The 1936 Dodge D 5 comes from a period when American cars were moving toward more streamlined styling while still relying on traditional tall-sidewall tire proportions and narrow 16-inch wheels. For owners today, tire choice is tied closely to the car’s exact configuration, because the D 5 uses either 600-16 or 650-16 bias-ply tires depending on sub-model. That keeps the decision centered on correct fitment first, then on appearance and use, with blackwall, wide whitewall, and even some specialty tread patterns available in these sizes. A restoration-minded car calls for a tire that matches both the vehicle’s stance and the wheel setup actually on the car.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1936 Dodge D 5
The 1936 Dodge D 5 uses two primary tire sizes, and both are bias-ply tires built for 16-inch rims. The right choice depends on the exact sub-model, since the standard 6 Cyl. uses one size and the 6 Cyl. (7 Passenger) uses another. Before comparing brands, whitewall treatments, or tread styles, confirm which version of the D 5 you have and make sure the wheel size on the car still matches the original 16-inch fitment.
In a numeric bias-ply size like 600-16, the 600 identifies a nominal section width of about 6.00 inches, while 16 identifies the rim diameter in inches. This is a traditional bias-ply fitment for the 1936 Dodge D 5 and suits the tall, narrow tire profile expected on a prewar Dodge. Within this size, choices include blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall treatments, along with series from brands such as BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Firestone, Goodyear, Lester, Excelsior, Avon, and others. It is the size to evaluate for the standard 6 Cyl. configuration, with wheel width and intended appearance guiding the final selection.
In the size code 650-16, the 650 refers to a nominal section width of about 6.50 inches and the 16 refers to the wheel diameter in inches. This is also a bias-ply fitment, but it carries a slightly broader footprint than 600-16 and belongs to a different 1936 Dodge D 5 sub-model. Available choices include blackwall and wide whitewall options across several classic-style series from brands such as BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Firestone, Garfield, Goodyear, Lester, Excelsior, STA, and Tornel. It is the size to verify for the 6 Cyl. (7 Passenger), especially before comparing whitewall width, rim-width requirements, or tread style.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1936 Dodge D 5 because the covered versions do not share the same primary tire size. The first step is identifying whether the car is the 6 Cyl. or the 6 Cyl. (7 Passenger), since that determines whether you should be shopping in 600-16 or 650-16.
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1936 Dodge D 5 6 Cyl.
The 1936 Dodge D 5 6 Cyl. uses a 600-16 bias-ply tire on a 16-inch rim. That keeps the selection focused on traditional prewar tire choices such as blackwall or whitewall styling, along with confirming that the wheels on the car still match the expected width and diameter.
The 1936 Dodge D 5 6 Cyl. (7 Passenger) uses a 650-16 bias-ply tire on a 16-inch rim. For this version, the tire decision centers on staying with the correct larger primary size while choosing among classic sidewall treatments, brands, and specialty tread options that suit the car’s intended 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 1936 Dodge D 5 Tires for Sale
Available 1936 Dodge D 5 tires center on 600-16 and 650-16 bias-ply fitments with broad brand coverage from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Firestone, Goodyear, and others. Buyers can compare blackwall and wide whitewall styles, several classic bias-ply series, and some specialty military or truck-style tread options.
Owners researching 1936 Dodge D 5 tires usually need to sort out the correct size by sub-model, then compare bias-ply style, sidewall appearance, wheel fitment, and road-use considerations before putting the car back in service.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1936 Dodge D 5?
The 1936 Dodge D 5 uses either 600-16 or 650-16 tires, and both are bias-ply sizes for 16-inch rims. The standard 1936 Dodge D 5 6 Cyl. uses 600-16, while the 1936 Dodge D 5 6 Cyl. (7 Passenger) uses 650-16.
That means the first step is confirming the exact sub-model before choosing a tire. Even though both sizes share the same 16-inch rim diameter, they are not the same width, and the available products can differ in rim-width specification, sidewall style, and tread character.
What size rim does a 1936 Dodge D 5 use?
The 1936 Dodge D 5 uses 16-inch rims with its primary tire fitments. Both 600-16 and 650-16 are built around that same 16-inch wheel diameter, even though the two sizes differ in nominal section width.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture on a prewar car. Before mounting new tires, it is worth checking actual wheel width as well, because some 600-16 products are intended for narrower rims than many 650-16 options, and the car may no longer wear its original wheels.
Do all 1936 Dodge D 5 sub-models use the same tire size?
No. The covered 1936 Dodge D 5 sub-models use different tire sizes. The 6 Cyl. uses 600-16, while the 6 Cyl. (7 Passenger) uses 650-16, so tire fitment changes with the exact version of the car.
