The 1933 Franklin Olympic comes from the final years of a distinctive American marque known for engineering individuality and a loyal following among pre-war enthusiasts. For owners preserving one of these uncommon cars, tire choice has a direct effect on stance, road manners, and the overall period presentation. The 1933 Franklin Olympic uses a 6.00-17 bias-ply tire on a 17-inch rim, which keeps the fitment squarely in traditional pre-war territory. The main decision is less about multiple sizes and more about staying true to the original construction style while selecting a tire that suits restoration goals and careful road use. Wheel condition, tire age, and overall chassis setup are all worth checking before the car returns to service.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1933 Franklin Olympic
The 1933 Franklin Olympic uses one primary tire size: 6.00-17. That means the fitment question is straightforward, with a bias-ply tire designed for a 17-inch rim, including the covered 6 Cyl. sub-model. The real decision is choosing a tire that matches the car's traditional appearance, intended use, and the condition of its wheels before putting the car back on the road.
A 6.00-17 tire uses the older numeric bias-ply sizing system, where 6.00 refers to the nominal section width in inches and 17 identifies the wheel diameter. On a 1933 Franklin Olympic, this size preserves the traditional construction type associated with pre-war fitment and keeps the car in the visual and mechanical character expected of the era. Numeric bias-ply tires are often chosen by owners who want the proper tall, narrow profile that suits an early 1930s automobile. Before selecting one, confirm that the car still has the correct 17-inch wheels and that the rims are suitable for continued use.
Fitment is simple across the covered 1933 Franklin Olympic range because the listed sub-model uses the same primary tire size. Checking the exact sub-model still helps confirm that the car remains on its intended wheel and tire setup before replacement.
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1933 Franklin Olympic 6 Cyl.
The 1933 Franklin Olympic 6 Cyl. uses the same 6.00-17 bias-ply fitment as the model core, so tire selection stays focused on the standard pre-war size rather than comparing multiple options. That makes the decision more about retaining a traditional look and verifying wheel condition, rim size, and overall vehicle setup before 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
Common questions for the 1933 Franklin Olympic usually center on the 6.00-17 tire size, 17-inch rim fitment, period-style bias-ply selection, restoration appearance, and the inspections worth making before a pre-war car goes back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1933 Franklin Olympic?
The 1933 Franklin Olympic uses a 6.00-17 tire. This is a numeric bias-ply size and it is the primary fitment for the model covered here, including the 1933 Franklin Olympic 6 Cyl.
That makes the size question fairly simple, but it is still smart to confirm that the car remains on its correct 17-inch wheels and has not been changed over the years. On a pre-war car, wheel condition matters just as much as tire size, so inspect the rims carefully before mounting replacement tires.
What size rim does a 1933 Franklin Olympic use?
The 1933 Franklin Olympic uses a 17-inch rim with its 6.00-17 tire size. The size code itself reflects that rim diameter, with the final number showing the wheel size the tire is built around.
Rim diameter should be confirmed on the actual car before ordering tires, especially on an older vehicle that may have seen wheel changes during its life. A tire can have the correct vintage appearance and still be wrong for the wheel if the rim diameter or overall wheel condition does not match the intended setup.
Does the 1933 Franklin Olympic 6 Cyl. use the same tire size?
Yes. The 1933 Franklin Olympic 6 Cyl. uses the same 6.00-17 bias-ply tire size as the model core. There is no separate primary size to sort through for this covered sub-model.
Even when fitment is shared, a buyer should still look at the car itself before replacing tires. Older vehicles sometimes carry later wheels, mismatched rims, or long-stored tires, so confirming the existing wheel diameter and general wheel integrity remains an important step before selecting a replacement set.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 6.00-17 tire for a 1933 Franklin Olympic?
Start with the correct size and construction: the 1933 Franklin Olympic uses a 6.00-17 bias-ply tire. For this car, the main selection factors are staying with the proper traditional sizing format and choosing a tire that suits a pre-war vehicle's appearance and intended driving use.
