The 1931 Kissel 95 comes from the final years of an independent American marque known for upscale, distinctive automobiles during the Classic Era. For owners and restorers, that places tire choice squarely in the world of proper stance, authentic visual character, and careful road manners rather than modernized over-tire experimentation. This exact model uses a 6.00-18 bias-ply tire on an 18-inch rim, which keeps the fitment in a traditional pre-war format. The real decision is usually within that size, focusing on period-style construction and presentation. A careful selection helps preserve the car’s proportions while supporting safe inspection and road-readiness before use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1931 Kissel 95
The 1931 Kissel 95 uses one primary tire size: 6.00-18. That means the main fitment question is not choosing between multiple sizes, but understanding this bias-ply size on an 18-inch rim and selecting the right tire within that specification. The covered sub-model uses the same size, so the focus shifts to correct vintage fitment, appearance, and overall condition before road use.
A 6.00-18 size is a vintage numeric bias-ply designation in which 6.00 refers to the nominal section width in inches and 18 identifies the wheel diameter. On a 1931 Kissel 95, that keeps the car in the traditional pre-war tire format it was designed around, with the construction style and overall look expected on a Classic Era automobile. Because this is a restoration-oriented fitment, selection usually centers on staying with the proper size and preserving the car’s visual proportions. It is a useful starting point whether the goal is show presentation, touring readiness, or simply confirming that the car is wearing the correct type of tire.
Fitment is straightforward for the covered 1931 Kissel 95 sub-model. The tire size remains consistent, so confirming the exact sub-model mainly helps verify that the car still retains its intended 18-inch wheel setup and traditional bias-ply fitment.
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1931 Kissel 95 8 Cyl.
The 1931 Kissel 95 8 Cyl. uses the same 6.00-18 bias-ply fitment associated with this model line. That keeps tire selection centered on proper vintage sizing, the right overall appearance for a pre-war car, and checking that the wheels on the vehicle still match the original-style 18-inch setup.
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 researching tires for a 1931 Kissel 95 usually need clarity on the 6.00-18 fitment, 18-inch wheel compatibility, period-style tire selection, and the checks worth making before putting a pre-war collector car back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1931 Kissel 95?
The 1931 Kissel 95 uses a 6.00-18 tire size. This is a vintage numeric bias-ply fitment, and it is the primary size associated with the model, including the covered 8 Cyl. sub-model.
That makes the first priority confirming that the car still has 18-inch wheels and has not been altered with a different wheel package over the years. On a collector vehicle of this age, it is also smart to verify actual wheel condition, bead-seat integrity, and fender and steering clearance before putting the car back into regular road use.
What size rim does a 1931 Kissel 95 use?
The 1931 Kissel 95 uses an 18-inch rim with its 6.00-18 tire fitment. The final number in the tire size indicates the wheel diameter, so the tire is intended for an 18-inch wheel.
Wheel diameter is only part of the picture on a pre-war car. It is worth checking that the wheels on the car are the correct diameter, remain true, and have not been replaced with later-style rims that change how the tire seats or clears the chassis. That simple inspection can prevent ordering the right tire for the wrong wheel.
Does the 1931 Kissel 95 8 Cyl. use the same tire size?
Yes. The covered 1931 Kissel 95 8 Cyl. uses the same 6.00-18 bias-ply tire size. That keeps sub-model fitment simple because the main tire-size specification does not change here.
Even with shared sizing, an individual car may have experienced decades of repairs, wheel swaps, or restoration changes. A quick check of the wheel diameter and the tire markings already on the vehicle helps confirm that the car still matches the expected setup. That matters especially on low-production collector vehicles where preserving correct proportions is part of the ownership experience.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 6.00-18 tire for a 1931 Kissel 95?
Start with the correct size and construction: 6.00-18 in a bias-ply format. On a 1931 Kissel 95, that keeps the tire choice aligned with the wheel diameter, the car’s pre-war proportions, and the traditional construction style associated with this fitment.
