1938 Hudson 112 Series Tires

The 1938 Hudson 112 Series uses a 550-16 tire size. This is a numeric bias-ply fitment for a 16-inch wheel, and the covered 6 Cyl. sub-model uses that same primary size.

That makes the first step fairly simple: confirm that the car still has the correct 16-inch wheels and has not been changed to a different wheel setup over the years. Once size is confirmed, the real choice becomes selecting the right bias-ply tire by brand, sidewall style, and wheel-width compatibility.

The 1938 Hudson 112 Series uses a 16-inch rim with its 550-16 tire size. Several available 550-16 products are built for relatively narrow vintage wheel widths, including examples that call for a 3.25 to 4.00 inch rim-width range.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture on a pre-war car. It is worth checking the actual wheel width and condition before mounting new tires, especially if the car has replacement wheels, older repaired rims, or a mixed set gathered during past restoration work.

Yes. The 1938 Hudson 112 Series 6 Cyl. uses the same 550-16 bias-ply tire size as the model core. That keeps fitment consistent instead of splitting the car into multiple primary tire sizes by sub-model.

Even with a shared size, it still helps to inspect what is on the car now. A 1930s vehicle may have had wheels or tires changed long ago, so checking the wheel diameter, wheel width, and overall clearance before purchase is still a smart part of getting the right replacement.

Start with the correct size and construction: 550-16 bias-ply on a 16-inch wheel. After that, compare the available tire series, sidewall style, and wheel-width requirements so the tire suits both the car and the way it is being restored or driven.

A blackwall tire gives a more restrained look, while a wide whitewall changes the car's visual character considerably. Brand and series differences can also matter for presentation, and wheel-width compatibility should stay near the top of the list before narrowing the choice by appearance.

The available 550-16 tires for the 1938 Hudson 112 Series include blackwall and wide whitewall sidewall styles. Both options stay within the correct bias-ply size, but they create noticeably different looks on a late 1930s Hudson.

Choosing between them usually depends on the presentation you want from the finished car. A blackwall tends to look more understated, while a wide whitewall brings stronger period styling, so the decision often comes down to restoration character rather than a change in basic fitment.

The 550-16 size for the 1938 Hudson 112 Series is available from Excelsior, Avon, BFGoodrich, and Firestone. Those offerings span tire series such as Excelsior Bias Ply, Tourist Crossply, Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, and Firestone Classic Bias Ply.

Brand choice should be considered alongside sidewall style and wheel compatibility, not in isolation. Since all of these options stay within the same vintage-size family, the more useful comparison is how each tire matches the car's intended appearance, wheel setup, and planned road use.

A period-style starting point for a 1938 Hudson 112 Series is a 550-16 bias-ply tire on the correct 16-inch wheel. That keeps the car in the proper size family and preserves the traditional construction type associated with pre-war fitment.

From there, the visual decision usually shifts to blackwall or wide whitewall, depending on the look of the restoration. If exact historical presentation matters, it is worth comparing the car against marque-club guidance, period photography, or other vehicle-specific references before settling on the final sidewall treatment.

On a restored 1938 Hudson 112 Series, bias-ply construction helps preserve the traditional pre-war tire profile and overall visual character. Since 550-16 is the primary fitment here, the car's appearance remains closely tied to the look of a vintage numeric bias-ply tire.

Construction also works together with sidewall style to shape the finished result. A blackwall gives the Hudson a simpler, more restrained presentation, while a wide whitewall adds more visual emphasis, so the final choice should support the restoration's intended era feel rather than just fill the wheel opening.

Yes. Even though the correct primary size is 550-16, changes to wheels, suspension height, brake components, or body clearance can affect how a tire works on a 1938 Hudson 112 Series. Older cars are especially likely to have seen wheel swaps or mechanical updates over time.

Checking the actual wheel diameter and width is the first priority, followed by a look at steering and fender clearance. A car that sits differently than stock or uses non-original wheels may need closer measurement before tire selection, even when staying with the proper 550-16 size designation.

Before road use, inspect the wheels, valve stems, lug hardware, and overall tire seating, then confirm inflation pressure and look over the rest of the car's steering and suspension condition. On a pre-war Hudson, it also makes sense to check for wheel damage, looseness, or long-stored components.

A new set of tires cannot compensate for worn mechanical parts or unsafe wheels. A short, careful test drive is a smart follow-up, paying attention to tracking, vibration, brake feel, and any rubbing that might point to clearance or wheel-fitment issues that need correction.

Collector-car 550-16 tires should be checked regularly for air loss, tread wear, sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, and signs of age, even if the Hudson is driven only occasionally. Storage conditions matter too, since long idle periods can affect both the tire and the wheel it sits on.

Keeping the car out of prolonged heat, sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve tire condition over time. It is also wise to inspect the tires before every meaningful drive rather than relying on appearance alone, because low-mileage collector cars often age their tires long before they wear them out.