1935 Studebaker Commander Tires

The 1935 Studebaker Commander uses two primary tire sizes: 650-16 and 700-16. Both are vintage numeric bias-ply sizes designed for 16-inch wheels, so the fitment question is not about radial versus bias-ply at the factory-size level, but about confirming which of those two bias-ply sizes belongs on the car’s actual setup.

That distinction matters because both sizes share the same rim diameter but not the same overall tire profile. A car that has had wheel changes, prior restoration work, or long-term parts swapping may not still be configured the way you expect, so checking the existing wheel, current tire markings, and available clearance before choosing between 650-16 and 700-16 is the smart first step.

The 1935 Studebaker Commander uses a 16-inch rim diameter with both of its primary tire sizes, 650-16 and 700-16. That makes wheel diameter straightforward on this application, since the size decision stays within the same 16-inch rim family rather than shifting to different wheel diameters between fitments.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture on a prewar car. It is still worth checking wheel width, especially if the car has replacement wheels or has been restored over time, because product specifications within these sizes can call for different rim-width ranges. Confirming the actual wheel setup helps narrow the tire choices before appearance and tread style become the deciding factors.

The 1935 Studebaker Commander 1-B 8 Cyl. is associated with the same two primary tire sizes used on this model range: 650-16 and 700-16. Both are bias-ply tires for 16-inch rims, so the sub-model does not send you to a different construction type or a different wheel diameter.

That still leaves an important confirmation step, because sharing the same sub-model does not automatically mean every surviving car is wearing the same wheel and tire combination today. Cars that have seen restoration work, replacement wheels, or long-term storage often need a visual inspection before ordering, and that check helps determine whether the car should stay with its present size or return to the intended setup.

Start with the correct primary size for the car, since the 1935 Studebaker Commander can use either 650-16 or 700-16. After that, compare construction details that matter within those bias-ply choices, including rim-width compatibility, load figures where stated, tread character, and whether the car’s use leans toward restoration display, occasional driving, or a more utility-oriented presentation.

Appearance is also a major part of the decision on a prewar Studebaker. Some owners want a simple blackwall look, while others prefer a wide whitewall to emphasize the era. Looking at the car’s wheels, stance, and restoration theme alongside the tire’s sidewall style and series usually leads to a better choice than selecting only by brand name.

The available sidewall styles for 1935 Studebaker Commander tires are blackwall and wide whitewall. Both styles appear in the correct 650-16 and 700-16 bias-ply sizes, so the sidewall decision becomes one of appearance rather than a shift to a different primary fitment category.

Blackwall tires give the car a restrained, utilitarian look, while wide whitewalls create a more formal prewar presentation. Since sidewall treatment changes the visual character of the whole vehicle, it helps to consider the wheel finish, hubcap style, and overall restoration direction before deciding. That way the tire complements the car instead of standing out as an afterthought.

Tires for the 1935 Studebaker Commander are available from several brands, including BFGoodrich, Firestone, Goodyear, Coker Classic, Garfield, Excelsior, Lester, STA, Tornel, and Avon. Those choices span the correct 650-16 and 700-16 bias-ply sizes and include both classic passenger-style offerings and some military or truck-oriented tread options.

The practical difference is not simply the name on the sidewall. Each brand may appear in a different series, sidewall treatment, rim-width specification, or load-capacity range, so it is worth comparing the product details against how the car will actually be used. Once the correct size is confirmed, brand becomes part of a broader selection process rather than the only deciding factor.

A period-style 1935 Studebaker Commander should stay with the correct primary bias-ply size for the car, either 650-16 or 700-16, and then narrow the choice by sidewall style and series. Within those sizes, traditional blackwall and wide whitewall options are available, giving the owner room to shape the car’s visual character without departing from the correct vintage tire format.

The best period-style choice depends on the car’s restoration direction rather than a universal answer. A more formal or show-oriented presentation may lean toward a wide whitewall, while a simpler touring or utility look may suit a blackwall. When exact originality matters, compare the car against marque literature, period photos, and other authoritative Studebaker references before settling on one sidewall treatment.

Correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1935 Studebaker Commander restoration because the tire has a strong effect on the car’s stance, visual proportion, and period character. Using the proper bias-ply format in the correct 16-inch size family keeps the car visually aligned with its era in a way that a loosely chosen substitute often does not.

Fitment also affects practicality, not just appearance. The wrong size can create avoidable issues with wheel compatibility or body clearance, and an overly modern-looking tire can distract from an otherwise thoughtful restoration. Confirming the existing wheel setup and deciding whether the goal is preservation, touring, or show presentation will usually point toward the most appropriate tire choice.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1935 Studebaker Commander even when the tire size itself is correct. Replacement wheels, altered wheel width, suspension work, ride-height changes, brake conversions, and body repairs can all change how a 650-16 or 700-16 tire sits in the wheel opening and how much clearance is available during steering and suspension movement.

That is why a modified car should be checked as it exists today, not as it left the factory. Looking at the wheel diameter, actual rim width, tire-to-fender space, and front-end clearance before mounting new tires helps prevent surprises. A prewar car with decades of changes behind it often needs fitment verified one step at a time.

Before driving a 1935 Studebaker Commander on new tires, inspect the wheels for condition and correct size, verify that the tires are seated properly, and check inflation against the tire’s intended use. It is also wise to look over the valve stems, confirm that there is no rubbing at full steering lock, and make sure the suspension and steering components are in sound condition.

A brief test at low speed is a sensible follow-up on any collector car. Listen for rubbing, feel for pull or vibration, and recheck pressure after the first drive. On a car that may have spent long periods parked, the tires are only one part of the road-readiness picture, so the rest of the chassis deserves the same level of attention.

Collector-car tires in 650-16 or 700-16 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspection, and careful storage habits. Bias-ply tires on a low-mileage 1935 Studebaker Commander deserve attention even when the tread still looks good, because age, storage conditions, and long periods of inactivity can affect the sidewalls and overall condition.

Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires between drives. It also helps to inspect for cracking, bulges, cuts, and gradual air loss before each outing, especially before a longer trip. A collector car that is driven only occasionally benefits from a maintenance routine based on condition, not mileage alone.