In 1933 Franklin stood apart in the American luxury field with air-cooled engineering, light-weight construction, and styling that gave its cars a distinctly advanced personality for the early Depression era. The Airman, Olympic, and V12 covered very different positions within the lineup, so tire sizing was not a one-size-fits-all matter across the brand that year. Three models use three different bias-ply sizes, and the practical choice comes down first to identifying your exact model and then confirming the correct 17- or 19-inch wheel diameter tied to that car. Once that is settled, the focus shifts to the right period-looking sidewall style and the wheel width your tire is built to suit.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1933 Franklin
Three tire sizes are used across 1933 Franklin vehicles, and they vary by model rather than being shared across the whole range. Because these sizes do not all use the same rim diameter, the first step is confirming whether your Franklin carries 17-inch or 19-inch wheels and then matching the correct size to the model. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps you land on the right fitment path.
Year(s): 1933|Fit(s): Airman|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 19 in
650-19 is a numeric bias-ply size in which the leading number represents nominal section width and the 19 identifies the wheel diameter, and on 1933 Franklin models it is specific to the Airman rather than universal across the line. Available choices in this size include Firestone and Lester, with Blackwall and Wide Whitewall sidewall styles offered; listed examples are bias-ply products, and some versions specify a 3.25 to 3.50 inch rim-width range with load figures up to 1430 pounds at 36 psi. This size suits an Airman owner looking to stay with the correct period-style construction while choosing between a plainer black sidewall appearance or a more formal whitewall presentation.
Year(s): 1933|Fit(s): Olympic|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 17-in rim
6.00-17 is a numeric bias-ply size, with the first figure indicating nominal section width and the 17 showing the wheel diameter, and it is the model-specific size for the 1933 Franklin Olympic. The available products section does not list retail product options under this size here, so the key point at the year-make level is that it remains a 17-inch bias-ply fitment distinct from the Airman and V12 sizes. Olympic owners should begin by confirming the actual wheel diameter on the car and then use the Olympic-specific fitment path rather than assuming interchange with the other 1933 Franklin models.
Year(s): 1933|Fit(s): V12|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 17 in
750-17 is a numeric bias-ply size where the first number is the nominal section width and the 17 denotes a 17-inch wheel, and for 1933 Franklin applications it is specific to the V12. Firestone and BFGoodrich both appear in this size, with Blackwall, Wide Whitewall, and Double-Whitewall styles available; listed products are bias-ply, and load figures range from 1646 pounds at 36 psi to 1870 pounds at 40 psi, with rim-width listings that vary by product. This is the right direction for a V12 owner who wants the larger model's proper fitment while still choosing the sidewall look that best matches a formal restoration or period touring presentation.
Three 1933 Franklin models are covered here: the Airman, Olympic, and V12. Tire size changes by model, so year and make alone are not enough for selection; identifying the exact model is the practical first step before moving into a size or product choice. Select your model below to narrow the fitment history and the products that apply to that specific Franklin.
1933 Franklin Airman
The 1933 Franklin Airman carried Franklin's streamlined, advanced image into a model aimed at buyers who wanted something modern and technically distinctive without stepping into the biggest car in the line. Its tires mount on 19-inch wheels, making it the only 1933 Franklin model here that uses the 650-19 size rather than a 17-inch fitment.
The 1933 Franklin Olympic sat in the middle of the range and reflected Franklin's characteristically light, refined approach during a period when many prestige cars were becoming heavier and more conventional. Its tires fit 17-inch wheels, and the Olympic uses the 6.00-17 size unique to that model within the 1933 Franklin lineup.
The 1933 Franklin V12 represented the top end of the marque's offerings, pairing Franklin's unusual air-cooled engineering philosophy with the prestige expected of a twelve-cylinder automobile. It rides on 17-inch wheels, but not the same size used by the Olympic; the V12 takes the larger 750-17 fitment associated with the senior model.
Fourteen products are available across three tire sizes for 1933 Franklin vehicles. The 650-19 Airman size includes 4 bias-ply choices from Firestone and Lester in Blackwall and Wide Whitewall styles, while the 750-17 V12 size includes 4 bias-ply choices from Firestone and BFGoodrich in Blackwall, Wide Whitewall, and Double-Whitewall styles.
