1936 Plymouth P2 Tires

The 1936 Plymouth P2 uses a 600-16 tire size. This is a bias-ply fitment, and it is the primary size associated with the car, including the covered P2 Deluxe sub-model. For most buyers, the fitment question is straightforward because there is one main size rather than several different factory-style sizes to sort through.

The practical decision is choosing the right 600-16 version for the car’s wheels, appearance, and intended use. A restored sedan aimed at a traditional prewar look may call for a whitewall treatment, while a more utilitarian presentation may lean toward blackwall. It is still important to confirm the wheel diameter and actual wheel width on the car, especially if it has been changed over the years.

The 1936 Plymouth P2 uses a 16-inch rim with its 600-16 tire size. That 16-inch measurement is the wheel diameter, and it must match the tire’s rim diameter. A 600-16 tire is built for a 16-inch wheel, so confirming that dimension is the first basic step before comparing tread styles or sidewall treatments.

Wheel width matters too, because many 600-16 products are intended for relatively narrow vintage rims. If the car has replacement wheels, measuring the wheel before purchase helps avoid a mismatch between the tire and the rim. A correct diameter alone does not settle the entire fitment question, particularly on older vehicles that may have seen decades of maintenance, restoration, or modification.

On a 1936 Plymouth P2, 600-16 is a numeric bias-ply tire size. The 600 refers to an approximate 6.00-inch nominal section width, and the 16 indicates the tire fits a 16-inch wheel. It is a traditional vintage sizing format, so it looks different from later alphanumeric or modern metric radial designations.

Understanding the size helps separate fitment from styling choices. Once 600-16 is confirmed, the next question becomes whether the car needs a blackwall, wide whitewall, or double-whitewall presentation, along with the tread style that best suits the build. Buyers should also check the actual wheel width and overall vehicle setup, since older cars do not always retain their original wheels after years of service.

Start with the basics: the 1936 Plymouth P2 uses a 600-16 bias-ply tire on a 16-inch rim. From there, compare the available tire’s sidewall style, tire series, and intended character. Some 600-16 options are restoration-oriented passenger-car designs, while others carry military or truck-style tread patterns that create a noticeably different look and use profile.

Wheel compatibility is just as important as appearance. Many 600-16 products in this group are suited to narrow vintage rims, so checking actual wheel width is worthwhile before making a final selection. It also helps to consider how the car will be driven. A show-focused Plymouth may prioritize period-style sidewalls, while a regularly driven car may call for a simpler, more utilitarian presentation.

The 1936 Plymouth P2’s 600-16 tire size is available in blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall styles. Those choices create very different visual results even when the size stays the same. Blackwall tends to give the car a plainer, more understated look, while wide whitewall and double-whitewall options push the presentation toward a more formal and restoration-oriented prewar appearance.

Sidewall choice should match the overall build rather than be treated as a universal rule. A buyer trying to recreate a traditional period-style look may prefer one of the whitewall treatments, while a driver with a simpler finish or a utility-minded presentation may favor blackwall. It is also smart to verify that the chosen tire’s wheel and use specifications align with the car, not just the sidewall appearance.

The 1936 Plymouth P2’s 600-16 size is available from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Avon, Firestone, Ford Script, Excelsior, Lester, Goodyear, STA, and Camac. Those brands cover several different bias-ply series, including traditional passenger-car patterns as well as military and truck-style options. That gives the buyer real variety even though the primary tire size itself stays constant.

Choosing between brands should come down to the tire’s style, series, sidewall treatment, and wheel compatibility rather than assuming one brand is automatically right for every P2. Some products emphasize a classic whitewall appearance, while others lean toward blackwall or specialty tread designs. Comparing the tire’s visual character with the Plymouth’s restoration goals is usually more useful than choosing by brand name alone.

A period-style 1936 Plymouth P2 should start with the correct 600-16 bias-ply size on a 16-inch rim. That preserves the vintage sizing format and the tire construction most closely associated with the car’s era. From there, the real choice becomes the tire’s visual presentation, tread style, and brand character rather than changing to a different primary fitment size.

Wide whitewall or double-whitewall options often suit a more formal restoration-oriented build, while blackwall can support a simpler or more utilitarian look. Exact originality can vary by individual vehicle history and restoration goal, so owners pursuing a highly exact finish should compare tire appearance against period photos, marque references, and other Plymouth-specific historical material before making a final choice.

On a restored 1936 Plymouth P2, bias-ply construction affects both appearance and stance because the 600-16 format reflects the kind of tire presentation expected on a prewar American car. The sidewall shape, tread character, and overall visual impression of a bias-ply tire help preserve the traditional look that many restorers want from a car of this period.

Appearance is not only about construction, though. Sidewall treatment makes a major difference, especially when comparing blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall options in the same size. A buyer should think about whether the Plymouth is being restored as a formal showpiece, a clean driver, or a utility-flavored survivor, then choose the tire presentation that supports that direction without drifting away from the proper basic fitment.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1936 Plymouth P2 even when the car is using the correct 600-16 size. Replacement wheels, altered wheel width, suspension changes, brake conversions, or body work can all change how much space the tire has and whether the wheel remains suitable for a traditional bias-ply application.

A Plymouth that still appears stock may also have hidden changes from decades of repairs or restoration work. Measuring wheel diameter and width, then checking steering and fender clearance, helps prevent surprises. It is especially important to inspect fitment at full steering lock and under normal vehicle weight, because an old car’s actual setup may differ from what its year and model suggest.

Before driving a 1936 Plymouth P2 on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage or distortion, confirm the 16-inch rim size, and make sure the wheel width suits the selected 600-16 tire. The tires themselves should be checked for proper inflation, bead seating, and any visible mounting issues before the car goes back into regular road use.

An older Plymouth also deserves a broader road-readiness check. Look over suspension and steering components, verify that the brakes are operating evenly, and confirm that nothing rubs once the car is on the ground and turned lock to lock. A short, careful test drive can reveal pull, vibration, or clearance concerns before committing the car to longer trips.

600-16 tires on a collector 1936 Plymouth P2 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspection, and careful storage habits. Bias-ply tires on low-use cars can age out long before they wear out, so sidewall cracking, flat spotting, cuts, bulges, and unexplained air loss deserve attention even when tread depth still looks acceptable.

Collector cars benefit from being stored away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources such as electric motors or battery chargers. Rolling the car periodically can also help reduce long-term flat spotting during storage. Before each driving season, it is wise to inspect both the tires and wheels closely, since age, not mileage, is often the bigger issue on a prewar vehicle.