1939 Pontiac 26 Tires

The 1939 Pontiac 26 uses a 600-16 tire. This is a vintage numeric bias-ply size mounted on a 16-inch rim, and the covered Deluxe 6 Cyl. sub-model uses that same primary fitment rather than a separate alternate size.

That makes the first decision fairly simple: stay with the correct 600-16 size, then choose the tire style and series that suit the car. Before ordering, confirm that the car still has the expected 16-inch wheels and has not been changed to a different wheel diameter, width, or aftermarket setup over the years.

The 1939 Pontiac 26 uses a 16-inch rim with its 600-16 tire size. Product offerings in this fitment commonly reference rim widths around 4.00 to 4.50 inches, with some variations depending on the tire design and intended application.

Rim diameter should be confirmed before anything else, because a 600-16 tire is built for a 16-inch wheel and not a 15-inch or 17-inch substitute. On an older collector car, it is also smart to verify actual wheel width and inspect for replacement wheels that may have been added during past restorations or long-term ownership.

Yes. The 1939 Pontiac 26 Deluxe 6 Cyl. uses the same 600-16 bias-ply tire size as the main 1939 Pontiac 26 fitment shown here. There is no separate primary size attached to that sub-model in this fitment grouping.

That consistency makes selection easier, because the choice is not about identifying a different tire size for the Deluxe 6 Cyl. It is about choosing the right blackwall, whitewall, or other period-style presentation within 600-16 and confirming that the car still wears the wheel and suspension setup appropriate for that traditional fitment.

Start with the correct 600-16 size and bias-ply construction, then compare the tire’s intended character. Some 600-16 options focus on traditional passenger-car presentation, while others use military or truck-style tread patterns that create a very different look and road-use feel.

Appearance matters on a pre-war Pontiac, so sidewall style is a major part of the decision. After that, compare rim-width specifications, load figures where given, and the way the car will be used. A weekend show car may call for one visual approach, while a regularly driven collector car may lead you toward another within the same size.

The 1939 Pontiac 26’s 600-16 fitment is available in several sidewall styles, including blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall. Those choices can change the car’s overall presentation substantially even when the tire size remains exactly the same.

Blackwall options suit a restrained, utilitarian look, while wide whitewall and double-whitewall tires create a more dressed appearance that many owners associate with pre-war styling. The best choice depends on the character of the restoration and the look of the car as a whole, not just the tire itself.

The 600-16 fitment for a 1939 Pontiac 26 is available from BFGoodrich, Firestone, Goodyear, Coker Classic, Excelsior, Lester, Avon, STA, Camac, and Ford Script. Those brands appear across several bias-ply series and sidewall treatments within the same basic size.

Brand alone should not be the only filter. It helps to compare the tread style, sidewall presentation, rim-width specification, and the overall role of the tire within the car’s restoration or driving plan. A traditional passenger-car bias-ply and a military-style 600-16 may share the same size while serving very different purposes.

A period-style 1939 Pontiac 26 starts with the correct 600-16 bias-ply fitment, because the tire’s profile and construction are part of the car’s overall pre-war presence. From there, the choice usually comes down to a traditional passenger-car tread and the sidewall treatment that best matches the restoration’s visual direction.

Blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall versions are all available in this size, and each creates a different impression. If exact historical appearance is important, compare the tire choice against marque references, period photography, or restoration documentation for the specific car rather than assuming that any one sidewall style is automatically the right one.

On a restored 1939 Pontiac 26, bias-ply construction is part of the vehicle’s visual language. The taller, more traditional profile and the way the sidewall presents on the wheel help preserve the kind of stance buyers expect from a late-1930s Pontiac.

Construction also influences how the tread and sidewall visually sit under the fenders, which is why staying with the proper 600-16 bias-ply matters to many restoration-minded owners. Even within that construction, sidewall choice still changes the final look, so the tire should complement the trim level, paint, wheel finish, and restoration goal.

Yes. A 1939 Pontiac 26 may have the correct 600-16 tire size on paper, but fitment can still be affected if the car has aftermarket wheels, altered wheel widths, brake conversions, suspension changes, or body work that changes available clearance.

Older cars often pass through many owners, so it is worth measuring the actual wheel diameter and width before replacing tires. Steering clearance, fender clearance, and the tire’s relationship to suspension parts should also be checked, especially if the car sits differently than stock or has components that do not match its original-era configuration.

Inspect the wheels, valve stems, lug hardware, and overall wheel condition before mounting new 600-16 tires on a 1939 Pontiac 26. The suspension, steering components, and alignment should also be checked so the new tires are not asked to compensate for worn mechanical parts.

After installation, keep a close eye on inflation pressure, initial air retention, and any signs of rubbing or unusual wear. A short test drive followed by another inspection is a smart step on a collector car, particularly one that may have been stored for long periods or recently returned to the road after restoration work.

Collector-car tires in 600-16 size should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and clean storage habits. Sidewall cracking, bulges, cuts, flat spotting, and gradual air loss matter just as much as tread depth on a low-mileage pre-war Pontiac.

Long periods of inactivity can be hard on older-style tires, so the car should be stored away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, heat, and ozone sources when possible. Rotating the car periodically, keeping the suspension in sound condition, and inspecting the tires before each driving season will help the Pontiac remain road-ready.