1928 Chrysler Tire Fitment Guide

1928 Chrysler vehicles use eight sizes across four model families, and the fitment is series-specific rather than universal. The 52 Series uses 29X4.75 and 4.75-20 on 20-inch wheels. The 62 Series uses 28X5.25 and 5.25-18 on 18-inch wheels. The 72 Series uses 30X6.00 and 6.00-18 on 18-inch wheels, while the 80 Series uses 30X6.75 and 700-18 on 18-inch wheels. Current rim-width guidance is available for 700-18, which fits 3.75- to 4.00-inch rims.

That means the first fitment decision for a 1928 Chrysler is identifying the correct series, because the year and make alone do not narrow the tire down far enough. A 52 Series stands apart with its 20-inch wheel fitment, while the 62, 72, and 80 Series all use 18-inch rims but not the same section widths. If the car has been restored before, compare the wheel diameter, existing sidewall markings, and the series identification together before choosing a replacement.

On a 1928 Chrysler, 29X4.75 is an antique diameter-by-section size. The first number, 29, refers to the tire's overall diameter in inches, while 4.75 refers to the nominal section width in inches. That is different from later sizing systems that emphasize wheel diameter in the code itself. For 1928 Chrysler applications, 29X4.75 belongs to the 52 Series and reflects an earlier style of bias-ply tire marking common in the late 1920s transition period.

That older style matters because many owners see a diameter-by-section tire and assume it cross-references directly to a modern metric or later radial size, which is not how these vintage fitments should be approached. On a 1928 Chrysler, the safest path is to treat 29X4.75 as its own period-specific fitment family and confirm the wheel diameter separately. If authenticity matters, this style of marking is part of the visual and historical character of an early Chrysler restoration.

On a 1928 Chrysler, 700-18 is a numeric bias-ply size. The 7.00 figure refers to the nominal section width in inches, and the 18 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. Unlike a metric radial code, there is no aspect ratio shown in the size, and the construction here is bias-ply. Within the 1928 Chrysler range, 700-18 is used on the 80 Series and represents the largest currently supported numeric fitment in this year-make group.

That makes 700-18 easier for many modern buyers to interpret than an antique diameter-by-section size, but it still needs to be matched to the correct Chrysler series rather than chosen by appearance alone. The available 700-18 products also introduce style choices such as blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall. If your goal is a particular restoration look, the sidewall treatment becomes almost as important as the size itself once the fitment is confirmed.

Current sidewall style choices within the 1928 Chrysler range appear in 700-18 for the 80 Series. That size is available in blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall versions, all in bias-ply construction. The whitewall variants give a more formal, luxury-oriented visual treatment, while the blackwall choices present a more restrained period appearance. Other 1928 Chrysler sizes in this year-make range do not currently show the same variety of listed sidewall treatments.

For a 1928 Chrysler owner, sidewall style is usually a restoration and presentation choice after the size itself has been settled. A formal sedan or premium-series car often looks more at home with a whitewall treatment, while some restorations intentionally stay with blackwalls for a more conservative period look. If the car will be shown, check event or marque expectations before deciding, because sidewall appearance is often one of the first visual details judges and enthusiasts notice.

The current product range for 1928 Chrysler applications shown here is centered on Firestone in 700-18 for the 80 Series. Those offerings include the Firestone Balloon line and Firestone Classic Bias Ply line, all in bias-ply construction. Each of those products stays within the same basic vintage fitment family while offering different sidewall presentations. No additional brand appears in the currently represented 1928 Chrysler product range.

Brand choice on a late-1920s Chrysler is often tied as much to visual period character as to the basic dimensions. Firestone has long-standing recognition in the collector market for prewar-style bias-ply tires, so many restorers are comfortable staying within that family when an appropriate size is available. The important point is not to choose a brand first and force the fitment afterward; confirm the exact series and size, then compare the available branding and sidewall options inside that correct fitment.

For the 1928 Chrysler 80 Series in 700-18, Firestone Balloon and Firestone Classic Bias Ply share the same basic size, 18-inch rim diameter, bias-ply construction, and maximum load rating of 1520 pounds at 36 psi. The main visible distinction is sidewall presentation, with Firestone Balloon offered in blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall forms, while the Firestone Classic Bias Ply listing here appears in blackwall. Weight also varies among the listed products, with the Balloon versions ranging from 26 to 35 pounds and the Classic Bias Ply listing at 29 pounds.

