The 1937 Dodge D 5 comes from an era when Chrysler-built cars balanced streamlined late-Depression styling with practical road manners and everyday durability. For collectors today, that makes tire choice part of both the car’s look and the way it presents on the road. This model uses bias-ply fitments in 600-16 or 650-16, both built for 16-inch rims, with the exact size depending on sub-model. Available choices include traditional blackwalls, wide whitewalls, and even double-whitewall treatments across several period-style bias-ply series. The key is confirming the correct sub-model first, then choosing the tire appearance and casing style that suits restoration goals and intended driving use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1937 Dodge D 5
The 1937 Dodge D 5 uses two primary tire sizes, and both are bias-ply tires for 16-inch rims. The important first step is identifying the exact sub-model, because the 6 Cyl. and the 6 Cyl. (7 Passenger) do not share the same size. Once that is settled, the decision shifts to period-style presentation, sidewall treatment, and the type of bias-ply tread or series that best matches how the car will be used.
A 600-16 tire is a vintage numeric bias-ply size in which the 600 denotes an approximate 6.00-inch nominal section width and the 16 identifies the wheel diameter. On the 1937 Dodge D 5, this is a traditional bias-ply fitment that preserves the period tire construction associated with pre-war driving and appearance. This size is offered in blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall styles from brands such as BFGoodrich, Firestone, Goodyear, Coker Classic, and others, with touring-style and truck-style series both represented. It is the size to evaluate when your specific D 5 sub-model calls for a narrower original-type tire on a 16-inch wheel.
A 650-16 tire is also a vintage numeric bias-ply size, with the 650 indicating an approximate 6.50-inch nominal section width and the 16 indicating the wheel diameter. For the 1937 Dodge D 5, this size remains a 16-inch bias-ply fitment but provides a wider vintage tire than 600-16, so it should only be used on the sub-model that takes it. Product choices include blackwall and wide whitewall designs from BFGoodrich, Firestone, Goodyear, Coker Classic, Garfield, Lester, and others, along with some truck-oriented tread patterns. It is the right path when the goal is to match the proper larger fitment for the 7 Passenger configuration.
Tire fitment for the 1937 Dodge D 5 depends on the exact sub-model rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Checking whether the car is the standard 6 Cyl. model or the 6 Cyl. (7 Passenger) version matters before comparing tire appearance, tread style, or casing details.
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1937 Dodge D 5 6 Cyl.
The 1937 Dodge D 5 6 Cyl. uses the 600-16 bias-ply size on a 16-inch rim. That makes the main decision less about overall fitment and more about choosing among blackwall, whitewall, or specialty period-style bias-ply options that suit the car’s presentation and use.
The 1937 Dodge D 5 6 Cyl. (7 Passenger) uses the larger 650-16 bias-ply size on a 16-inch rim. Tire selection here centers on staying with the correct larger sub-model fitment and then comparing sidewall style, tread character, and restoration-oriented appearance within that size.
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 1937 Dodge D 5 Tires for Sale
Available 1937 Dodge D 5 tires span 600-16 and 650-16 bias-ply sizes from BFGoodrich, Firestone, Goodyear, Coker Classic, Excelsior, Lester, STA, and others. The product grid is most useful for comparing blackwall versus whitewall styling, classic passenger-car series, and truck or military-style tread options within the correct size.
Owners of a 1937 Dodge D 5 usually need clarity on sub-model tire sizing, 16-inch rim fitment, bias-ply construction, sidewall appearance, and what to inspect before putting a pre-war Dodge back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1937 Dodge D 5?
A 1937 Dodge D 5 uses either 600-16 or 650-16 tires, and both are bias-ply sizes for 16-inch rims. The standard 1937 Dodge D 5 6 Cyl. uses 600-16, while the 1937 Dodge D 5 6 Cyl. (7 Passenger) uses 650-16.
That means the first step is confirming the exact sub-model before comparing brands or sidewall styles. Even though both sizes share the same rim diameter, the section width is different, so the correct choice is tied to the specific vehicle configuration rather than simply picking any 16-inch vintage tire.
What size rim does a 1937 Dodge D 5 use?
The 1937 Dodge D 5 uses a 16-inch rim diameter with both of its primary tire sizes. Whether the car takes 600-16 or 650-16, the wheel diameter remains 16 inches, which keeps the fitment question focused on tire width and sub-model rather than wheel diameter changes.
Wheel width still matters, especially when comparing individual tire options. Many 600-16 passenger-car tires are intended for narrower rims, while many 650-16 tires call for a wider wheel range, so measuring the actual wheel on the car is worthwhile before mounting new tires on an older or restored vehicle.
Why does the 1937 Dodge D 5 have more than one tire size?
The 1937 Dodge D 5 has more than one tire size because the fitment changes by sub-model. The 6 Cyl. version uses 600-16, while the 6 Cyl. (7 Passenger) version uses 650-16, so the difference is tied to vehicle configuration rather than optional sidewall styling or brand choice.
