The 1933 Nash 1120 came from a period when tire choice was closely tied to the character of the car itself, with compact American cars relying on tall, narrow bias-ply fitments that shaped both stance and road manners. For owners preserving a prewar Nash, getting the tire size right is part of preserving the car’s visual balance as much as its usability. The 1933 Nash 1120 uses a 550-17 bias-ply tire on a 17-inch rim. Within that size, the main choices center on sidewall presentation, including blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall versions. That makes the decision less about fitment variety and more about appearance, restoration goals, and careful road-ready preparation.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1933 Nash 1120
The 1933 Nash 1120 uses one primary tire size: 550-17. It is a bias-ply fitment for a 17-inch rim, and the covered 1120 Base sub-model uses the same size, so the main decision is choosing the right sidewall look within that fitment and making sure the car’s wheels and overall condition are ready for service.
A 550-17 size is a vintage numeric bias-ply designation in which the 5.50 figure represents the tire’s nominal section width in inches and the 17 identifies the wheel diameter. On a 1933 Nash 1120, that format preserves the tall, narrow bias-ply profile associated with prewar driving feel and proportions. Available choices in this size include BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply tires in blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall treatments. Choosing among them usually comes down to the presentation you want for the car and whether the existing wheels remain true to the original 17-inch setup.
Tire fitment for the covered 1933 Nash 1120 sub-model is straightforward. The 1120 Base uses the same 550-17 bias-ply size, so the key task is confirming the car still carries the proper 17-inch wheels and then choosing the sidewall style that best suits its presentation.
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1933 Nash 1120 Base
The 1933 Nash 1120 Base uses the 550-17 bias-ply tire size. That keeps selection focused on period-style replacement in the proper dimensions, along with deciding whether a blackwall, wide whitewall, or double-whitewall look best matches the way the car is being preserved or driven.
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 1933 Nash 1120 Tires for Sale
Available 550-17 choices for the 1933 Nash 1120 center on BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply tires with blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall sidewall styles. Since all share the same basic size and construction, appearance is the main point of comparison in the product grid.
These FAQs focus on 1933 Nash 1120 tire size, 17-inch rim fitment, bias-ply selection, sidewall appearance choices, and the maintenance checks that matter before putting a prewar car back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1933 Nash 1120?
The 1933 Nash 1120 uses a 550-17 tire size. That is a bias-ply fitment on a 17-inch rim, and the covered 1933 Nash 1120 Base uses the same size, so there is not a second primary size to sort through within this vehicle listing.
The practical next step is confirming that the car still has 17-inch wheels and has not been changed to a different wheel or tire setup over the years. Once the wheel diameter is verified, the choice usually shifts to sidewall appearance and overall condition of the wheels, tubes, and related components before the car returns to regular road use.
What size rim does a 1933 Nash 1120 use?
The 1933 Nash 1120 uses a 17-inch rim with its 550-17 tire size. That rim diameter is part of the size designation itself, and it is the wheel diameter the tire is built around for this prewar Nash fitment.
Wheel diameter should be checked on the actual car before ordering tires, especially on an older vehicle that may have been modified or repaired long ago. A 17-inch wheel is only one part of the picture, so it also helps to inspect the wheel’s condition, confirm its width is appropriate for the tire, and make sure the bead seats are clean and serviceable.
What does 550-17 mean on a 1933 Nash 1120?
The 550-17 designation is a vintage numeric bias-ply size. In plain terms, the 5.50 refers to the tire’s nominal section width in inches, and the 17 refers to the wheel diameter in inches that the tire is meant to mount on.
For a 1933 Nash 1120, that size carries the tall, narrow profile expected of a prewar passenger car tire. Modern buyers sometimes mistake the format for a metric size, so it is worth reading it as a vintage bias-ply code and matching it to the actual wheel on the car rather than assuming a later tire system applies.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 550-17 tire for a 1933 Nash 1120?
Start with the correct primary fitment: 550-17 bias-ply for a 17-inch rim. From there, the most meaningful differences are the tire’s sidewall treatment and how that presentation suits the way the 1933 Nash 1120 is being restored, preserved, or driven.
