The 1933 Studebaker Commander 73 comes from a period when American automakers were balancing streamlined styling, practical road manners, and durability in the middle of the Depression era. Studebaker built a strong reputation for well-engineered cars, and the Commander 73 remains appealing to owners who value pre-war character and authentic driving feel. For this exact model, the primary fitment is a 6.00-17 bias-ply tire, which keeps the car in the tire construction and visual language of its time. The main decision is usually staying with a period-style bias-ply presentation and confirming the wheel setup is still true to stock dimensions before putting the car back on the road.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1933 Studebaker Commander 73
The 1933 Studebaker Commander 73 uses one primary tire size: 6.00-17. That means the fitment question is straightforward, with a bias-ply tire mounted on a 17-inch rim, and the covered Base sub-model follows the same sizing. The real choice becomes selecting the right period-style tire within that size and confirming that the car still has the correct wheel diameter and original-style wheel setup.
A 6.00-17 size is a numeric bias-ply designation in which 6.00 refers to the tire's nominal section width in inches and 17 identifies the rim diameter. On a 1933 Studebaker Commander 73, that format matches the pre-war tire construction and appearance that many restoration-minded owners want to preserve. Numeric bias-ply sizing also carries the tall, upright visual character associated with cars from this era. This size is the right starting point when the goal is proper fitment, a traditional side profile, and wheel compatibility consistent with the vehicle's original tire format.
Fitment is straightforward across the covered 1933 Studebaker Commander 73 sub-model range. The key step is simply confirming that the car is the Base model and that it still carries the correct 17-inch wheel setup for its 6.00-17 bias-ply tire size.
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1933 Studebaker Commander 73 Base
The 1933 Studebaker Commander 73 Base uses the 6.00-17 bias-ply tire size. That keeps tire selection focused on choosing a suitable period-style replacement and checking that the wheels on the car still match the original 17-inch fitment before mounting new tires.
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about 1933 Studebaker Commander 73 tires usually center on the 6.00-17 size, 17-inch rim fitment, period-style bias-ply construction, and the checks worth making before road use on a pre-war collector car.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1933 Studebaker Commander 73?
The 1933 Studebaker Commander 73 uses a 6.00-17 tire size. That is a numeric bias-ply size, and it is the primary fitment for this model, including the covered Base sub-model.
The important follow-up is confirming that the car still has 17-inch wheels and has not been changed to a different wheel setup over the years. On an older collector car, wheels, hubs, or complete running gear may have been swapped, so measuring the rim and checking overall clearance before mounting new tires is a smart step.
What size rim does a 1933 Studebaker Commander 73 use?
The 1933 Studebaker Commander 73 uses a 17-inch rim with its 6.00-17 tire fitment. That rim diameter is built directly into the size designation, with the final number indicating the wheel size the tire is meant to mount on.
Rim diameter should be verified on the actual car, especially on a pre-war vehicle that may have seen decades of maintenance or modification. A tire can only be selected correctly after confirming the wheel is truly 17 inches and still matches the intended tire format, construction, and overall clearance requirements of the car.
Does the 1933 Studebaker Commander 73 Base use the same tire size?
Yes. The 1933 Studebaker Commander 73 Base uses the same 6.00-17 bias-ply tire size as the model coverage shown here. There is no separate tire size split within the covered Commander 73 Base fitment.
That makes the tire search simpler, because the main concern is not choosing among multiple primary sizes but making sure the car still has the proper wheel diameter and a compatible wheel setup. On older restorations, replacement wheels or long-ago repairs can change what is actually on the vehicle, so a quick inspection is still worthwhile.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 6.00-17 tire for a 1933 Studebaker Commander 73?
Start with the correct primary size, which is 6.00-17, and stay focused on bias-ply construction if the goal is to preserve the period-style character of the car. On a 1933 Studebaker Commander 73, the tire should match the 17-inch wheel and the traditional sizing format the vehicle was designed around.
