1926 Star sat in the lively mid-1920s American market as a value-minded make offering practical four-cylinder transportation alongside larger six-cylinder cars for buyers who wanted a step up in presence and performance. That split matters when sorting tires, because 1926 Star used four distinct sizes across just two model groups rather than one universal fitment for the whole make. The real choice starts with identifying whether you have a 4 Cyl. or 6 Cyl., then deciding whether you need the earlier diameter-by-section style size or the later numeric bias-ply equivalent used on the same model line. Getting that first step right makes the rest of the selection process far more straightforward.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1926 Star
Four tire sizes appear across 1926 Star vehicles, and they vary by model rather than being shared across the full range. Both the 4 Cyl. and 6 Cyl. lines pair an older antique-style size with a later numeric bias-ply size, so the decision is less about construction type and more about confirming your exact model and the rim diameter your wheels were built around. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps match the tire to the correct Star model.
Year(s): 1926|Fit(s): 4 Cyl.|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 20 in.
29X4.50 is an antique size that uses overall tire diameter first and nominal section width second, identifying a bias-ply tire about 29 inches tall and 4.50 inches wide for the 1926 Star 4 Cyl. line rather than the full 1926 Star range. This size appears as a model-specific fitment within the year and make. It suits owners who want the earlier pre-war style size presentation associated with mid-1920s wheels and restoration work on 4 Cyl. Star cars.
Year(s): 1926|Fit(s): 4 Cyl.|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 21 in.
4.40-21 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 4.40 is the nominal section width in inches and 21 is the wheel diameter, making it a 21-inch fitment for the 1926 Star 4 Cyl. models only. This size is specific to the 4 Cyl. cars and is not shared with the 1926 Star 6 Cyl. line. It is the right direction when your 4 Cyl. Star is equipped for the later numeric sizing convention rather than the earlier diameter-by-section style.
Year(s): 1926|Fit(s): 6 Cyl.|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 23 in.
30X4.95 is an antique bias-ply size that states overall diameter first and nominal section width second, indicating a tire about 30 inches tall and 4.95 inches wide for the 1926 Star 6 Cyl. models rather than every Star built that year. This is a model-specific fitment tied to the six-cylinder line. It makes the most sense for owners preserving the earlier size convention and visual character associated with 6 Cyl. Star restorations.
Year(s): 1926|Fit(s): 6 Cyl.|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 21 in.
5.00-21 is a numeric bias-ply tire size where 5.00 represents nominal section width in inches and 21 identifies the wheel diameter, making it a 21-inch fitment used on 1926 Star 6 Cyl. cars only. This size belongs specifically to the six-cylinder models and is not a universal 1926 Star size. It is the practical match when your 6 Cyl. Star uses the later numeric sizing system instead of the antique diameter-by-section format.
Two model groups are covered for 1926 Star, and they do not share the same tire sizes across the board. In practical terms, that means year and make alone are not enough here; you need to identify whether your car is a 4 Cyl. or 6 Cyl. before narrowing down the correct size family. Select a model below to explore model-specific fitment history and the tire options that match it.
1926 Star 4 Cyl.
The 1926 Star 4 Cyl. represented the straightforward, accessible side of the Star lineup, aimed at buyers who wanted dependable transportation in the booming mid-1920s market. Its tires mount on either 20-inch or 21-inch wheels depending on which of the two listed size systems your car uses, so wheel and existing size markings should be checked before choosing a replacement.
The 1926 Star 6 Cyl. sat higher in the range, offering a larger and more upscale Star with the smoother character buyers expected from a six-cylinder car in the period. Its tires mount on either 23-inch or 21-inch wheels depending on the size family fitted to the car, making wheel diameter confirmation especially important before moving forward.
These FAQs sort out the model-specific tire differences on 1926 Star cars, explain what the antique and numeric size codes mean, and cover the setup, storage, and road-use considerations that matter on a low-use pre-war vehicle.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1926 Star vehicles?
1926 Star vehicles use four tire sizes across two model groups. The 1926 Star 4 Cyl. uses either 29X4.50 or 4.40-21, while the 1926 Star 6 Cyl. uses either 30X4.95 or 5.00-21. Those are not interchangeable across the full make, because each pair belongs to a specific model line. The antique-style sizes and the numeric sizes also point to different wheel diameters, so this is not a case where one 1926 Star tire fits every car built that year.
