1931 Pierce Arrow Tire Fitment Guide

1931 Pierce Arrow vehicles use two different tire sizes, and the correct one depends on the series. The 41 & 42 Series uses 700-18 tires on 18-inch rims, while the 43 Series uses 650-19 tires on 19-inch rims. For 700-18, listed rim widths run from 3.75 to 4.00 inches. For 650-19, listed rim widths run from 3.25 to 3.50 inches on applicable products.

That means the first fitment step is confirming the series identification on the car, because the two sizes do not interchange across a common rim diameter. Once the series is confirmed, the next choice is usually sidewall appearance rather than basic fitment, since both sizes are offered as bias-ply tires with period-appropriate styling. If your car has been altered over the years, verify the actual wheel before finalizing a tire selection.

On a 1931 Pierce Arrow, 700-18 is a numeric bias-ply tire size. The "700" portion identifies the nominal section width in the period's numeric sizing convention, and the "18" identifies the wheel diameter in inches. On 1931 Pierce Arrow applications, that size belongs to the 41 & 42 Series and mounts on an 18-inch rim.

Numeric pre-war sizes can look unfamiliar to modern buyers because they do not read like later alphanumeric or metric tires. The key point is that 700-18 is not just a general vintage tire label; it ties directly to the correct series and wheel diameter. If you own a 41 or 42 Series car, you can then narrow your choice by sidewall treatment and by confirming your wheel falls within the listed rim-width range.

No, 1931 Pierce Arrow models do not all use the same tire size. The 41 & 42 Series uses 700-18, while the 43 Series uses 650-19. Both are bias-ply sizes, but they mount on different rim diameters, so they are tied to different series within the 1931 lineup rather than being interchangeable options for the same car.

That distinction matters because many luxury pre-war cars are identified broadly by year and make, yet the series is what determines the tire path. A buyer who starts with only "1931 Pierce Arrow" can easily end up looking at the wrong products if the model family is not confirmed first. Once the series is identified correctly, the remaining decisions become much simpler and center on style, authenticity, and wheel compatibility.

1931 Pierce Arrow tires are available in several sidewall styles, depending on size. In 700-18 for the 41 & 42 Series, available styles include blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall. In 650-19 for the 43 Series, available styles include blackwall and wide whitewall. All of the available tires are bias-ply, which keeps the construction period-appropriate for a pre-war Pierce-Arrow.

Sidewall choice changes the visual character of the car more than the basic fitment. Blackwalls suit a more restrained or service-oriented presentation, while wide whitewalls and double-whitewalls create a more formal luxury look that many owners associate with senior American classics of the era. If the car is being restored for judging, confirm the preferred sidewall treatment with a Pierce-Arrow club or event rulebook before settling on appearance alone.

Two brands appear in 1931 Pierce Arrow fitments: Firestone and Lester. Firestone is offered in both 700-18 and 650-19, while Lester appears in 650-19. Within those sizes, Firestone includes both Classic Bias Ply and Balloon series options, and sidewall choices range from blackwall to whitewall treatments depending on the exact tire.

Brand choice on a pre-war Pierce-Arrow usually comes down to the size your series requires and the visual presentation you want from the finished car. Firestone offers the broadest coverage across the two sizes, while Lester provides another traditional bias-ply option in 650-19. If you are aiming for a historically sympathetic restoration, compare the sidewall style and overall look just as closely as the brand name.

For 1931 Pierce Arrow applications, Firestone Balloon and Firestone Classic Bias Ply tires share bias-ply construction but differ in presentation details and, in some cases, published dimensions and weight. In 700-18, Firestone Balloon versions are offered in blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall forms, with listed weights from 26 to 35 pounds and a rim-width range of 3.75 to 4.00 inches. The Firestone Classic Bias Ply version in that size is a blackwall at 29 pounds. In 650-19, Firestone Balloon versions include blackwall and wide whitewall options with a 3.25 to 3.50 inch rim-width range, while the Firestone Classic Bias Ply version is blackwall.