That distinction matters because moving between those sizes changes more than the number on the sidewall. It affects the tire’s width class, the product selection available to you, and the wheel-width range that may be appropriate, so identifying the sub-model first helps avoid choosing the wrong starting point.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 600-16 or 650-16 tire for a 1936 Dodge D 5?
Start with the correct primary size for the specific 1936 Dodge D 5 sub-model, then confirm that the car still has 16-inch wheels in a width suitable for the tire you are considering. Both sizes are bias-ply, so the real choice usually comes down to appearance, intended use, and product specification.
A restoration-oriented car may call for a traditional blackwall or wide whitewall presentation, while a car used more casually may lead you toward a different tread style within the same size. It also helps to compare rim-width guidance, load figures where stated, and whether the tire is more passenger-car or truck-oriented in character.
What sidewall styles are available for 1936 Dodge D 5 tires?
1936 Dodge D 5 tires are available in blackwall and wide whitewall styles, and some 600-16 products also appear in double-whitewall form. Those appearance choices exist within the correct bias-ply sizes, so the visual decision can be made without abandoning the proper basic fitment.
Sidewall style has a strong effect on the finished look of a prewar Dodge. Blackwalls give a simpler, more understated presentation, while wide whitewalls create a more dressy period-style appearance, so the right choice depends on whether the car is being finished as a restrained driver, a formal restoration, or something in between.
What brands offer tires for the 1936 Dodge D 5?
Tires for the 1936 Dodge D 5 are available from brands including BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Firestone, Goodyear, Excelsior, Lester, Avon, STA, Ford Script, Camac, Garfield, and Tornel, depending on size and tread style. Brand availability differs between 600-16 and 650-16.
The better way to compare those options is by looking at what each brand offers within the correct size for your sub-model. On this Dodge, that often means comparing blackwall versus whitewall presentation, classic passenger-car versus truck-style tread themes, and any rim-width or load details that match how the car will actually be used.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1936 Dodge D 5?
A period-style 1936 Dodge D 5 starts with the correct primary bias-ply size for the specific sub-model: 600-16 for the 6 Cyl. and 650-16 for the 6 Cyl. (7 Passenger). From there, the appearance choice usually centers on blackwall versus wide whitewall and the character of the tire series available in that size.
For many restorations, the tire’s proportions matter as much as the sidewall treatment because a tall bias-ply profile shapes the car’s overall stance. If exact historical presentation is important, compare surviving photos, marque references, or other vehicle-specific documentation before deciding on a particular whitewall width or branded sidewall style.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1936 Dodge D 5 restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters on a 1936 Dodge D 5 because the tire size affects both the car’s stance and its visual balance. Using the proper 600-16 or 650-16 bias-ply fitment keeps the proportions in line with the vehicle’s prewar wheel and fender relationship.
Fitment also matters mechanically, since an incorrect size can introduce wheel-width mismatch or clearance concerns even when the rim diameter is still 16 inches. A well-finished restoration usually benefits from checking the exact sub-model first, then choosing the sidewall style and tire series that best suit the intended presentation.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1936 Dodge D 5?
Yes. Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1936 Dodge D 5 even when the car still uses a 16-inch wheel. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, altered offset, suspension work, or body modifications can influence how a 600-16 or 650-16 tire sits and clears.
A prewar car often has a long service history, so it is smart to inspect the actual wheel setup rather than assuming everything remains original. Tire selection should account for wheel width, fender clearance, and steering clearance, especially if the Dodge has been restored, lowered, or updated at any point in its life.
What should I inspect before driving a 1936 Dodge D 5 on new tires?
Before driving a 1936 Dodge D 5 on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, confirm that the chosen size matches the sub-model, and make sure each tire is mounted and inflated properly. A close look at the valve stems, bead seating, and general wheel integrity is worthwhile on any older vehicle.
The first road check should also include clearance at full steering lock and under suspension movement. After a short drive, recheck air pressure and look for any sign of rubbing, uneven seating, or unusual handling, since collector vehicles sometimes reveal wheel or suspension issues only after new tires are installed.
How should 600-16 and 650-16 tires on a collector 1936 Dodge D 5 be maintained?
Collector-car tires on a 1936 Dodge D 5 should be kept at the proper inflation for the tire being used and inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, tread wear, and slow air loss. Bias-ply tires also benefit from routine visual checks because these cars are often driven infrequently and stored for long periods.
Storage conditions matter almost as much as mileage on a prewar Dodge. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the rubber, and periodic inspections before each drive are wise because age and inactivity can affect tire condition long before the tread appears worn.
