The 1937 Graham 90 Cavalier comes from a fascinating prewar period when independent American automakers were still carving out distinct identities through styling, engineering, and road presence. For owners of this Graham, tire choice is closely tied to preserving that unmistakable late-1930s character while keeping the car properly supported on the road. This model uses bias-ply fitments in 6.25-16 and 600-16 on 16-inch rims, so the first step is confirming which of those two sizes belongs on the car. Available choices include blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall presentations across several vintage-style series. That makes selection less about modernizing the car and more about matching the intended appearance, wheel setup, and driving use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1937 Graham 90 Cavalier
The 1937 Graham 90 Cavalier uses two primary tire sizes, and both are bias-ply fitments for 16-inch rims. Since the covered 6 Cyl. sub-model can use either 6.25-16 or 600-16, the key step is confirming which size is already on the car, then choosing the right period-style tread, sidewall treatment, and product type for the way the vehicle is being restored or driven.
In a numeric bias-ply size such as 6.25-16, the first number refers to the tire's nominal section width in inches, while the final number identifies the 16-inch rim diameter. On a 1937 Graham 90 Cavalier, this is a traditional bias-ply fitment that suits the car's prewar wheel and tire character. Buyers looking at this size should focus on maintaining the correct vintage construction and confirming that the wheel setup matches the intended section width. It is a useful size to evaluate carefully when balancing authentic prewar appearance with practical road-use needs.
The 600-16 size uses the same vintage numeric bias-ply system, with 600 representing an approximate 6.00-inch nominal section width and 16 identifying the rim diameter. This size opens up a broad range of bias-ply choices for the 1937 Graham 90 Cavalier, including blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall styles from brands such as BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Firestone, Goodyear, Avon, Ford Script, Excelsior, Lester, STA, and Camac. It is the size to study closely if appearance, tread style, rim-width compatibility, and restoration presentation all matter to the final decision.
Sub-model fitment is straightforward here, but tire selection still deserves a close look because the covered 6 Cyl. configuration can use more than one primary size. Checking the exact wheel and the size already associated with the car helps narrow the choice before comparing sidewall style or tread design.
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1937 Graham 90 Cavalier 6 Cyl.
The 1937 Graham 90 Cavalier 6 Cyl. uses bias-ply tires on 16-inch rims and can be matched with either of the two primary sizes associated with this model. That makes wheel confirmation especially important before choosing between a blackwall touring look, a more restoration-oriented whitewall presentation, or a specialty tread style.
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 Graham 90 Cavalier Tires for Sale
Available 600-16 choices cover a wide range of prewar-style needs, with offerings from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Firestone, Goodyear, Avon, Ford Script, Excelsior, Lester, STA, and Camac. Buyers can compare blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall presentations across several bias-ply series and rim-width specifications.
Owners of a 1937 Graham 90 Cavalier usually need to sort out the correct size first, then compare bias-ply styling, rim fitment, and restoration-oriented appearance choices. These questions focus on the practical decisions that matter before the car goes back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1937 Graham 90 Cavalier?
The 1937 Graham 90 Cavalier uses two primary tire sizes: 6.25-16 and 600-16. Both are bias-ply sizes designed for 16-inch rims, and the covered 6 Cyl. sub-model can be associated with either size rather than one universal fitment across every car in service today.
That means the best starting point is the car itself. Check the wheel diameter, confirm the size already fitted or historically associated with the vehicle, and compare the wheel width before choosing a replacement. On a prewar car, decades of wheel changes or restoration work can matter just as much as the model name.
What size rim does a 1937 Graham 90 Cavalier use?
The primary tire fitments for the 1937 Graham 90 Cavalier use a 16-inch rim diameter. Both 6.25-16 and 600-16 are built around that same 16-inch wheel size, so the rim diameter remains consistent even though more than one tire size may be used on the car.
Rim diameter is only part of the picture, especially on a collector vehicle. Wheel width should also be checked before ordering, since product options within 600-16 can carry different recommended rim-width specifications. Confirming both diameter and width helps avoid choosing a tire that suits the size code but not the actual wheel.
What does 600-16 mean on a 1937 Graham 90 Cavalier?
On a 1937 Graham 90 Cavalier, 600-16 is a vintage numeric bias-ply tire size. The 600 indicates an approximate 6.00-inch nominal section width, and the 16 identifies the rim diameter in inches. It is a traditional prewar sizing format rather than a modern metric radial designation.
Understanding that format helps when comparing replacement tires because the decision is not just about matching numbers. Buyers should also compare construction, sidewall style, and wheel compatibility. A 600-16 blackwall, wide whitewall, or double-whitewall can all suit the same size category while giving the car a very different visual character.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 600-16 tire for a 1937 Graham 90 Cavalier?
