1938 Buick 80 Series Tires

The 1938 Buick 80 Series uses a 700-16 tire. This is a vintage numeric bias-ply size paired with a 16-inch wheel, and it is the primary fitment for the covered model. The 8-cylinder sub-model uses that same 700-16 size, which keeps the basic fitment question fairly simple.

What matters next is making sure the car still has the correct wheel diameter and a compatible wheel width before choosing among the available tires. On an older Buick, it is also worth confirming that a previous owner did not change wheels, hubs, or suspension parts, since those changes can affect what works safely and what clears properly.

The 1938 Buick 80 Series uses a 16-inch rim with its 700-16 tire fitment. That rim diameter is central to the size itself, since the final number in 700-16 identifies the wheel diameter the tire is built to mount on.

Wheel diameter should be confirmed before any tire purchase, especially on a collector car that may have changed hands several times. A 16-inch tire cannot be treated as suitable for a different wheel diameter, and wheel width should also be checked because several 700-16 options in this size are intended for rims in the 4.50- to 5.50-inch range.

Yes. The covered 1938 Buick 80 Series 8 Cyl. uses the same 700-16 bias-ply tire size as the model core. That means sub-model identification does not introduce a second primary tire size here, which makes replacement sizing more straightforward than on vehicles with multiple trim-dependent fitments.

Even with shared sizing, tire selection still depends on how the car is being presented and driven. A wide whitewall can support a more formal prewar look, while a blackwall or more utilitarian pattern may suit a different presentation. Wheel condition, actual rim width, and the vehicle’s current setup should still be checked before mounting new tires.

Start with the correct 700-16 size and confirm that the tire’s bias-ply construction suits the way the Buick will be used. Then compare the available sidewall styles, tire series, rim-width specifications, and load figures where they are stated. Those details shape whether the tire leans toward restoration appearance, general touring use, or a more specialized utility-style application.

A prewar Buick often looks very different on a wide whitewall than it does on a plain blackwall, so appearance may matter as much as construction. It also helps to verify actual wheel width and think about how often the car is driven, whether it sees parade use or longer road miles, and whether a passenger-car or more truck-oriented pattern makes the most sense.

The available 700-16 tires for a 1938 Buick 80 Series include both blackwall and wide whitewall sidewall styles. That gives owners a meaningful visual choice within the correct vintage size, rather than forcing a compromise on fitment just to change the look of the car.

Wide whitewalls tend to support the formal, upscale appearance many owners want on a late-1930s Buick, while blackwalls create a more restrained or utility-minded presentation. Since both styles exist in the proper size, the better approach is to choose the look that matches the car’s restoration direction and driving role, then confirm wheel compatibility and overall tire condition before road use.

The 700-16 fitment for the 1938 Buick 80 Series is available from Lester, Avon, BFGoodrich, Firestone, Tornel, and STA. Those choices span classic passenger-car bias-ply lines as well as military and truck-style patterns, so brand selection also ties into the type of tire and visual presentation you want.

Rather than picking by brand name alone, compare the tire series, sidewall treatment, and whether the tire is aimed at traditional passenger-car use or a heavier-duty utility look. For a restoration-oriented Buick, those differences can matter more than the badge on the sidewall. Wheel width, stated load figures, and the car’s intended use should guide the final choice.

A period-style 1938 Buick 80 Series starts with the correct 700-16 bias-ply size. From there, the most important choice is usually the tire’s visual character, especially whether the car looks best with a blackwall or a wide whitewall. Several classic bias-ply series are available in that size, giving owners room to match the tire to the Buick’s restoration direction.

For many prewar Buicks, the tire contributes heavily to the car’s stance and overall impression, so appearance should be weighed alongside fitment. Exact originality can vary by how a specific car was delivered, restored, or judged, so buyers concerned with precise historical presentation should also compare their choice against marque references, period photos, and vehicle-specific documentation.

Yes, correct tire fitment matters on a 1938 Buick 80 Series because the tire affects both the car’s appearance and how authentically the vehicle presents on its wheels. Staying with the proper 700-16 size preserves the scale, profile, and general visual balance that suit a large prewar Buick.

A restoration can lose some of its visual credibility when the tire size, sidewall style, or tread character looks out of place for the era. Fitment also matters mechanically, since the right wheel diameter and compatible rim width are part of a sound setup. The best results come from balancing historical appearance, current wheel hardware, and the way the car will actually be driven.

Yes. A 1938 Buick 80 Series may have started with a straightforward 700-16 fitment, but aftermarket wheels, brake changes, altered ride height, or other suspension work can change what actually fits the car today. Even when the tire size remains the same on paper, the wheel width and available clearance may no longer match a stock-type setup.

Any modified Buick should be checked at the wheel itself before choosing a tire. Measuring wheel diameter and width, inspecting steering clearance, and looking for fender or suspension interference are sensible steps. On a long-wheelbase prewar car, small setup changes can be easy to overlook, so a careful physical inspection is more valuable than assuming the car still matches its original configuration.

Before road use, inspect the wheels, valve hardware, mounting surfaces, and overall tire condition, then confirm that inflation is appropriate for the tires being used. On a collector Buick, it also makes sense to check for any sign of rubbing at full steering lock, uneven stance, or suspension wear that could affect how the tires sit and track.

A prewar car that has spent time parked deserves extra attention beyond the tires alone. Look for cracking, bulges, cuts, air loss, and irregular wear, but also inspect wheel bearings, brakes, steering components, and the condition of springs and shocks. A fresh set of tires performs best when the rest of the chassis is equally ready for road service.

700-16 tires on a collector 1938 Buick 80 Series should be maintained with regular pressure checks, periodic visual inspections, and careful storage practices. Because collector cars are often driven less, age and environmental exposure can become just as important as tread wear. Sidewall condition, air retention, and any developing flat spotting deserve close attention.

Keeping the Buick out of prolonged sunlight, excessive heat, standing moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve the tires between drives. It is also wise to inspect the tires before longer outings rather than relying on how they looked at the last event. Low annual mileage can hide deterioration, so maintenance should be calendar-based as well as mileage-based.