1936 Lafayette 6 Cyl. Tires

The 1936 Lafayette 6 Cyl. uses a 600-16 tire size. This is a vintage numeric bias-ply fitment, and it is the primary size associated with the model, including the Base sub-model.

That makes size selection relatively simple, but choosing the right tire still requires checking the actual wheel on the car. A 16-inch rim is part of the fitment, and many collector cars have seen wheel changes over the years. Once the wheel setup is confirmed, the decision shifts to sidewall style, tire series, and whether the goal is a blackwall or whitewall period-style presentation.

The primary 600-16 fitment for a 1936 Lafayette 6 Cyl. uses a 16-inch rim diameter. That rim diameter is central to the car’s tire selection because the size code ends with 16, matching the wheel diameter the tire is built for.

Rim diameter should be verified before ordering because an older vehicle may no longer have its original wheel set. Rim width matters too, especially when comparing available 600-16 products, since some carry stated rim-width ranges. Confirming both diameter and width helps narrow the choices and avoids selecting a tire that suits the size code but not the actual wheel on the car.

A 600-16 is a vintage numeric bias-ply size. The 600 portion indicates a nominal section width of about 6.00 inches, while the 16 refers to the rim diameter in inches.

Modern buyers sometimes expect a metric size with an aspect ratio, but this older format works differently and reflects the tire sizing conventions of the 1930s. Understanding that helps when comparing period-style replacement tires for the Lafayette. It also keeps the focus on proper wheel diameter, visual style, and construction type rather than trying to translate the size into a modern format that may not preserve the same look.

Start with the correct 600-16 size and bias-ply construction, then compare the details that separate one option from another. Available tires vary by sidewall treatment, tire series, brand, and in some cases rim-width range, weight, and load specification.

The right choice depends on how the car is being used and presented. A restoration-oriented car may call for a traditional blackwall, wide whitewall, or double-whitewall look, while a driver may be more focused on matching the wheel dimensions and intended road use. Looking closely at the product details helps sort passenger-car style tires from military or truck-style tread choices that create a very different appearance.

The 600-16 fitment for a 1936 Lafayette 6 Cyl. is available in several sidewall styles, including blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall. Those choices create noticeably different visual results even when the underlying tire size stays the same.

Sidewall style is often one of the most important decisions on a pre-war vehicle because it has a strong effect on the car’s finished look. Blackwalls give a more understated, utilitarian presentation, while whitewall variations can make the car appear more formal or more distinctly period-styled. The best choice depends on the restoration direction, surviving photos, and the kind of visual balance you want with the wheel and body color.

Brands available in 600-16 for the 1936 Lafayette 6 Cyl. include BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Avon, Firestone, Ford Script, Excelsior, Lester, Goodyear, STA, and Camac. They appear across multiple tire series and sidewall treatments rather than as one uniform style.

Brand choice should be considered alongside the actual tire series, sidewall appearance, and wheel compatibility instead of treated as a shortcut. Some options lean toward classic passenger-car presentation, while others have military or truck-style tread patterns that can change the car’s look significantly. Comparing those details is more useful than focusing on the brand name alone when narrowing the right tire for a Lafayette.

A period-style 1936 Lafayette 6 Cyl. begins with the correct 600-16 bias-ply size. From there, the most important appearance decisions are the tire series and whether the car looks right with a blackwall, wide whitewall, or double-whitewall presentation.

The best visual match depends on how the car is being restored rather than on one universal answer. Some restorations suit a restrained blackwall look, while others benefit from a broader whitewall treatment that reflects a more formal pre-war style. When exact originality matters, compare the tire appearance against marque references, period photos, and restoration documentation before settling on one sidewall treatment.

Correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1936 Lafayette 6 Cyl. because the tire’s size, construction, and sidewall style all contribute to the car’s stance and overall visual character. A 600-16 bias-ply tire preserves the period sizing format associated with the car.

Even small visual differences can stand out on a pre-war vehicle, especially when the wheel openings, fenders, and wheel design leave so much of the tire visible. Keeping the right size and traditional construction helps avoid a look that feels out of step with the car’s era. After that, the restoration decision usually comes down to choosing the sidewall treatment that best suits the intended finish.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1936 Lafayette 6 Cyl. even when the intended tire size remains 600-16. Changes to wheels, suspension height, brake components, or bodywork can alter clearance and may also change the wheel width the tire must work with.

That matters because an older car may have received decades of updates that are not obvious at first glance. Checking wheel diameter, wheel width, and available clearance at the fender and steering components is worthwhile before mounting new tires. A proper fitment review is especially important if the car has aftermarket wheels or if the suspension has been rebuilt, lowered, or otherwise altered from stock form.

Before driving a 1936 Lafayette 6 Cyl. on new tires, inspect the wheels for condition, confirm proper mounting on the correct 16-inch rims, and make sure the tires are inflated appropriately for their application. It is also wise to check lug hardware, valve stems, and visible clearance around the fenders and steering components.

A short initial drive should be treated as a shakedown rather than a full outing. Watch for rubbing, unusual steering feel, vibration, or signs of uneven contact. On a collector car, it also helps to look over suspension and steering wear items because fresh tires can reveal problems that older, hardened tires may have masked. Rechecking pressure and hardware after the first miles is good practice.

600-16 tires on a collector 1936 Lafayette 6 Cyl. should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspection for cracks, cuts, bulges, and irregular tread wear, and periodic review of overall condition even if the car is driven infrequently. Low annual mileage does not stop tires from aging.

Storage conditions matter almost as much as road use on a pre-war collector car. Keeping the Lafayette away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tire casing and sidewalls. It also makes sense to inspect the tires before every meaningful drive, since long parked intervals can allow pressure loss or age-related deterioration to go unnoticed until the car is back on the road.