The 1932 Reo Deluxe comes from an era when independent automakers still gave American motorists a wide range of engineering and styling choices, and surviving Reo cars now appeal to owners who value uncommon pre-war machines. Tire selection on a car like this is closely tied to both appearance and proper stance, because the tire contributes so much to how the vehicle sits and drives. The 1932 Reo Deluxe uses a 6.00-17 bias-ply tire, which keeps the fitment in step with the car’s original-era construction. Choosing within that size is less about alternate fitments and more about period-style presentation, restoration priorities, and careful wheel and tire condition checks before road use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1932 Reo Deluxe
The 1932 Reo Deluxe uses one primary tire size: 6.00-17. That fitment is a bias-ply tire on a 17-inch rim, and it remains consistent for the covered 6 Cyl. sub-model. Once the size is confirmed, the real decision is choosing a tire that suits the car’s restoration character, intended driving use, and the condition of its wheels and chassis.
In the 6.00-17 size code, the first number refers to the tire’s nominal section width in inches, while the second number identifies the wheel diameter in inches. This is a traditional numeric bias-ply format, which matches the construction style commonly associated with a 1932 Reo Deluxe and helps preserve a proper pre-war look. On a vehicle of this age, the focus is usually on maintaining the correct visual proportion and overall fitment rather than changing to a different primary size. Before choosing a tire, confirm that the wheel itself is the correct 17-inch diameter and in sound condition for continued use.
Sub-model fitment is straightforward for the 1932 Reo Deluxe. The covered 6 Cyl. version uses the same 6.00-17 bias-ply tire size, so the main task is confirming the car’s wheel condition and selecting a period-appropriate tire within that fitment.
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1932 Reo Deluxe 6 Cyl.
The 1932 Reo Deluxe 6 Cyl. uses the 6.00-17 bias-ply tire size on a 17-inch rim. That keeps tire selection centered on traditional construction, restoration-oriented appearance, and making sure the wheels and surrounding chassis components are ready for safe road use.
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 1932 Reo Deluxe tires usually need clear answers on 6.00-17 sizing, 17-inch rim fitment, period-style tire selection, and the inspections that matter before putting a pre-war car back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1932 Reo Deluxe?
The 1932 Reo Deluxe uses a 6.00-17 tire size. This is a traditional numeric bias-ply fitment, and it is the primary size associated with the model covered here.
That means the first step is not comparing multiple primary sizes, but confirming that the car still has the correct 17-inch wheels and that no later wheel conversion has changed the setup. On an older Reo, wheel condition matters just as much as tire size, especially if the car has been stored for long periods or restored in stages.
What size rim does a 1932 Reo Deluxe use?
The 1932 Reo Deluxe uses a 17-inch rim with its 6.00-17 tire size. The tire size itself also reflects that wheel diameter, with the 17 indicating the rim size in inches.
Rim diameter should be verified on the actual car before ordering tires, because many collector vehicles have seen wheel changes over the decades. It is also worth checking the wheel’s overall condition, including bead area integrity, trueness, and any signs of corrosion or damage that could affect how a new bias-ply tire seats and runs.
Does the 1932 Reo Deluxe 6 Cyl. use the same tire size?
Yes. The 1932 Reo Deluxe 6 Cyl. uses the same 6.00-17 bias-ply tire size. That keeps fitment simple within the covered sub-model range for this vehicle.
Even with shared sizing, the actual car should still be checked carefully because pre-war vehicles are often restored, repaired, or modified over long ownership histories. A matching size on paper does not replace confirming wheel diameter, wheel condition, and surrounding clearance, especially if the Reo has replacement wheels, brake work, or suspension parts that differ from its earlier setup.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 6.00-17 tire for a 1932 Reo Deluxe?
Start with the correct 6.00-17 size and bias-ply construction, since that keeps the tire choice aligned with the 1932 Reo Deluxe’s primary fitment. On a pre-war car, size and construction usually matter first because they shape both appearance and the way the car sits on its wheels.