It also helps to look beyond the sidewall and inspect the wheel setup itself before making a final selection. A prewar car may have had wheel changes, long-term storage issues, or worn components, so checking rim condition, tire age on the car, and the overall readiness of the chassis can matter just as much as choosing blackwall or whitewall styling.
What sidewall styles are available for 1933 Nash 1120 tires?
The 1933 Nash 1120’s 550-17 fitment is available in blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall styles. All three keep the same vintage size and bias-ply construction, but they change the visual character of the car in noticeable ways.
Blackwall usually gives the most restrained presentation, while whitewall styles create a brighter period-style look that many restoration-minded owners prefer. Since sidewall treatment affects appearance more than fitment, the smart comparison is between the car’s finish, trim level of restoration, and intended use rather than assuming one sidewall style is universally right.
What tire series are available for the 1933 Nash 1120?
The available 550-17 products for the 1933 Nash 1120 fall within the BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series. That means the main distinctions in this vehicle’s current product selection come through sidewall appearance rather than a broad spread of different series names.
Because the series is consistent, comparison becomes simpler. The buyer can stay focused on the proper size, the bias-ply construction appropriate to this fitment, and the appearance choice that best supports a traditional prewar look, while also making sure the existing wheels and overall vehicle setup are ready for safe mounting and road use.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1933 Nash 1120?
A period-style starting point for a 1933 Nash 1120 is the correct 550-17 bias-ply size on a 17-inch rim. Keeping the proper vintage size and construction preserves the tall, narrow profile that suits a prewar Nash far better than treating the car like a later vehicle with modern tire proportions.
From there, the decision usually comes down to sidewall appearance and the goal of the restoration. A blackwall look can feel understated, while wide whitewall or double-whitewall options create a stronger traditional presentation. If exact historical originality matters, compare the tire’s appearance against marque references, period photography, or other Nash-specific restoration guidance.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1933 Nash 1120 restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters because the 1933 Nash 1120’s proportions depend heavily on its proper 550-17 bias-ply size. On a prewar car, tire height, width, and construction all influence how the vehicle sits visually and how authentic the finished restoration appears from the curb.
Correct fitment also affects practical details beyond appearance. A tire in the proper vintage size helps maintain the intended relationship between the wheel opening, the wheel itself, and the tire sidewall. Even if the car is mostly for display, confirming the right dimensions and wheel compatibility avoids visual mismatches that can stand out quickly on an otherwise carefully restored Nash.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1933 Nash 1120?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1933 Nash 1120 even when the intended tire size remains 550-17. Changes to wheels, suspension height, brake components, or bodywork can alter the way a vintage bias-ply tire sits in the fender opening and how much clearance it has in motion.
That matters most on older cars that may have been changed decades ago and then passed through several owners. A careful check of wheel diameter, wheel width, steering travel, and visible clearance around the tire can prevent surprises. Any non-original setup deserves extra attention before assuming the proper original-size tire will behave the same way on the modified car.
What should I inspect before driving a 1933 Nash 1120 on new tires?
Before driving a 1933 Nash 1120 on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve hardware, and surrounding chassis condition along with the tires themselves. On a prewar car, it is also wise to check for wheel damage, bead-seat corrosion, loose fasteners, and any signs that long storage has affected the car’s readiness.
A fresh set of tires cannot compensate for neglected mechanical condition. Look over steering response, brake operation, alignment symptoms, and any rubbing points that may appear when the wheels are turned. It also helps to verify inflation, watch for early air loss, and take the first road miles cautiously so the whole vehicle can be evaluated together.
How should 550-17 tires on a collector 1933 Nash 1120 be maintained?
Maintain 550-17 tires on a collector 1933 Nash 1120 by checking inflation regularly, watching for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, and uneven wear, and inspecting them closely after long storage periods. Collector cars often age their tires by time and environment rather than by mileage alone, so visual condition matters as much as tread depth.
Storage habits also influence how well a vintage bias-ply tire holds up. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve the rubber. Periodic movement, clean wheels, and routine inspection for slow air loss all support better road readiness when the Nash is driven only occasionally.