The questions below sort out how 1933 Franklin tire sizes differ between Airman, Olympic, and V12 models, what the numeric bias-ply sizes mean, which sidewall styles are available, and how to care for collector-car tires that may spend long periods parked.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1933 Franklin vehicles?
1933 Franklin vehicles use three different tire sizes, and each one is tied to a specific model. The Airman uses 650-19, the Olympic uses 6.00-17, and the V12 uses 750-17. That means 1933 Franklin fitment is model-specific rather than shared across the full lineup. The Airman size fits a 19-inch wheel, while the Olympic and V12 both use 17-inch wheels but with different tire sizes.
The practical takeaway is that you should identify the exact model before choosing a tire, even if two cars appear similar at a glance. If you own an Olympic or V12, do not assume that sharing a 17-inch wheel diameter means the same tire size applies. Wheel diameter is only the starting point; section width and the intended application still need to match the model before moving on to sidewall style or brand preference.
What does 650-19 mean on a 1933 Franklin tire?
On a 1933 Franklin tire, 650-19 is a numeric bias-ply size. The 650 indicates the tire's nominal section width in period numeric sizing, and the 19 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. For 1933 Franklin applications, that size belongs to the Airman. Products in this size are offered as bias-ply tires and appear in both blackwall and wide whitewall versions.
That decoding matters because a 650-19 is not simply any old 19-inch tire. It is a specific period-correct size with the proportions expected for the Airman, and it needs to match the actual wheel and intended appearance of the car. If you are comparing options within 650-19, the real choice is usually visual presentation and wheel-width suitability rather than moving into a different construction type.
What does 750-17 mean on a 1933 Franklin tire?
On a 1933 Franklin tire, 750-17 is also a numeric bias-ply size. The 750 refers to the nominal section width in period sizing language, and the 17 indicates a 17-inch wheel diameter. Within the 1933 Franklin lineup, this size is used on the V12 rather than the Olympic, even though both models use 17-inch wheels. Available products include Firestone and BFGoodrich examples in several sidewall treatments.
For a V12 owner, the important point is that 17-inch wheel diameter alone does not settle the question. A 750-17 carries a larger period proportion than the Olympic's 6.00-17, and that affects the visual stance and fitment direction for the senior car. Once the model is confirmed, you can narrow the choice by sidewall style and by any rim-width or load details shown for the specific tire you are considering.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 1933 Franklin tires?
1933 Franklin tires are available in several sidewall styles depending on size. The 650-19 Airman size appears in Blackwall and Wide Whitewall versions, while the 750-17 V12 size appears in Blackwall, Wide Whitewall, and Double-Whitewall versions. All of the listed options are bias-ply, which is consistent with the period. Sidewall appearance can change the personality of the car significantly even when the underlying size remains correct.
A blackwall usually suits a more restrained or utilitarian presentation, while wide whitewall and double-whitewall styles create a more formal luxury-era look. For a Franklin from 1933, visual correctness matters almost as much as the number on the sidewall if you care about era appearance. If your goal is judged restoration accuracy, confirm the style against period photos, surviving cars, and marque-club guidance before selecting the most attractive option.
What brands make tires for 1933 Franklin vehicles?
Firestone, Lester, and BFGoodrich all appear in the available 1933 Franklin tire offerings, but the brand mix depends on size. The 650-19 Airman size includes Firestone and Lester options, while the 750-17 V12 size includes Firestone and BFGoodrich options. Each of those listings is bias-ply and aimed at period-style fitment rather than modern radial conversion. Brand choice therefore sits within the correct vintage construction type for the year.
That means the best brand for your 1933 Franklin often comes down to the exact model, the sidewall look you want, and any wheel-width or load detail tied to the specific tire. It also means one model may give you a different set of brand choices than another. When comparing brands, look at the exact size first and then compare sidewall treatment and published fitment details instead of assuming every brand covers every Franklin model equally.
What is the difference between Firestone and BFGoodrich 750-17 tires for the 1933 Franklin?
For the 1933 Franklin V12 in 750-17, Firestone and BFGoodrich overlap in size but differ in sidewall offerings and published fitment details. Firestone examples include blackwall and double-whitewall balloon-style tires, with listed load capacity up to 1870 pounds at 40 psi and a shown 4-inch rim width on certain versions. BFGoodrich examples include blackwall and wide whitewall tires, and one listed whitewall version carries a 1646-pound load rating at 36 psi with a 5.50 to 6.00 inch rim-width range.
