1935 Dodge DU Tires

The 1935 Dodge DU uses a 600-16 tire size. This is a numeric bias-ply fitment on a 16-inch rim, and the listed 6 Cyl. sub-model uses that same primary size rather than a different passenger-car fitment.

That makes the next decision less about size and more about choosing the right version of 600-16 for the car. Check the actual wheel diameter and width on the vehicle, especially if it has been apart for restoration or fitted with replacement wheels, then compare sidewall style, tire series, and intended road use before selecting a tire.

The 1935 Dodge DU uses a 16-inch rim with its 600-16 tire size. Product offerings in this fitment commonly pair that tire with rim widths around 4.00 to 4.50 inches, with some 600-16 variations covering slightly different width specifications.

Wheel diameter is the first thing to confirm, but width matters too because not every 16-inch wheel is the same. On a pre-war car, replacement wheels, older repairs, or later swaps can change what is actually on the vehicle, so measuring the wheel before choosing among the available 600-16 tires helps avoid unnecessary fitment surprises.

On a 1935 Dodge DU, 600-16 is a vintage numeric bias-ply tire size. The 600 indicates an approximate 6.00-inch nominal section width, while the 16 identifies the wheel diameter in inches.

That older sizing format does not read like a modern metric tire, so it helps to treat it as a period tire code rather than compare it directly to later radial markings. For this Dodge, staying with the correct 600-16 format preserves the intended pre-war look, and then the real choice becomes tread style, sidewall treatment, and wheel compatibility.

Start with the correct 600-16 size and a bias-ply construction that suits the 1935 Dodge DU's original-era fitment. After that, compare the tire's intended character, whether that means a traditional passenger-car bias-ply, a restoration-oriented whitewall, or a more utility-focused military or truck-style tread.

Appearance matters on a pre-war Dodge, but so do wheel width, load figures where stated, and how the car will actually be used. A rarely driven show car may call for a different visual choice than a touring car, so narrow the selection by sidewall style, tire series, and the actual wheel setup before making a final decision.

The 1935 Dodge DU's 600-16 fitment is available in several sidewall styles, including blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall. Those choices create very different visual effects even though they stay within the same basic vintage tire size.

A blackwall usually gives the car a more restrained or utilitarian presentation, while wide whitewalls and double whitewalls push the look toward a more formal restoration-oriented appearance. The best choice depends on how the car is being finished and shown, and it is worth comparing sidewall treatment alongside the tire series instead of treating all 600-16 tires as visually identical.

The 1935 Dodge DU's 600-16 size is offered by BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Avon, Firestone, Ford Script, Excelsior, Lester, Goodyear, STA, and Camac. Those brands appear across several different bias-ply tire series and sidewall treatments in the same basic fitment.

Brand choice should be considered alongside the tire's appearance and purpose rather than by name alone. Some options are traditional blackwalls, some use wide whitewalls or double whitewalls, and others lean toward military or truck-style tread patterns, so the better comparison is which tire best matches the Dodge's restoration style and driving plans.

A period-style 1935 Dodge DU should begin with the correct 600-16 bias-ply size on a 16-inch rim. That keeps the tire format in line with the car's era, and from there the choice shifts to whether the car looks right with a blackwall, wide whitewall, or double-whitewall presentation.

The best visual match depends on the car's trim, finish, and restoration goal rather than one universal answer for every DU. Owners chasing strict historical accuracy should compare their choice against period photos, marque references, or other vehicle-specific documentation, while those building a sympathetic driver can focus on maintaining the proper size and overall pre-war character.

Correct tire fitment matters on a 1935 Dodge DU because tire size and construction strongly influence the car's overall stance and visual balance. A 600-16 bias-ply tire preserves the tall, narrow pre-war look that modern replacements in unrelated sizing formats often change noticeably.

Appearance is only part of the equation, since the wheel itself also needs to match the tire's diameter and suitable width. During restoration, it is smart to confirm the wheels on the car before paint and final assembly, then choose the sidewall style that supports the finished look without assuming every 16-inch tire will present the car the same way.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1935 Dodge DU even when the intended tire size remains 600-16. Replacement wheels, brake changes, altered ride height, suspension work, or body repairs can all change how much room the tire has and whether the wheel still suits the chosen tire properly.

A pre-war car may also have accumulated decades of changes that are not obvious at first glance. It helps to confirm wheel diameter, wheel width, and basic clearance at the fenders and steering components before mounting new tires, especially if the Dodge has been stored long-term or rebuilt using parts from more than one vehicle.

Before driving a 1935 Dodge DU on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the beads seat correctly, and make sure the tires match the wheel diameter and suitable width. It is also wise to look over steering and suspension components, since a fresh set of tires cannot compensate for worn mechanical parts.

Roadworthy preparation on a pre-war car should also include checking inflation, valve stems, lug security, and any signs of rubbing once the car is on the ground. A short, careful test drive followed by another visual inspection can reveal clearance issues, unusual wear patterns, or settling problems before the Dodge is taken on a longer outing.

600-16 tires on a collector 1935 Dodge DU should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and clean storage habits. Watch for sidewall cracking, tread separation, bulges, cuts, or slow air loss, especially on a car that spends long periods parked between events or occasional drives.

Collector vehicles often age their tires by time and storage conditions as much as by mileage. Keeping the Dodge away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires, and rolling the car periodically or avoiding extended static load in one spot can be useful when the vehicle sits for long stretches.