What is the correct original tire for a 1932 5 window deluxe sport coupe? It has 2 sidemount spares and the tires need to be less than 6" wide.

5.25 X 18 is the original size. Don't know if you can find that exact size today.

Firestone? Silvertown? Goodyear? Or does it matter?

The original was U.S. Rubber - Goodrich however it was 525/18 only. Today just getting a tire of the correct size could be an issue. I don't think anyone is supplying a straight 525/18.

I have used the specifications on tires being sold to guide my decision on which to buy. I have found that B.F. Goodrich tend to be a bit smaller and fit the fender wells better than some others. I have purchased several sets of Excelsior Comp V | 475/500-18 tires from Coker for my 1932 1/2 ton trucks. They look like truck tires. Don't know how well they fit into fender wells but will know in the next month or so when the truck comes back from the painter.

Thanks for the info. Chipper, if you don't mind, could you keep me posted as to how they fit in the fender wells? That's kind of my main concern. I can get 550/18 but they may not fit fender wells.

I would be concerned with a truck tire regardless of how they fit in the spare tire well. To me it would be more important on how the tires that are on the ground look and ride. If the 550/18 fits the well with low or no air you can always air them up if necessary. I did check out the CompV at Coker Tire and noted they were being phased out with a reduced price until gone. The tread did not look all that aggresive and the price was really good @ $115.00 . Also saw that the tire replacing the CompV is a radial tire 550r18. Of interest is the fact that the width is listed as narrower than the either of the above-5.5nches vs. 6.0 and 6.25 in'". The tread looks to be the same as the CompV. Sounds great except that it is $317.00.

Thanks m006840. I'll check out Coker's site.

Your welcome. i have been following this thread as my tires are now 22 years old. When you do order your tires be sure to get center stem tubes.

Ordered tires. Getting the Comp V. Tubes and rim strips. Question: Are tube liners (or flaps) required as well as or instead of rim strips?

With 1932 wire wheels you have what you need.

As a general recommendation: If you have demountable rims and separate wheels then flaps are needed to keep the rim pinching the tubes. With wire wheels rim strips cushion the spoke ends from the tubes. With smooth tube section of wheels then neither flaps or rim strips are needed.

Perfect. Thanks Chipper. The tubes are actually 19". (Coker's 18" tubes have offset valve stem) Will they be OK on an 18" wheel?

I have three sets of 19" tubes in 18" wheels/tires. That is 15 total. No problems.

Excellent. Many thanks. (again)

Hello all, What is correct tire pressure in a Firestone 5.25x18 tire?I cannot find any markings on either side of tire.

35 pounds in front and 38 pounds in the rear.

You should check in the operator’s manual for your vehicle. The same tire on different vehicles will have different recommended inflation pressures.

These older vehicles are not as sensitive to inflation pressure as today’s vehicles but there still could be some differences. Bluezone’s recommendations are a good starting point.

The pressure on the sidewall of today’s tires is the maximum load capacity at the maximum pressure. If you inflate a tire to that level the vehicle will ride like a buckboard. That is why the manufacturers are required to have a decal placed in the driver’s door opening to indicate the recommended inflation pressures.

Thanks to all !! I will look in the manual to see if they say what it should be for these tires. I do not know what tires came on the car from factory,perhaps manual will tell.Thanks,Jay

In 1932 the passenger car used 5.25/18 tires and the recommended pressure was I believe 32 lbs., however many that have 32's run higher pressure such as posted above.

The owners anual says 32 pounds.

I have been using 35 psi. Seems to reduce wander.

Just Picked up my tires at Coker in Chattanooga on the way to Florida. Beautiful building and museum!
Maximum pressure is indicated as 32 psi for the Excelsior Comp V tires.