The 1933 Reo 8 Cyl. comes from an era when independent American automakers still gave buyers a distinctive blend of engineering character and full-size road presence. Cars of this early 1930s period rely heavily on correct tire proportions to preserve stance, steering feel, and the visual balance of tall bodywork over narrow wheels. For this Reo, the primary fitment is a 700-18 bias-ply tire on an 18-inch rim. Available choices include traditional blackwall styles as well as whitewall and double-whitewall treatments in period-style series. The real decision is matching that 700-18 fitment to the car's restoration goals, wheel setup, and intended road use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1933 Reo 8 Cyl.
The 1933 Reo 8 Cyl. uses one primary tire size: 700-18, a bias-ply fitment for an 18-inch rim. The Base sub-model uses this same size, so the main choice is not between multiple fitments but between tire series, sidewall appearance, and whether the tire suits a restoration-oriented presentation or a more specialized road-use setup.
A 700-18 numeric bias-ply size uses the leading number to indicate a nominal section width of about 7.00 inches, while the 18 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1933 Reo 8 Cyl., this keeps the car in its correct vintage sizing language and traditional bias-ply construction. Product choices in this size include Firestone, Lester, Excelsior, and STA, with blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall presentations depending on the tire series. Choosing within 700-18 comes down to appearance, wheel compatibility, and whether the car is being kept close to period style or prepared for more specialized service.
Tire fitment is straightforward across the covered 1933 Reo 8 Cyl. sub-models. The key point is still confirming the exact wheel setup on the car, especially if it has been restored, modified, or fitted with wheels outside its original pattern.
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1933 Reo 8 Cyl. Base
The 1933 Reo 8 Cyl. Base uses the same 700-18 bias-ply fitment as the model core. That means tire selection is mainly about choosing the right series and sidewall treatment, then confirming that the wheel width and overall vehicle setup still suit the tire being considered.
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 8 Cyl. Tires for Sale
Available 700-18 tires span Firestone, Lester, Excelsior, and STA, with differences in series character, sidewall style, and rim-width suitability. Choices range from traditional blackwalls to wide whitewall and double-whitewall designs, along with more specialized military and truck-oriented construction within the same size.
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Bias Ply
Firestone Balloon 4.25 Inch Double Whitewall | 700-18
Common questions for the 1933 Reo 8 Cyl. usually center on the 700-18 tire size, 18-inch rim fitment, bias-ply construction, period-style appearance choices, and what to inspect before putting a restored or lightly used collector car back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1933 Reo 8 Cyl.?
The 1933 Reo 8 Cyl. uses a 700-18 tire size. This is a numeric bias-ply fitment built for an 18-inch wheel, and the 1933 Reo 8 Cyl. Base uses that same primary size as well.
That makes the decision more about choosing the right tire within 700-18 than sorting through multiple primary fitments. It is still smart to verify the actual wheel diameter and width on the car, especially if the vehicle has been restored, modified, or sitting on older replacement wheels from an earlier refurbishment.
What size rim does a 1933 Reo 8 Cyl. use?
The primary tire fitment for the 1933 Reo 8 Cyl. is built around an 18-inch rim. The 700-18 size itself confirms that wheel diameter, and the available tires in this fitment are all intended for 18-inch applications.
Rim diameter is only part of the picture on a pre-war vehicle. Wheel width can vary by tire series, so the exact wheel on the car should be measured and compared before choosing among passenger-style, restoration-oriented, or more specialized truck-style 700-18 tires with different width ranges and construction emphasis.
Does the 1933 Reo 8 Cyl. Base use the same tire size?
Yes. The 1933 Reo 8 Cyl. Base uses the same 700-18 bias-ply tire size as the model core. There is no separate primary size change between the Base sub-model and the broader 1933 Reo 8 Cyl. fitment covered here.
That consistency simplifies the size decision, but not every 700-18 tire serves the same purpose. A wide whitewall or double-whitewall option may better suit a formal restoration look, while a blackwall or heavier-duty series can make more sense depending on the car's wheel width, use pattern, and overall presentation.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 700-18 tire for a 1933 Reo 8 Cyl.?
Start with the confirmed 700-18 size and the car's actual 18-inch wheel setup. From there, compare construction type, rim-width suitability, sidewall appearance, and whether the tire is aimed at traditional passenger-car presentation or a more specialized use such as military and truck service.
