The 1931 Nash 90 Series comes from a period when American automakers balanced full-size comfort, engineering substance, and distinctive styling against rapidly changing tastes in the early Depression era. Cars of this vintage depend heavily on proper tire fitment because wheel diameter, sidewall height, and overall stance are such a visible part of how they sit and drive. The 1931 Nash 90 Series uses a 650-19 bias-ply tire on a 19-inch rim. Within that size, choices include blackwall and wide whitewall presentations from Firestone, Lester, and Excelsior across several classic bias-ply series. The key decision is whether the goal is restoration-oriented appearance, traditional road manners, or a careful balance of both.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1931 Nash 90 Series
The 1931 Nash 90 Series uses one primary tire size: 650-19. That size is a bias-ply fitment for a 19-inch rim, and it is shared by the covered 8 Cyl. sub-model. Since size selection is straightforward, the real decision becomes choosing the right bias-ply tire style, sidewall treatment, and tire series for the car’s appearance, wheel setup, and intended road use.
A 650-19 size uses the older numeric bias-ply system, where 6.50 refers to the tire’s nominal section width in inches and 19 refers to the wheel diameter. On the 1931 Nash 90 Series, this is a traditional bias-ply fitment that preserves the tall, upright look expected on an early 1930s automobile. Available choices in this size include blackwall and wide whitewall versions from Firestone, Lester, and Excelsior, with series such as Firestone Classic Bias Ply, Firestone Balloon, Lester Classic Bias Ply, and Comp H. This size is the right starting point when the goal is to keep correct visual proportions and proper 19-inch wheel compatibility.
Tire fitment is straightforward across the covered 1931 Nash 90 Series sub-models. The important step is confirming that the car matches the covered 8 Cyl. configuration and still carries the proper 19-inch wheel setup before choosing among the available 650-19 bias-ply options.
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1931 Nash 90 Series 8 Cyl.
The 1931 Nash 90 Series 8 Cyl. uses the 650-19 bias-ply size. That makes tire selection less about determining fitment and more about choosing the right blackwall or wide whitewall appearance, verifying wheel width where it matters, and matching the tire’s character to the car’s restoration goals.
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 Nash 90 Series Tires for Sale
Available 650-19 choices span Firestone, Lester, and Excelsior, with classic bias-ply series including Firestone Classic Bias Ply, Firestone Balloon, Lester Classic Bias Ply, and Comp H. Buyers can compare blackwall versus wide whitewall styling, along with rim-width specifications on certain products.
For a 1931 Nash 90 Series, the main tire questions center on the 650-19 fitment, 19-inch rim compatibility, bias-ply construction, appearance choices, and the checks worth making before putting a collector car back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1931 Nash 90 Series?
The 1931 Nash 90 Series uses a 650-19 tire size. This is a numeric bias-ply fitment used on a 19-inch rim, and the covered 1931 Nash 90 Series 8 Cyl. sub-model uses that same size.
That makes size selection fairly simple, but the car should still be checked for the actual wheel setup it carries today. A collector car may have had wheels changed over the years, so confirming the 19-inch rim diameter and reviewing wheel condition before mounting new 650-19 tires is a smart first step.
What size rim does a 1931 Nash 90 Series use?
The 1931 Nash 90 Series uses a 19-inch rim with its 650-19 tire fitment. That rim diameter is central to the car’s stance and to selecting a tire that matches the original sizing system used during the period.
Rim diameter is only part of the picture on an early 1930s car. It also helps to inspect wheel width, bead-seat condition, and overall wheel integrity before choosing among the available 650-19 products, especially since some tires in this size include specific rim-width guidance.
Does the 1931 Nash 90 Series 8 Cyl. use the same tire size?
Yes. The covered 1931 Nash 90 Series 8 Cyl. uses the same 650-19 bias-ply tire size as the model core. There is no separate primary tire size to sort through within the covered sub-model fitment.
That means the buying decision shifts away from size differences and toward tire style and wheel compatibility. For an owner, the practical next step is comparing blackwall versus wide whitewall appearance, checking whether a given product includes a rim-width range, and confirming the car has not been altered from its original wheel setup.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 650-19 tire for a 1931 Nash 90 Series?
