In the middle of the Roaring Twenties, 1926 Jordan stood apart as a style-forward American make known for glamorous marketing and upscale six- and eight-cylinder cars with real road presence. By this point, Jordan’s Line-8 models were aimed at buyers who wanted prestige, performance, and distinctive design in an era when tire choice still had a major influence on stance and authenticity. For 1926 Jordan, two models are covered here, and tire sizing varies by model rather than carrying across the whole range, with each model using its own pair of bias-ply sizes on different rim diameters. The first step is confirming whether you have a Line-8 or a Gt Line-8 before narrowing down the correct size.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1926 Jordan
Four tire sizes are used across 1926 Jordan vehicles, and they vary by model rather than being shared across the full range. Because these sizes span different rim diameters, the real decision starts with identifying the correct model and wheel diameter first, then choosing the size that matches that setup. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps you land on the right fitment path.
Year(s): 1926|Fit(s): Gt Line-8|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 20-in rim
32X6.20 is an antique diameter-by-section size, with the first number indicating an overall tire diameter of about 32 inches and the second indicating a nominal section width of 6.20 inches, and it is a bias-ply fitment specific to the 1926 Jordan Gt Line-8. Available products are not listed here by brand or sidewall style for this size. This size suits a Gt Line-8 owner focused on matching the model-specific pre-war fitment pattern and confirming wheel dimensions before moving further.
Year(s): 1926|Fit(s): Gt Line-8|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 20 in
650-20 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 6.50 refers to nominal section width and 20 is the wheel diameter in inches, and it is used specifically on the 1926 Jordan Gt Line-8 rather than across the full 1926 Jordan range. Firestone, Denman, and Deka products are offered in this size, with Blackwall and Wide Whitewall sidewall styles available; the listed products are bias-ply and tube status or speed-rating markings are not shown here. This is the Gt Line-8 size to consider if you want an available 20-inch bias-ply fitment, with sidewall appearance playing a major role in the final choice.
Year(s): 1926|Fit(s): Line-8|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 18-in rim
30X6.00 is an antique diameter-by-section size, using an approximate 30-inch overall diameter and a nominal 6.00-inch section width, and it is a bias-ply size reserved for the 1926 Jordan Line-8. Available products are not listed here by brand or sidewall style for this size. This size is the model-specific antique-format choice for a Line-8 owner who wants to stay aligned with the tire sizing language used in the period.
Year(s): 1926|Fit(s): Line-8|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 18-in rim
6.00-18 is a numeric bias-ply size, with 6.00 indicating nominal section width and 18 indicating wheel diameter in inches, and it applies specifically to the 1926 Jordan Line-8. Available products are not listed here by brand or sidewall style for this size. This is the corresponding 18-inch bias-ply fitment path for Line-8 owners and should be matched to the actual wheel before selecting a tire.
Two 1926 Jordan models are covered here. They do not share the same tire sizes, so identifying the model matters before choosing a tire size, especially since the Line-8 and Gt Line-8 use different rim diameters. Select a model below to explore model-specific fitment history and the tire options associated with it.
1926 Jordan Gt Line-8
The 1926 Jordan Gt Line-8 reflects the make’s flair for upscale, sporting luxury in the late brass-to-classic transition years, when long-wheelbase American cars balanced prestige with increasingly confident road manners. Its tires mount on 20-inch wheels, which sets it apart from the standard Line-8 and makes model identification especially important when sorting out fitment.
The 1926 Jordan Line-8 was part of the company’s premium eight-cylinder offering, aimed at buyers who wanted a refined, fashionable car rather than a purely utilitarian machine. Its tire fitments mount on 18-inch wheels, giving it a distinctly different sizing path from the Gt Line-8 even though both belong to the same Jordan year and family.
Four products are available across one tire size for 1926 Jordan vehicles. The 650-20 size includes four bias-ply options from Firestone, Denman, and Deka, with Blackwall and Wide Whitewall sidewall styles. Confirm the correct model and size first before comparing sidewall appearance.