That makes the choice less about changing the basic pre-war driving character and more about appearance and the wheel the tire will be mounted on. Owners seeking a more pronounced luxury sidewall look may gravitate toward the Balloon whitewall versions, while a blackwall Classic Bias Ply can suit a more restrained finish. Checking the exact rim-width recommendation for the product you want is especially worthwhile when selecting among the Balloon variants.

Rim-width guidance is available for both 1931 Pierce Arrow tire sizes on applicable products. The 700-18 tires used on the 41 & 42 Series list a rim-width range of 3.75 to 4.00 inches. The 650-19 Firestone Balloon tires used on the 43 Series list a rim-width range of 3.25 to 3.50 inches. Those figures are specific to the tire size and product family rather than a universal rule for every pre-war wheel.

Matching the tire to the wheel matters for both appearance and the way a bias-ply tire sits and carries load. A car that has received replacement wheels over the decades should have the actual wheel measured rather than assumed correct because the series alone does not guarantee that the present wheel is original. Use the series to identify the proper tire size first, then verify that the wheel width aligns with the tire you intend to mount.

1931 Pierce Arrow tires are offered here as bias-ply vintage sizes, and none of the available products are marked as tubeless. That makes tube-type setup the practical expectation for both 700-18 and 650-19 applications, especially on original-style pre-war rims. Tube use is part of the normal fitting approach for many vehicles from this period.

When a Pierce-Arrow is being put back into service, the condition of the wheel, flap if applicable, valve stem, and tube should be treated as part of the tire installation rather than as separate afterthoughts. An old rim with rust, pitting, or burrs can shorten tube life even if the tire itself is new. If the wheels have been restored or changed, confirm the mounting hardware and tube setup with a shop familiar with vintage bias-ply fitments.

A 1931 Pierce Arrow should be stored away from direct sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources such as electric motors, battery chargers, or welders. Bias-ply tires are especially prone to developing temporary flat-spotting when a heavy pre-war car sits in one position for long periods, and prolonged exposure to heat or ozone can age the sidewalls faster. Keeping the tires clean, properly inflated, and parked on a dry surface helps preserve both appearance and service life.

Collectors who store a Pierce-Arrow for extended periods often benefit from moving the car periodically or supporting it in a way that reduces constant load on one tread patch. That is particularly worthwhile on large luxury cars with substantial curb weight. A breathable indoor environment and simple periodic checks do more for vintage tire longevity than cosmetic dressings, which can sometimes leave residue without addressing the real storage threats.

Tire life on a 1931 Pierce Arrow is usually judged more by age and condition than by miles driven. On collector vehicles, many owners begin evaluating tires closely once they are around five to seven years old, and replacement is often considered by about ten years regardless of remaining tread. The manufacturing date can be confirmed from the tire's date code, and that age matters even on a car used only for local shows or occasional touring.

A pre-war luxury car may see very limited annual mileage, but long periods of inactivity, storage conditions, and inflation habits can age the casing even when the tread still looks attractive. Sidewall cracking, hardening, vibration, or repeated loss of pressure all deserve attention before the tire reaches an arbitrary mileage target. With collector vehicles, an older-looking tire can still be younger than it appears, so always check the date code rather than relying on appearance alone.

Tires on a 1931 Pierce Arrow should be inspected before every drive and again before any longer outing or tour. Look for sidewall cracking, tread separation, cuts, bulges, embedded debris, and any sign that the tire is no longer holding pressure consistently. Because a pre-war Pierce-Arrow commonly runs tube-type vintage tires, the valve stem and tube-related sealing points deserve attention along with the outer casing.

Frequent inspection matters because collector cars often spend more time parked than moving, and age-related problems can appear between outings rather than through wear alone. A short local drive can hide issues that become obvious only once heat builds on a longer run. Building a routine around tire pressure, visible condition, and spare-tire readiness is one of the simplest ways to reduce unpleasant surprises when the car finally goes back on the road.

A 1931 Pierce Arrow 41 & 42 Series would have been fitted in bias-ply construction, because that was the standard tire type for American luxury cars of the period. The size used here is 700-18, which aligns with the pre-war numeric sizing convention and the 18-inch rim used by that series. No single original equipment brand should be assumed across every body style, chassis delivery, or selling region without marque-specific confirmation.

