1939 Plymouth Deluxe Tires

A 1939 Plymouth Deluxe uses either 600-16 or 650-16 tires, and both are bias-ply sizes for 16-inch rims. The 1939 Plymouth Deluxe 6 Cyl. uses 600-16, while the 1939 Plymouth Deluxe 6 Cyl. (7 Passenger) uses 650-16.

That means the correct answer depends on the exact sub-model, not just the year and model name. Before choosing a tire, confirm which Deluxe version the car is and verify that it still has the expected 16-inch wheels, especially if the car has been restored, modified, or fitted with replacement wheels over the years.

The 1939 Plymouth Deluxe uses a 16-inch rim with both primary tire sizes. Whether the car takes 600-16 or 650-16, the wheel diameter remains the same, so the key fitment difference is the tire size tied to the sub-model rather than a change in rim diameter.

Wheel diameter is only part of the picture on a prewar car. It is also worth checking actual wheel width before selecting among available tires, since product specifications vary by size and series, and a replacement wheel or older restoration work may have changed the setup from what the car originally used.

The 1939 Plymouth Deluxe has more than one tire size because fitment changes by sub-model. The standard 6 Cyl. version uses 600-16, while the 6 Cyl. (7 Passenger) version uses 650-16, even though both remain bias-ply tires on 16-inch rims.

For a buyer, that means the first decision is not brand or whitewall style but identifying the exact vehicle configuration. Once the sub-model is confirmed, the rest of the choice becomes much simpler: compare the available tire series, sidewall presentation, and wheel-width suitability within the size that belongs on that particular car.

Start with the correct size for the sub-model, since a 1939 Plymouth Deluxe may use either 600-16 or 650-16. After that, compare bias-ply tire series, sidewall style, rim-width suitability, and whether the tire is a passenger-style design or a heavier-duty military or truck-oriented pattern.

Appearance and intended use both matter on a prewar Plymouth. A blackwall tire gives a more understated look, while wide whitewall or double-whitewall options create a stronger period-style presentation. It also helps to confirm that load capacity, wheel width, and the car’s actual wheel setup match the tire being considered before making a final choice.

1939 Plymouth Deluxe tires are available in several sidewall styles, including blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall depending on size and series. The 600-16 fitment offers all three styles, while 650-16 is available in blackwall and wide whitewall versions across the applicable product range.

That gives the owner room to match the car’s presentation without changing the basic fitment. A conservative driver-quality car may suit blackwalls, while a restoration-oriented build often leans toward whitewall styling. The important step is keeping the sidewall choice secondary to correct size, wheel compatibility, and the overall look the car is meant to carry.

Tires for the 1939 Plymouth Deluxe are available from brands including BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Firestone, Goodyear, Excelsior, Lester, Avon, STA, Ford Script, Camac, Garfield, and Tornel, depending on whether the car uses 600-16 or 650-16. Brand selection varies somewhat by size and tire series.

That variety is most useful when comparing style and product character rather than looking for one universally correct answer. Some options emphasize traditional passenger-car presentation, while others lean toward military or truck tread patterns. Once the right size is confirmed, compare the available brands alongside sidewall style, series, and wheel-width requirements.

A period-style 1939 Plymouth Deluxe tire choice starts with the correct sub-model size: 600-16 for the 6 Cyl. and 650-16 for the 6 Cyl. (7 Passenger). From there, bias-ply construction keeps the look and stance aligned with the car’s prewar character, with multiple passenger-style series available in both blackwall and whitewall presentations.

The best visual match depends on how the car is being finished, from a restrained driver to a fuller restoration presentation. Buyers focused on exact historical appearance should compare tire details against marque references, photos, or other vehicle-specific documentation, since the right size alone does not automatically settle the question of sidewall treatment.

On a restored 1939 Plymouth Deluxe, bias-ply construction plays a major role in preserving a traditional prewar look. The car’s primary fitments are both bias-ply sizes, and that construction helps maintain the visual character associated with tall, narrow tires on 16-inch rims.

Construction choice affects more than the tread itself because it influences the overall presentation of the wheel and sidewall. Sidewall style then refines that appearance further, with blackwall, wide whitewall, and some double-whitewall options available. For many restorations, getting the correct size and an era-appropriate visual profile matters as much as brand choice.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1939 Plymouth Deluxe even when the tire size itself is correct for the sub-model. Replacement wheels, changed wheel width, suspension work, altered ride height, or body and brake changes can all influence how a 600-16 or 650-16 tire sits and clears.

A prewar car may also have accumulated decades of repairs or parts substitutions, so it is smart to inspect the actual setup before choosing tires. Check wheel diameter, wheel width, steering clearance, and fender clearance, especially at full lock and over suspension movement, rather than assuming the current car matches original configuration.

Before driving a 1939 Plymouth Deluxe on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve hardware, and overall mounting condition, then confirm inflation pressure, sidewall seating, and clearance around fenders and steering components. It is also wise to look over brakes, suspension wear points, and any signs that the car has mismatched or damaged wheels.

A short local test drive is a sensible next step before taking the car farther from home. Listen for rubbing, watch for pull or vibration, and recheck pressure after the first miles. On collector vehicles that sit often, tire condition is only one part of road readiness, so the surrounding chassis deserves equal attention.

Collector-car tires on a 1939 Plymouth Deluxe should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspection, and clean, dry storage conditions. Watch for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, or slow air loss, and keep the car away from prolonged heat, direct sunlight, and ozone sources when it is parked for long periods.

Low annual mileage can make old tires look better than they actually are, so age and condition still matter even if tread wear is minimal. It helps to inspect the tires before each drive, move the car periodically to avoid long-term flat spotting, and have any questionable tire or wheel checked by an experienced tire professional.