The 1934 Reo Royale comes from an era when large American cars still carried a distinctly formal road presence, and tire appearance was a visible part of that character. For an owner sorting out a restoration or preparing a careful driver, the tire decision is centered less on multiple fitments and more on choosing the right presentation within the correct vintage size. This car uses a 650-18 bias-ply tire on an 18-inch rim. Available choices stay true to that period construction while allowing a traditional blackwall look or a more dressed-up wide whitewall treatment. The key is preserving the proper size and stance while confirming wheel condition before returning the car to road use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1934 Reo Royale
The 1934 Reo Royale uses one primary tire size: 650-18. That is a bias-ply fitment for an 18-inch rim, and the covered Royale sub-model uses that same size. With the size already established, the real decision is choosing the right period-style presentation within 650-18, including sidewall appearance and the specific Firestone Balloon option that best suits the car's restoration goals and road use.
The 650-18 size uses the vintage numeric bias-ply system, where 6.50 refers to the tire's nominal section width in inches and 18 identifies the rim diameter. On the 1934 Reo Royale, that format matches the car's original-era tire construction and supports the tall, upright look associated with pre-war luxury and senior cars. In this size, the available Firestone Balloon choices include both Blackwall and Wide Whitewall sidewall treatments. That makes 650-18 the right starting point whether the goal is a more understated road-going appearance or a more formal restoration-oriented presentation.
Tire fitment is straightforward for the covered 1934 Reo Royale sub-model. The Royale N uses the same 650-18 bias-ply size, so the main task is choosing the tire style that matches the vehicle's appearance and intended use rather than sorting through multiple fitments.
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1934 Reo Royale N
The 1934 Reo Royale N uses the 650-18 bias-ply tire size on an 18-inch rim. That keeps selection focused on period-style replacement details such as blackwall versus wide whitewall appearance, along with confirming wheel width and overall wheel condition before installation.
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 1934 Reo Royale Tires for Sale
Available 650-18 choices center on Firestone Balloon bias-ply tires, with both Blackwall and Wide Whitewall presentations. The product grid is most useful for comparing sidewall style, rim-width compatibility, weight, and other vintage-spec details within the correct size.
Common questions for the 1934 Reo Royale usually center on the 650-18 size, 18-inch rim fitment, bias-ply construction, sidewall appearance, and what to inspect before putting a low-use pre-war car back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1934 Reo Royale?
The 1934 Reo Royale uses a 650-18 tire size. This is a bias-ply fitment and it is the primary tire size associated with the model, including the covered Royale N sub-model. For most owners, the size question is straightforward because there is not a second primary size to sort through on this page.
Selecting the correct size is only the first step on a pre-war car. The next checks should be the actual rim diameter, wheel width, and the condition of the wheels themselves, especially if the car has been stored for long periods or has had parts changed over the years.
What size rim does a 1934 Reo Royale use?
The 1934 Reo Royale uses an 18-inch rim with its 650-18 tire size. Available 650-18 products in this fitment are built around that 18-inch rim diameter, which is the critical wheel measurement for the tire. Getting that diameter right matters before any discussion of brand, sidewall style, or restoration appearance.
Wheel width matters too, particularly on older cars where original wheels may have been repaired, replaced, or mixed over time. Measuring the wheel and checking for damage, excessive rust, or distorted bead seats can help avoid fitment problems and make sure the tire choice matches the wheel actually on the car.
Does the 1934 Reo Royale N use the same tire size?
Yes. The 1934 Reo Royale N uses the same 650-18 bias-ply tire size as the core 1934 Reo Royale fitment shown here. That means the buyer does not need to sort through multiple primary tire sizes for this covered sub-model, only the available product choices within the correct vintage size.
Even with shared fitment, it still helps to confirm that the car is riding on the correct 18-inch wheels and has not been altered with different rims over the years. Once that is settled, the selection usually comes down to sidewall presentation, wheel compatibility, and overall restoration priorities.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 650-18 tire for a 1934 Reo Royale?
Start with the correct 650-18 size and the proper bias-ply construction for the 1934 Reo Royale. In this fitment, the main choices are within the Firestone Balloon line, so the decision is less about changing size and more about selecting the tire appearance and specifications that suit the car.