That distinction matters because a 600-16 and a 650-16 are not the same size even though both mount on 16-inch rims. Buyers should confirm the exact body configuration, then compare tire series and appearance options only within the correct size for that specific Dodge D 5.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 600-16 or 650-16 tire for a 1937 Dodge D 5?
Start with the correct sub-model, since the 1937 Dodge D 5 uses 600-16 in 6 Cyl. form and 650-16 in 6 Cyl. (7 Passenger) form. After size is confirmed, compare tire construction, rim-width suitability, sidewall treatment, tread character, and whether the tire is aimed at passenger-car presentation or truck-style service.
Appearance matters on a pre-war Dodge, but so does matching the tire to the wheel and the car’s intended use. A blackwall, wide whitewall, or double-whitewall can change the look dramatically, while some product lines lean more toward classic touring presentation and others toward utility or military-style tread design.
What sidewall styles are available for 1937 Dodge D 5 tires?
1937 Dodge D 5 tires are available in several sidewall styles depending on size and product line. Across 600-16 and 650-16, the main choices include blackwall and wide whitewall, and 600-16 also includes double-whitewall options in certain period-style bias-ply products.
The practical choice depends on how the car is being presented. Blackwalls tend to give a plainer, workmanlike look, while whitewalls create a more formal pre-war appearance, so many owners choose the sidewall style after confirming the correct tire size and then matching the visual character of the rest of the restoration.
What brands offer tires for the 1937 Dodge D 5?
Tires for the 1937 Dodge D 5 are available from brands including BFGoodrich, Firestone, Goodyear, Coker Classic, Excelsior, Lester, Avon, STA, Camac, Garfield, Ford Script, and Tornel, depending on whether the car uses 600-16 or 650-16. Brand availability also varies by sidewall style and tread series.
That variety gives buyers room to focus on the type of tire they want rather than chasing a single name. One brand may offer a particular whitewall treatment, another a classic blackwall, and another a truck or military-style pattern, so comparing the actual tire series and specifications is more useful than comparing badges alone.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1937 Dodge D 5?
A period-style 1937 Dodge D 5 tire starts with using the correct primary size for the sub-model: 600-16 for the 6 Cyl. and 650-16 for the 6 Cyl. (7 Passenger). From there, a bias-ply tire with an appropriate blackwall, wide whitewall, or traditional tread presentation keeps the car visually consistent with its late-1930s character.
Owners focused on accurate restoration should treat size, sidewall style, and overall stance as a package rather than isolating one detail. When exact originality matters, marque literature, period photos, and vehicle-specific historical references can help narrow the most appropriate appearance within the correct tire size.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1937 Dodge D 5 restoration?
Correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1937 Dodge D 5 restoration because the tire size strongly influences stance, wheelwell fill, and the overall visual balance of a pre-war car. Using 600-16 versus 650-16 changes more than appearance details, since those sizes belong to different Dodge D 5 sub-model applications.
The right fitment also affects how convincing the finished car looks when viewed alongside its wheels, trim, and ride height. Once the proper size is established, sidewall styling becomes the fine-tuning step, allowing the owner to choose a more restrained blackwall look or a more formal whitewall presentation.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1937 Dodge D 5?
Modifications can absolutely affect tire fitment on a 1937 Dodge D 5, even when the nominal tire size is correct. Aftermarket wheels, changed wheel widths, altered offsets, lowered suspension, replacement springs, brake conversions, or body repairs can all influence how a 600-16 or 650-16 sits and clears.
That is especially important on older vehicles that may have been updated over decades of use and restoration. Before mounting new tires, check actual rim width, steering clearance, fender clearance, and suspension travel so the chosen bias-ply size works with the Dodge’s present wheel and chassis setup.
What should I inspect before driving a 1937 Dodge D 5 on new tires?
Before driving a 1937 Dodge D 5 on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage or excessive corrosion, confirm the rim diameter and width, and make sure the tires are mounted and inflated properly. On a collector car, it is also wise to check valve stems, tube-related hardware where applicable, lug security, and visible clearance at full steering lock.
The rest of the car deserves attention too, because fresh tires cannot compensate for worn steering or suspension parts. A short test drive followed by a second inspection helps catch rubbing, unusual air loss, or settling issues early, which is particularly useful on a pre-war car returning to road use.
How should 600-16 or 650-16 tires on a collector 1937 Dodge D 5 be maintained?
Collector-car tires in 600-16 or 650-16 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and careful storage habits. Bias-ply tires on a 1937 Dodge D 5 should be watched for cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven wear, and air loss, especially if the car spends long periods parked between drives.
Storage conditions matter as much as mileage on an older vehicle. Keeping the Dodge away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, high heat, and ozone sources can help preserve the tires, and moving or driving the car occasionally helps avoid long-term flat spotting that is common with vintage-style bias-ply construction.