After that, focus on how the car will be used. A restoration-oriented Reo may call for a tire that preserves a traditional profile and visual character, while a regularly driven car still needs the same size but also deserves close attention to wheel condition, ride expectations, and the general health of the steering and suspension components.
How do I choose between the available 6.00-17 tires for a 1932 Reo Deluxe?
Choosing between 6.00-17 tires for a 1932 Reo Deluxe comes down to selecting the right period-style presentation and construction for the car’s goals. Since the primary fitment stays the same, the decision is usually about matching the tire to a careful restoration, a preservation-minded driver, or a vehicle used only occasionally.
A useful way to narrow the choice is to look at the car as a whole rather than at the tire alone. Consider the level of authenticity you want, how often the Reo will be driven, and whether the wheels, suspension, and brakes have been rebuilt recently enough to support regular road use with confidence.
What rim-width specifications should I compare when choosing 1932 Reo Deluxe tires?
Rim width should always be compared against the tire’s intended fitment before mounting a 6.00-17 tire on a 1932 Reo Deluxe. Even when the diameter is correct at 17 inches, width still affects how the tire sits on the wheel and how naturally the casing takes its designed shape.
That check becomes especially important on a pre-war vehicle because original wheels, replacement rims, and restored components may not all match one another exactly. A buyer should confirm the wheel’s actual dimensions and condition before choosing a tire, rather than assuming every 17-inch wheel on an older car is automatically suitable for the same 6.00-17 application.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1932 Reo Deluxe?
A period-style 1932 Reo Deluxe should start with the correct 6.00-17 bias-ply fitment. That size and construction preserve the traditional visual proportion that suits a pre-war car and helps maintain the stance owners usually want on a careful restoration or preservation project.
The right final choice depends on how strictly the car is being restored and how much historical precision matters to the owner. When exact originality is important, it is wise to compare the tire choice against marque references, period photos, or restoration records so the finished appearance complements the car without relying on assumptions.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1932 Reo Deluxe restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1932 Reo Deluxe restoration. On a pre-war vehicle, the tire is a large visual element, so the correct 6.00-17 size helps preserve the car’s proportions, ride height impression, and overall presentation.
Fitment also affects more than appearance. An incorrect diameter or wheel match can create avoidable problems with clearance, stance, and how the car feels at low and moderate road speeds. On an uncommon vehicle like a Reo, getting the basic size and construction right is one of the most important steps toward a coherent and convincing restoration.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1932 Reo Deluxe?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1932 Reo Deluxe even when the intended tire size remains 6.00-17. Changes to wheels, brakes, suspension height, steering components, or fenders can alter the space available for the tire and change how it sits within the chassis.
That is why an older collector car should be checked as it exists today, not only as it may have left the factory. A Reo with replacement wheels or chassis work deserves a close look at wheel diameter, wheel width, turning clearance, and any signs that the suspension geometry or body position has shifted over time.
What should I inspect before driving a 1932 Reo Deluxe on new tires?
Before driving a 1932 Reo Deluxe on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve hardware, steering parts, suspension joints, and brake system along with the tires themselves. A fresh set of 6.00-17 bias-ply tires cannot make up for loose steering, damaged rims, or aging mechanical parts on a pre-war vehicle.
Tire condition should also be monitored after installation, including pressure retention, sidewall appearance, and any signs of uneven running once the car is back in motion. A short initial test drive followed by another inspection is a smart approach, especially on a collector car that may not have seen regular road use in some time.
How should 6.00-17 tires on a collector 1932 Reo Deluxe be maintained?
6.00-17 tires on a collector 1932 Reo Deluxe should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and careful storage habits. Because older collector cars are often driven infrequently, tire age and storage exposure can become just as important as tread wear.
A good routine includes checking for cracking, bulges, cuts, flat spotting, and slow air loss before each outing. It also helps to store the car away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources, and to inspect the wheels and surrounding suspension at the same time so the entire tire-and-wheel package stays roadworthy.
