The 1934 Studebaker Commander came from a period when independent styling and engineering identity still set American makes apart, and Studebaker’s Commander line carried real presence on the road. For tire selection today, this exact model centers on vintage bias-ply fitment, with two primary sizes in play: 6.00-17 and 700-16. That makes the first decision less about brand loyalty and more about confirming which wheel diameter is on the car before choosing a tire. From there, the choice shifts toward traditional blackwall or wide whitewall presentation and whether the car is being kept restoration-oriented or prepared for regular collector driving.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1934 Studebaker Commander
The 1934 Studebaker Commander uses two primary tire sizes, and both are bias-ply fitments. The important distinction is wheel diameter, since one size is built for a 17-inch rim and the other is built for a 16-inch rim. Before choosing a tire, confirm which wheel setup is actually on the car, especially if it has been changed during restoration or long-term ownership.
The 6.00-17 size uses a vintage numeric bias-ply format in which the first number represents the tire’s nominal section width in inches and the final number identifies the rim diameter. On a 1934 Studebaker Commander, it represents a traditional bias-ply fitment intended for use on a 17-inch wheel. Buyers looking at this size should focus on confirming the existing wheel diameter and the overall appearance they want the car to carry. That is especially important on a restoration-minded car, where a correct-looking stance and sidewall presentation often matter as much as the basic fitment itself.
The 700-16 size is also a vintage numeric bias-ply designation, with the leading number indicating nominal width and the final number identifying the 16-inch rim. For the 1934 Studebaker Commander, this size opens up the widest visible product choice, including Lester, Avon, BFGoodrich, Firestone, Tornel, and STA offerings in blackwall and wide whitewall form across several classic series. Some 700-16 options also carry military or truck-oriented character, so the practical decision is matching the tire’s appearance and intended use to the way the car is being driven and presented.
Sub-model fitment is straightforward here, but wheel confirmation still matters because the covered Commander sub-model can use more than one primary tire size. Identifying the exact wheel diameter on the car is the key step before moving on to brand, sidewall, or restoration-oriented tire choice.
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1934 Studebaker Commander B 8 Cyl.
The 1934 Studebaker Commander B 8 Cyl. can be fitted with vintage bias-ply sizing in either a 17-inch or 16-inch wheel setup. That means tire selection starts with confirming the wheels currently on the car, then choosing the sidewall style and tire series that best suit its restoration goals and road use.
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.
Best 1934 Studebaker Commander Tires for Sale
Available 700-16 tires give this 1934 Studebaker Commander the strongest product range, with BFGoodrich, Firestone, Lester, Avon, Tornel, and STA choices. The comparison points include blackwall versus wide whitewall appearance, classic passenger-car series, and more utility-focused military or truck-style bias-ply designs.
These 1934 Studebaker Commander tire FAQs focus on the two primary sizes, wheel-diameter differences, bias-ply construction, available sidewall and brand choices, and the checks that matter before putting a collector-era car back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1934 Studebaker Commander?
The 1934 Studebaker Commander uses two primary tire sizes: 6.00-17 and 700-16. Both are vintage bias-ply fitments, so the key difference is not construction type but wheel diameter. One size belongs on a 17-inch rim, while the other belongs on a 16-inch rim.
That makes wheel verification the first step before choosing any replacement tire. A car that has gone through restoration, long-term storage, or earlier wheel changes may not still carry its original setup, so checking the actual rim diameter on the vehicle matters more than assuming both sizes apply interchangeably.
What size rim does a 1934 Studebaker Commander use?
A 1934 Studebaker Commander can use either a 17-inch rim with a 6.00-17 tire or a 16-inch rim with a 700-16 tire. Both fitments are bias-ply, but the wheel diameter determines which tire size belongs on the car.
The practical point is that a 16-inch tire cannot be mounted on a 17-inch wheel, and a 17-inch tire cannot be mounted on a 16-inch wheel. Before comparing brands or sidewall styles, inspect the wheels already on the car and confirm that any replacement tire matches the wheel diameter exactly.
Why does the 1934 Studebaker Commander have more than one tire size?
The 1934 Studebaker Commander has more than one tire size because it is associated with two different wheel diameters: 6.00-17 for 17-inch rims and 700-16 for 16-inch rims. Both are proper vintage bias-ply sizing formats for a collector-era vehicle of this period.
