In 1927, Paige stood in the American fine-car market as a maker of stylish, mid- to upper-range automobiles that blended modern engineering with the formal proportions buyers expected in the late prewar era. The 1927 Paige lineup spanned multiple series, and tire selection is not a one-size-fits-all decision across the range. Four model families are covered here, using eight distinct bias-ply sizes that are specific to individual series rather than shared across every 1927 Paige. For a buyer, the first step is identifying the correct series on the car, then confirming whether you need the original antique-style sizing or the later numeric size used on that same model family.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1927 Paige
Eight tire sizes appear across 1927 Paige vehicles, and they vary by model rather than being shared across the full lineup. Because these sizes do not all use the same rim diameter, the real decision starts with confirming the correct series and wheel size before choosing a tire. Understanding the distinction between antique diameter-based sizing and numeric bias-ply sizing helps narrow the right match quickly.
Year(s): 1927|Fit(s): 45 Series|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 20-in rim
30X5.25 is an antique tire size in which the first number refers to overall tire diameter and the second to nominal section width, and on 1927 Paige applications it corresponds to a bias-ply fitment for the 45 Series. This size is specific to the 45 Series rather than universal across all 1927 Paige models. It is the size to look at when the goal is staying with early period sizing conventions used on that series.
Year(s): 1927|Fit(s): 45 Series|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 20-in rim
5.25-20 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 5.25 represents nominal section width and 20 is the wheel diameter in inches. This size is specific to the 45 Series rather than shared across the rest of the 1927 Paige range. Buyers usually land here when they have confirmed a 20-inch wheel on a 45 Series and want the later numeric expression of a period-correct bias-ply fitment.
Year(s): 1927|Fit(s): 65 Series|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 21-in rim
31X5.25 is an antique diameter-by-section bias-ply size, with 31 indicating overall diameter and 5.25 indicating nominal section width. This fitment belongs to the 65 Series only, not to every 1927 Paige. It suits buyers working with a 65 Series car and aiming to match the older sizing language associated with late-1920s restorations.
Year(s): 1927|Fit(s): 65 Series|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 21 in
525-21 is a numeric bias-ply size that denotes a nominal 5.25-inch section width on a 21-inch wheel. Firestone and Excelsior products are available in this size, with blackwall and wide whitewall sidewall styles offered; all are bias-ply, and load figures up to 1120 pounds at 36 psi appear on some products. It is the practical 65 Series size to choose once wheel diameter is confirmed, with sidewall appearance becoming the next major decision for a restoration or touring car.
Year(s): 1927|Fit(s): 75 Series|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: rim diameter varies by application
30X5.77 is an antique diameter-by-section bias-ply size, using overall diameter first and nominal section width second. This size is specific to the 75 Series and stands apart from the other 1927 Paige series. It is the fitment to research when a 75 Series car still follows the earlier style of tire designation rather than the more familiar numeric convention.
Year(s): 1927|Fit(s): 75 Series|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: rim diameter varies by application
30x5 is another antique diameter-by-section bias-ply size, with a 30-inch overall diameter and 5-inch nominal section width. This fitment is limited to the 75 Series rather than shared with the rest of the 1927 Paige lineup. Buyers should treat it as a model-specific vintage size and verify the wheel on the car before moving to a product choice.
Year(s): 1927|Fit(s): 85 Series|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 20-in rim
32X6.20 is an antique bias-ply size in which 32 refers to overall diameter and 6.20 refers to nominal section width. This size applies only to the 85 Series, making it a series-specific fitment rather than a make-wide one for 1927 Paige. It is the right starting point for an 85 Series owner seeking an earlier-style sizing convention on a larger, upper-series Paige.
Year(s): 1927|Fit(s): 85 Series|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 20 in
650-20 is a numeric bias-ply size that indicates a nominal 6.50-inch section width on a 20-inch wheel. Firestone, Denman, and Deka offerings appear in this size, primarily in blackwall with a wide whitewall Firestone option; all are bias-ply, and some Firestone versions list a maximum load of 2120 pounds at 60 psi. It is the working 85 Series size for buyers who have confirmed a 20-inch wheel and want to choose between a more formal whitewall look or a plainer blackwall presentation.
Four 1927 Paige model families are covered here, and each one uses its own pair of tire sizes rather than sharing a common fitment across the lineup. That means year and make alone are not enough for tire selection on a 1927 Paige; the series identification is the key step before narrowing down size. Select your model below to explore model-specific fitment history and available tires.
1927 Paige 45 Series
The 45 Series represented one of the more accessible entries in the 1927 Paige range while still carrying the upright, refined character expected of the brand in the late 1920s. Its tires mount on 20-inch wheels, and the fitment choice centers on the two bias-ply size expressions associated with that series.
