1938 Plymouth Deluxe Tires

A 1938 Plymouth Deluxe uses either 600-16 or 650-16, depending on the sub-model. The 6 Cyl. uses 600-16, while the 6 Cyl. (7 Passenger) uses 650-16. Both are 16-inch bias-ply fitments, so the difference is not wheel diameter but the tire size assigned to the specific version of the car.

The most important step is identifying the exact sub-model before choosing a tire. Once that is settled, compare the tire's rim-width range, sidewall style, and overall appearance against the wheels currently on the car. Many pre-war cars have been altered over time, so it helps to confirm the wheel setup before assuming a replacement should follow the original pattern.

The 1938 Plymouth Deluxe uses a 16-inch rim with both of its primary tire sizes. That applies to the 600-16 fitment used on the 6 Cyl. and the 650-16 fitment used on the 6 Cyl. (7 Passenger). The wheel diameter stays the same even though the tire size changes between the two sub-models.

Rim diameter is only one part of the fitment picture on a pre-war car. Wheel width should also be checked, especially if the wheels have been changed, repaired, or replaced over the years. A tire can share the correct 16-inch diameter and still require attention to rim-width compatibility and clearance around suspension and fender openings.

No. The 1938 Plymouth Deluxe sub-models covered here do not use the same primary tire size. The 6 Cyl. uses 600-16, while the 6 Cyl. (7 Passenger) uses 650-16. Both are bias-ply tires on 16-inch rims, but the larger passenger-capacity configuration uses the larger of the two listed sizes.

That difference matters because tire selection should start with the car's exact configuration, not just the year and model name. A seven-passenger car should not be treated as automatically interchangeable with the standard 6 Cyl. version. Confirm the sub-model, check the wheel dimensions already on the vehicle, and then compare the available tire styles within the proper size.

Start with the correct size for the sub-model, since the 1938 Plymouth Deluxe uses either 600-16 or 650-16 rather than one universal fitment. After size, the main choices are bias-ply series, sidewall treatment, and wheel compatibility. Both sizes are available in several vintage-style lines, including blackwall and whitewall variations.

A restoration-minded owner may focus on traditional appearance, while a driver may pay closer attention to rim-width range and load figures tied to specific products. It also helps to inspect the car's actual wheels before ordering, since many older vehicles no longer wear their original rims. Matching the tire to both the sub-model and the current wheel setup avoids unnecessary fitment surprises.

1938 Plymouth Deluxe tires are available in blackwall and wide whitewall styles, and some 600-16 options also include double-whitewall treatment. Those appearance choices exist within the correct bias-ply sizes, so sidewall style becomes an important part of the decision once the proper sub-model fitment has been confirmed.

Sidewall style changes the car's visual character more than many owners expect, especially on a pre-war Plymouth with tall 16-inch tires. Blackwalls give a simpler, more understated look, while whitewalls create a dressier presentation. The best choice depends on how the car is being restored or displayed, but it should always be selected within the correct size and wheel specification.

The 1938 Plymouth Deluxe has tire choices from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Firestone, Goodyear, Avon, Excelsior, Lester, STA, Camac, Garfield, Ford Script, and Tornel across its two primary sizes. Brand availability varies between 600-16 and 650-16, so the specific sub-model size determines which names and product lines are relevant.

Brand alone should not be the only deciding factor on a vintage fitment. Compare the tire series, sidewall style, rim-width specification, and intended use of the car before narrowing the options. A buyer focused on a dressed-up pre-war appearance may land on a different product than someone seeking a plain blackwall presentation for regular local driving.

A period-style 1938 Plymouth Deluxe should begin with the correct bias-ply size for the exact sub-model: 600-16 for the 6 Cyl. and 650-16 for the 6 Cyl. (7 Passenger). From there, the choice usually comes down to the visual tone of the car, including whether a blackwall, wide whitewall, or, in some 600-16 offerings, a double-whitewall presentation suits the restoration.

Pre-war tire appearance has a strong effect on stance and character, so the right selection is often as much visual as mechanical. Owners pursuing strict authenticity should compare their tire choice against marque references, period photos, or other vehicle-specific historical sources. Owners building a tasteful driver can stay within the proper size while choosing the sidewall treatment that best matches the car's finish.

Yes, correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1938 Plymouth Deluxe restoration because these tall bias-ply sizes contribute heavily to the car's stance, wheel opening fill, and overall period character. Using 600-16 or 650-16 as appropriate to the sub-model keeps the restoration grounded in the fitment pattern intended for that specific version of the car.

Appearance is only part of the story. Proper fitment also helps avoid mismatches between the tire and the wheel width or vehicle configuration. On older restorations especially, wheels may have been swapped or refinished over time, so verifying the actual 16-inch wheel setup before mounting new tires is just as important as selecting the right sidewall look.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1938 Plymouth Deluxe even when the tire size itself is correct for the sub-model. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, brake conversions, suspension work, or body and fender adjustments can all influence how a 600-16 or 650-16 tire sits and clears the car.

A modified pre-war Plymouth should be checked as an individual vehicle rather than treated like an untouched factory setup. Measure the wheel diameter and width already on the car, then look closely at steering clearance and the space around the fenders. That extra verification is especially important when moving between different tire series or visual sidewall treatments.

Before driving a 1938 Plymouth Deluxe on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, and mounting condition, then make sure the tires are inflated appropriately for the product being used. It also helps to check that the tires seat evenly and that there is no immediate contact with fenders, suspension parts, or steering components.

Collector cars often reveal other issues once fresh tires go on, especially if the vehicle has been stored for long periods. Look over wheel bearings, brakes, steering play, and the general condition of the suspension before heading onto the road. A short local test drive followed by another visual inspection can catch rubbing, settling, or pressure loss early.

Collector-car tires in 600-16 or 650-16 should be kept clean, properly inflated, and inspected regularly for cracking, bulges, cuts, tread wear, and slow air loss. A 1938 Plymouth Deluxe that sees occasional use still needs routine checks because tire condition can deteriorate with age and storage even when miles stay low.

Storage conditions matter almost as much as road use on a pre-war vehicle. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve the tires between drives. It is also wise to inspect the tires before any longer outing, since a collector car may sit for weeks or months before returning to the road.