1928 Davis belongs to the late brass-and-wood frontier of American motoring, when many smaller makes still blended carriage-era proportions with steadily improving road manners. The Davis name is remembered today as part of the independent automaker landscape, and its surviving cars appeal to collectors who value unusual marques and careful period presentation. For 1928 Davis, one model used two different tire sizes, and the key choice is less about model-to-model variation than about identifying which wheel diameter and period-correct size your 99 Series actually carries. Before choosing a tire, confirm whether your car is fitted for 30X6.00 or 6.00-18 and inspect the wheel itself for a match.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1928 Davis
Two tire sizes are available for 1928 Davis, and they are not shared across multiple models because the 99 Series is the only model covered here. The real decision is confirming the correct rim diameter first, since these two bias-ply sizes mount on different wheels and represent different period sizing conventions. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps you match the tire to the car's actual wheel setup.
Year(s): 1928|Fit(s): 99 Series|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 20-in rim
30X6.00 is an antique diameter-by-section size in which 30 refers to the overall tire diameter and 6.00 refers to nominal section width, with bias-ply construction. This size is used on the 1928 Davis 99 Series, and available products in this size are bias-ply designs. It is the more overtly early-era style of marking and suits restorations that aim to preserve a distinctly pre-war look and feel.
Year(s): 1928|Fit(s): 99 Series|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 18-in rim
6.00-18 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 6.00 indicates nominal section width and 18 indicates rim diameter in inches. This size is specific to the 1928 Davis 99 Series and reflects a later numeric sizing convention than the antique diameter-marked format. It is the right choice for owners whose cars are fitted with 18-inch wheels and who want to stay within an era-correct bias-ply construction.
One model is covered for 1928 Davis. Tire choice still matters because the 99 Series appears with two different sizes, so identifying the actual wheel and tire size on your car comes before selecting a replacement. Select the model below to narrow fitment history and see the tires that apply to that specific Davis.
1928 Davis 99 Series
The 1928 Davis 99 Series represents the kind of niche independent American car that now draws attention for its rarity and distinct period character. Within this model, tires mount on either 20-inch or 18-inch wheels depending on which of the two listed sizes your car uses, so wheel verification is the first step before moving forward with replacement tires.
These FAQs help 1928 Davis owners sort out the difference between 30X6.00 and 6.00-18, understand what those older size markings mean, and prepare a rare pre-war car for proper fitment, storage, and road use.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1928 Davis vehicles?
1928 Davis vehicles in this guide use two sizes: 30X6.00 and 6.00-18, both in bias-ply construction. Both sizes apply to the 1928 Davis 99 Series, but they do not mount on the same wheel diameter. The 30X6.00 size fits a 20-inch rim, while 6.00-18 fits an 18-inch rim.
That means the first fitment question on a 1928 Davis is not brand or tread style, but which wheels are actually on the car. A surviving pre-war car may have been restored, re-wheeled, or mixed with period parts over time, so the safest approach is to confirm the existing sidewall marking and measure the wheel before choosing a replacement tire.
What does 30X6.00 mean on a 1928 Davis tire?
On a 1928 Davis, 30X6.00 is an antique diameter-by-section size. The 30 identifies the tire's overall diameter, and the 6.00 identifies the nominal section width. In practical terms, that size mounts on a 20-inch rim and reflects an older pre-war sizing convention that modern motorists do not see often.
That older style of marking is important because it should not be interpreted like a later numeric size. If your 1928 Davis carries 30X6.00, you should stay with a tire built for that exact designation rather than trying to translate it casually into another size. Antique-size markings are part of what gives an early car the right stance and visual proportion.
What does 6.00-18 mean on a 1928 Davis tire?
On a 1928 Davis, 6.00-18 is a numeric bias-ply size. The 6.00 refers to nominal section width, and the 18 refers to rim diameter in inches. Unlike 30X6.00, it does not state the overall tire diameter directly in the size code.
That difference matters because 6.00-18 belongs to a different sizing language than the earlier diameter-marked format. If your 1928 Davis 99 Series uses 18-inch wheels, this is the correct family of size to investigate further. It is best to confirm the exact wheel diameter on the car instead of assuming that all 1928 Davis wheels used the same tire size.
Buying the Right Tire
Should I choose the 30X6.00 or the 6.00-18 for my 1928 Davis?