Those differences matter most when you are matching the tire to the wheel already on the car and to the look you want. A V12 owner with a formal restoration in mind may focus on sidewall presentation first, while another owner may start with wheel-width compatibility. Compare the exact series rather than the brand name alone, because the 750-17 options are not identical in sidewall treatment, published load figure, or wheel-width guidance.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1933 Franklin tires require?
Rim-width guidance is published for some 1933 Franklin tire products and varies by size and series. In 650-19, certain Firestone Balloon versions list a 3.25 to 3.50 inch rim-width range. In 750-17, one Firestone Balloon example lists a 4-inch rim width, while one BFGoodrich wide whitewall example lists a 5.50 to 6.00 inch range. Those figures should be matched to the exact tire you are considering, not transferred from one brand or version to another.
The safest approach is to measure the actual wheel and compare it with the published range for that specific product before finalizing your choice. This is especially important on collector cars that may have had wheels changed over the decades. A tire can be the right nominal size for a 1933 Franklin model and still be a poor match for the wheel if rim-width requirements are ignored.
Do 1933 Franklin tires require inner tubes?
The listed 1933 Franklin tire offerings are bias-ply products, but the visible size markings here do not show a universal tube-type or tubeless designation across every item. That means tube fitment should be confirmed at the individual tire level rather than assumed broadly by size alone. On a 1933 vehicle, tube use is common in period-correct wheel setups, especially when original-style wheels are involved, but the exact requirement belongs to the tire-and-wheel combination you will actually run.
Before installation, check the tire's sidewall marking and the wheel's construction so the setup is matched correctly. If the car still uses original or original-style rims, it is wise to inspect the wheel condition, valve-hole area, and flap or tube requirements at the same time. Tube decisions are part of the overall wheel system on a pre-war car, not just a tire-size question.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1933 Franklin when the tires are fitted?
A 1933 Franklin should be stored in a cool, dry, dark space with the tires kept away from direct sunlight, electric motors, welders, battery chargers, and other ozone-producing equipment. Maintain proper inflation, keep the car off damp ground, and move it periodically so the same tread area does not carry the load for months at a time. Bias-ply tires are especially prone to temporary flat spotting and age-related cracking when they sit under load for long periods.
If the car will be parked for an extended season, many owners either roll it occasionally or support it in a way that reduces sustained load on the tires while still respecting the suspension. Tire covers help in bright storage spaces, and a clean floor matters more than many people realize. Good storage habits preserve both appearance and drivability, which is especially important on a lightly used collector car like a 1933 Franklin.
How long do tires on a 1933 Franklin typically last?
Tire life on a 1933 Franklin is usually judged more by age than by mileage. Collector-car tires often age out before they wear out, so a useful rule is to inspect them carefully after about five to seven years of service and treat the ten-year point as a serious replacement consideration even if tread remains. The DOT date code on the tire is the normal reference for age, along with visible condition and how the car has been stored.
That matters because an older pre-war car may see only occasional drives, making the tires look better than they truly are internally. Sidewall cracking, stiffness, recurring air loss, or vibration after the tires warm up can all signal age-related decline. For a 1933 Franklin that is driven sparingly, age discipline is often more important than waiting for conventional tread wear indicators to settle the question.
How often should tires on a 1933 Franklin be inspected?
Tires on a 1933 Franklin should be inspected before every drive and given a more thorough check before any longer outing or tour. Look for sidewall cracking, tread separation, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and any sign that the tire is losing pressure. Because many pre-war cars use period-style wheel and tube arrangements, valve stems and the condition around the valve area deserve attention as well. A spare tire should be checked on the same schedule.
Short drives around town can hide problems that become serious once the car is run for a sustained distance. A careful pre-drive walkaround is one of the easiest ways to avoid roadside trouble in an older Franklin. If the car has been parked for a while, the inspection should include looking for flat spotting and confirming that each tire has returned to normal shape and pressure before heading out.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1933 Franklin Airman?
A 1933 Franklin Airman would have originally used a bias-ply tire in its correct period size, and within the Franklin lineup that model is associated with 650-19. That matches what buyers expect for an American luxury car of the early 1930s, when radial construction was still far from standard passenger-car practice. The exact original brand can vary by delivery, market, and historical replacement history, so the essential restoration point is correct size, bias-ply construction, and era-appropriate sidewall treatment.
