1931 La Salle 340 Tires

The 1931 La Salle 340 uses two primary tire sizes: 650-19 and 700-18. Both are vintage numeric bias-ply sizes, and they are tied to different wheel diameters rather than representing interchangeable versions of the same setup.

The right choice depends on the actual wheels installed on the car. A 650-19 belongs on a 19-inch rim, while a 700-18 belongs on an 18-inch rim, so wheel confirmation should happen before comparing brands or sidewall styles. On older collector cars, it is also wise to check whether the car still carries its intended wheels or has been changed during an earlier restoration.

A 1931 La Salle 340 can be found with either a 19-inch or 18-inch rim, depending on which primary tire size is on the car. The 650-19 size uses a 19-inch rim, and the 700-18 size uses an 18-inch rim.

That difference matters because vintage tire sizes are built around rim diameter, and the two sizes should not be treated as the same fitment. Measuring the wheel or confirming the existing tire size is the best starting point before purchase. Once rim diameter is settled, the next step is comparing the available bias-ply options for sidewall treatment, series, and rim-width suitability where those specifications apply.

On a 1931 La Salle 340, 650-19 is a numeric bias-ply tire size. The 6.50 portion refers to the nominal section width in inches, and the 19 indicates the rim diameter in inches.

That format is typical of the period and looks very different from modern metric sizing. Reading it correctly helps avoid ordering an 18-inch tire for a 19-inch wheel or assuming that another vintage size is close enough. Once the size is confirmed, the more meaningful choice becomes whether the car should wear a blackwall or whitewall presentation and which bias-ply series best suits the vehicle's restoration goals.

Start with the correct primary size for the wheels actually on the car, because the 1931 La Salle 340 uses either 650-19 on a 19-inch rim or 700-18 on an 18-inch rim. Both are bias-ply fitments, so the next considerations are series, sidewall style, and any rim-width specifications that apply to the tire being considered.

A restoration-oriented car may call for a different visual presentation than a driver focused on durability or heavier-duty use. Some options are blackwall, others are wide whitewall or double-whitewall, and certain series have more specialized character than others. Checking wheel width, intended road use, and the car's overall appearance goal will narrow the field more effectively than choosing by brand alone.

1931 La Salle 340 tires are available in several period-appropriate sidewall presentations depending on size and series. The available styles include blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall, although not every style appears in both 650-19 and 700-18.

That gives the owner some flexibility in how formal or restrained the car looks without changing away from the correct vintage bias-ply construction. A blackwall keeps the presentation understated, while whitewall treatments create a more prominent pre-war visual effect. The practical step is matching the preferred sidewall to the correct size first, then confirming that the series and wheel specifications align with the car's setup.

Tires for the 1931 La Salle 340 are available from Firestone, Lester, Excelsior, and STA, depending on the size being considered. Firestone appears across both 650-19 and 700-18, while Lester and Excelsior also offer options in both sizes, and STA appears in 700-18.

Brand alone should not be the deciding factor on a car like this. It is more useful to compare the specific tire series, sidewall treatment, rim-width specifications, and overall appearance each option brings to the car. Once the correct size and wheel diameter are confirmed, those details will do more to shape the final choice than the brand name by itself.

A period-style 1931 La Salle 340 should stay with the correct primary bias-ply size for its wheels, either 650-19 or 700-18. From there, the most relevant choices are among traditional bias-ply series such as Firestone Classic Bias Ply, Firestone Balloon, Lester Classic Bias Ply, or Comp H, depending on the size.

The visual character of the car can change noticeably with sidewall treatment, so blackwall versus whitewall matters almost as much as the tire series itself. Owners pursuing a historically faithful presentation should compare the car's surviving details, restoration photos, and marque-specific references before settling on a sidewall style. That approach helps keep the final look coherent without making assumptions about exact factory delivery.

Correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1931 La Salle 340 because these tall bias-ply sizes have a major influence on stance, wheel fill, and the overall pre-war appearance of the car. Choosing between 650-19 and 700-18 is not just a cosmetic issue; it begins with matching the tire to the actual wheel diameter.

A tire that looks broadly similar can still alter the proportions that make a carefully restored La Salle look right. Sidewall treatment also changes the visual balance, especially on cars with formal body lines and bright trim. Getting the fitment sorted before finishing details saves time and helps the completed restoration present as a unified whole rather than a mix of mismatched period cues.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1931 La Salle 340, especially if the car has replacement wheels, altered suspension height, brake conversions, or bodywork changes. Even though the primary sizes are 650-19 and 700-18, wheel width and overall clearance can shift when a car has been modified over time.

Older cars often pass through several owners and restorations, so it is worth inspecting the actual setup rather than assuming everything remains as built. Wheel diameter should be verified first, then wheel width, steering clearance, and fender clearance should be checked before final tire selection. That extra step is particularly important when choosing among specialty bias-ply series with different intended uses.

Before driving a 1931 La Salle 340 on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm that the tire size matches the rim diameter, and make sure the tires are seated and inflated properly. It is also smart to look over the suspension and steering components, since worn mechanical parts can affect how a pre-war car tracks and handles.

A short, cautious road test is the best way to confirm there is no rubbing, pulling, or unusual vibration once the tires are installed. Rechecking pressure after the first drive is a sensible follow-up, especially on a collector vehicle that may sit for long periods. Any sign of contact at full steering lock or over bumps should be addressed before regular road use.

Collector-car tires on a 1931 La Salle 340 should be inspected regularly for pressure loss, sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, and uneven wear, even if the car is driven only occasionally. Both 650-19 and 700-18 are vintage-style bias-ply fitments, so condition matters just as much as tread depth on a low-mileage car.

Storage habits make a real difference on a pre-war vehicle. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the rubber, and moving the car periodically can reduce long static loading in one spot. A visual inspection before each outing and a more careful check before any longer drive will help catch aging issues early.