1937 Plymouth P3 Tires

The 1937 Plymouth P3 uses a 550-16 tire size. This is a vintage numeric bias-ply size used on a 16-inch rim, and it is the primary fitment for the covered P3 application.

That makes the size question fairly simple, but the selection question still matters. A buyer should confirm that the car still has the expected 16-inch wheels and has not been altered with different rims or suspension changes, then choose among the available 550-16 tires by sidewall style, brand, and restoration goals.

The 1937 Plymouth P3 uses a 16-inch rim with its 550-16 tire fitment. Product options in this size also show fitment around narrow vintage wheel widths, including examples intended for 3.25- to 4.00-inch rims.

Rim diameter is the first thing to verify before buying tires, especially on an older car that may have had wheels changed over the years. Measuring the actual wheel and checking its width helps avoid ordering a correct tire size for the wrong wheel, which is a common issue on long-owned collector vehicles.

Yes. The covered 1937 Plymouth P3 6 Cyl. application uses the same 550-16 bias-ply tire size as the core P3 fitment. There is no separate primary tire size to sort through for that sub-model.

That consistency simplifies shopping, since the decision does not hinge on choosing between multiple original sizes. It still makes sense to confirm the actual wheels on the car, then focus on whether a blackwall or wide whitewall better suits the Plymouth’s current look, restoration plan, and intended road use.

Start with the correct primary size, which is 550-16, and make sure the tire is a bias-ply design suited to the P3’s original-style fitment. From there, compare sidewall appearance, brand, tire series, and any stated rim-width or load information that matches the wheels on the car.

The right choice depends on how the Plymouth will be used. A restoration-oriented car may call for a more traditional sidewall treatment, while a regularly driven car may push the decision toward a particular product specification or brand preference within the same vintage size and construction.

The 1937 Plymouth P3’s 550-16 tire options include blackwall and wide whitewall styles. Both appear within the correct bias-ply size, so the sidewall decision is mainly about visual character rather than changing the vehicle’s primary tire fitment.

Blackwall tires give the P3 a simpler, more understated presentation, while wide whitewalls create a more formal period-style look. Since appearance expectations can differ from one restoration to another, it helps to compare the car’s trim, finish level, and intended presentation before settling on a sidewall style.

Tires for the 1937 Plymouth P3 in 550-16 are available from Excelsior, Avon, BFGoodrich, and Firestone. Those options appear across classic bias-ply series, with both blackwall and wide whitewall choices depending on the product.

Brand choice should be considered alongside the rest of the specification, not by name alone. Looking at the tire series, sidewall style, rim-width suitability, and any stated load details will do more to narrow the right tire for a particular Plymouth than simply selecting a familiar brand.

A period-style 1937 Plymouth P3 should begin with the correct 550-16 bias-ply size. From there, the best match depends on the look being pursued, with blackwall and wide whitewall options both available in vintage-style bias-ply construction.

For many prewar restorations, the tire’s visual effect matters almost as much as the size itself. Buyers aiming for exact originality should compare the chosen sidewall treatment against marque references, surviving photos, or restoration records, while buyers pursuing a traditional road-going presentation can choose the style that best suits the car.

Yes, correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1937 Plymouth P3 restoration. Using the proper 550-16 size and a traditional bias-ply construction helps preserve the car’s stance, wheel relationship, and overall prewar character in a way that a visibly different fitment may not.

Appearance is only part of the equation. A restoration-minded buyer should also confirm wheel diameter and width, then choose a sidewall style that supports the intended finish of the car, whether that means a modest blackwall presentation or a more formal wide whitewall treatment.

Yes. Even though the 1937 Plymouth P3’s primary tire size is 550-16, wheel changes, brake conversions, altered ride height, or non-original suspension parts can affect what actually clears the car. That matters even when the intended replacement stays within the original size designation.

A modified P3 should be checked at the wheel itself, not just by year and model. Confirming actual rim diameter, wheel width, and clearance at the fenders and steering components helps prevent avoidable fitment issues, especially on cars that have been updated over many decades of ownership.

Before road use, inspect the wheels, valve stems, lug hardware, and overall tire seating on the rim. It also makes sense to check for steering play, brake condition, proper inflation, and any interference points that could show up once the car is moving and carrying weight.

A prewar Plymouth often spends long periods parked, so the rest of the chassis deserves attention along with the tires. Looking for cracked suspension bushings, loose wheel bearings, uneven ride height, and signs of rubbing during full steering travel will help the new 550-16 tires perform as intended.

Collector-car 550-16 tires should be kept properly inflated, inspected regularly, and protected from long exposure to sunlight, moisture, and ozone-producing equipment. Sidewalls should be checked for cracking, cuts, bulges, and other age-related issues, especially on a Plymouth that sees only occasional road use.

Maintenance also includes paying attention to the car’s storage habits and driving pattern. Rolling the vehicle periodically, watching for slow air loss, and checking tread and casing condition before each outing are sensible steps for a bias-ply-equipped prewar car that may sit much longer than a modern daily driver.