The available choices differ in series character as well as appearance. A restoration-minded owner may focus on Firestone Balloon, Firestone Classic Bias Ply, or Lester Classic Bias Ply offerings, while another owner may need to look harder at wheel width, load capacity, and the visual effect of blackwall, wide whitewall, or double-whitewall styling.
What sidewall styles are available for 1933 Reo 8 Cyl. tires?
The 700-18 tire options for a 1933 Reo 8 Cyl. include blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall sidewall styles. Those choices can noticeably change the car's finished look even when the tire size and basic bias-ply construction remain the same.
Sidewall style is usually an appearance decision, but it should be made alongside the tire series and wheel setup rather than on appearance alone. A whitewall treatment can support a more formal period-style presentation, while blackwalls often suit a plainer or more utilitarian look, so the best choice depends on the car's restoration direction.
What brands offer tires for the 1933 Reo 8 Cyl.?
The 1933 Reo 8 Cyl. has 700-18 tire options from Firestone, Lester, Excelsior, and STA. Those brands appear across different series and use cases, including restoration-oriented passenger styles and heavier-duty military and truck-style bias-ply construction.
Brand alone should not be the only deciding factor. It helps to compare the series, sidewall treatment, wheel-width compatibility, and any stated load specifications that matter to the way the car is equipped and driven. That approach keeps the choice focused on fitment and presentation instead of treating every 700-18 tire as the same.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1933 Reo 8 Cyl.?
A period-style 1933 Reo 8 Cyl. should begin with the correct 700-18 bias-ply size. Within that fitment, traditional passenger-car series such as Firestone Balloon, Firestone Classic Bias Ply, or Lester Classic Bias Ply are often the most natural starting points for an early 1930s visual presentation.
The right choice depends on how closely the car is being restored and how it is meant to look on display or on the road. Owners seeking exact historical accuracy should compare surviving vehicle records, period photographs, and marque-club guidance before settling on a specific brand or sidewall treatment.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1933 Reo 8 Cyl.?
Tire construction has a strong effect on the look of a restored 1933 Reo 8 Cyl. because tall, narrow early-1930s cars visually depend on bias-ply proportions and sidewall shape. Staying with the 700-18 bias-ply format preserves the traditional stance and complements the car's upright body and wheel design.
Appearance is not just about sidewall color. The chosen series, the whitewall or blackwall treatment, and the wheel width all influence how authentic and balanced the car looks once assembled. On a restoration-oriented vehicle, tire presentation can be one of the most noticeable finishing details from curbside distance.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1933 Reo 8 Cyl.?
Yes. A 1933 Reo 8 Cyl. may still call for a 700-18 tire, but modifications can change whether a particular tire in that size is a sensible match. Different wheels, altered suspension height, brake conversions, or body and fender work can all influence fitment and clearance.
Even when the nominal size stays the same, an owner should verify wheel width, steering travel, and clearance at the fenders and suspension points. Pre-war cars often have had many decades of repairs and parts changes, so a careful hands-on check matters more than assuming the current setup still matches original dimensions.
What should I inspect before driving a 1933 Reo 8 Cyl. on new tires?
Before road use, inspect the wheels, valve hardware, lug seating surfaces, and the overall condition of the suspension and steering system. A 1933 Reo 8 Cyl. riding on fresh 700-18 tires also deserves a close look at brake function, tire pressure, and whether the tires sit evenly and clear the body through steering movement.
Collector cars often spend long periods parked, so the rest of the chassis should be ready for the tires rather than the other way around. It is wise to recheck pressure after initial use, look for any rubbing or unusual wear, and address alignment or worn front-end parts before committing to regular road miles.
How should 700-18 tires on a collector 1933 Reo 8 Cyl. be maintained?
A collector 1933 Reo 8 Cyl. benefits from regular pressure checks, visual sidewall inspection, and monitoring for cracking, bulges, cuts, or slow air loss. On a lightly used car, 700-18 tires can age visibly and structurally even when tread wear is minimal, so condition matters more than mileage alone.
Storage habits make a difference on vintage bias-ply tires. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the rubber, and periodic movement can reduce long-term flat spotting. Before any longer drive, a fresh inspection is worthwhile, especially if the car has been parked for an extended period.