Most confusion starts when a buyer knows the car is a 1926 Star but has not yet confirmed whether it is a 4 Cyl. or 6 Cyl. and which wheel diameter is on the car. Start with the model identification, then compare the existing tire size marking or wheel setup to the correct pair above. That approach will narrow the search much faster than choosing by appearance alone.
What does 29X4.50 mean on a 1926 Star tire?
On a 1926 Star, 29X4.50 is an antique diameter-by-section size. The first number gives the approximate overall tire diameter in inches, and the second gives the nominal section width in inches. That means a 29X4.50 tire is about 29 inches tall and 4.50 inches wide in period sizing language, and it is a bias-ply fitment used on the 1926 Star 4 Cyl.
That older style of labeling can look unfamiliar if you are used to modern tire codes, but it is common on pre-war cars. It also should not be treated as the same thing as a later numeric size just because both belong to the same model family. If your 1926 Star still uses the earlier size convention, matching that code is usually the best starting point for maintaining the car's intended period appearance.
What does 4.40-21 mean on a 1926 Star tire?
On a 1926 Star, 4.40-21 is a numeric bias-ply tire size. The 4.40 refers to nominal section width in inches, and the 21 refers to the wheel diameter in inches. For 1926 Star fitment, that size belongs to the 4 Cyl. models rather than the 6 Cyl. line. The same basic decoding applies to 5.00-21 on the 6 Cyl., with the width changing to 5.00 inches on the same 21-inch wheel diameter.
Numeric bias-ply sizes became a familiar way to label tires as the industry moved away from some earlier diameter-by-section conventions. If your wheel setup calls for a 21-inch numeric size, stay within the size assigned to your model group instead of jumping between four-cylinder and six-cylinder sizes. Width, stance, and fitment expectations differ enough that the model distinction matters.
Do all 1926 Star models use the same tire size?
No, 1926 Star models do not use one shared tire size. The 4 Cyl. models use 29X4.50 or 4.40-21, while the 6 Cyl. models use 30X4.95 or 5.00-21. That split reflects the difference between the two model families and the wheel setups associated with them. Every listed size is specific to one model group rather than universal across the entire make.
That distinction is especially important on a pre-war car, because many surviving vehicles have had wheels, tires, or even complete axles changed over the decades. Identifying the model is the first filter, but confirming the actual wheel diameter on the car is the next one. Doing both before choosing a tire helps avoid ending up with the right year and make but the wrong fitment.
Buying the Right Tire
Should I choose the 29X4.50 or the 4.40-21 for my 1926 Star?
For a 1926 Star 4 Cyl., the choice between 29X4.50 and 4.40-21 is not a bias-ply versus radial decision, because both are bias-ply sizes. The real issue is which wheel diameter and size convention your car uses. A 29X4.50 belongs to the antique diameter-by-section system, while a 4.40-21 is a numeric bias-ply size for a 21-inch wheel. Both are correct only within the proper wheel and model context.
Look first at the size stamped on the old tire or compare the wheel diameter on the car before choosing between those two. If the car is being restored to a specific period presentation, keeping the same style of size code often matters visually as well as mechanically. If the wheel setup has already been changed during the car's life, use the actual wheel and tire dimensions on the car as your guide.
Should I choose the 30X4.95 or the 5.00-21 for my 1926 Star?
For a 1926 Star 6 Cyl., the choice between 30X4.95 and 5.00-21 again comes down to the wheel diameter and the size system used on the car, not a change in construction type. Both are bias-ply fitments, but 30X4.95 is an antique diameter-by-section size and 5.00-21 is a numeric bias-ply size for a 21-inch wheel. Each belongs specifically to the six-cylinder Star models.
Owners should confirm whether the car still carries its intended wheel setup before selecting one of those two sizes. Pre-war six-cylinder cars sometimes underwent practical updates in service, and tires were often replaced with whatever matched the wheels fitted at the time. Preserving the existing correct wheel-and-size relationship is usually more important here than choosing by the larger-looking number alone.
What should I confirm before choosing tires for a 1926 Star?