That means the choice is less about a different fitment category and more about the look and presentation you want on the car while staying within a correct 700-18 bias-ply specification. A blackwall tire keeps the appearance more understated, while either whitewall treatment creates a more dressed, premium late-1920s profile. Since the rim-width guidance is the same across these 700-18 listings, the final comparison usually comes down to restoration style and product character rather than compatibility.

Rim-width guidance in the current 1928 Chrysler range is available for 700-18, the size used on the 80 Series. That tire size fits rims measuring 3.75 to 4.00 inches wide and mounts on an 18-inch wheel. The other 1928 Chrysler sizes shown for the 52, 62, and 72 Series do not share that exact fitment family, so the 700-18 rim-width specification should stay with that size only.

For setup work, rim width matters because a vintage tire can look correct in size code yet still sit incorrectly if the wheel is outside the intended width range. If you are working on an 80 Series, confirm the actual wheel width before choosing among the 700-18 options. On the other Chrysler series, verify the wheel against the exact size on the car or the wheel stampings rather than assuming the 80 Series specification carries across the rest of the 1928 lineup.

Original 1928 Chrysler wheels can only be used with the tire sizes intended for that specific series and wheel diameter. The 52 Series uses 20-inch wheel fitments, while the 62, 72, and 80 Series use 18-inch fitments. Even among the 18-inch Chrysler series, the tire sizes are not interchangeable across the full range because the section widths and period size families change from one model family to the next.

That means an original wheel from one 1928 Chrysler series should not be treated as a universal wheel for the entire make. Before reusing original wheels, confirm the wheel diameter first and then make sure the size family matches the series the car belongs to. If a car has had wheels swapped over the years, that check becomes especially important, because a late-1920s Chrysler can otherwise appear visually correct while carrying a wheel-and-tire combination from a different series.

A 1928 Chrysler should be stored in a cool, dry, dark space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, welders, and other ozone-producing equipment that accelerates sidewall aging. Because every tire size in this year-make group is bias-ply, long periods of static storage can encourage temporary flat-spotting more readily than many later radial designs. Keeping the tires clean, properly inflated, and off damp concrete helps preserve both the casing and the cosmetic finish.

For longer storage periods, many collectors either roll the car periodically or support it in a way that reduces continuous load on one contact patch while still respecting the suspension and frame. If the car remains on the ground, moving it a short distance from time to time can help. A 1928 Chrysler with whitewall tires also benefits from gentle cleaning routines, since harsh chemicals can shorten the life of the sidewall surface even when the tread still appears serviceable.

On a 1928 Chrysler, tire age usually matters more than mileage because collector cars often travel limited annual distances. A sensible rule is to begin evaluating vintage-use tires closely around five to seven years of service and to consider replacement around the ten-year mark regardless of tread depth. The DOT date code on the tire helps establish age, and the sidewall, casing condition, and storage history all matter just as much as remaining tread.

That approach is especially important for a prewar-era car because a lightly driven Chrysler can appear fine at a glance while the rubber has already hardened with time. Cracking, stiffness, vibration, and reduced pressure retention are all warning signs that age is overtaking usefulness. If the car is driven only to shows or local events, it is still worth aging the tires by calendar time rather than convincing yourself that low mileage has preserved them indefinitely.

Tires on a 1928 Chrysler should be inspected before every drive, with a more thorough check before tours, parades, or any longer highway outing. Look for sidewall cracking, weathering, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and signs that the tire is not holding pressure consistently. Because these are vintage-style bias-ply fitments, also pay attention to valve-stem condition and any unusual shape changes after the car has been sitting for an extended period.

A quick visual scan is useful, but a hands-on inspection is better for an older collector car. Check inflation with an accurate gauge, examine the spare as carefully as the four road tires, and make sure no tire has shifted in appearance since the last outing. That routine only takes a few minutes, yet it catches the kind of age-related issues that can turn a pleasant drive in a 1928 Chrysler into a roadside problem.

A 1928 Chrysler 52 Series would have been fitted with bias-ply tires, which was standard industry practice in the late 1920s. Within the 1928 Chrysler range, the 52 Series uses 29X4.75 and 4.75-20, both reflecting period-correct bias-ply sizing language rather than any modern radial convention. One format expresses the tire by overall diameter and section width, while the other uses the later numeric width-and-rim style. Both belong to the 52 Series fitment family.