Start with the basics: 600-16 must match the car's 16-inch wheel and the intended vintage bias-ply construction. From there, the main differences are sidewall presentation, tread character, brand, series, and the rim-width specifications attached to individual products within the 600-16 category.
A restoration-oriented sedan may call for a wide whitewall or double-whitewall look, while a more understated presentation may point to blackwall. Product details such as maximum load capacity, stated inflation reference, and tire weight can also help narrow the field. The right choice depends on how the Graham will be shown, stored, and driven.
What sidewall styles are available for 1937 Graham 90 Cavalier tires?
For the 1937 Graham 90 Cavalier, 600-16 product options include blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall styles. Those sidewall treatments all stay within the period-style bias-ply world, but they change the visual impression of the car quite a bit once mounted on a prewar body and wheel.
Blackwall usually delivers the most restrained look, while wide whitewall and double-whitewall treatments create a more formal restoration presentation. Appearance alone should not make the decision, though. It is worth checking the exact tire series, rim-width specification, and overall purpose of the product so the look and fitment work together.
What brands offer tires for the 1937 Graham 90 Cavalier?
Available 600-16 tires for the 1937 Graham 90 Cavalier come from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Avon, Firestone, Ford Script, Excelsior, Lester, Goodyear, STA, and Camac. Those brands appear across several bias-ply series, including traditional passenger-car styles as well as some specialty military or truck-oriented tread offerings.
Brand choice is most useful when it helps narrow style and specification differences rather than serving as a shortcut. Compare the actual tire series, sidewall treatment, stated load information where given, and wheel-width suitability. That approach is especially important on a prewar car where appearance and wheel compatibility often matter as much as the name on the sidewall.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1937 Graham 90 Cavalier?
A period-style 1937 Graham 90 Cavalier is generally best approached through its primary bias-ply fitments, 6.25-16 or 600-16, with the exact size confirmed first. Once size is settled, the most relevant choices become whether the car looks right with a blackwall, wide whitewall, or double-whitewall presentation.
For many prewar restorations, tire appearance shapes the whole stance of the car. A whitewall treatment can create a more formal late-1930s look, while blackwall can feel simpler and more understated. When exact originality matters, it is wise to compare surviving photos, marque references, and restoration documentation before settling on one presentation.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1937 Graham 90 Cavalier restoration?
Correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1937 Graham 90 Cavalier because the tire contributes heavily to the car's stance, wheel opening fill, and overall prewar presence. Using one of the proper primary bias-ply sizes keeps the restoration grounded in the proportions associated with the car's era.
Fitment also affects practical details beyond appearance. Wheel diameter, wheel width, and tire profile all influence how naturally the car sits and how convincingly the restoration comes together. Even when the goal is road use rather than show judging, matching the tire to the wheel and the car's intended visual character makes a noticeable difference.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1937 Graham 90 Cavalier?
Yes, modifications can change tire fitment on a 1937 Graham 90 Cavalier even when the size appears correct on paper. Replacement wheels, different wheel widths, brake updates, suspension work, ride-height changes, or body repairs can all influence how a 6.25-16 or 600-16 tire sits and clears the surrounding hardware.
A prewar car often has a long history, so assumptions can be risky. Measuring the actual wheel, checking steering and fender clearance, and inspecting for any non-original chassis changes are sensible steps before mounting new tires. That extra verification is especially helpful when a car has been restored in phases over many years.
What should I inspect before driving a 1937 Graham 90 Cavalier on new tires?
Before putting a 1937 Graham 90 Cavalier back on the road, inspect the wheels for damage or distortion, verify lug hardware condition, and confirm that the tires are seated correctly and inflated to the appropriate pressure for the tire being used. A careful visual check of valve stems, tread, and sidewalls is also important.
Road readiness goes beyond the tire itself on a car of this age. Steering play, suspension wear, brake condition, and wheel-bearing health all affect how confidently the car tracks on new tires. A short local drive followed by another inspection can reveal rubbing, air loss, or settling issues before a longer outing.
How should 600-16 tires on a collector 1937 Graham 90 Cavalier be maintained?
600-16 tires on a collector 1937 Graham 90 Cavalier should be kept properly inflated, inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, and irregular wear, and protected from long exposure to sunlight, moisture, and ozone-producing equipment. Low annual mileage does not stop tires from aging, so condition matters more than appearance alone.
Storage habits make a real difference on prewar cars that spend long periods parked. Keeping the car in a stable environment, moving it occasionally to avoid flat spotting, and checking for slow air loss before each drive helps preserve both the tire and the driving experience. Any doubtful tire should be evaluated before road use.