These FAQs focus on how 1926 Jordan tire sizes differ between the Line-8 and Gt Line-8, how antique and numeric bias-ply sizing relates, and what to check for authenticity, setup, and safe use on a low-mileage pre-war car.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1926 Jordan vehicles?
1926 Jordan vehicles use four sizes across two models. The Jordan Gt Line-8 uses 32X6.20 and 650-20, both on 20-inch rims, while the Jordan Line-8 uses 30X6.00 and 6.00-18, both on 18-inch rims. All four sizes are bias-ply fitments, and the sizes are model-specific rather than shared across the entire 1926 Jordan lineup.
That means year and make alone are not enough to choose a tire for a 1926 Jordan. Start by confirming whether your car is a Line-8 or Gt Line-8, then confirm whether the wheels on the car are still the correct diameter for that model. Once those two points are settled, you can narrow the choice to the appropriate size family instead of comparing unrelated tires.
What does 32X6.20 mean on a 1926 Jordan tire?
On a 1926 Jordan, 32X6.20 is an antique diameter-by-section size. The 32 refers to the tire’s approximate overall diameter in inches, while 6.20 refers to nominal section width. That differs from later sizing systems that emphasize wheel diameter in the size code itself. For the 1926 Jordan range, this size belongs to the Gt Line-8 and mounts on a 20-inch rim.
Antique-format sizing can look unfamiliar because it describes the tire more by outside diameter and cross section than by modern fitment shorthand. If you see 32X6.20 on a Gt Line-8, treat it as part of that model’s original-era sizing language rather than assuming it cross-references directly to any 18-inch Jordan fitment. Matching the actual wheel diameter remains the first checkpoint before comparing tire options.
What does 650-20 mean on a 1926 Jordan tire?
On a 1926 Jordan, 650-20 is a numeric bias-ply size. The 6.50 portion indicates nominal section width in inches, and the 20 indicates the rim diameter in inches. Within the 1926 Jordan range, 650-20 is used on the Gt Line-8. It is one of the clearer early sizing systems because the wheel diameter is directly stated in the code.
That makes 650-20 easier for many buyers to interpret than an antique diameter-by-section marking, but it still should not be treated as interchangeable with the Line-8’s 18-inch sizes. If your Jordan wears 20-inch wheels and falls under the Gt Line-8 family, 650-20 is one of the correct sizing paths to investigate. Sidewall appearance can then help refine the final selection.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 1926 Jordan tires?
For 1926 Jordan tires with currently listed product coverage, the 650-20 size is offered in both Blackwall and Wide Whitewall form. Firestone appears in both styles, while Denman and Deka are listed in Blackwall versions. All of these are bias-ply offerings in keeping with the period construction used on 1926 Jordan cars.
Sidewall style often affects the look of a pre-war restoration as much as the size itself. Blackwalls usually suit a more restrained or utility-minded presentation, while whitewalls can emphasize luxury styling and period visual drama. For a 1926 Jordan, the right choice depends on how you want the finished car to present and what standards your restoration or show goals call for.
What brands make tires for 1926 Jordan vehicles?
Firestone, Denman, and Deka all have products listed for 1926 Jordan fitment in the 650-20 size. Firestone includes both Blackwall and Wide Whitewall versions, while Denman and Deka are represented in Blackwall bias-ply offerings. All of the listed products stay within the period-appropriate bias-ply construction expected for a 1926 Jordan.
Brand choice on a pre-war car often comes down to the look you want and the specific size you need rather than broad marketing claims. If your Jordan is a Gt Line-8 using 650-20 tires, comparing the available brands by sidewall style, load listing, and intended visual character is the practical next step. For other 1926 Jordan sizes, begin by confirming the exact model-specific fitment first.
What is the difference between Firestone, Denman, and Deka 650-20 tires for the 1926 Jordan?
On the 1926 Jordan Gt Line-8, Firestone 650-20 tires are offered in both Blackwall and 3.75-inch Wide Whitewall versions, while Denman and Deka 650-20 tires are listed as Blackwalls. Firestone’s listed 650-20 products carry a max load figure of 2120 pounds at 60 psi and a rim width range of 3.00 to 5.00 inches. The Denman and Deka entries are presented as classic truck-oriented bias-ply products.
