1936 La Salle 350 Tires

The 1936 La Salle 350 uses a 700-16 tire size. This is a numeric bias-ply fitment used on a 16-inch wheel, and it applies to the covered 8-cylinder version as well. For most owners, the primary fitment question is simple because there is one main size rather than multiple passenger-car sizes to sort through.

The practical next step is confirming that the car still has the expected wheel setup, especially if it has been restored, modified, or stored with replacement wheels at some point in its life. Once the 700-16 fitment is confirmed, the decision usually shifts to sidewall style, tire series, and whether a restoration-oriented whitewall or a more understated blackwall better suits the car.

The primary tire fitment for the 1936 La Salle 350 is built around a 16-inch rim. That matches the 700-16 sizing format, where the final number designates wheel diameter. Keeping that rim diameter correct matters because a prewar fitment like this depends on matching the tire and wheel dimensions properly rather than approximating with a nearby modern size.

Wheel diameter is only part of the check, so it also helps to verify wheel width and the condition of the rim itself before mounting new tires. Several 700-16 products in this size are intended for 4.50- to 5.50-inch rim widths, which gives a useful comparison point when checking an original-style wheel against a replacement or restored rim.

Yes. The covered 1936 La Salle 350 8 Cyl. uses the same 700-16 bias-ply tire size as the model core. That keeps fitment simple because there is not a second passenger-car size to sort out within the covered sub-model range, so the buyer can focus on choosing the right type of 700-16 rather than chasing a different primary size.

Even with shared size fitment, it is still worth checking the actual wheels on the car before ordering tires, particularly on an older collector vehicle that may have seen wheel swaps over the years. Once the 16-inch wheel setup is confirmed, the meaningful differences become tire appearance, series, and whether a standard passenger-car bias-ply or a more specialized military or truck-style tread is appropriate.

Start with the correct 700-16 size and bias-ply construction, then look at how the car will be used and presented. For a 1936 La Salle 350, the available choices include traditional passenger-car bias-ply tires as well as some military and truck-oriented 700-16 designs, so the tread character and overall presentation can differ significantly even within the same nominal size.

A restoration-focused car may call for a wide whitewall look, while a more understated driver may suit a blackwall. Wheel compatibility matters too, particularly if the car has replacement rims or older wheels that need inspection. Comparing rim-width suitability, sidewall style, load information where given, and the intended use of the car helps narrow the right 700-16 choice.

The 700-16 options for a 1936 La Salle 350 include both blackwall and wide whitewall sidewall styles. That gives owners a meaningful appearance choice without changing the primary size. A blackwall keeps the presentation more restrained, while a wide whitewall delivers the fuller prewar luxury-car look many restorers and collectors prefer on cars from this era.

The right sidewall style depends on how the car is being finished rather than on fitment alone, since both styles are available in the same 700-16 size. Buyers aiming for historical accuracy should compare the tire choice with period photos, marque references, or restoration goals, while drivers focused on road use may simply choose the sidewall treatment that best suits the car’s visual character.

Available 700-16 tires for the 1936 La Salle 350 come from Lester, Avon, BFGoodrich, Firestone, Tornel, and STA. Those options span several series, including classic passenger-car bias-ply lines and some military or truck-oriented designs. Brand choice matters less as a ranking exercise and more as a way to compare sidewall appearance, tread style, and the type of use each tire is aimed toward.

A useful way to compare brands is to group them by the kind of result you want from the car. Wide whitewall offerings speak to restoration presentation, blackwall choices can suit a more restrained look, and military or truck-style treads may only make sense for very specialized applications. The best comparison points are correct size, wheel compatibility, appearance, and intended road use.

A period-style starting point for a 1936 La Salle 350 is the correct 700-16 bias-ply size. From there, the most restoration-oriented choices usually come down to the tire series and whether the car looks more appropriate with a traditional blackwall or a wide whitewall. That keeps the selection aligned with the car’s prewar character without overstating any one tire as an exact factory-original match.

Appearance matters a great deal on a car from this era because tire profile and sidewall treatment strongly influence the stance. Owners pursuing exact historical accuracy should compare their choice against period photos, marque-club guidance, or other vehicle-specific references. For many restorations, staying with the proper size and bias-ply construction is the most important foundation before choosing among available visual styles.

Yes, correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1936 La Salle 350 restoration. The 700-16 size, 16-inch rim relationship, and bias-ply construction all contribute to the car’s stance and visual balance. On a prewar luxury car, the tire is a major part of the finished look, so using the proper fitment helps preserve proportions that can be lost with an off-size substitute.

Fitment also affects practical details beyond appearance, including how the tire sits on the wheel and how it clears the body and suspension. Even when the car has been restored beautifully, wheel changes made long ago can complicate tire selection. Confirming the actual wheel dimensions before mounting new tires helps avoid undermining both the restoration’s presentation and its road usability.

Yes. A 1936 La Salle 350 may still call for a 700-16 bias-ply tire, but modifications can change whether that fitment remains appropriate on the car as it sits today. Wheel swaps, altered suspension height, brake conversions, or body repairs can all influence tire clearance and wheel compatibility, even when the nominal tire size looks correct at first glance.

The most useful checks are the actual wheel diameter and width, plus steering and fender clearance at full travel. Older collector cars sometimes carry replacement wheels installed decades ago, so assumptions can be risky. A careful inspection before mounting tires helps confirm that the selected 700-16 works with the current setup rather than only with the car’s original intended configuration.

Before road use, inspect the wheels, valve stems, lug hardware, and overall wheel condition along with the new tires themselves. On a 1936 La Salle 350, it is also sensible to check that the 16-inch rims are sound, clean at the bead seats, and appropriate for the selected 700-16 tire. A prewar car benefits from careful attention to basics before speed or distance are increased.

The rest of the inspection should include tire pressure, visible clearance around fenders and suspension, and a quick look for any rubbing during low-speed steering movement. It also helps to confirm the condition of steering and suspension components, since worn parts can affect how a newly mounted tire behaves. A short shakedown drive is a smart way to catch issues early.

Collector-car tires such as 700-16 bias-ply tires on a 1936 La Salle 350 should be inspected regularly, even if the car is driven only occasionally. Check for air loss, sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, and uneven tread wear, and keep inflation at the level appropriate for the tire and vehicle setup. Low annual mileage does not eliminate aging, especially on a car stored for long periods.

Storage conditions matter almost as much as road use on a prewar car. Keeping the La Salle away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, standing moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve tire condition over time. Periodic movement of the vehicle and routine pressure checks also help, since collector vehicles often sit long enough for small issues to become larger ones before the next drive.