Correct tire size for a 1932 Auburn 8-100A Cabriolet

[Tom Laferriere]

I am getting some feedback that 650X17 is correct and I have some suggestions that they are 700X17.

Thank you ACD.

Tom Laferriere

[1937-44]

I have an old reprint (Data Book of Tires) that Floyd Clymer did of a 1941 book. According to it the correct tire size was actually 6.00x17. I'm not sure if anyone actually makes a 6.00x17 anymore as most of the companies seem to make 6.00/6.50x17 which is what I have on my sedan. I have seen the 7.00x17 on some and I personally think they are a little to big.

[Seldenguy]

Tom, I think your owners or shop manual will tell you that 7.00X17 is correct. --Bob

[1937-44]

Unfortunately I can't find a tire size mentioned in my Owners Manual, Shop Manual or Parts Manual. According to Don Butler's book Auburn Cord Duesenberg page 264 under the picture of the Brougham it states "Tires for all standard eights of 5 passenger seating or less were size 17x5.50". On the next page talking about the 7 passenger sedan on the 137 inch wheelbase it states "Tires for the big car were size 17x6.50.

Carl

[1937-44]

I also found listed in my Automobile Digest Service Data Book 9th edition copyright 1933 the Auburn 8-100 uses tire size 17 by 5.50, 17 by 6.00 and 17 by 6.50. Carl

[1937-44]

One more listing the Motor's Handbook of Specifications Interchangeable Parts Service Instructions copyright 1933. Lists the Auburn 8-100 as having tire size 6.00x17. By the way I didn't look to see what the other books said, but this also lists the 12-160 as using the 6.00x17. Carl

[Seldenguy]

My 1934 N.A.D.A. (Dated May) offical used car guide, shows the following, 8 cylinder standard 5.50x 17 with 127" W.B. and the 8 cylinder Custom Dual Ratio 6.00x17 with 127" W.B. and 6.50x17 with 136" W.B. It appears many contradictions depending on whom writes the book. Also The 12 cylinder in this book lists three different sizes, including 7.00x17, for 1932. I believe most cars today are using the 7.00x17 --Bob

[Tom Laferriere]

Wow! Still don't know what to order. :-)

[Tom Laferriere]

This 1931 has 7.00X17

[1937-44]

This is a picture of my 1932 8-100A with Firestone 6.00/6.50 x 17 Firestone tires. I have yet to see anywhere in print that an 8-100 came with a 7.00 x 17 tire. I should also mention it is my belief they should have either black walls or double sided whitewalls to be totally correct..

Edited May 1, 2013 by 1937-44
additional (see edit history)

[Mike Dube]

I vote with Carl. Not sure how this oversize tire theme got started, but my 2 cents is that if you have clamshell fenders, you want to see a little of the fender well around them. If you plan on driving the car, it has to steer easier. I'm in the process of installing the 600/650x17 Firestones from Universal (good people) on my car. While they are nominally the same size as the Lester, my opinion is that they are a slightly larger section. This is mine on the Lesters.