1935 Reo Royale Tires

The 1935 Reo Royale uses two primary tire sizes: 650-16 and 700-16. Both are bias-ply tires designed for 16-inch rims, and both are associated with the 1935 Reo Royale 6 Cyl. configuration rather than being separated by a different listed sub-model.

That makes size confirmation the first step before choosing a replacement. A Royale that currently wears 16-inch wheels could still need either 650-16 or 700-16, so the existing tire size, wheel width, and available clearance around the fenders and suspension should all be checked before selecting a new set.

The 1935 Reo Royale uses a 16-inch rim with both of its primary tire sizes. Whether the car is running 650-16 or 700-16, the tire fitment stays within the same 16-inch rim diameter family.

Rim diameter is only part of the decision, though, because wheel width still affects which specific tires are suitable. Some 650-16 products are intended for narrower rims than some 700-16 products, so it is worth measuring the actual wheel before choosing between passenger-style whitewalls, blackwalls, or more utility-oriented tread patterns.

The 1935 Reo Royale is associated with both 650-16 and 700-16, so more than one primary size is in use for this exact vehicle line. Both sizes are vintage numeric bias-ply tires on 16-inch rims, but they are not the same fitment choice.

On a prewar car, that usually means the owner should verify the actual wheel and tire setup on the vehicle rather than assume one size applies universally. Existing wheels, prior restoration decisions, and the stance the owner wants can all influence which of the two sizes makes the most sense to keep.

Start with the confirmed tire size on the car, because the 1935 Reo Royale uses both 650-16 and 700-16 in bias-ply construction. After size is settled, compare the available tires by rim-width compatibility, sidewall style, tire series, and whether the product is aimed at passenger-car presentation or a more truck-style application.

A wide whitewall can change the car’s visual character as much as the tread itself, while blackwall choices suit a plainer or more utilitarian look. Load figures, tread style, and wheel match also matter, especially if the car sees regular road use instead of short display or parade driving.

1935 Reo Royale tires are available in both blackwall and wide whitewall styles. That applies across the two primary sizes, with blackwall options appearing in both 650-16 and 700-16 and wide whitewall choices also available in each size.

The sidewall decision has a strong effect on the finished look of a prewar car. A buyer trying to emphasize a formal touring appearance may lean toward wide whitewalls, while a blackwall tire keeps the presentation more restrained or utility-minded, so the visual goal should be considered alongside fitment and wheel compatibility.

Available 1935 Reo Royale tires come from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Firestone, Garfield, Excelsior, Lester, Goodyear, STA, Tornel, and Avon. Brand choice varies by size, so the exact mix depends on whether the car uses 650-16 or 700-16.

Brand alone should not be the only deciding factor on a prewar fitment. It makes more sense to compare the tire series, sidewall treatment, rim-width suitability, and whether the tread pattern matches the car’s intended use, especially when some options are passenger-oriented and others have military or truck-style character.

A period-style 1935 Reo Royale tire choice starts with the correct primary size already on the car, either 650-16 or 700-16, and stays within the bias-ply construction used for this vehicle. From there, the most useful distinction is usually between blackwall and wide whitewall presentation, plus the overall character of the tire series.

For a restoration-oriented car, appearance should be balanced with wheel compatibility and intended use. If exact historical originality matters, marque-specific documentation and period photographs are worth consulting, because a tire can look entirely appropriate for the era without necessarily matching a specific original delivery configuration.

Correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1935 Reo Royale because tire size affects both the car’s stance and its overall visual proportion. Since this model is associated with both 650-16 and 700-16, the restoration decision should begin with confirming which setup belongs on the specific car being restored.

Using a size simply because it mounts on a 16-inch wheel can lead to a result that looks or sits differently than intended. Restorers should evaluate wheel width, body clearance, and the desired presentation before choosing between blackwall and wide whitewall bias-ply options in the final build.

Modifications can absolutely affect tire fitment on a 1935 Reo Royale, even though the original tire family is straightforward. If the car has aftermarket wheels, brake changes, altered ride height, or bodywork repairs that changed inner clearance, the usable space for either 650-16 or 700-16 may differ from a stock setup.

That is especially important when moving between the two primary sizes or choosing a tire with a different tread character. Wheel width, backspacing, steering clearance, and fender room should all be checked on the actual car, because a prewar chassis often leaves less margin for assumption than a modern vehicle.

Before driving a 1935 Reo Royale on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve hardware, and overall wheel condition, then confirm the new tires match the car’s actual size and rim setup. It also makes sense to look over steering and suspension components so the fresh bias-ply tires are not being asked to compensate for mechanical looseness.

A short test drive should be preceded by a careful pressure check and a visual look for clearance at full steering lock. After the first few miles, recheck for rubbing, unusual wear marks, or air loss, since collector cars often reveal fitment issues only once they are back in regular motion.

Collector-car tires on a 1935 Reo Royale should be inspected regularly for pressure loss, sidewall cracking, weathering, cuts, bulges, and uneven tread wear. That applies whether the car uses 650-16 or 700-16, because low annual mileage does not stop aging and can sometimes make condition problems easier to overlook.

Storage conditions matter almost as much as road use on a prewar car. Keeping the Royale away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires, and occasional checks after long storage periods can catch flat spotting or air loss before the next road outing.