A blackwall tire gives a more restrained presentation, while a wide whitewall creates a more formal period-style look. It is also worth comparing rim-width requirements, weight, and load-related specifications where available, especially if the car will be driven regularly rather than displayed or moved only occasionally.
What sidewall styles are available for 1934 Reo Royale tires?
The available 650-18 tires for the 1934 Reo Royale include both Blackwall and Wide Whitewall sidewall styles. Both are offered in Firestone Balloon bias-ply form, so the construction and basic period character remain consistent while the visual presentation changes. That gives owners a clear appearance choice without moving away from the correct primary size.
The right sidewall style depends on how the car is being presented. A wide whitewall usually emphasizes the elegant pre-war look, while a blackwall can feel more understated and utilitarian. Owners focused on strict historical appearance may also want to compare surviving photos or marque-specific restoration references before making a final choice.
How do I choose between the available 650-18 tires for a 1934 Reo Royale?
Choosing between available 650-18 tires for a 1934 Reo Royale comes down to sidewall treatment and supporting specifications rather than different primary sizes. The available Firestone Balloon options include a Blackwall tire and a 3.50 Inch Wide Whitewall version, both built as bias-ply tires for the proper 18-inch rim diameter.
Appearance is the obvious difference, but it should not be the only one considered. Compare the wheel width on the car with the tire's rim-width range, and review any available load specification and tire weight details if the car will see real road mileage instead of strictly occasional show-field use.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1934 Reo Royale?
A period-style 1934 Reo Royale should begin with the correct 650-18 bias-ply size. That preserves the basic proportions and construction style expected of a car from this era. From there, the choice between Firestone Balloon blackwall and wide whitewall versions shapes the visual character without changing the underlying fitment format.
For a formal restoration-oriented presentation, many owners gravitate toward a wide whitewall because it complements the car's pre-war stature. A blackwall can still be appropriate for a more restrained look. When exact originality matters, period photographs, marque references, and vehicle-specific restoration guidance remain the best final check.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1934 Reo Royale restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1934 Reo Royale restoration. The proper 650-18 size and bias-ply construction influence the car's stance, wheel-well fill, and overall visual balance. On a pre-war vehicle, tires are a major styling element, so an incorrect size can change the look almost as much as an incorrect wheel.
Fitment also affects practical use, not just appearance. A tire that does not match the wheel properly or alters clearance can create problems at the fenders or while steering. Before final assembly, confirm rim condition, wheel dimensions, and overall chassis setup so the finished car looks right and behaves predictably at road speed.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1934 Reo Royale?
Yes. Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1934 Reo Royale even when the intended tire size remains 650-18. Changes such as replacement wheels, altered suspension height, brake conversions, or body and fender repairs can all influence clearance and wheel compatibility. Older cars often accumulate small changes over decades, so assumptions can lead to problems.
A careful check should include actual rim diameter, wheel width, bead-seat condition, and steering clearance from lock to lock. It also helps to inspect spring condition and overall ride height, since a tired suspension can reduce usable space. Those checks are especially important before mounting expensive restoration-oriented tires.
What should I inspect before driving a 1934 Reo Royale on new tires?
Before driving a 1934 Reo Royale on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve hardware, and the overall condition of the chassis where tire clearance is involved. The tires should be mounted on sound 18-inch rims that match the required width range, and the car should be checked for any rubbing points at the fenders or steering components.
A road-ready inspection should also include tire pressure, lug security, and signs of mechanical issues that can affect tracking or wear. Because collector cars often sit for extended periods, it is wise to look over wheel bearings, brakes, and suspension components at the same time rather than treating the tire change as an isolated job.
How should 650-18 tires on a collector 1934 Reo Royale be maintained?
650-18 tires on a collector 1934 Reo Royale should be maintained with regular pressure checks, periodic visual inspections, and careful storage habits. Bias-ply tires on low-use cars deserve attention even when tread wear is minimal, because age, storage conditions, and long stationary periods can matter just as much as mileage.
Look for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, irregular wear, and any sign of air loss before each drive. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve tire condition. Moving the car occasionally and checking wheel alignment and suspension health can also reduce flat-spotting and uneven wear over time.