After size is confirmed, the next considerations are the car’s intended use and how restoration-oriented the presentation needs to be. A show-focused car may prioritize period-style appearance, while a regularly exercised car may place more emphasis on overall condition and consistent wheel setup. In either case, inspect wheel integrity and confirm there is no clearance issue caused by prior modifications.
How do I choose between the available 6.00-18 tires for a 1931 Kissel 95?
With a single primary size, the decision is less about fitment variety and more about selecting a tire that suits the car’s purpose. The key is staying with the proper 6.00-18 specification and evaluating whether the tire’s character matches a restoration, touring car, or lightly driven collector vehicle.
Useful comparison points include the tire’s overall visual presentation, whether the construction remains true to the car’s vintage format, and how the wheel and suspension setup on the actual vehicle has been maintained. On a 1931 automobile, a careful match between tire type and vehicle condition matters as much as the size itself, especially before any meaningful road mileage.
What rim-fitment details matter when choosing 1931 Kissel 95 tires?
The most important rim-fitment detail is confirming the 18-inch wheel diameter required by the 6.00-18 tire size. On a car like the 1931 Kissel 95, correct diameter is essential because vintage tire sizing and wheel design are closely tied together.
Condition matters just as much as measurement. Older wheels should be inspected for rust, cracks, distortion, and any signs that the rim profile has been altered or repaired improperly. A tire can match the nominal size and still be a poor choice for a damaged or incorrect wheel, so the wheel itself deserves the same scrutiny as the tire.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1931 Kissel 95?
A period-style 1931 Kissel 95 should begin with the proper 6.00-18 bias-ply fitment. That preserves the car’s pre-war visual proportions and keeps the tire construction in line with the type of setup expected on an automobile from this era.
For many restorers, the goal is not merely getting an 18-inch tire on the car, but maintaining the stance and presentation that suit a Classic Era vehicle. If exact originality matters beyond size and construction, it is wise to compare the finished look against marque references, restoration photos, or other authoritative period documentation before making a final selection.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1931 Kissel 95 restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1931 Kissel 95 restoration. The 6.00-18 size influences the car’s stance, wheel-to-body relationship, and the overall visual balance that owners expect from a pre-war automobile.
Tires that stray from the proper vintage format can change the car’s appearance even before the vehicle starts moving. They can also complicate wheel fitment and clearance on a chassis designed around narrower, taller period tire construction. Keeping the fitment correct helps support both restoration credibility and the practical goal of returning the car to dependable roadworthy condition.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1931 Kissel 95?
Yes. Even though the 1931 Kissel 95 uses a straightforward 6.00-18 tire size, later wheel changes, brake conversions, suspension work, or body repairs can affect how that size sits and clears. A collector car that has been restored across different decades may no longer match its original wheel setup exactly.
That is why the actual car should be checked before tire installation, especially if the history of the wheels is uncertain. Clearance at full steering lock, wheel diameter, and general chassis condition all deserve attention. A size can be correct in principle and still require verification on a car that has seen modifications or long-term storage.
What should I inspect before driving a 1931 Kissel 95 on new tires?
Inspect the wheels, valve hardware, and overall chassis condition before putting a 1931 Kissel 95 back on the road with new tires. The tire size may be correct, but wheel damage, loose steering components, weak suspension parts, or brake issues can still affect how safely the car drives.
Tire pressure, bead seating, and visible clearance should be checked once the tires are mounted. It is also smart to look for rubbing during steering movement and to recheck for air loss after the first short drive. On a pre-war collector car, the safest approach is gradual recommissioning rather than assuming new tires alone make the vehicle road-ready.
How should 6.00-18 tires on a collector 1931 Kissel 95 be maintained?
6.00-18 tires on a collector 1931 Kissel 95 should be kept properly inflated, inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, and uneven wear, and protected from long periods of heat, sunlight, and ozone exposure. Low annual mileage does not eliminate the need for routine tire checks.
Collector cars often age their tires through storage as much as through driving. A car that sits for long stretches should have its tires examined before every outing, with special attention paid to air retention and visible sidewall condition. Periodic wheel inspection is equally important, since an aging rim can compromise tire service even when the tread still looks usable.
