The 1932 Reo 52 Series comes from an era when independent automakers still gave American buyers a wide range of distinctive engineering and styling choices. For collectors today, these early-thirties Reo cars are as much about authentic road presence as they are about mechanical preservation. Tire fitment for the 1932 Reo 52 Series centers on a 700-18 bias-ply tire mounted on an 18-inch rim, which keeps the vehicle in its proper period sizing language. Within that size, there is still meaningful choice in sidewall presentation, tire series, and brand character. The right selection depends on whether the goal is a traditional restoration look, practical road use, or both.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1932 Reo 52 Series
The 1932 Reo 52 Series uses one primary tire size: 700-18. That means the main decision is not sorting through multiple fitments, but choosing the right 700-18 bias-ply tire for the car's 18-inch wheels, intended appearance, and actual wheel setup. On the covered 8 Cyl. sub-model, fitment stays consistent, so selection usually comes down to sidewall style, tire series, and wheel-width compatibility.
A 700-18 size is a vintage numeric bias-ply designation in which the leading number refers to nominal tire width in inches and the final number identifies the 18-inch rim diameter. On the 1932 Reo 52 Series, this is the period-appropriate bias-ply fitment and the key starting point for maintaining an authentic early-thirties tire profile. Available choices include Firestone, Lester, Excelsior, and STA, with sidewall treatments such as blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall across several tire series. The practical next step is matching the tire not just to size, but also to the wheel width and the look the car is meant to carry.
Fitment is straightforward across the covered 1932 Reo 52 Series sub-models because the same primary tire size is used throughout. Even so, checking the exact sub-model helps confirm that tire selection is focused on style, construction, and wheel compatibility rather than chasing a different size.
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1932 Reo 52 Series 8 Cyl.
The 1932 Reo 52 Series 8 Cyl. uses the same 700-18 bias-ply fitment as the model core, so the tire decision stays centered on one period-size format. That lets the buyer focus on sidewall appearance, tire series, and wheel-width suitability instead of sorting through multiple size options.
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 1932 Reo 52 Series Tires for Sale
Available 700-18 choices include Firestone, Lester, Excelsior, and STA bias-ply tires, with blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall appearances. The product grid also shows meaningful differences in tire series, rim-width fitment, load capacity where stated, and intended character from passenger-car styling to heavier-duty highway use.
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Bias Ply
Firestone Balloon 4.25 Inch Double Whitewall | 700-18
Questions for the 1932 Reo 52 Series usually center on the 700-18 tire size, 18-inch rim fitment, period-style sidewall choices, and how to compare available bias-ply tires before putting a collector car back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1932 Reo 52 Series?
The 1932 Reo 52 Series uses a 700-18 tire size. This is a bias-ply fitment on an 18-inch rim, and it is the primary size associated with the covered model and its 8 Cyl. sub-model.
That makes tire selection more about choosing the right version of 700-18 than choosing among multiple sizes. Sidewall style, tire series, and wheel-width compatibility matter, especially on a restored car that may have had wheels changed at some point. Verifying the actual wheel dimensions before ordering is still worthwhile.
What size rim does a 1932 Reo 52 Series use?
The primary rim diameter for the 1932 Reo 52 Series is 18 inches. The 700-18 tire size is built for that rim diameter, so confirming that the car still has 18-inch wheels is the first fitment check before comparing brands or sidewall styles.
Rim diameter is only part of the picture on an early collector vehicle. Some 700-18 products are intended for narrower passenger-car wheel widths, while others suit wider or heavier-duty applications. A close look at the actual wheel width and the tire's intended use helps narrow the field to the most appropriate choices.
Does the 1932 Reo 52 Series 8 Cyl. use the same tire size?
Yes. The covered 1932 Reo 52 Series 8 Cyl. uses the same 700-18 bias-ply tire size as the main model listing. There is no separate primary size to sort through for that sub-model.
That consistency simplifies the search, but it does not eliminate the need to confirm the car's current wheel setup. A long-restored or modified vehicle may still have different wheels than expected. Once the 18-inch wheel and appropriate width are confirmed, the remaining choice is mostly about tire style and intended presentation.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 700-18 tire for a 1932 Reo 52 Series?