The 65 Series sat higher in the Paige lineup and would have appealed to buyers wanting more presence without leaving the marque's established touring and sedan tradition. Its tires mount on 21-inch wheels, and both associated sizes keep the car in the bias-ply world expected for the period.
The 75 Series reflects the larger, more substantial side of 1927 Paige production, with the visual weight and road presence buyers often seek in an upper-range prewar car. Its fitment stays with antique-style bias-ply sizing, so series identification matters before moving any further into tire selection.
The 85 Series was among the more imposing 1927 Paige offerings, suited to buyers who wanted a larger, more prestigious automobile from the brand. Its tires mount on 20-inch wheels, and the associated fitments remain true to the substantial bias-ply proportions expected on a car of this class and age.
Seven products are available across two tire sizes for 1927 Paige vehicles. Size 525-21 includes three bias-ply choices from Firestone and Excelsior in blackwall and wide whitewall styles, while 650-20 includes four bias-ply choices from Firestone, Denman, and Deka in mostly blackwall with one wide whitewall option.
These answers focus on how 1927 Paige tire sizing changes from one series to another, how antique and numeric size designations relate, and what to check for fitment, restoration accuracy, and long-term care on a low-use prewar car.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1927 Paige vehicles?
1927 Paige vehicles use eight sizes across four series. The 45 Series uses 30X5.25 and 5.25-20, the 65 Series uses 31X5.25 and 525-21, the 75 Series uses 30X5.77 and 30x5, and the 85 Series uses 32X6.20 and 650-20. The 45 Series and 85 Series use 20-inch wheel fitments in their numeric sizes, while the 65 Series numeric size mounts on a 21-inch wheel. Available rim-width guidance appears for 525-21 at 2.50 to 3.00 inches in Firestone form and 3.50 to 4.00 inches in Excelsior form, and for 650-20 at 3.00 to 5.00 inches on Firestone offerings.
The practical takeaway is that year and make alone are not enough on a 1927 Paige. You need to identify whether the car is a 45, 65, 75, or 85 Series first, then match the tire size to that series and the actual wheel on the car. Many restored cars have been apart more than once over the last century, so it is wise to confirm the size already on the vehicle, the wheel diameter, and the style of restoration you want before choosing a replacement.
What does 30X5.25 mean on a 1927 Paige tire?
On a 1927 Paige, 30X5.25 is an antique diameter-by-section size. The first number, 30, refers to the tire's overall diameter in inches, and the second number, 5.25, refers to nominal section width. That format predates the later numeric style that places the wheel diameter after a dash, and it is used on the 1927 Paige 45 Series as a bias-ply fitment.
That older format matters because it can look unfamiliar to modern buyers who are used to seeing the wheel diameter called out directly in the size code. If your 1927 Paige carries an antique-style size like 30X5.25, confirm the series and compare the wheel on the car before treating another similar-looking size as interchangeable. Antique sizing and numeric sizing often describe tires from the same era, but they should never be swapped casually without checking the wheel and model application.
What does 525-21 mean on a 1927 Paige tire?
On a 1927 Paige, 525-21 is a numeric bias-ply size. The 5.25 portion identifies the nominal section width, while 21 is the wheel diameter in inches. That size belongs to the 1927 Paige 65 Series and is offered in bias-ply construction from Firestone and Excelsior, with both blackwall and wide whitewall versions available.
The value of understanding 525-21 is that it quickly tells you the tire is meant for a 21-inch wheel, which narrows the fitment search much faster than relying on appearance alone. Once you know the car is a 65 Series and the wheel is 21 inches, your remaining choice is mostly about presentation and product character rather than changing to a different construction type. Check the individual tire's sidewall style and rim-width recommendation before making the final call.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 1927 Paige tires?
1927 Paige tire choices currently show both blackwall and wide whitewall sidewall styles, but only in the sizes with available products. In 525-21, Firestone offers blackwall and a 3.00-inch wide whitewall, while Excelsior appears in blackwall. In 650-20, Firestone offers blackwall and a 3.75-inch wide whitewall, while Denman and Deka appear in blackwall.
That gives a restorer two different visual directions. Blackwalls suit buyers who want a more restrained, workmanlike late-1920s appearance, while wide whitewalls create a more formal show presentation often associated with premium prewar automobiles. If authenticity matters for judging, confirm the expected sidewall look for your specific body style, market, and event standards before choosing solely on appearance.
What brands make tires for 1927 Paige vehicles?
Three brands appear in currently available 1927 Paige tire applications: Firestone, Excelsior, Denman, and Deka products are listed across the supported sizes, with Firestone and Excelsior covering 525-21 and Firestone, Denman, and Deka covering 650-20. All of these offerings are bias-ply, which matches the construction style expected on a 1927 automobile. Firestone is the only brand shown here in both blackwall and wide whitewall form across the supported sizes.
