The 1933 Reo 6 Cyl. comes from an era when American cars still rode on tall, narrow tires that shaped both stance and ride character. Reo models of the early 1930s appeal to owners who value pre-war design, careful restoration, and the road feel that comes with period mechanicals. Tire fitment for this exact car centers on 17-inch bias-ply sizes, with 550-17 and 6.00-17 both associated with the model. Within 550-17, the available choices include blackwall, double-whitewall, and wide whitewall presentations in BFGoodrich's Silvertown Classic Bias Ply line. That makes the key decision less about modernizing and more about matching the car's wheel setup, intended appearance, and restoration direction.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1933 Reo 6 Cyl.
The 1933 Reo 6 Cyl. uses two primary tire sizes, and both are bias-ply tires built for 17-inch rims. Because the Base sub-model is associated with both 550-17 and 6.00-17, the first step is confirming which size is on the car now and whether the wheel setup matches that size before choosing a replacement.
A 550-17 size uses the older numeric bias-ply system, with the leading number representing an approximate 5.50-inch nominal section width and the final number indicating a 17-inch rim. Its bias-ply construction suits the pre-war character of a 1933 Reo 6 Cyl. and preserves the tall, narrow visual profile expected on cars of this era. In this size, BFGoodrich offers the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series with blackwall, double-whitewall, and wide whitewall sidewall treatments. This size is worth evaluating when the goal is to keep a traditional presentation while matching the wheel and tire setup already on the car.
A 6.00-17 tire also uses the vintage numeric bias-ply format, with the 6.00 figure denoting a nominal section width and the 17 identifying the rim diameter. On a 1933 Reo 6 Cyl., this is another primary bias-ply fitment, so the choice between it and 550-17 depends on the actual wheel and tire configuration in use. Its larger section width can make it a distinct fitment path rather than just a styling variation. This size should be checked carefully against the existing wheels and clearances before selecting tires for touring, restoration, or display use.
Sub-model fitment is straightforward here, since the covered 1933 Reo 6 Cyl. Base is associated with the same two primary bias-ply sizes. Checking the exact sub-model still matters because the real decision is confirming which of those two 17-inch tire sizes is on the car today.
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1933 Reo 6 Cyl. Base
The 1933 Reo 6 Cyl. Base is associated with both 550-17 and 6.00-17 bias-ply tires on 17-inch rims. That means tire selection starts with verifying the existing wheel and tire setup, then choosing the size and sidewall presentation that best suits the car's restoration or driving purpose.
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 Reo 6 Cyl. Tires for Sale
Available 550-17 choices focus on BFGoodrich's Silvertown Classic Bias Ply line, with blackwall, double-whitewall, and wide whitewall sidewall styles. For this Reo, the product comparison is mainly about appearance within the correct pre-war bias-ply format.
These 1933 Reo 6 Cyl. tire FAQs focus on the two 17-inch bias-ply sizes, how to confirm the right one for the car, and what to consider when balancing restoration appearance with safe road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1933 Reo 6 Cyl.?
The 1933 Reo 6 Cyl. is associated with two primary tire sizes: 550-17 and 6.00-17. Both are vintage numeric bias-ply sizes designed for 17-inch rims, and the covered Base sub-model is linked to both fitments rather than just one.
That means the right choice depends on confirming which size the car is actually set up to use. Checking the existing tires, measuring wheel diameter, and verifying wheel width and clearance will help prevent choosing a size that changes the car's stance or creates fitment issues at the fender or steering components.
What size rim does a 1933 Reo 6 Cyl. use?
The 1933 Reo 6 Cyl. uses a 17-inch rim with both of its primary tire sizes, 550-17 and 6.00-17. Even though the section widths differ between those two tires, the rim diameter remains the same for the fitments associated with this model.
Rim diameter is only one part of the fitment picture on a pre-war car. It is still wise to confirm the actual wheel on the vehicle, since an older collector car may have had wheels changed over time, and wheel width can influence which of the two bias-ply sizes makes the most sense.
What does 550-17 mean on a 1933 Reo 6 Cyl.?
The 550-17 size uses a vintage numeric bias-ply system. In simple terms, the 550 refers to an approximate 5.50-inch nominal section width, while the 17 identifies the wheel diameter the tire is built to fit.
That older sizing format is common on pre-war vehicles, and it does not read like a modern metric radial size. On a 1933 Reo 6 Cyl., understanding that code helps separate wheel diameter from tire width so the car can be matched to the correct 17-inch tire and an appearance that suits the restoration.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 550-17 tire for a 1933 Reo 6 Cyl.?