Start with the correct 700-18 size and make sure the tire matches the car's 18-inch wheel setup. From there, the main considerations are wheel width, bias-ply construction, sidewall appearance, and whether the tire is meant for a passenger-car restoration look or a more utility-oriented application.
Product differences in this size are meaningful. Some 700-18 tires are offered in blackwall, wide whitewall, or double-whitewall form, while others differ in tire series, stated load capacity, or intended wheel-width range. A buyer focused on authenticity may choose differently than one preparing the car for more regular road use.
What sidewall styles are available for 1932 Reo 52 Series tires?
The 700-18 tires available for the 1932 Reo 52 Series include blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall styles. Those choices can change the car's visual presence significantly, even when the underlying tire size remains the same.
A blackwall usually gives the most understated and utilitarian look, while wide whitewall and double-whitewall treatments create a more formal period-style presentation. Since sidewall style does not change the basic fitment, the practical step is deciding how the car should look in relation to its restoration goals and overall trim.
What brands offer tires for the 1932 Reo 52 Series?
The available 700-18 tires for the 1932 Reo 52 Series come from Firestone, Lester, Excelsior, and STA. Those brands appear across several tire series and applications within the same basic vintage size.
Brand choice should be weighed alongside the tire's series, sidewall treatment, and wheel-width suitability rather than used by itself as the deciding factor. Firestone options in this size include more than one visual style, while other brands may suit a narrower appearance or a heavier-duty use case. The best comparison is the full product specification.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1932 Reo 52 Series?
A period-style 1932 Reo 52 Series should begin with the correct 700-18 bias-ply size on an 18-inch rim. That keeps the car in the right early-thirties tire format and preserves the tall, traditional profile expected on a vehicle from this era.
The visual decision usually comes down to sidewall treatment and tire series. Blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall choices create noticeably different presentations without changing the core fitment. When exact originality matters, period photos, marque references, and restoration records are the best way to narrow the appearance beyond the proper size itself.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1932 Reo 52 Series?
On a restored 1932 Reo 52 Series, bias-ply construction plays a major role in preserving the car's period look. The shape, stance, and overall visual character of a 700-18 bias-ply tire suit the vehicle's era in a way that modern-looking constructions often do not.
Appearance is not only about whitewalls versus blackwalls. Construction, sidewall contour, and tread character all influence how authentic the car looks at a glance. Even among bias-ply tires, different series and sidewall treatments can push the presentation toward formal touring style, simpler road use, or a more restoration-oriented finish.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1932 Reo 52 Series?
Yes. Even though the primary size is 700-18, changes to wheels, suspension height, brakes, or body clearances can affect how a tire works on a 1932 Reo 52 Series. Collector cars often pass through multiple owners, and decades of repairs or updates can alter the original setup.
That is why the actual wheel diameter and width should be checked on the car before choosing among 700-18 options. Clearance at the fender, steering components, and suspension also matters, especially if the car sits differently than stock. A careful measurement can prevent choosing a tire intended for a different wheel application.
What should I inspect before driving a 1932 Reo 52 Series on new tires?
Before putting a 1932 Reo 52 Series back on the road, inspect the wheels, valve hardware, and overall mounting condition along with the new tires themselves. The tire size may be correct, but an older wheel or neglected chassis can still create vibration, clearance, or safety concerns.
A sensible road-readiness check includes tire pressure, bead seating, visible sidewall damage, and even tread contact from side to side. It also helps to examine steering play, suspension wear, and brake condition so the car can take full advantage of the new tires. A short low-speed test drive is a smart final check.
How should 700-18 tires on a collector 1932 Reo 52 Series be maintained?
700-18 tires on a collector 1932 Reo 52 Series should be kept properly inflated, inspected regularly, and protected from long periods of heat, sunlight, and ozone exposure. Low-mileage vintage cars often age their tires through time and storage conditions rather than through tread wear alone.
Routine checks should look for cracking, flat spotting, cuts, bulges, and gradual air loss before any road use. It is also wise to inspect the wheels and confirm that the tire still matches the car's actual setup after any restoration or repair work. Consistent storage and regular inspection help preserve both appearance and serviceability.