Brand choice on a 1927 Paige often comes down to the exact size you need first, then the sidewall appearance and rim-width compatibility you want within that size. A 65 Series owner shopping 525-21 has a different menu than an 85 Series owner shopping 650-20. Start with the series and wheel diameter, then compare the available brands inside that correct size instead of trying to choose a brand before the fitment is settled.
What is the difference between Firestone and Excelsior in 525-21 for a 1927 Paige?
In 525-21 for a 1927 Paige, Firestone appears in both blackwall and 3.00-inch whitewall form, with a listed load figure of 1120 pounds at 36 psi and a recommended rim-width range of 2.50 to 3.00 inches. Excelsior appears as a blackwall Comp H in the same nominal size, with a wider listed rim-width range of 3.50 to 4.00 inches. The listed weights also differ, with Firestone shown at 24 or 26 pounds depending on sidewall style and Excelsior at 20 pounds.
Those differences matter because two tires in the same nominal size can still suit different wheel setups and visual goals. A buyer with narrower rims and an interest in whitewall presentation will naturally look at Firestone first, while a buyer working with a wider wheel specification may focus on the Excelsior option. Match the tire to the wheel you actually have, then choose the sidewall style that fits the character of the car.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1927 Paige tires require?
Rim-width guidance is available for two of the supported 1927 Paige sizes. In 525-21, Firestone specifies a 2.50 to 3.00-inch rim width, while Excelsior specifies a 3.50 to 4.00-inch range. In 650-20, Firestone specifies a 3.00 to 5.00-inch rim width. Those ranges apply to the individual products in those sizes rather than serving as a blanket rule for every 1927 Paige tire.
That is why wheel measurement matters before ordering, especially on a prewar car that may have had wheels swapped, restored, or replaced long ago. Two products with the same size code can ask for different rim widths, as the 525-21 choices clearly show. Measure the wheel, confirm the diameter and width, and then compare that wheel to the tire you are considering rather than assuming every tire in the same nominal size will behave the same way.
Can the original 1927 Paige wheels be used with all tire sizes?
Original 1927 Paige wheels cannot be treated as universal across the full make lineup because the tire sizes are tied to specific series and multiple wheel diameters are involved. The 45 Series and 85 Series use 20-inch numeric fitments, while the 65 Series uses a 21-inch numeric fitment. The 75 Series uses antique-style sizes that still need to be matched to the actual wheels on the car rather than assumed from appearance alone.
That means an original wheel from one 1927 Paige series should not automatically be considered suitable for another series just because the cars are the same year and make. On a nearly century-old automobile, it is common to encounter replacement rims, mixed spare wheels, or restorations done to different standards. Verify the wheel diameter and width on the specific car before choosing a tire, especially if the vehicle has a long ownership history or incomplete restoration records.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1927 Paige when the tires are fitted?
A stored 1927 Paige should be kept in a cool, dry, dark space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, welders, and other ozone-producing equipment that can age rubber. Bias-ply tires also benefit from maintaining proper inflation during storage, because underinflation encourages flat-spotting and sidewall strain. Clean floors, modest temperature swings, and protection from standing moisture all help preserve both the tires and the wheels.
If the car will sit for a long season, move it periodically or support it in a way that reduces the same contact patch carrying the load month after month. Prewar cars are heavy for their narrow tires, so static storage can leave a noticeable temporary flat spot even when the rubber is still serviceable. Before putting the car back on the road, check pressure, inspect the sidewalls closely, and drive gently until the tires warm and round out.
How long do tires on a 1927 Paige typically last?
Tires on a 1927 Paige should be judged more by age and condition than by mileage. Collector vehicles often cover so few miles that the tread can look healthy long after the rubber has begun to harden, crack, or lose flexibility. A sensible routine is to evaluate them closely once they are five to seven years old and to treat around ten years as the point where replacement deserves serious consideration regardless of remaining tread depth.
The best way to track age is by the manufacturing date code on the tire, along with your own record of when the set went into service. A car that spends most of its life indoors can still age out a tire if it sits for years at a time. On a 1927 Paige, replacing an aged tire before it fails is usually far less costly than repairing damage from a roadside issue or bodywork contact on a prewar fender.
How often should tires on a 1927 Paige be inspected?
Tires on a 1927 Paige should be inspected before every drive and again before any longer outing. Look for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, exposed cord, and signs that the tire is losing pressure between drives. Because many prewar applications also involve tube-type practice, valve stems and the spare tire deserve the same attention as the four tires on the ground.
Regular inspection is especially important on a low-use car because age-related issues can appear without much mileage. A tire that seemed fine at the last event may show a split around the bead or a new crack in the sidewall after sitting through a season. Make the tire check part of a broader pre-drive routine that also includes wheel fasteners, brake function, steering play, and the condition of the spare before heading out.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1927 Paige 45 Series?
