The 1936 Graham 81 Deluxe comes from an era when independent makes still competed on style, engineering character, and road presence in a crowded American market. For owners restoring or maintaining one today, tire choice is part of preserving that distinctly prewar driving feel and visual stance. This Graham uses a 600-16 bias-ply tire on a 16-inch rim, keeping the fitment firmly in traditional prewar territory. Within that size, there is still meaningful choice in blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall presentations across several classic bias-ply series. The real decision is matching the car's appearance, intended road use, and wheel setup to the right 600-16 tire.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1936 Graham 81 Deluxe
The 1936 Graham 81 Deluxe uses one primary tire size: 600-16, a bias-ply fitment for a 16-inch rim. The covered 6-cylinder sub-model uses that same size, so the main decision is not between multiple fitments but between period-style tire presentations, brand and series differences, and the type of look and road use that best suits the car.
A 600-16 size uses the vintage numeric bias-ply system, where the 600 refers to an approximate 6.00-inch nominal section width and the 16 refers to the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1936 Graham 81 Deluxe, that means a traditional bias-ply construction that suits the car's prewar proportions and steering character. In this size, choices include blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall styles from brands such as BFGoodrich, Firestone, Goodyear, Coker Classic, Avon, and others across several series. Choosing among them comes down to the appearance you want, the wheel width you have, and whether the car is being restored, toured, or simply maintained for occasional use.
Fitment is straightforward for the covered 1936 Graham 81 Deluxe sub-model. Tire selection still matters, but the key task is choosing the right 600-16 bias-ply tire style and confirming that the wheel setup matches the intended tire.
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1936 Graham 81 Deluxe 6 Cyl.
The 1936 Graham 81 Deluxe 6 Cyl. uses the same 600-16 bias-ply fitment that defines this model's prewar tire profile. That keeps the size decision simple, leaving the buyer to focus on sidewall appearance, tire series, and wheel-width compatibility before settling on a specific tire.
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 Graham 81 Deluxe Tires for Sale
Available 600-16 choices span BFGoodrich, Firestone, Goodyear, Coker Classic, Avon, Excelsior, Lester, STA, Camac, and Ford Script, with blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall styles. The product grid also shows differences in tire series, rim-width specifications, load ratings, and whether the tire leans more toward passenger-car or military and truck presentation.
Owners researching 1936 Graham 81 Deluxe tires usually need clarity on the 600-16 fitment, 16-inch rim compatibility, bias-ply construction, sidewall style choices, and what to inspect before putting a prewar car back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1936 Graham 81 Deluxe?
The 1936 Graham 81 Deluxe uses a 600-16 tire size. This is a traditional numeric bias-ply fitment, and it is the primary size associated with the model covered here, including the 1936 Graham 81 Deluxe 6 Cyl.
That makes the first step fairly simple: start with 600-16 rather than trying to sort through multiple primary sizes. The next step is confirming that the car still has the correct 16-inch wheels and selecting the tire style that suits the car, whether that means a blackwall touring look, a whitewall restoration-oriented appearance, or another period-style bias-ply presentation.
What size rim does a 1936 Graham 81 Deluxe use?
The 1936 Graham 81 Deluxe uses a 16-inch rim with its 600-16 tire size. Several 600-16 tire options in this fitment range are intended for wheel widths around 4.00 to 4.50 inches, with some options extending to a 5.0-inch width.
Wheel diameter is the non-negotiable part, so the rim itself needs to be 16 inches before any 600-16 tire is considered. After that, measure the wheel width and compare it with the tire's approved rim-width specification, especially if the car has replacement wheels or has been apart for restoration and the wheels may not match the original style.
Does the 1936 Graham 81 Deluxe 6 Cyl. use the same tire size?
Yes. The 1936 Graham 81 Deluxe 6 Cyl. uses the same 600-16 bias-ply tire size as the 1936 Graham 81 Deluxe fitment covered here. There is no separate primary tire size for that sub-model in this application.
Because the size stays the same, the buying decision shifts away from fitment differences and toward tire character and appearance. A buyer can compare blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall options, then confirm wheel width and overall vehicle setup before choosing a tire that matches the car's restoration direction and expected road use.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 600-16 tire for a 1936 Graham 81 Deluxe?
Start with the basics: correct 600-16 sizing, bias-ply construction, and 16-inch wheel compatibility. From there, compare the tire's intended rim-width range, sidewall style, load capacity where stated, and whether the tire is styled more as a traditional passenger-car tire or as a military and truck pattern.
The right choice depends on how the Graham will be used and presented. A restoration-oriented car may call for a wide whitewall or double-whitewall look, while a more utilitarian car may suit a blackwall. It also helps to inspect the actual wheels on the car, because a tire that is correct in size still needs to match the wheel width and the vehicle's current setup.
What sidewall styles are available for 1936 Graham 81 Deluxe tires?
600-16 tires for the 1936 Graham 81 Deluxe are available in blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall styles. Those options give the car noticeably different visual character even though the tire size remains the same.