That makes the comparison less about one tire being universally better and more about whether you want a passenger-car presentation or a more utilitarian blackwall look within the same size. Owners restoring a visually upscale Gt Line-8 may lean toward the whitewall Firestone, while others may prefer a plain blackwall appearance. Wheel width and the intended style of the finished car should guide the final decision.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1926 Jordan tires require?
Rim width guidance is listed for 1926 Jordan in the 650-20 size, where the available products specify a usable rim width range of 3.00 to 5.00 inches on a 20-inch rim. The 1926 Jordan Gt Line-8 is the model associated with that size. Other 1926 Jordan sizes here do not carry a published rim width range in the available product set.
Rim width matters because even when the tire size code appears correct, a wheel that is too narrow or too wide can affect section shape and how the tire sits on the rim. On a 1926 Jordan Gt Line-8, checking the wheel against the 650-20 rim width range is a smart setup step before choosing between available products. For the 18-inch Line-8 sizes, compare your wheel carefully against the actual tire you intend to run.
Do 1926 Jordan tires require inner tubes?
All 1926 Jordan sizes covered here are bias-ply tires from a pre-war application, but tube marking is not shown uniformly in the available listings. The currently listed 650-20 products do not include a TT or TL marking in the size field, so the safest approach is to verify the specific tire’s sidewall marking and wheel type before finalizing setup. That is especially important on original-style multi-piece or early drop-center wheels.
On a 1926 Jordan, tube use is often tied as much to the wheel itself as to the tire size. If the car retains original wheels, inspect the rim design, condition, and valve hardware so the tire and tube arrangement work together correctly. A pre-war wheel should never be assumed to be tubeless-ready simply because a modern reproduction tire happens to exist in a matching size.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1926 Jordan when the tires are fitted?
A 1926 Jordan should be stored in a cool, dry, dark space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, welders, battery chargers, and other ozone-producing equipment that can age rubber. Bias-ply tires are especially prone to developing temporary flat spotting and visible sidewall aging when they sit under load for long periods. Keeping the car clean and the tires at correct operating pressure helps reduce avoidable stress during storage.
For longer layups, move the car periodically so one section of the tire does not stay compressed in the same spot for months at a time. Some owners also use stands to reduce load, but they should support the car properly without twisting the suspension. A stored 1926 Jordan that only comes out occasionally still benefits from regular tire pressure checks and visual inspection between drives.
How long do tires on a 1926 Jordan typically last?
Tire life on a 1926 Jordan is usually governed more by age than by mileage. Collector tires should be evaluated regularly once they reach the five- to seven-year range, and around ten years is a common point where replacement deserves serious consideration regardless of remaining tread. The DOT date code, if present on the tire, helps determine age, and visual condition remains an important part of the decision.
That matters because many pre-war cars are driven sparingly, so a tire can look barely worn while still being old enough to warrant caution. Sidewall checking, hardening rubber, changes in ride quality, and repeated pressure loss are all reasons to inspect more closely. On a 1926 Jordan, preserving originality should never mean stretching aged tires beyond a reasonable service life.
How often should tires on a 1926 Jordan be inspected?
Tires on a 1926 Jordan should be inspected before every drive and again before any longer outing. Look for sidewall cracking, cuts, tread separation, bulges, embedded objects, and pressure loss, and pay attention to how evenly the tire is sitting on the wheel. Pre-war bias-ply tires can show age and storage effects before they show meaningful tread wear.
A thorough check is especially important when the car has been sitting or when the route includes sustained road speeds. Inspect valve stems carefully and, where tube-type fitment is being used, make sure slow leaks are not being overlooked as normal vintage-car behavior. The spare should be checked too, since a 1926 Jordan often depends on it more than a modern car would on a long drive.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1926 Jordan Gt Line-8?
The 1926 Jordan Gt Line-8 would have been a bias-ply application when new, which aligns with the sizes used here: 32X6.20 and 650-20 on 20-inch rims. That construction type is consistent with the period, long before radials became normal passenger-car equipment in the American market. Specific original brand fitment could vary by supply, selling dealer, and market expectations, so size and construction are the more reliable authenticity markers.