A 1927 Paige 45 Series would originally have been associated with bias-ply construction, as radials were not the standard passenger-car fitment in the American market at that time. The sizes tied to the 45 Series are 30X5.25 and 5.25-20, reflecting the period's overlap between antique diameter-based and numeric naming conventions. No original-equipment brand should be assumed solely from modern reproduction availability.
For most restorers, the main authenticity question is not radial versus bias-ply here, because the correct era answer is bias-ply, but which period size expression best matches the car's wheel and restoration goal. If the car is being judged, confirm the expected size and sidewall appearance with a Paige club, period literature, or a trusted marque specialist. Small differences in size designation can matter on a serious prewar restoration.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1927 Paige?
Correct tire fitment matters a great deal when showing a 1927 Paige because judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts notice size, construction type, and sidewall presentation quickly. A late-1920s Paige should present as a bias-ply car, and an incorrect size, an obviously mismatched sidewall style, or a tire that sits awkwardly on the wheel can distract from an otherwise excellent restoration. The expected details may also vary with the event and judging standard.
That does not mean every show car must wear the same sidewall look, but it does mean the choice should be intentional and defensible for the model and class. Touring events may tolerate a broader interpretation than strict concours competition. Before committing to a final set, check what your target event values most heavily and compare that standard with your car's wheel size, body style, and overall restoration theme.
What is the difference between Firestone and Denman in 650-20 for the 1927 Paige?
In 650-20 for the 1927 Paige, Firestone appears in blackwall and 3.75-inch whitewall versions with a listed maximum load of 2120 pounds at 60 psi and a rim-width range of 3.00 to 5.00 inches. Denman appears as a blackwall Highway Classic Truck bias-ply tire in the same nominal size. The listed Firestone weights are 28 and 33 pounds depending on sidewall style, while the Denman entry is shown at 32 pounds.
That creates a meaningful distinction for an 85 Series owner balancing presentation against a more utilitarian look. Firestone offers the dressier whitewall option and a stated rim-width range, while Denman keeps to a plain blackwall visual character. If your car is being restored for show, sidewall appearance may lead the decision; if it is being set up with a simpler road look, the blackwall alternatives may better match the intended personality.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1927 Paige tires safe for highway driving?
1927 Paige tires can be suitable for normal road use when they are the correct size, in sound condition, and operated within the limits of both the tire and the vehicle, but none of the listed products here show modern high-speed passenger performance positioning. The supported tires are all bias-ply, which is appropriate for the era and typically brings more tramlining, more sensitivity to road crown, and a different steering feel than a later radial. On a car from 1927, the mechanical condition of the brakes, steering, suspension, and wheels is every bit as important as the tire itself.
For real-world use, a careful pre-drive inspection and moderate speed expectations matter more than chasing theoretical top-end capability. A properly sorted Paige used for touring at sensible road speeds places very different demands on its tires than a modern highway car. Keep the tires correctly inflated, stay alert to vibration or pull, and remember that the entire vehicle system must be ready for the trip, not just the rubber touching the road.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1927 Paige tires?
Inflation pressure on a 1927 Paige should follow the original vehicle guidance where available and the tire maker's stated limits for the exact product you choose. Among the listed products, some 525-21 Firestone tires show a maximum load of 1120 pounds at 36 psi, while some 650-20 Firestone tires show a maximum load of 2120 pounds at 60 psi. Those figures belong to those specific tires and should not be transferred across the rest of the 1927 Paige range.
The safest approach is to treat the tire's published load-and-pressure figure as part of the tire's capability, then work from the car's own recommended operating pressure if you have authoritative vehicle literature. Prewar cars often respond noticeably to a few pounds of pressure difference in ride and steering feel, so avoid guessing. Use the exact size and product you have mounted as the reference point, and adjust only within the guidance appropriate to that tire.
What should I check before taking a 1927 Paige on a longer drive?
Before taking a 1927 Paige on a longer drive, inspect each tire for cracks, cuts, bulges, irregular wear, and anything lodged in the tread or sidewall. Confirm inflation pressure, look over the valve stems, and make sure the spare is serviceable and accessible. Since these are bias-ply applications on a prewar car, also pay attention to wheel condition, lug security, and any vibration or pull that could signal a tire or chassis issue.
Tires are only one part of the preparation, but they are one of the easiest places to prevent trouble before it starts. A longer outing is a good reason to add a broader mechanical check that includes brakes, steering, cooling, lubrication, and basic roadside tools. If the car has been sitting, take a short local drive first to let the tires warm, feel for flat-spotting, and confirm that everything tracks and stops as expected.