A blackwall tends to create a simpler, more restrained presentation, while whitewall treatments add a stronger period-style look that many prewar restorations favor. Since sidewall style does not change the basic fitment, the practical check is whether the tire's construction, rim-width specification, and intended use still align with the wheels and the way the car will actually be driven.
What brands offer tires for the 1936 Graham 81 Deluxe?
Brands available in 600-16 for the 1936 Graham 81 Deluxe include BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Avon, Firestone, Ford Script, Excelsior, Lester, Goodyear, STA, and Camac. The range covers several classic passenger-car series as well as some military and truck-style tread offerings in the same size.
That variety gives buyers more than one way to approach the car. Some options focus on traditional passenger-car appearance, while others lean toward utility-style tread patterns. The useful comparison points are the sidewall treatment, tire series, load specification when stated, and approved wheel width, rather than assuming any one brand is automatically the right choice for every Graham.
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1936 Graham 81 Deluxe?
A period-style 1936 Graham 81 Deluxe starts with the correct 600-16 bias-ply size and then narrows the choice by sidewall and series. Wide whitewall and double-whitewall options create a stronger prewar visual statement, while blackwall tires deliver a more restrained traditional appearance.
Appearance matters, but size and wheel compatibility still come first. Buyers aiming for a historically appropriate presentation should compare the tire's visual style with the car's trim level, photos from the era, and marque-specific restoration references. That approach helps avoid choosing a sidewall treatment that looks attractive on its own but feels out of step with the car's finished presentation.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1936 Graham 81 Deluxe restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1936 Graham 81 Deluxe restoration. The 600-16 size affects the car's stance, wheel-fill, and overall visual proportion, and the bias-ply construction plays a major role in how a prewar car looks and feels on the road.
Even within the correct size, details such as blackwall versus whitewall treatment can change the character of the finished car. A restoration-minded buyer should confirm wheel diameter and width, then compare sidewall style and tire series against the build's intended presentation. Getting those basics right helps the car look coherent rather than merely wearing a tire that happens to mount on the rim.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1936 Graham 81 Deluxe?
A period-style 1936 Graham 81 Deluxe starts with the correct 600-16 bias-ply size and then narrows the choice by sidewall and series. Wide whitewall and double-whitewall options create a stronger prewar visual statement, while blackwall tires deliver a more restrained traditional appearance.
Appearance matters, but size and wheel compatibility still come first. Buyers aiming for a historically appropriate presentation should compare the tire's visual style with the car's trim level, photos from the era, and marque-specific restoration references. That approach helps avoid choosing a sidewall treatment that looks attractive on its own but feels out of step with the car's finished presentation.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1936 Graham 81 Deluxe restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1936 Graham 81 Deluxe restoration. The 600-16 size affects the car's stance, wheel-fill, and overall visual proportion, and the bias-ply construction plays a major role in how a prewar car looks and feels on the road.
Even within the correct size, details such as blackwall versus whitewall treatment can change the character of the finished car. A restoration-minded buyer should confirm wheel diameter and width, then compare sidewall style and tire series against the build's intended presentation. Getting those basics right helps the car look coherent rather than merely wearing a tire that happens to mount on the rim.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1936 Graham 81 Deluxe?
Yes. Even though the correct primary size is 600-16, modifications can change whether a particular tire remains appropriate for the car. Wheel replacements, wheel-width changes, altered ride height, brake conversions, and body or fender work can all affect clearance and how the tire sits on the rim.
A Graham that has been updated should be checked as it exists today, not only by model designation. Measure the wheel diameter and width, inspect steering and fender clearance at full lock, and look for any signs that the suspension geometry has changed. Those checks matter before mounting any new tire, especially on a collector car with an uncertain restoration history.
What should I inspect before driving a 1936 Graham 81 Deluxe on new tires?
Before road use, inspect the wheels for damage or distortion, confirm that the 16-inch rims match the tire's approved fitment, and check that each tire is seated properly and inflated correctly. It also helps to look over the valve stems, lug hardware, and any tube-related components if the wheel setup uses them.
A short shakedown drive should include attention to steering feel, rubbing, vibration, and any pull that suggests alignment or brake issues rather than a tire problem. Prewar cars often sit for long periods, so it is wise to recheck air pressure after the first drive and inspect for any fresh scuffing that could point to clearance issues.
How should 600-16 tires on a collector 1936 Graham 81 Deluxe be maintained?
Collector-car tires in 600-16 size should be inspected regularly for cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven wear, and gradual air loss, even if the Graham is driven only occasionally. Bias-ply tires also benefit from proper inflation and from being kept clean and stored away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources when the car is parked.
Low annual mileage does not eliminate the need for attention, because age and storage conditions matter as much as tread depth on a collector vehicle. Rolling the car periodically, maintaining correct pressure, and checking the tires before longer drives helps reduce the chance of discovering a problem only after the car is back on the road.