A 1926 Star owner should confirm three things before choosing tires: whether the car is a 4 Cyl. or 6 Cyl., which tire size family is correct for that model, and which wheel diameter is actually on the car. The four sizes used in 1926 are split by model and by size convention, so year and make alone are not enough to narrow the fitment. Every listed size is bias-ply, so construction does not solve the selection on its own.
The most efficient approach is to inspect the tire sidewall marking if an old tire is still present, then measure or verify the wheel diameter before moving forward. That is especially helpful on a car nearly a century old, where replacement parts may have been mixed over time. If the car is a careful restoration, a marque specialist can also help confirm whether the current wheel setup matches period expectations for your model.
Fitting & Setup
Can the original 1926 Star wheels be used with all tire sizes?
Original 1926 Star wheels cannot be assumed to work with all four tire sizes, because the sizes are split across different wheel diameters. The 1926 Star 4 Cyl. uses either a 20-inch wheel with 29X4.50 or a 21-inch wheel with 4.40-21. The 1926 Star 6 Cyl. uses either a 23-inch wheel with 30X4.95 or a 21-inch wheel with 5.00-21. That means compatibility depends on the exact wheel fitted to the individual car.
Before reusing existing wheels, verify the wheel diameter rather than relying on model year alone. A wheel that accepts one of the numeric 21-inch sizes will not automatically suit one of the antique diameter-by-section alternatives from the same model group. On a restored or long-stored pre-war car, it is wise to inspect wheel condition and spoke or rim integrity at the same time as you confirm tire size.
How do I verify the correct wheel diameter for a 1926 Star tire?
A 1926 Star tire size points directly to the wheel diameter once you know how the code works. On the numeric sizes, the number after the dash is the wheel diameter, so 4.40-21 and 5.00-21 both fit 21-inch wheels. On the antique sizes, the wheel diameter is different from the first number, which gives overall tire diameter, so 29X4.50 and 30X4.95 should not be read as 29-inch or 30-inch wheel sizes.
That distinction matters because antique-size tires can mislead modern buyers who are used to reading only the last number of a tire code. If the old tire is gone, measure the wheel carefully at the bead seat area or have a specialist confirm it before ordering. A few minutes spent on that step prevents the most common fitment mistake seen with mid-1920s cars.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1926 Star when the tires are fitted?
A 1926 Star should be stored in a cool, dry, dark place with the tires kept away from direct sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, and other ozone-producing equipment. Bias-ply tires on pre-war cars can flat-spot more readily during long static storage, especially if the car sits on one patch of tread for months. Clean floors, stable temperatures, and proper inflation all help reduce unnecessary stress on the casing and sidewall.
Many collectors either roll the car periodically or take some weight off the tires with stands placed correctly under the chassis or suspension points. If the car stays on its tires, moving it a short distance from time to time helps change the contact patch. Good storage habits matter just as much on a lightly driven antique as tread depth, because age and environment usually determine service life before mileage does.
How long do tires on a 1926 Star typically last?
Tires on a 1926 Star are usually evaluated by age more than by miles driven, because collector cars often see limited annual use. A sound rule is to inspect them closely once they reach roughly five to seven years of age and to treat around ten years as a point where replacement deserves serious consideration even if tread remains. The DOT date code on modern reproduction tires is the most reliable way to track age.
A tire that looks fine from a few feet away can still be aging internally, especially on a car that spends long periods parked. Sidewall checking, loss of flexibility, recurring air loss, and changes in ride feel all deserve attention well before the tread is worn out. For an antique Star, age-related caution is part of responsible ownership, not over-maintenance.
How often should tires on a 1926 Star be inspected?
Tires on a 1926 Star should be inspected before every drive and again before any longer outing. Look closely for sidewall cracking, tread separation, cuts, embedded debris, bulges, and signs that the car is not holding pressure evenly. Because these are bias-ply applications on a pre-war vehicle, it also helps to monitor how the car sits after storage and whether any flat-spot sensation works out after a short, careful drive.
Longer drives deserve a more thorough check that includes the spare, the valve stems, and the wheel itself. Antique cars place a premium on prevention because a small issue that goes unnoticed in the garage can become far more inconvenient on the road. Frequent visual inspections are one of the simplest ways to keep an occasional-use Star ready for reliable touring.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1926 Star 4 Cyl.?