For a faithful restoration, start with 650-19 and then narrow the visual choice between blackwall and whitewall according to photos, surviving cars, and your specific restoration goal. If the car will be judged, event standards may care about sidewall style as much as size. Franklin specialists and marque-club references are the right places to confirm what is most appropriate for your exact car and how it was originally presented.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1933 Franklin?
Correct tire fitment matters a great deal when showing a 1933 Franklin because judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts notice size, construction type, and sidewall appearance immediately. A Franklin that should wear a bias-ply numeric size can look visibly wrong if the proportions are off, and a sidewall style that clashes with the car's original presentation can stand out just as quickly. On a pre-war car, tires are part of the visual architecture of the restoration, not a minor finishing detail.
Even outside formal judging, the right tire shape helps the car sit and read the way a 1933 Franklin should. Owners pursuing authenticity should confirm the model-specific size first, then compare blackwall versus whitewall treatments to the period character of the car they are restoring. If you plan to enter marque-specific or concours events, check those organizations' standards ahead of time so your tire choice supports the level of authenticity you want.
What is the difference between Firestone and Lester 650-19 tires for the 1933 Franklin?
For the 1933 Franklin Airman in 650-19, Firestone and Lester both appear as bias-ply options, but they differ in sidewall presentation and some of the published specifications. Firestone listings include blackwall and wide whitewall balloon-style versions, with some examples showing a 3.25 to 3.50 inch rim-width range and one published load figure of 1430 pounds at 36 psi. Lester appears here as a wide whitewall choice in the same nominal size, giving Airman owners another period-style visual direction.
That makes the comparison less about switching fitment and more about matching the car's appearance and the wheel it will run on. If your Airman restoration calls for a formal whitewall look, both brands deserve a close look, but the exact series details still matter. Compare the published wheel guidance and sidewall treatment of the individual tire rather than treating every 650-19 offering as interchangeable in every visual and setup respect.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1933 Franklin tires safe for highway driving?
1933 Franklin tires can be suitable for normal road use when they are the correct size, properly installed, correctly inflated, and in sound condition, but they are bias-ply designs with driving manners that differ from modern radials. No speed-rating letters are shown in the available 650-19 or 750-17 product markings here, so the smarter limit is usually the condition and capability of the whole vehicle rather than chasing modern highway assumptions. On a 1933 automobile, brakes, steering, suspension, alignment, and age-related mechanical condition are all part of the safety picture.
In practical terms, a well-sorted Franklin on fresh, properly chosen tires can be an enjoyable road car, but it should be driven with period-appropriate expectations. Leave extra following distance, avoid abrupt maneuvers, and respect how a tall bias-ply tire responds to grooves and crown changes. Safe highway use is less about whether the tire looks vintage and more about whether the complete car has been prepared honestly for the way you intend to drive it.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1933 Franklin tires?
Inflation pressure on a 1933 Franklin should be set by the specific tire and the car's original guidance, not by a one-pressure-fits-all rule across the whole lineup. Published examples include 650-19 at 1430 pounds at 36 psi, 750-17 at 1646 pounds at 36 psi, and 750-17 at 1870 pounds at 40 psi, depending on the exact tire. Those figures are maximum load-and-pressure pairings for particular products, not blanket recommendations for every Franklin or every tire size.
The right approach is to start with the vehicle's factory inflation guidance where available, then compare it with the tire maker's published limits for the exact tire on the car. Never transfer a pressure from the Airman's 650-19 to the V12's 750-17 or assume all 750-17 tires want the same setting. Pressure should support the car's weight, the tire's design, and the wheel setup actually being used.
What should I check before taking a 1933 Franklin on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1933 Franklin, inspect each tire for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, lodged debris, and stable inflation, and make sure the spare is usable as well. Check valve stems, especially if the car runs a tube-type wheel and tire arrangement, and look for any sign of age-related rubber hardening. Tire readiness is only one part of the pre-drive routine on a pre-war car, but it is one of the easiest places to prevent a trip-ending problem.
Once the tires pass inspection, fold them into a broader mechanical check that includes wheel fastener security, brakes, steering play, fluids, charging, and cooling-air flow appropriate to Franklin's design. A collector car that feels fine on short errands can still reveal problems during sustained road time. The better the pre-drive inspection, the more confidently you can enjoy the trip without asking vintage tires or vintage systems to cover for preventable issues.