A 1928 Davis owner should choose between 30X6.00 and 6.00-18 by matching the tire to the wheel diameter already on the car. Both are bias-ply sizes, so this is not a bias-versus-radial decision. The 30X6.00 fits a 20-inch rim, while 6.00-18 fits an 18-inch rim.
The practical takeaway is simple: verify the wheel before selecting the tire. On a rare car such as a 1928 Davis, assumptions can lead to an expensive mismatch because the two sizes are not interchangeable. If the car is a restoration project, compare the current wheel and tire markings with period references or a marque specialist before settling on one size.
What sidewall styles are available for 1928 Davis tires?
1928 Davis tires from this fitment family are centered on pre-war bias-ply construction, where sidewall appearance plays a large role in the finished look of the car. Depending on the exact tire chosen, period-style sidewall presentations may differ in tread character and visual detailing, but the main goal remains keeping the car within an era-appropriate appearance rather than adding a modern styling cue.
For a 1928 Davis shown at marque or general antique events, sidewall treatment can influence how authentic the car appears from a few feet away. Owners who are trying to preserve a faithful late-1920s presentation should compare the tire's sidewall marking and overall style to period photos, restoration references, or club guidance before making a final selection.
What should I consider before buying tires for a 1928 Davis 99 Series?
A 1928 Davis 99 Series owner should confirm three things before choosing tires: the actual tire size on the car, the wheel diameter, and the overall restoration goal. Since both listed sizes are bias-ply and both apply to the 99 Series, the deciding factor is physical fitment to the wheel rather than a broad model-year rule.
Once the basic size is confirmed, inspect the wheels for condition and compare the car's current setup to period references. Pre-war vehicles often pass through many decades of repairs, and a rare independent make can carry non-original parts more easily than a high-production car. A careful check up front prevents confusion later and helps preserve the car's correct proportions.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1928 Davis tires require?
A 1928 Davis tire must first match the correct rim diameter: 20 inches for 30X6.00 and 18 inches for 6.00-18. Rim width also matters on any pre-war tire installation, but the most critical and immediate fitment divider here is diameter because these two sizes do not share the same wheel.
That makes wheel inspection especially important on a 1928 Davis 99 Series. Before mounting new tires, verify the wheel dimensions on the car and compare them to the specific tire you are considering. Antique and pre-war wheels can vary in condition and profile, so proper wheel evaluation is part of getting both safe seating and the right period appearance.
Do 1928 Davis tires require inner tubes?
A 1928 Davis using 30X6.00 or 6.00-18 bias-ply tires should be approached as a pre-war fitment where tube use is an important part of the setup conversation. Early wheel designs and reproduction bias-ply applications often involve tube-type practice, especially on older rims that were never intended around modern tubeless assumptions.
The best next step is to confirm the specific tire's sidewall marking and match it to the wheel condition and design on your car. Tube selection, flap requirements, and valve-stem compatibility all become more important on a vehicle from this era. If the wheels have been restored or replaced at some point, have the complete assembly checked before final mounting.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1928 Davis when the tires are fitted?
A 1928 Davis should be stored in a cool, dry, dark space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, welders, heaters, and other ozone-producing equipment that can age rubber. Bias-ply tires are especially prone to developing temporary flat-spotting after long periods of sitting, and old-car storage conditions can accelerate sidewall checking if moisture and temperature swings are not controlled.
Keep the tires properly inflated during storage and move the car periodically if possible. For a long off-season, many collectors either roll the car a short distance occasionally or support it in a way that reduces constant load on one footprint. A simple storage routine helps preserve both the tire shape and the car's readiness for the next driving season.
How long do tires on a 1928 Davis typically last?
Tires on a 1928 Davis should be judged more by age and condition than by miles traveled. Collector cars often accumulate very little annual mileage, so tread depth alone is not a reliable guide. A sensible rule is to begin evaluating tires closely once they reach the five- to seven-year range and to treat around ten years as a serious replacement point regardless of appearance.
Check the tire's manufacturing date and look for sidewall cracking, hardening, vibration, or a change in how the car settles after storage. A 1928 Davis is the kind of vehicle that may spend more time displayed than driven, which can trick owners into thinking the tires are fresher than they really are. Age matters even when the tread still looks presentable.
How often should tires on a 1928 Davis be inspected?
