection beyond the tires themselves, including wheel bearings, alignment condition, and general chassis readiness. Fresh rubber improves nothing if the surrounding components are still in neglected or long-stored condition.

700-18 tires on a collector 1931 Kissel 126 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and careful storage habits. Bias-ply tires on low-mileage vintage cars can age out long before they wear out, so sidewall cracking, flat spotting, air loss, cuts, and bulges deserve close attention even when tread looks serviceable.

Storage conditions matter almost as much as mileage. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, ozone sources, and extreme heat helps preserve both the rubber and the sidewall appearance. It is also smart to inspect the tires before every meaningful drive rather than relying on a calendar alone, since collector cars often sit long enough for age and storage effects to become the real maintenance issue.