For an accurate restoration, the larger point is matching the car to its correct size family and period construction rather than chasing a modern substitute. If the car's history is especially important, compare surviving original paperwork, wheel markings, and club guidance for body-style or market-specific nuances. A Chrysler marque specialist or prewar judging guide can help confirm whether your car is best represented by the antique-style marking or the numeric equivalent for the way it is being restored.

Correct tire fitment matters a great deal when showing a 1928 Chrysler, especially at events that emphasize authenticity. Judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts often notice whether the car carries the right size family for its series, the correct bias-ply construction for the era, and a sidewall style that suits the period presentation. A 52 Series wearing an 80 Series size, or any 1928 Chrysler wearing a clearly modern radial look, can upset the car's proportions and historical accuracy.

That does not mean every event applies the same standard, but tire size and appearance are among the most visible restoration details on any prewar car. If your Chrysler is being prepared for serious judging, verify the exact series first and then confirm whether the event favors a specific period sidewall look. Marque clubs and event rule books remain the best final authority for those standards, especially when the car has unusual coachwork or an uncertain restoration history.

On a 1928 Chrysler, antique-size markings such as 29X4.75, 28X5.25, 30X6.00, and 30X6.75 describe the tire by overall diameter and nominal section width. Numeric sizes such as 4.75-20, 5.25-18, 6.00-18, and 700-18 place the nominal section width first and the wheel diameter second. Both are bias-ply period formats, and both appear within the 1928 Chrysler lineup depending on the specific series involved.

For restoration work, the distinction is important because the sidewall marking itself contributes to the period presentation of the car. Some owners want the earlier antique-style code because it looks especially appropriate on a late-1920s wheel and tire, while others need the numeric-marked equivalent that aligns with their car's established fitment. The right answer depends on the exact series, the wheel in use, and how strictly original the finished Chrysler needs to appear.

A properly matched and properly maintained tire can be suitable for normal road use on a 1928 Chrysler, but safety starts with using the correct series-specific size and keeping the tire in sound age and condition. The currently represented 700-18 products for the 80 Series are bias-ply tires with a maximum load rating of 1520 pounds at 36 psi. No speed rating is shown for those offerings, so road use should stay mindful of the limits of a late-1920s car's brakes, steering, suspension, and overall touring character.

In practice, the condition of the tire and the condition of the car usually matter more than chasing modern highway expectations. A 1928 Chrysler in good mechanical order can be driven confidently within the pace appropriate to its era, but it should not be treated like a modern freeway commuter. Before any sustained highway use, inspect the tires closely, confirm inflation, and make sure the chassis and braking system are equally prepared for the trip.

Inflation pressure on a 1928 Chrysler should follow the specification for the exact tire size and the vehicle's original guidance rather than one blanket number for the whole make. Among the currently represented products, 700-18 carries a maximum load rating of 1520 pounds at 36 psi. That figure is a tire rating reference, not a universal instruction for every 1928 Chrysler size. The 52, 62, and 72 Series use different fitments, so their pressures should be confirmed separately.

The best approach is to start with the original owner's manual or marque reference for the car and compare that with the tire manufacturer's recommendations for the exact reproduction tire being used. Collector cars often drive best when pressure is set for the actual car and service use rather than simply inflated to the tire's maximum. Keeping the pressure appropriate also helps preserve ride quality, steering feel, and even tread wear on a vintage Chrysler chassis.

Before a longer drive in a 1928 Chrysler, inspect each tire for cracks, cuts, bulges, exposed cord, irregular wear, and proper inflation. Make sure the spare is usable, the valve stems are sound, and the wheel fasteners are secure. On an 80 Series running 700-18 tires, also confirm that the tire remains matched to an 18-inch rim within the 3.75- to 4.00-inch width range. Tire condition is only one part of readiness, but it is one of the most important.

A longer outing in a prewar Chrysler deserves a broader mechanical check as well, including brakes, steering play, cooling, and fuel-system dependability. The goal is to avoid treating the tires in isolation from the rest of the car. When the tire inspection is combined with a sensible pre-drive check of the chassis and drivetrain, a 1928 Chrysler becomes much more enjoyable and predictable on tour, even at modest road speeds.