A 550-17 tire for a 1933 Reo 6 Cyl. should first match the car's actual wheel and existing fitment. Since this is a pre-war application, the main decision usually centers on staying with the proper bias-ply construction and selecting a sidewall treatment that suits the car's overall presentation.
Available 550-17 choices include blackwall, double-whitewall, and wide whitewall versions in BFGoodrich's Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series. Beyond appearance, compare the wheel setup, intended use, and whether the car is being preserved as a driver, a restoration project, or a show-oriented vehicle with a more formal period look.
What sidewall styles are available for 1933 Reo 6 Cyl. tires?
For the 1933 Reo 6 Cyl., the available 550-17 product choices include blackwall, double-whitewall, and wide whitewall sidewall styles. Those options all stay within a bias-ply format, so the visual difference comes from the sidewall treatment rather than a change to modern radial construction.
Sidewall style can strongly influence how a pre-war car presents, especially on a vehicle with tall 17-inch tires and prominent fenders. A blackwall gives a restrained traditional look, while whitewall treatments create a brighter period-style appearance, so the best choice depends on the vehicle's restoration theme and trim presentation.
What brands offer tires for the 1933 Reo 6 Cyl.?
The available 550-17 products for the 1933 Reo 6 Cyl. are offered under the BFGoodrich brand. They appear in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series, with different sidewall treatments rather than a mix of brands competing in the same listed size selection.
That keeps the decision focused on fitment and appearance more than brand comparison. For a pre-war car like this Reo, the more useful questions are whether the tire matches the wheel setup, whether a blackwall or whitewall presentation suits the vehicle, and whether the chosen size reflects the car's existing configuration.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1933 Reo 6 Cyl.?
A period-style 1933 Reo 6 Cyl. starts with the correct vintage-type bias-ply sizing and a proper 17-inch rim match. Both 550-17 and 6.00-17 are associated with this model, so the right period-style choice depends on which size the car is already configured to use.
Once the fitment is confirmed, appearance becomes the next decision. A traditional blackwall keeps the look restrained, while double-whitewall or wide whitewall versions can give the car a more formal restoration-oriented presentation. When exact historical originality matters, period photos and marque-specific references are still worth consulting.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1933 Reo 6 Cyl.?
On a restored 1933 Reo 6 Cyl., bias-ply construction has a major effect on appearance because it preserves the tall, narrow profile associated with early 1930s American cars. That construction helps maintain the visual relationship between the tire, the wheel opening, and the car's overall stance.
Appearance is not only about the sidewall color or whitewall width. The construction style itself shapes how authentic the finished car looks from a distance, so owners focused on a restoration-oriented result usually begin by confirming the correct bias-ply size first and then choosing the sidewall treatment that best suits the build.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1933 Reo 6 Cyl.?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1933 Reo 6 Cyl., even when the tire size itself is one of the correct primary options. Changes to wheel width, wheel offset, suspension height, brake components, or body clearance can alter how a 550-17 or 6.00-17 tire sits on the car.
That matters especially on older vehicles that may have seen decades of repairs or updates. A Reo with replacement wheels or altered suspension should be checked for steering travel, fender clearance, and overall wheel compatibility before new tires are mounted, rather than assuming any correct-size bias-ply tire will behave the same.
What should I inspect before driving a 1933 Reo 6 Cyl. on new tires?
Before driving a 1933 Reo 6 Cyl. on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve hardware, and overall mounting condition, then confirm that the tires are seated properly and inflated evenly. It also helps to look over the steering, suspension, and brake components, since tire behavior on a pre-war car is closely tied to the condition of the chassis.
A short, careful test drive is a smart next step after installation. Pay attention to vibration, rubbing, wandering, or uneven steering response, and recheck pressure after the first few miles. On a collector vehicle that sees occasional use, routine visual inspections remain important even after fresh tires are fitted.
How should 550-17 tires on a collector 1933 Reo 6 Cyl. be maintained?
550-17 tires on a collector 1933 Reo 6 Cyl. should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and attention to how the car is stored between drives. Because collector cars often spend long periods parked, sidewall cracking, flat spotting, cuts, bulges, and slow air loss deserve closer attention than mileage alone would suggest.
Storage conditions matter nearly as much as road use on a pre-war vehicle. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve the tires, and moving the vehicle occasionally can reduce stress from long stationary periods. Any sign of age-related deterioration calls for a closer fitment and safety review.
