1939 Studebaker President Tires

The 1939 Studebaker President uses a 650-16 tire size. This is a bias-ply fitment, and it is the primary size used for the covered President application, including the 1939 Studebaker President 8 Cyl.

That makes size selection fairly straightforward, but choosing the right tire still involves more than matching the sidewall numbers. It is worth confirming that the car still has the correct 16-inch wheels, checking the wheel width against the tire’s approved range, and deciding whether a blackwall or wide whitewall presentation better suits the car’s restoration and road-use goals.

The primary tire fitment for the 1939 Studebaker President is built for a 16-inch rim. The 650-16 size designation and the available product specifications both center on that 16-inch wheel diameter.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture on a prewar car. Before mounting new tires, check the actual wheel on the vehicle for both diameter and width, especially if the car has replacement wheels or parts from another Studebaker or another era. Matching the correct rim size helps preserve the intended tire profile and reduces avoidable clearance or bead-seat issues.

Yes. The 1939 Studebaker President 8 Cyl. uses the same 650-16 bias-ply tire size as the covered President fitment. There is not a separate primary size change shown for that sub-model.

That consistency simplifies the buying decision, since the main choice is not between different sizes but between tire styles and product types within 650-16. A restoration-oriented owner may focus on blackwall versus wide whitewall appearance, while a road-use owner should also compare rim-width compatibility and make sure the car has not been altered with non-stock wheels or suspension changes.

Start with the correct size and construction: 650-16 bias-ply on a 16-inch rim. From there, the important differences are the tire’s intended character, sidewall style, rim-width compatibility, and whether the tire is a passenger-car period-style design or a heavier-duty truck-style option in the same nominal size.

A Studebaker restored for shows or traditional presentation may call for a classic passenger-car tread and either blackwall or wide whitewall styling. A car that has been modified, fitted with different wheels, or used in a more utilitarian way may need extra attention to wheel width and overall tire character. Comparing those factors usually matters more than simply choosing by brand name alone.

The 1939 Studebaker President’s 650-16 tire choices include both blackwall and wide whitewall sidewall styles. That gives owners a meaningful appearance decision even though the primary fitment itself remains the same.

Blackwalls usually suit a more understated, road-use-oriented look, while wide whitewalls create a more formal prewar presentation. The right choice depends on how the car is being finished and what visual era the owner wants to emphasize. When appearance matters, it also helps to compare the individual tire series so the tread design and overall look stay consistent with the rest of the restoration.

The 650-16 size for the 1939 Studebaker President is available from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Firestone, Garfield, Excelsior, Lester, Goodyear, STA, and Tornel. Those brands appear across several bias-ply series and sidewall treatments in the same basic fitment.

Brand choice should be considered alongside the tire’s series, sidewall style, and intended use rather than treated as the only decision. Some options are clearly restoration-oriented passenger-car tires, while others lean toward truck, transport, or military-style applications in the same nominal size. Matching the product character to the Studebaker’s presentation is usually the most useful way to narrow the field.

A period-style 1939 Studebaker President should start with the correct 650-16 bias-ply size. Within that fitment, passenger-car series such as Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, Firestone Classic Bias Ply, Coker Classic Bias Ply, Deluxe All-Weather, Lester Classic Bias Ply, or similar traditional offerings are the natural place to focus.

The final decision usually comes down to the look you want the car to present. A blackwall can give the car a restrained, roadgoing appearance, while a wide whitewall brings a more formal prewar style. If exact originality matters beyond general period style, compare your choice with marque-club guidance, surviving photos, or other vehicle-specific historical references before committing.

Yes, correct tire fitment has a strong effect on how a 1939 Studebaker President sits, looks, and drives. Staying with the proper 650-16 bias-ply format preserves the visual proportions expected on a late-1930s American passenger car and keeps the wheel-and-tire package aligned with the vehicle’s era.

Even a beautifully restored car can look slightly off if the tires have the wrong profile, sidewall treatment, or wheel relationship. Proper fitment also helps avoid avoidable issues with stance, steering feel, and clearance. On a restoration-minded car, the tire is one of the first details people notice, so size, construction, and sidewall appearance deserve the same care as paint or trim.

Yes. A 1939 Studebaker President may have started with a straightforward 650-16 fitment, but later wheel changes, brake conversions, suspension work, or body modifications can change what actually clears the car today. Even when the tire size stays the same, wheel width and overall setup can alter the result.

A car with aftermarket wheels or altered ride height deserves a close look before new tires are selected. Measure the wheel diameter and width, inspect fender and steering clearance, and check for signs that the tire sits unusually close to suspension or body components. Those steps are especially important on older cars that may have been updated over many decades.

Before road use, inspect the wheels, lug hardware, valve stems, and overall tire seating, then confirm inflation is appropriate for the tire and vehicle setup. It is also wise to look over the steering and suspension for looseness, worn bushings, or alignment issues that could affect how a fresh set of 650-16 tires behaves.

A prewar car often spends long periods parked, so the rest of the chassis deserves as much attention as the tires themselves. Check for side-to-side clearance, smooth steering travel, and any rubbing at full lock. A short local test drive followed by another visual inspection can reveal issues early, before the car is taken on a longer outing.

Collector-car tires in 650-16 should be inspected regularly for cracking, bulges, cuts, irregular wear, and slow air loss, even if the 1939 Studebaker President is driven only occasionally. Proper inflation and periodic movement help reduce flat spotting and stress from long stationary storage.

Storage conditions matter almost as much as mileage on an older collector vehicle. Keep the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone-producing equipment such as electric motors or compressors. It also helps to examine the tires before every drive rather than assuming low annual mileage means they are still road-ready, especially on a prewar vehicle.