Selection then comes down to the condition and dimensions of the wheels already on the car, the type of use the car will see, and how closely the owner wants to maintain a restoration-oriented appearance. A car used mainly for shows may call for a different emphasis than one driven regularly on local roads and touring events.
How do I choose between the available 6.00-17 tires for a 1933 Studebaker Commander 73?
The first filter is always fitment: the tire needs to be the correct 6.00-17 size and suitable for the 17-inch wheel on the car. After that, the choice usually comes down to the kind of period-style presentation and road use the owner has in mind for the Studebaker.
Some buyers prioritize a restoration-focused look, while others are more concerned with dependable road manners for occasional driving. It also helps to inspect the wheel itself for width, condition, and trueness before deciding, since an older rim can influence how confidently a tire should be mounted and used.
What rim-fitment details matter when choosing 1933 Studebaker Commander 73 tires?
The main rim-fitment detail is confirming that the wheel is actually a 17-inch rim that matches the 6.00-17 tire size. On a pre-war car like the 1933 Studebaker Commander 73, that basic check matters as much as the tire size itself because many older vehicles have seen wheel changes over time.
Beyond diameter, the wheel should also be inspected for age, damage, corrosion, and overall condition before mounting fresh tires. A collector car that has sat for long periods can have rims that look usable at a glance but still need closer evaluation, especially if the car is being prepared for regular driving rather than static display.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1933 Studebaker Commander 73?
A 6.00-17 bias-ply tire is the right period-style starting point for a 1933 Studebaker Commander 73. That size and construction keep the car within the tire format associated with its era and help preserve the upright stance and traditional visual character expected on a pre-war Studebaker.
Appearance goals can vary between a driving restoration and a more exacting historical project. When authenticity matters at a very high level, it is wise to compare the tire choice against marque-specific references, period photography, and restoration documentation so the finished look aligns with the way the car is being restored.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1933 Studebaker Commander 73 restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1933 Studebaker Commander 73 restoration. The 6.00-17 size affects not only whether the tire belongs on the wheel, but also the car's visual proportions, stance, and the overall impression of a properly sorted pre-war automobile.
Using the wrong size or a mismatched tire format can make a restored car look noticeably off even before it moves. Proper fitment also reduces the chances of avoidable clearance or wheel-compatibility issues, which is especially important on an older vehicle where originality, presentation, and mechanical sympathy usually go hand in hand.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1933 Studebaker Commander 73?
Yes. Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1933 Studebaker Commander 73 even when the intended tire size remains 6.00-17. Wheel substitutions, brake conversions, suspension work, ride-height changes, or body repairs can all influence how much space the tire has once it is mounted and in motion.
A changed wheel can alter more than diameter, so clearance at the fender, steering components, and suspension should be checked on the actual car. Older vehicles are especially likely to carry long-ago modifications that are easy to miss, which makes a careful inspection more useful than assuming the current setup is still original.
What should I inspect before driving a 1933 Studebaker Commander 73 on new tires?
Before driving a 1933 Studebaker Commander 73 on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage or corrosion, confirm the 17-inch rim size, and make sure the tires seat properly and hold air. The steering and suspension should also be checked for looseness or worn parts that could affect how the car tracks on the road.
A road-ready inspection should also include tire pressure, lug security, visible clearance around the fenders and chassis, and any signs of rubbing during slow steering movement. On a collector vehicle that may have sat for years, fresh tires are only one part of the equation; the surrounding mechanical condition matters just as much.
How should 6.00-17 tires on a collector 1933 Studebaker Commander 73 be maintained?
6.00-17 tires on a collector 1933 Studebaker Commander 73 should be kept properly inflated, inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, and uneven wear, and protected from long exposure to sunlight, heat, and moisture. Cars that see limited mileage still need routine tire checks because age can matter as much as tread depth.
Storage habits make a real difference on a pre-war vehicle. Keeping the car in a clean, dry space and moving it periodically can help reduce flat spotting and prolonged stress in one contact area. A brief inspection before each outing is a good practice, especially when the car is driven only occasionally rather than every week.
