1937 Hudson 71, 72 & 73 Series Tires

The 1937 Hudson 71, 72 & 73 Series uses two primary tire sizes: 600-16 and 700-15. Both are bias-ply sizes, and both are associated with the 6 Cyl. application. The difference between them is tied to wheel diameter, since 600-16 mounts on a 16-inch rim and 700-15 mounts on a 15-inch rim.

That means the right size starts with the wheels currently on the car, not just the model name on the title. A Hudson that has been restored, updated, or fitted with different wheels over the years may no longer match its earlier setup, so checking the actual rim diameter before ordering helps avoid choosing the wrong tire size.

A 1937 Hudson 71, 72 & 73 Series can use either a 16-inch rim with 600-16 tires or a 15-inch rim with 700-15 tires. Both wheel diameters appear in the covered fitments for this vehicle, so there is not just one universal rim size across the entire application.

The practical takeaway is simple: measure the wheel on the car before choosing a tire. If the Hudson has 16-inch rims, stay within the 600-16 fitment range; if it has 15-inch rims, the correct fitment path is 700-15. Wheel width should also be checked against the tire you are considering, especially on a restored or modified car.

The 1937 Hudson 71, 72 & 73 Series has more than one tire size because it is covered by two primary wheel-and-tire fitments: 600-16 and 700-15. Both are bias-ply sizes, but they are built for different rim diameters, so they represent separate setups rather than interchangeable versions of the same tire.

That matters because a buyer should not choose between them by appearance alone. The first job is identifying the wheel diameter currently on the car, then reviewing sidewall style and tire series within that fitment. On an older Hudson, decades of wheel changes or restoration work can easily alter what is mounted today.

Start with the correct tire size for the wheels on the car: 600-16 for 16-inch rims or 700-15 for 15-inch rims. From there, compare the tire’s construction, sidewall style, tire series, and any rim-width guidance that applies. Both Hudson fitments are bias-ply, so the main decision is not radial versus bias-ply, but which period-style bias-ply option best suits the car.

Appearance and intended use should guide the final choice. A blackwall gives a more restrained look, while wide whitewall or double-whitewall styles create a stronger prewar visual statement. It also helps to review load figures and wheel-width compatibility on the specific tire, especially if the car is driven regularly rather than displayed occasionally.

Sidewall choices for the 1937 Hudson 71, 72 & 73 Series include blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall styles, depending on the tire size and product line. The 600-16 fitment offers the broadest appearance range, while 700-15 choices include both blackwall and wide whitewall options.

That gives owners room to match the tire’s presentation to the character of the car. A blackwall often suits a more understated driver, while whitewall and double-whitewall treatments lean more strongly toward restoration-style visual impact. The best approach is to settle the correct size first, then choose the sidewall that complements the car’s trim and finish.

Tires for the 1937 Hudson 71, 72 & 73 Series are available from brands including BFGoodrich, Firestone, Goodyear, Coker Classic, STA, Avon, Excelsior, Lester, Ford Script, and Camac. Brand availability varies by size, with 600-16 carrying the widest spread of classic, military, and specialty bias-ply options.

Brand should be considered alongside the specific tire series, sidewall treatment, and wheel compatibility rather than as a stand-alone decision. Some choices are oriented more toward classic passenger-car presentation, while others have truck or military-style tread character. Staying focused on the correct size and the look you want will narrow the field quickly.

For a period-style 1937 Hudson 71, 72 & 73 Series, the right starting point is the correct bias-ply size for the wheels on the car: 600-16 on 16-inch rims or 700-15 on 15-inch rims. From there, classic bias-ply series from brands such as Firestone, BFGoodrich, Goodyear, Coker Classic, and others provide a traditional prewar presentation.

The final choice usually comes down to how authentic or expressive the car should look. A whitewall treatment often gives a stronger formal prewar appearance, while blackwall keeps the look simpler and more restrained. When exact restoration accuracy matters, compare the tire choice against period photos, marque references, or other Hudson-specific historical sources.

Tire construction has a major visual effect on a restored 1937 Hudson 71, 72 & 73 Series because both primary fitments for this car are bias-ply. A proper bias-ply profile supports the upright, substantial stance that collectors usually expect on a prewar Hudson, especially when paired with an appropriate blackwall or whitewall treatment.

Construction choice also influences how the car reads from a restoration standpoint. Even within bias-ply tires, different sidewall styles can shift the look from conservative to highly dressy, so appearance should be considered as carefully as the size itself. Matching the tire to the wheel diameter and the overall restoration theme usually produces the most convincing result.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1937 Hudson 71, 72 & 73 Series. Wheel changes, altered wheel widths, different offsets, suspension work, or body modifications can all influence which tire size works properly, even when the car is still using one of the original-style bias-ply rim diameters of 15 or 16 inches.

That is especially important on a prewar car that may have seen decades of repairs or customization. A Hudson with aftermarket wheels or suspension changes should be checked for steering clearance, fender clearance, and wheel-width suitability before a new tire is chosen. Verifying the actual setup on the car is more reliable than assuming it still matches its earlier configuration.

Before driving a 1937 Hudson 71, 72 & 73 Series on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve hardware, and overall mounting condition, then confirm that inflation matches the tire’s requirements. It also helps to look over the steering and suspension for looseness, since tire behavior on an older vehicle is heavily influenced by the condition of the chassis underneath it.

A short, careful road check is smart after installation. Listen for rubbing, feel for pull or vibration, and recheck pressure after the tires have settled in. On a collector car, fresh tires cannot compensate for bent wheels, worn components, or alignment issues, so a full pre-drive inspection protects both the new tires and the Hudson itself.

Collector-car tires on a 1937 Hudson 71, 72 & 73 Series should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and attention to age as well as tread condition. Whether the car uses 600-16 or 700-15 bias-ply tires, owners should watch for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, flat spotting, and slow air loss between drives.

Storage conditions matter just as much as mileage on a low-use Hudson. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tire casing, and moving the car periodically can reduce long-term flat spotting. A brief inspection before each outing is a sensible habit, even when the tires still look good at a glance.