For a restoration, the key is to stay within the correct bias-ply size family for the Gt Line-8 and then choose the sidewall presentation that best suits the car’s intended finish. If the car is headed for formal judging, consult Jordan specialists or marque clubs for model-specific guidance on cosmetic details. Those sources can help settle questions about what would look most authentic on your particular car.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1926 Jordan?
Correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1926 Jordan because judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts notice size, construction type, and sidewall appearance quickly. A car from this period is expected to wear bias-ply tires in the correct size family for its model, and a visibly incorrect rim diameter or an obviously out-of-era sidewall treatment can disrupt the car’s authenticity. Even on non-judged cars, the wrong fitment changes the overall stance.
That does not mean every restored 1926 Jordan must be prepared for concours rules, but it does mean the tire should support the story the car is telling. A preservation-minded car, a touring car, and a show-focused restoration may make different choices within the correct model-specific size path. Event rules vary, so the final standard should come from the judging body or marque community you plan to satisfy.
What is the difference between antique-size and numeric-size tires on a 1926 Jordan?
On a 1926 Jordan, antique-size markings such as 32X6.20 and 30X6.00 describe the tire primarily by overall diameter and nominal section width, while numeric sizes such as 650-20 and 6.00-18 emphasize nominal width and wheel diameter. Both systems appear within the 1926 Jordan lineup, and all are bias-ply applications tied to specific models. The Gt Line-8 uses the 20-inch pair, while the Line-8 uses the 18-inch pair.
For restoration work, the difference is more than just how the sidewall reads. Antique-format sizes often appeal to owners who want the tire marking itself to look era-correct to the period, while numeric sizes can be more immediately recognizable when checking wheel fitment. On a 1926 Jordan, the important point is not to mix the model-specific 20-inch and 18-inch paths simply because the sizing systems look related.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1926 Jordan tires safe for highway driving?
1926 Jordan tires can be suitable for road use when they are the correct size, in good condition, properly inflated, and matched to sound wheels, but they remain bias-ply tires designed around pre-war vehicle dynamics. No speed rating markings are shown in the currently listed 1926 Jordan products here, so safe road use should be approached with the car’s age, braking ability, steering geometry, suspension condition, and overall mechanical health in mind rather than tire size alone.
A well-sorted 1926 Jordan used responsibly can be enjoyable on secondary roads and moderate highway stretches, but sustained high-speed use is not the right benchmark for a car of this era. The real safety decision comes from the full condition of the car, not just the presence of fresh tires. Before any extended drive, make sure the chassis and steering are as trustworthy as the rubber touching the road.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1926 Jordan tires?
Inflation pressure on a 1926 Jordan should follow the size and tire actually fitted, not a one-number rule for the whole make. Among the listed products, 650-20 Firestone tires carry a maximum load and pressure figure of 2120 pounds at 60 psi. That is a maximum-rated figure for that tire, not automatically the pressure your Jordan should be run at in normal service.
For actual operating pressure, start with the original Jordan literature if available and then compare it with the tire manufacturer’s guidance for the specific reproduction tire on the car. Pressure affects ride, steering feel, and tread behavior on a bias-ply vehicle more than many owners expect. Never transfer a pressure figure from the 650-20 Gt Line-8 fitment to the 18-inch Line-8 sizes without checking the exact tire first.
What should I check before taking a 1926 Jordan on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1926 Jordan, inspect each tire for cracking, cuts, bulges, irregular wear, and proper inflation, and make sure the spare is roadworthy as well. Check that the wheel hardware is secure, the valve stems are in good condition, and any tube-type setup is holding pressure correctly. On a pre-war car, tire condition is only one part of a broader safety check that should also include brakes, steering, wheel bearings, and fluids.
A longer outing puts more heat and continuous load into the tires than a short local drive, so small problems become more important. It is wise to confirm that the car tracks properly, does not shimmy, and has no recurring pressure loss before committing to distance. A 1926 Jordan rewards preparation, and a careful pre-drive routine usually prevents the kind of roadside trouble that vintage owners remember for the wrong reasons.