A restoration-focused owner may prioritize an authentic-looking profile, while a road-going collector may place equal weight on casing condition, wheel condition, and careful mounting on sound rims. Tire choice should also reflect how the car will actually be used, since occasional touring and static display place different demands on an older Franklin.
How do I choose between the available 6.00-17 tires for a 1933 Franklin Olympic?
The best way to compare 6.00-17 tires for a 1933 Franklin Olympic is to stay centered on fitment first, then look at construction style, overall appearance, and any product-level differences that affect how the tire suits the car. The key is not changing size simply to widen the selection.
A useful approach is to match the tire to the car's purpose. A carefully restored car may call for a more traditional presentation, while a car driven more regularly still benefits from correct sizing and close attention to wheel condition. Consistency across all four tires also matters on a pre-war chassis.
What rim-fitment details should I compare when choosing 1933 Franklin Olympic tires?
Rim diameter is the first rim-fitment detail to confirm on a 1933 Franklin Olympic, and the correct wheel size here is 17 inches for the 6.00-17 tire. Beyond that, the condition and type of the wheel should be examined closely before any replacement tire is mounted.
Vintage wheels can have rust, distortion, prior repairs, or age-related issues that are not obvious until they are cleaned and inspected. A tire that matches the vehicle's intended size still needs to be paired with a sound wheel, so checking the rims carefully is part of choosing the right tire, not a separate afterthought.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1933 Franklin Olympic?
A period-style 1933 Franklin Olympic should begin with the correct 6.00-17 size and a bias-ply construction. That combination keeps the car within the traditional pre-war fitment pattern and preserves the tall, narrow look that suits an early 1930s automobile.
For many restorations, the appearance of the tire is as important as the measurement on the sidewall. Owners pursuing strict historical accuracy should compare the tire's presentation with marque references, period photos, and restoration documentation, while still making sure the actual wheels on the car remain the proper 17-inch size.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1933 Franklin Olympic restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1933 Franklin Olympic restoration. The 6.00-17 size influences the car's stance, visual balance, and the traditional pre-war look that many owners want to preserve.
Using the right size also helps avoid introducing an obviously later appearance that can distract from an otherwise careful restoration. Even so, size alone is not the whole story. Wheel diameter, wheel condition, and the overall state of the chassis should all be checked before returning a restored Franklin to regular driving duty.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1933 Franklin Olympic?
Yes. Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1933 Franklin Olympic even when the intended tire size remains 6.00-17. Changes to wheels, suspension height, brake components, or body clearance can alter how a replacement tire sits and moves through its full range of travel.
A Franklin that has been updated over the years should be inspected before assuming the original fitment still applies without qualification. Clearance at the fenders, steering components, and suspension points deserves attention, and the actual wheel diameter on the car should be confirmed before selecting a new set of tires.
What should I inspect before driving a 1933 Franklin Olympic on new tires?
Before driving a 1933 Franklin Olympic on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve hardware, and overall tire installation carefully. The suspension, steering, and brakes also deserve attention, since a fresh set of tires cannot compensate for worn chassis components on a pre-war car.
It is also wise to look for sidewall contact, uneven clearances, and any signs that the wheel setup on the car differs from stock practice. A short, cautious test drive can reveal pull, vibration, or rubbing early. Collector cars that sit for long periods benefit from a full walk-around before every return to road use.
How should 6.00-17 tires on a collector 1933 Franklin Olympic be maintained?
6.00-17 tires on a collector 1933 Franklin Olympic should be kept clean, properly inflated, and inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, and slow air loss. On a low-mileage antique car, age and storage conditions can become just as important as visible tread wear.
Long periods of inactivity call for extra attention to storage habits and routine checks before driving. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources helps protect the tires over time. Periodic wheel inspection is also worthwhile, since an old rim can create problems even when the tire itself still looks presentable.
