1937 Studebaker President Tires

The 1937 Studebaker President uses two primary tire sizes: 650-16 and 700-16. Both are traditional numeric bias-ply sizes built for 16-inch rims, and the covered President 8 Cyl. fitment can use either size depending on the car's wheel and tire setup.

That makes confirmation especially important before ordering tires. Check the size already on the car, verify the actual wheel width, and look for any changes made during an earlier restoration. Since both sizes share the same rim diameter but not the same overall fitment profile, the real question is not just rim size, but which of the two tire sizes suits the car's present configuration.

Both 650-16 and 700-16 fitments for the 1937 Studebaker President use a 16-inch rim diameter. That rim diameter stays consistent across the available primary tire sizes, so the difference between the two fitments is the tire size itself rather than a change to a different wheel diameter.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture on a prewar car. Wheel width still matters, and product offerings within these sizes show different rim-width ranges depending on the tire. A buyer should confirm the actual wheel dimensions on the car, especially if the wheels have been replaced, repaired, or swapped during the vehicle's long service life.

The 1937 Studebaker President is associated with both 650-16 and 700-16 bias-ply fitments, even though both use the same 16-inch rim diameter. That means the buying decision is not about choosing between bias-ply and radial as a primary fitment, but about confirming which of the two vintage sizes belongs on the car.

Older vehicles often pass through decades of maintenance, restoration work, and wheel changes, so the tire size on the car today may reflect a past decision rather than a uniform standard. Measuring the wheel, checking existing tire markings, and comparing the car's stance and clearance can help determine which size should guide the purchase.

Start with the correct primary size for the car, because a 1937 Studebaker President can use either 650-16 or 700-16 and both are 16-inch bias-ply fitments. Once size is confirmed, compare tire construction details, rim-width compatibility, sidewall style, and whether the tire is aimed at passenger-car use or a truck-style application.

Appearance usually matters as much as fitment on a prewar Studebaker. A blackwall creates a plainer, more understated look, while a wide whitewall gives the car a more formal period-style presentation. It also helps to compare load figures and tread character where those details are available, especially if the car will be driven regularly rather than shown occasionally.

The available sidewall styles for 1937 Studebaker President tires are blackwall and wide whitewall. Those choices appear across both 650-16 and 700-16 offerings, although the mix is broader in 650-16, where several brands and classic series are offered in both traditional blackwall and wide whitewall form.

Sidewall style changes the car's visual character more than many owners expect. Wide whitewalls tend to emphasize prewar luxury and formal styling, while blackwalls give a more restrained, utilitarian look. Since sidewall appearance does not override size and wheel requirements, confirm fitment first, then choose the sidewall treatment that best matches the car's restoration theme.

Tires for the 1937 Studebaker President are available from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Firestone, Garfield, Excelsior, Lester, Goodyear, STA, Tornel, and Avon. Brand availability varies by size, with 650-16 showing the widest mix of classic passenger-car and truck-style offerings, while 700-16 has a somewhat narrower but still useful range.

Brand alone should not make the decision on a car of this age. Compare each option in the correct size, then look at sidewall style, tire series, rim-width requirements, and whether the tire's character matches a restoration-oriented sedan or a more utility-focused setup. Choosing within the right size matters more than choosing by brand name first.

A period-style 1937 Studebaker President starts with the correct primary bias-ply size, either 650-16 or 700-16, on a 16-inch rim. From there, classic bias-ply series from brands such as BFGoodrich, Firestone, Coker Classic, Lester, Goodyear, and others provide the traditional construction and proportions most owners look for on a prewar restoration.

The final choice usually comes down to the car's intended visual presentation. A formal touring appearance often pairs well with a wide whitewall, while a blackwall gives a more restrained look. When exact originality matters beyond general period style, marque-specific references and restoration documentation should guide the final appearance choice rather than assumption alone.

Correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1937 Studebaker President because the tire strongly affects stance, visual balance, and how authentic the finished car feels. Using the right size family, the proper 16-inch rim diameter, and a traditional bias-ply construction helps preserve the prewar character that defines this Studebaker.

Fitment also affects practical results, not just appearance. A tire that does not suit the wheel width or available clearance can create problems that distract from an otherwise careful restoration. Even when choosing among attractive whitewall or blackwall options, it is worth confirming wheel dimensions and the car's current setup before deciding on the final tire.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1937 Studebaker President, even though the primary sizes are traditional 650-16 and 700-16 bias-ply tires on 16-inch rims. Changes to wheels, wheel width, ride height, steering components, brakes, or bodywork can all alter how much room the tire has once mounted and inflated.

That is especially important on an older car that may have had multiple restorations or mechanical updates over time. A buyer should inspect the actual wheels on the car, verify their dimensions, and check fender and steering clearance at full lock. Those checks matter before choosing between the two supported sizes, not just after the tires arrive.

Before driving a 1937 Studebaker President on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, make sure the tire size matches the car's setup, and confirm there is no interference at the fenders, suspension, or steering. It also helps to verify inflation, valve condition, and that each tire is seated properly on the rim.

A prewar collector car deserves a broader check before road use. Look over wheel bearings, brake function, steering play, and the general condition of springs and suspension components, since those systems affect how the tires behave once the car is moving. A careful short test drive can then confirm tracking, clearance, and overall stability.

Collector-car tires in 650-16 or 700-16 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspections, and clean storage conditions. Even when tread wear is minimal, bias-ply tires on a low-mileage 1937 Studebaker President should be checked for cracking, bulges, cuts, flat spotting, and any signs of air loss before road use.

Storage conditions play a big part in tire life on seldom-driven vehicles. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, standing moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the rubber. It also makes sense to inspect the tires before longer drives rather than relying on appearance alone, since collector cars can age out their tires before they wear them out.