For restoration work, the most important authenticity markers are the correct size, the correct bias-ply construction, and a sidewall style appropriate to the way the car is being presented. A formal show restoration may call for different visual choices than a driver-level preservation car, even when both remain within period character. If your Pierce-Arrow has unusual coachwork or a special history, a marque club or period literature is the best place to verify body-specific expectations.

Correct tire fitment matters a great deal when showing a 1931 Pierce Arrow because judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts notice size, construction type, and sidewall appearance immediately. On a car from 1931, an obviously modern tire format or a tire mounted in the wrong rim diameter would stand out as incorrect. Even within period-style tires, the difference between blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall presentation can change how authentic the finished car appears.

A Pierce-Arrow restored for concours use should treat tires as part of the vehicle's overall historical presentation rather than as a generic consumable. The correct series-specific size comes first, and then the sidewall treatment should match the story you want the car to tell. Because judging standards vary by event and club, it is wise to confirm expectations with the relevant organization before making a final decision on sidewall style.

In 650-19 for the 1931 Pierce Arrow 43 Series, Firestone and Lester both offer bias-ply vintage fitments, but the available specifications differ in detail. Firestone appears in both Classic Bias Ply and Balloon form, with blackwall and wide whitewall offerings; the Firestone Balloon versions list a 3.25 to 3.50 inch rim-width range, and one wide whitewall version carries a published load rating of 1430 pounds at 36 psi. Lester appears as a wide whitewall bias-ply option in the same size.

That makes the comparison largely one of presentation and product detail rather than a shift away from period-correct construction. A restorer choosing between them should compare the exact sidewall look desired for the 43 Series car and pay attention to whether a published rim-width range matters for the wheel being used. On a visible pre-war luxury car, those subtle visual differences can matter as much as the brand itself.

1931 Pierce Arrow tires in these fitments are bias-ply vintage tires, and no speed ratings are listed for the available products. That does not automatically make them unsuitable for normal road use, but it does mean they should be treated as period-style tires on a pre-war luxury car rather than as modern high-speed radials. On a vehicle of this age, the overall condition of the brakes, steering, suspension, wheel bearings, and alignment can be just as important to highway confidence as the tires themselves.

A properly fitted bias-ply tire can serve well within the kind of moderate speeds and driving habits most collector owners use, but long-distance touring calls for realistic expectations. The car's age, weight, and chassis design should guide how aggressively it is driven. Before any sustained road trip, make sure the tires are fresh, correctly inflated, free of damage, and matched to wheels that are in equally sound condition.

Published pressure figures are available on some 1931 Pierce Arrow tire options and should be treated as tire-specific rather than interchangeable across the whole lineup. In 700-18, available products list a maximum load of 1520 pounds at 36 psi. In 650-19, one available wide whitewall version lists 1430 pounds at 36 psi. Those figures are tire ratings, not necessarily the exact service pressure your Pierce-Arrow should run in normal use.

The best approach is to start with the vehicle's factory guidance if you have original literature, then compare that with the reproduction tire manufacturer's stated limits for the exact product selected. Inflation on a heavy pre-war car affects ride quality, steering feel, and tread wear, so it should be set deliberately rather than by guesswork. Avoid carrying a pressure recommendation from one size to the other just because both are 1931 Pierce Arrow applications.

Before taking a 1931 Pierce Arrow on a longer drive, inspect each tire for cracking, bulges, cuts, tread irregularity, and stable inflation. Check valve stems and, where tube-type setup is used, pay attention to any signs of leakage or mounting issues around the stem area. The spare should be inspected with the same care, since an aged or flat spare is of little use on a touring car that may be traveling far from home.

Tires are only one part of the pre-drive checklist on a car from this era, so a longer outing should also include a broader review of chassis and mechanical condition. A Pierce-Arrow's size and age make cooling, brakes, steering, and wheel hardware especially important companions to tire readiness. A careful once-over before departure is far easier than trying to solve preventable problems on the side of the road.