The 1932 Reo S comes from a period when independent American car makers still competed on engineering character and distinctive styling, and tire choice remains a visible part of that prewar presentation today. For many owners, the right tire does as much for stance and authenticity as paint, trim, or wheel finish. This model uses a 550-17 bias-ply tire on a 17-inch rim, keeping the fitment firmly in traditional early-1930s territory. Available choices include blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall versions in BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply form. The main decision is how closely to follow a restoration-oriented look while confirming the wheel setup still matches the original sizing.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1932 Reo S
The 1932 Reo S uses one primary tire size: 550-17 in bias-ply construction on a 17-inch rim. That keeps fitment straightforward, including the Base sub-model, so the real choice is not between multiple sizes but between sidewall presentation and the kind of period-style appearance you want the car to carry on the road or show field.
A 550-17 size uses the vintage numeric bias-ply system, where the 5.50 designation refers to the tire's nominal section width in inches and the 17 identifies the wheel diameter. On a 1932 Reo S, that means a traditional bias-ply construction that matches the look and fitment character expected on an early-1930s automobile. In this size, BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply options include blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall styles. Choosing within 550-17 comes down to appearance, restoration goals, and making sure the car still carries the correct 17-inch wheel setup.
Fitment is straightforward across the covered 1932 Reo S sub-models because the same primary tire size is used throughout. Checking the exact sub-model still helps confirm that the car remains on the expected wheel and tire setup before choosing a sidewall style.
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1932 Reo S Base
The 1932 Reo S Base uses the same 550-17 bias-ply tire size as the model core, so sizing questions are relatively simple. Selection then shifts to period-style presentation, including blackwall or whitewall treatments, while confirming the car still wears the proper 17-inch rims.
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 S Tires for Sale
Available 550-17 options center on BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply tires, with a traditional bias-ply construction and a choice of blackwall, wide whitewall, or double-whitewall sidewall treatments. That makes the product grid most useful for comparing appearance within the correct vintage size.
Owners of a 1932 Reo S usually want clear guidance on 550-17 fitment, 17-inch rims, period-style sidewall choices, and what to inspect before putting a low-use prewar car back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1932 Reo S?
The 1932 Reo S uses a 550-17 tire size in bias-ply construction. That is the primary fitment for this model and keeps the car in the traditional early-1930s sizing format, with the tire mounted on a 17-inch wheel.
Using the correct size matters because prewar cars often depend on the right overall tire proportions for stance, clearance, and appearance. Before choosing a tire, confirm that the car still has 17-inch wheels and has not been changed to a different rim size or aftermarket wheel setup over the years.
What size rim does a 1932 Reo S use?
A 1932 Reo S uses a 17-inch rim with its 550-17 tire size. The tire's size code and fitment both center on that 17-inch wheel diameter, which is a key point to verify before replacing older tires on a restoration or driver.
Wheel diameter is only part of the check on an older vehicle. It is also wise to inspect the wheel itself for condition, confirm that all four wheels match, and make sure no prior owner changed the wheel type in a way that affects tire seating, clearance, or overall fitment.
Does the 1932 Reo S Base use the same tire size?
Yes. The 1932 Reo S Base uses the same 550-17 bias-ply tire size as the model core. That makes sub-model fitment simple, since the main tire decision is not about different sizes but about choosing the right style within the same vintage dimensions.
With sizing kept consistent, most owners will focus on appearance and intended use. A blackwall creates a more understated look, while whitewall and double-whitewall versions give the car a stronger restoration-oriented presentation. It still helps to confirm that the wheels on the car remain the correct 17-inch type.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 550-17 tire for a 1932 Reo S?
Start with the basics: the 1932 Reo S uses a 550-17 bias-ply tire on a 17-inch rim. Once that size is confirmed, the most important considerations are preserving the car's traditional look, selecting the sidewall treatment you want, and making sure the wheel setup still matches the vintage tire.
Available 550-17 choices in this fitment stay within the same BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply family, so the biggest visible difference is appearance rather than a change in tire series. Think about whether the car is being restored, shown, or driven casually, then choose the sidewall style that best suits that goal.
What sidewall styles are available for 1932 Reo S tires?
For the 1932 Reo S in 550-17, available sidewall styles include blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall. All of these choices remain within a bias-ply, period-style presentation, so the visual effect changes more than the basic fitment or construction type.
That makes sidewall style one of the biggest appearance decisions on this car. A blackwall tends to look restrained and utilitarian, while whitewall variations add more visual emphasis around the wheel opening. Matching the tire's look to the car's trim, paint, and restoration direction usually leads to the most satisfying result.
What brands offer tires for the 1932 Reo S?
BFGoodrich offers tires for the 1932 Reo S in the correct 550-17 size. The available products are part of the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply line, giving owners a consistent bias-ply format with several sidewall treatments rather than multiple brands competing in the same fitment.
Since brand choice is narrow here, compare the tires by presentation and suitability for the car's intended look. On a prewar vehicle, that often matters just as much as the size itself. The more important fitment check is confirming the wheel diameter and making sure the car still matches the original-style tire layout.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1932 Reo S?
A period-style 1932 Reo S starts with the correct 550-17 bias-ply size. That preserves the vintage proportions and construction type associated with a prewar automobile, making the tire a visible part of the car's overall presentation rather than just a wear item.
From there, the choice usually comes down to sidewall appearance. Blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall options each create a different visual character, and the right one depends on the car's restoration direction. When exact originality matters, compare the finished look against marque references or period photography before deciding.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1932 Reo S restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1932 Reo S restoration because tire size and construction strongly affect how the car sits and how authentic it appears. A 550-17 bias-ply tire keeps the car aligned with the proportions expected of an early-1930s American automobile.
On a prewar vehicle, an incorrect size can change the visual balance even before the car moves. Tire fitment also influences wheel-well fullness and the relationship between the wheel, fender, and body. Checking the actual wheel diameter and choosing a sidewall style that complements the restoration helps avoid a mismatched finished look.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1932 Reo S?
Yes. Even though the 1932 Reo S uses a straightforward 550-17 bias-ply fitment, modifications can change what works safely and cleanly on the car. Wheel swaps, altered suspension height, brake changes, or body repairs around the fenders can all influence how a vintage-size tire sits and clears.
Any time a prewar car has been updated, inspect the actual wheel diameter and overall wheel condition before ordering replacement tires. It is also smart to check steering movement, fender clearance, and whether all four corners carry matching wheels. Small changes on older vehicles can have a noticeable effect on fitment.
What should I inspect before driving a 1932 Reo S on new tires?
Before driving a 1932 Reo S on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm that the rims are the proper 17-inch size, and make sure the tires are seated correctly. It is also worth checking valve stems, wheel hardware, and the condition of the suspension and steering components.
A prewar car that has spent long periods parked deserves a broader inspection before road use. Look for fluid leaks, brake issues, uneven ride height, and any sign of rubbing once the car is rolling and turning. Proper inflation and a short local test drive can reveal problems before a longer outing.
How should 550-17 tires on a collector 1932 Reo S be maintained?
Maintain 550-17 tires on a collector 1932 Reo S by checking inflation regularly, watching for air loss, and inspecting the sidewalls for cracking, cuts, or bulges. Tread condition also matters, but on low-mileage collector cars, age and storage conditions can become just as important as wear.
Good storage habits help preserve a bias-ply tire's condition and appearance. Keep the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone-producing equipment when possible. Driving the car occasionally and inspecting the tires before each outing gives you a better chance to catch age-related issues early.
