1939 Chevrolet Deluxe Tires

The 1939 Chevrolet Deluxe uses a 600-16 tire size in bias-ply construction. For the covered Deluxe 6 Cyl. fitment, that is the primary size and it pairs with a 16-inch rim rather than a modern metric radial sizing format.

That means the first step is confirming that the car still has its 16-inch wheels and has not been changed to a different wheel diameter over the years. Once the wheel setup is confirmed, the decision usually comes down to sidewall style, tread character, and whether the car is being finished for restoration display or regular collector-car driving.

The primary tire fitment for a 1939 Chevrolet Deluxe is built around a 16-inch rim. The 600-16 tire size itself reflects that wheel diameter, and many of the available bias-ply products in this fitment are intended for wheels in the 4.00 to 4.50-inch width range.

Wheel diameter should be verified before ordering because many older cars have been updated with later wheels that change the fitment picture entirely. Width matters too, especially when comparing among available products, so it is worth measuring the actual wheel and checking for any prior changes before choosing a specific 600-16 tire.

On a 1939 Chevrolet Deluxe, 600-16 is a vintage numeric bias-ply tire size. The 600 refers to an approximate 6.00-inch nominal section width, while the 16 refers to the wheel diameter in inches, which is why the tire belongs on a 16-inch rim.

Modern buyers often expect a metric size with an aspect ratio, but this older format does not read the same way. Knowing that helps when comparing products, because the real variables are construction style, sidewall treatment, and wheel compatibility rather than decoding a modern P-metric or Euro-metric radial size designation.

Start with the correct 600-16 size, then compare the tire's intended character within that fitment. Available choices include traditional bias-ply touring styles, wide whitewall and double-whitewall presentations, and specialty military or truck-style tread patterns that create a very different look from a standard passenger-car tire.

Wheel compatibility is just as important as appearance, especially on a prewar vehicle that may have seen decades of changes. It helps to check wheel width, inspect the rim condition, and think about how the car will actually be used, whether that means restoration display, local driving, or a more utilitarian period-style presentation.

The 1939 Chevrolet Deluxe has 600-16 tire choices in blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall styles. Those sidewall treatments can noticeably change the car's appearance even when the underlying size remains the same, making sidewall selection one of the biggest visual decisions on this fitment.

A blackwall usually gives the car a more restrained and workmanlike presentation, while a wide whitewall or double-whitewall adds a more formal restoration-oriented look. Since sidewall style does not change the need for proper wheel fitment, it still makes sense to confirm rim condition and dimensions before picking the appearance you want.

Tires in the 1939 Chevrolet Deluxe 600-16 size are available from BFGoodrich, Firestone, Goodyear, Coker Classic, Avon, Lester, Excelsior, STA, Camac, and Ford Script. Those options cover several bias-ply series, from standard passenger-car styles to military and truck-oriented tread designs.

Brand choice is only one part of the decision, because the available products also differ in sidewall treatment, rim-width specification, and overall presentation. It helps to narrow the search by deciding whether the car needs a touring-style blackwall, a whitewall for period appearance, or a more specialized tread for a particular build direction.

A period-style 1939 Chevrolet Deluxe starts with the correct 600-16 bias-ply size on a 16-inch rim. From there, the right choice depends on whether the car is being presented with a more restrained blackwall look or a more formal whitewall appearance that better suits the visual language many restorers want from a prewar Chevrolet.

Several series and sidewall styles can support a restoration-oriented result without making the same visual statement. When exact originality matters, it is wise to compare the car against marque references, period photography, or other vehicle-specific historical sources, then match that appearance goal to the available 600-16 product styles.

Bias-ply construction plays a large role in the look of a restored 1939 Chevrolet Deluxe because it preserves the traditional tire profile and presentation associated with prewar American cars. In this fitment, 600-16 is offered as a bias-ply tire, which keeps the visual character aligned with the vehicle's era.

Construction choice affects more than function because it changes how the tire complements the wheel opening, hubcap, and overall stance. Sidewall style then refines that effect further, so a blackwall, wide whitewall, or double-whitewall can push the finished car toward a simpler driver look or a more formal restoration-oriented appearance.

Modifications can absolutely affect tire fitment on a 1939 Chevrolet Deluxe, even when the intended tire size remains 600-16. Changes to wheel diameter, wheel width, suspension height, brake components, or body clearance can all alter whether a traditional bias-ply tire suits the car's current setup.

That is why older vehicles should be checked as they sit, not assumed to remain in original configuration. A close look at the actual wheel dimensions, steering clearance, and fender space helps prevent problems, especially if the car has been modified at any point during its long service life or restoration history.

Before driving a 1939 Chevrolet Deluxe on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, rust, or poor bead-seat condition and make sure the 16-inch rims are appropriate for the 600-16 fitment. It is also smart to confirm valve stems, tube-related setup where applicable, and overall wheel hardware condition.

The rest of the check should focus on road-readiness rather than tires alone. Look over steering and suspension components, verify air pressure, and make sure there is no rubbing at full steering lock or under suspension movement. On a collector car that has been parked for long periods, a cautious first road test is worthwhile.

600-16 tires on a collector 1939 Chevrolet Deluxe should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspection of the tread and sidewalls, and routine monitoring for cuts, cracking, bulges, or air loss. Because many prewar cars are driven infrequently, tire condition matters just as much as tread depth.

Storage habits make a difference on collector vehicles. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the rubber, and occasional movement can reduce flat-spotting from long stationary periods. Any tire that shows age-related deterioration should be evaluated before the car returns to regular road use.