Start with the correct 650-19 size and the fact that the 1931 Nash 90 Series uses a bias-ply construction. From there, the choice usually comes down to sidewall appearance, tire series, and whether the wheel on the car matches any rim-width guidance attached to the tire being considered.
A wide whitewall can give the car a more formal restoration-oriented presentation, while a blackwall creates a plainer, more understated look. It also helps to compare details such as product weight and any stated load information, but the wheel’s condition and compatibility should be verified before final tire selection.
What sidewall styles are available for 1931 Nash 90 Series tires?
The available 650-19 tires for the 1931 Nash 90 Series come in both blackwall and wide whitewall styles. Those choices appear across brands including Firestone and Lester, giving the car owner more than one way to approach a traditional early-1930s appearance.
Sidewall style changes the look of the car more than many buyers expect, especially on a large 19-inch wheel with a tall bias-ply profile. A blackwall often suits a restrained presentation, while a wide whitewall leans more formal and decorative, so the right choice depends on how the Nash is being restored, shown, or driven.
What brands offer tires for the 1931 Nash 90 Series?
Firestone, Lester, and Excelsior all offer 650-19 tires for the 1931 Nash 90 Series. The available series include Firestone Classic Bias Ply, Firestone Balloon, Lester Classic Bias Ply, and Comp H, all within the correct bias-ply sizing format for this car.
Choosing among them is less about finding a universally better brand and more about matching the tire to the car’s needs. Comparing sidewall style, rim-width guidance where shown, and the overall character of each series will usually matter more than the brand name alone on a restoration-oriented vehicle of this age.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1931 Nash 90 Series?
A period-style 1931 Nash 90 Series starts with the correct 650-19 bias-ply size. From there, the decision usually narrows to the visual tone you want, such as a more restrained blackwall look or a more formal wide whitewall presentation in one of the available classic bias-ply series.
Because appearance standards can vary between restorations, judged events, and personal preference, exact originality should be checked against marque references or other vehicle-specific historical sources when that level of detail matters. For most owners, keeping the proper size, construction, and wheel diameter is the foundation of an authentic-looking result.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1931 Nash 90 Series?
Tire construction matters a great deal on a restored 1931 Nash 90 Series because the car’s tall sidewalls and large wheel openings make the tires highly visible. The 650-19 bias-ply format preserves the traditional profile and visual character associated with an early 1930s full-size American automobile.
Appearance is not only about whitewalls or brand names; it also comes from the tire’s overall shape and period-appropriate proportions. Staying with the correct bias-ply size helps the Nash sit and present properly, while the final look can be refined by choosing between blackwall and wide whitewall versions within that same fitment.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1931 Nash 90 Series?
Yes. Even though the 1931 Nash 90 Series uses a straightforward 650-19 fitment, later wheel changes, brake conversions, suspension work, or body alterations can affect what actually works on the car today. That is especially important on a collector vehicle that may have been modified decades after it was built.
A careful inspection should confirm wheel diameter, wheel width, bead condition, and clearance at the fenders and steering components. Even a correct-size tire deserves a full check if the Nash has non-original wheels or altered ride height, since proper fitment depends on the complete wheel-and-chassis setup, not size alone.
What should I inspect before driving a 1931 Nash 90 Series on new tires?
Before road use, inspect the wheels, lug hardware, valve stems, and overall mounting condition, then verify proper inflation and look over the new tires for any cuts, shipping damage, or installation issues. On a 1931 Nash 90 Series, the age and condition of the wheels themselves deserve just as much attention as the tires.
A collector car that has sat for long periods should also have its steering, suspension, and brakes checked before any real driving. Once the car is moving again, recheck air pressure and watch for rubbing, pulling, or vibration, since those symptoms can point to wheel, alignment, or chassis issues rather than the tire alone.
How should 650-19 tires on a collector 1931 Nash 90 Series be maintained?
650-19 tires on a collector 1931 Nash 90 Series should be kept properly inflated, inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, and irregular wear, and stored away from prolonged heat, direct sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources when the car is not being used often. Long storage can be harder on tires than moderate regular use.
Routine checks matter because early collector cars are often driven infrequently and may sit with the same load on the tires for extended periods. It helps to examine the tires before every outing, monitor for air loss, and review the wheel and suspension condition at the same time so age-related problems are caught early.