A 1926 Star 4 Cyl. would have been fitted with bias-ply tires, because that was the standard construction for American passenger cars in the mid-1920s. Within the 1926 Star range, the 4 Cyl. uses either 29X4.50 or 4.40-21 depending on the wheel and size convention associated with the car. Either way, the original construction type would have been bias-ply rather than radial, and a modern radial look would not match period practice for a 1926 Star.
For a historically accurate restoration, the key points are the correct model-specific size, the correct wheel diameter, and an era-appropriate bias-ply appearance. Original equipment branding could vary by market, dealer, or replacement history, so size and construction are the safest authenticity anchors. If the car is being judged, a Star or Durant-family marque specialist can help confirm the most appropriate size presentation for your exact body and chassis.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1926 Star?
Correct tire fitment matters on a 1926 Star because show judging on pre-war cars often pays attention to size, construction type, and overall period appearance. A 4 Cyl. wearing a 6 Cyl. size, or a car using the wrong wheel diameter for its tire code, would stand out immediately to knowledgeable judges. On an antique vehicle from this era, the tire is a visible styling and authenticity feature rather than just a consumable part.
Even when a local event is less formal, owners usually benefit from keeping the tire size family consistent with the car's intended presentation. Sidewall look, overall stance, and the visual proportion between tire and wheel all influence how correct the car appears. If concours-level originality matters to you, review event rules and marque-club guidance before finalizing the tire choice.
Were bias-ply tires correct for 1926 Star vehicles?
Yes, bias-ply tires were correct for 1926 Star vehicles. Every listed 1926 Star size is a bias-ply application, which aligns with normal industry practice for the period. The four-cylinder and six-cylinder cars differ in size, but not in basic construction type. That makes bias-ply fitment one of the clearest authenticity points on a 1926 Star regardless of body style or model group.
For restoration purposes, that means the finer distinctions are the correct model-specific size and the correct style of size code for the wheel setup on the car. A period-correct presentation depends as much on proportion and format as on the fact that the tire is bias-ply. Owners aiming for show-level accuracy should treat construction as the starting point, then refine the choice by model and wheel diameter.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1926 Star tires safe for highway driving?
1926 Star tires can be suitable for road use when they are the correct size, in good condition, and used within the expectations of a mid-1920s vehicle. All listed 1926 Star fitments are bias-ply, so they will deliver the period driving character that comes with that construction rather than the feel of a later radial tire. On a car of this age, tire safety is only one part of the equation; brakes, steering, suspension condition, and overall mechanical health are equally important before sustained highway use.
Drivers should think in terms of conservative touring rather than pushing a pre-war car to modern traffic rhythms whenever conditions are unfavorable. A careful pre-drive inspection, proper inflation, and realistic speeds matter more than chasing the absolute capability of the tire itself. If the Star has been in storage or driven infrequently, a shorter local test drive before a longer trip is a wise extra step.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1926 Star tires?
Inflation pressure for 1926 Star tires should be set according to the vehicle manufacturer's period recommendation for the specific model and the tire maker's guidance for the exact reproduction tire being used. Because 1926 Star uses four different model-specific sizes, pressure should not be copied from one size family to another just because the cars share the same year and make. The correct pressure is tied to the individual tire size, wheel setup, and intended operating load.
The best practice is to start with the owner's manual or period service information for your exact Star model, then confirm the pressure range appropriate to the reproduction tire you select. That keeps the car closer to its intended ride and handling balance while avoiding underinflation or overinflation mistakes. Recheck pressure regularly, especially after seasonal temperature swings or extended storage.
What should I check before taking a 1926 Star on a longer drive?
Before taking a 1926 Star on a longer drive, inspect every tire for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and pressure loss, and make sure the spare is usable as well. Confirm that the wheels are sound, the valve stems are in good condition, and the tread is free of damage from long storage or road debris. Since these cars are nearly a century old, tire readiness should be part of a broader inspection that includes brakes, steering linkage, wheel bearings, cooling system, and fuel delivery.
A short local shakedown drive is often the smartest final check before committing to a long route. That gives the car time to reveal any vibration, pull, flat-spot, or pressure issue while you are still close to home. Antique touring is most enjoyable when the preparation is methodical, and the tires are one of the first places that preparation should begin.