For an owner, that means the tire decision starts with the car’s actual wheel setup rather than the model name alone. A Commander that has had wheels changed over the years may require a different size than expected, so confirming the rim diameter and overall wheel condition should come before ordering replacement tires.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 700-16 tire for a 1934 Studebaker Commander?
Choosing a 700-16 tire for a 1934 Studebaker Commander starts with confirming that the car is on 16-inch wheels, then narrowing the selection by intended use and appearance. This size is available in traditional passenger-car bias-ply designs as well as more utility-oriented military or truck-style patterns.
Sidewall treatment is another major factor, since 700-16 options include both blackwall and wide whitewall styles. It also helps to compare rim-width specifications where given, along with load figures and series character, so the tire matches the car’s presentation and the way it will actually be driven.
What sidewall styles are available for 1934 Studebaker Commander tires?
For the 1934 Studebaker Commander, the visible sidewall choices in 700-16 include blackwall and wide whitewall. That gives the owner a meaningful appearance decision even while staying within the correct vintage bias-ply size family for the car’s 16-inch wheel setup.
A blackwall generally suits a more restrained, utilitarian presentation, while a wide whitewall creates a more formal pre-war look. The right choice depends on how the car is restored and shown, so it is worth deciding on the visual character first and then comparing the available tire series within that style.
What brands offer tires for the 1934 Studebaker Commander?
In 700-16, the 1934 Studebaker Commander has tire options from Lester, Avon, BFGoodrich, Firestone, Tornel, and STA. Those choices span classic passenger-car bias-ply designs along with military or truck-style offerings that share the same basic size but differ in tread character and presentation.
Brand selection should come after the size and wheel diameter are confirmed. Once that is settled, compare the series, sidewall style, rim-width guidance, and load details where they are stated, since those factors usually do more to shape the final decision than the brand name alone.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1934 Studebaker Commander?
A period-style 1934 Studebaker Commander should stay with one of its correct primary bias-ply sizes, either 6.00-17 or 700-16, depending on the wheel diameter on the car. Keeping the proper vintage construction and sizing format is the main starting point for a restoration-oriented look.
From there, the choice becomes more visual and use-driven. A wide whitewall can create a more formal pre-war presentation, while a blackwall can look more restrained, but exact originality can vary by car, so owners pursuing highly specific authenticity should compare against marque references and restoration records.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1934 Studebaker Commander restoration?
Correct tire fitment matters on a 1934 Studebaker Commander because tire size, wheel diameter, construction type, and sidewall treatment all affect how the car sits and how authentic it appears. On a pre-war vehicle, the tires are a large visual element rather than a small finishing detail.
Using the wrong rim diameter or a mismatched tire style can change the car’s stance and undermine an otherwise careful restoration. Even when the car is driven regularly, it still makes sense to start with the proper bias-ply size for the wheel and then choose the sidewall presentation that best suits the restoration goal.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1934 Studebaker Commander?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1934 Studebaker Commander. Wheel changes are the biggest issue here because this model can use either a 16-inch or 17-inch setup, and any change in wheel diameter or width can alter which tire size should be used.
Suspension work, brake conversions, or altered ride height can also change clearance at the fenders and steering components. On a collector car with an unknown history, it is smart to inspect the actual wheels and available space around the tire before assuming the replacement size should match an old sidewall label.
What should I inspect before driving a 1934 Studebaker Commander on new tires?
Before driving a 1934 Studebaker Commander on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter, sound bead seats, and overall condition, then confirm the tires are mounted in the proper size for that wheel. It also helps to check valve stems, lug hardware, and basic tire pressure before road use.
A short, careful shakedown drive is a good way to verify there is no rubbing, unusual vibration, or steering interference. Pre-war cars often see limited use, so it is also worth looking over brakes, steering linkage, and suspension condition to make sure the rest of the chassis is ready for safe driving.
How should 1934 Studebaker Commander tires be maintained?
Tires on a 1934 Studebaker Commander should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and attention to age-related condition. Even on a low-mile collector car, sidewall cracking, flat spotting, air loss, cuts, and bulges matter just as much as tread wear.
Storage conditions also make a difference on a pre-war vehicle that may sit for long periods. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve the tires, and periodic inspection before each drive is a sensible habit when the car is not used every day.