Tires on a 1928 Davis should be inspected before every drive and again before any longer outing. Look closely for cuts, exposed cords, bulges, irregular wear, sidewall cracking, and signs of pressure loss. On a pre-war car, the inspection should also include valve stems and any tube-related hardware involved in the wheel assembly.
That quick walkaround becomes especially important because a 1928 Davis is not likely to be driven with the frequency of a modern vehicle. Long gaps between drives can allow problems to develop unnoticed, and an issue that seems minor in the garage can feel much larger once the car is out on secondary roads. Frequent checks are one of the easiest habits to build into ownership.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1928 Davis 99 Series?
A 1928 Davis 99 Series would have been associated with bias-ply tire construction, which was the standard for American cars of the period. Within this year and model, the relevant listed sizes are 30X6.00 and 6.00-18. That means originality research should focus first on confirming which of those two period-correct size families belongs on your particular car and wheel set.
Because surviving examples of rare independent makes can vary, the best restoration approach is to compare your car against period literature, known survivors, and marque-club knowledge rather than relying on a single assumption. Tire brand should not be guessed at unless you have direct evidence for your car. Construction type, size, and sidewall appearance usually matter most in achieving the right look.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1928 Davis?
Correct tire fitment matters noticeably when showing a 1928 Davis because pre-war cars are judged as much by proportion and visual authenticity as by parts correctness. Size, construction type, and sidewall appearance all affect how convincingly the car reads as a proper late-1920s automobile. A mismatched wheel diameter or an obviously incorrect tire profile can stand out quickly to experienced observers.
Owners preparing a 1928 Davis for judging should confirm the size against the car's actual wheel setup and compare the sidewall style to period references. Event standards can vary, so national clubs, marque historians, and the judging rules for the specific venue are useful final checks. Getting the tires right helps the entire stance and presentation of the car look intentional.
Why does tire size format matter on a 1928 Davis restoration?
Tire size format matters on a 1928 Davis restoration because 30X6.00 and 6.00-18 do not just look different on paper; they reflect different period sizing systems and different wheel diameters. Antique diameter-marked tires communicate an earlier visual language, while numeric bias-ply sizing belongs to a somewhat later convention. Both can be era-appropriate, but only one will be correct for the wheels on your car.
That makes the sidewall marking itself part of the restoration story. On a rare 1928 Davis, the wrong size format can alter stance, visual balance, and show-field authenticity even if the tire seems generally old-fashioned. Matching the wheel, size code, and overall presentation is what turns a tire choice from a simple replacement into a proper restoration decision.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1928 Davis tires safe for highway driving?
A properly fitted, correctly maintained tire on a 1928 Davis can be used on the road within the limits appropriate to both the tire and the vehicle, but a 1928 pre-war car should always be driven with mechanical sympathy. Bias-ply tires deliver the period driving character these cars were built around, yet the car's steering, brakes, chassis design, and overall age usually deserve as much attention as the tire itself.
For most owners, the real goal is not modern high-speed touring but confident operation at sensible speeds on roads that suit the car. Before any highway use, confirm tire condition, balance, inflation, and wheel integrity, then consider whether the broader vehicle is equally ready. A 1928 Davis asks for conservative planning more than aggressive speed expectations.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1928 Davis tires?
Inflation pressure on a 1928 Davis should be matched to the exact tire size and the specific tire manufacturer's rating, not borrowed casually from another antique tire. Since 30X6.00 and 6.00-18 are different sizes on different wheel diameters, they should not automatically be treated as having the same pressure target. Factory-era recommendations and the current tire's rated limits both matter.
The safest approach is to consult the owner's literature or period service references for baseline vehicle guidance, then compare that with the tire maker's specification for the reproduction tire you are using. Pressure affects ride quality, tread wear, and how a bias-ply car tracks on the road, so a little extra care here pays off noticeably once the car is in motion.
What should I check before taking a 1928 Davis on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1928 Davis, inspect each tire for cracking, cuts, bulges, tread separation, and stable inflation, and give the spare the same attention. On a car of this age, include the valve stems and any tube-related components in your check. Wheel fasteners, wheel condition, and visible bead seating should also be part of the inspection.
That tire check should be one part of a broader pre-drive review that includes brakes, steering play, fluids, cooling condition, and lighting. A 1928 Davis is best enjoyed when the whole car is prepared for the pace and distance you expect to cover. A careful once-over in the garage can prevent a roadside problem that begins with something as simple as an aged valve stem or neglected spare.
