1940 Buick 50 Super Tires

The 1940 Buick 50 Super uses a 650-16 tire size. This is a numeric bias-ply fitment on a 16-inch wheel, and the covered Super 8 Cyl. sub-model uses that same primary size.

That makes the main decision one of tire style rather than alternate sizing. Once 650-16 is confirmed, the next steps are checking the actual wheel diameter and width on the car, then deciding between blackwall or wide whitewall options and the type of vintage-style tread presentation that best suits the Buick.

The primary tire fitment for the 1940 Buick 50 Super is built around a 16-inch rim diameter. That matches the 650-16 size designation, where the final number identifies the wheel diameter in inches.

Diameter is the first wheel measurement to confirm, but width matters too when comparing available tires. Many 650-16 options are intended for rims around 4.50 to 5.00 inches wide, while some differ slightly, so it is worth measuring the actual wheel before selecting a specific tire version.

Yes. The 1940 Buick 50 Super 8 Cyl. uses the same 650-16 bias-ply tire size as the covered 1940 Buick 50 Super fitment. There is no separate primary size change within that sub-model here.

That consistency simplifies shopping, but the car still may not be wearing its original wheels. A previous owner could have changed wheels or tires over the years, so checking the actual 16-inch wheel diameter and rim width on the car remains a smart step before choosing among available 650-16 products.

Start with the correct 650-16 size and bias-ply construction, then narrow the choice by wheel compatibility, sidewall appearance, and intended use. Some 650-16 tires are traditional passenger-car designs, while others in the same size lean toward truck or military-style tread patterns and specifications.

A restoration-minded Buick often calls for a refined period-style look, while a more utility-oriented tread can change the car's presentation noticeably. It also helps to compare rim-width guidance, load figures where stated, and overall tread character so the selected tire matches both the wheel and the way the car will be driven.

The 1940 Buick 50 Super has 650-16 tire options in both blackwall and wide whitewall styles. That gives owners a meaningful appearance choice without changing the vehicle's primary tire size or traditional bias-ply construction.

Blackwall tires create a more restrained, utilitarian presentation, while wide whitewalls add a more formal prewar look that many owners prefer on a Buick of this era. Sidewall choice should be made after the correct size and wheel compatibility are confirmed, since appearance works best when the fitment details are already right.

The 650-16 size for a 1940 Buick 50 Super is available from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Firestone, Garfield, Excelsior, Lester, Goodyear, STA, and Tornel. Those options include several passenger-car bias-ply lines as well as some specialty truck and military-style offerings in the same size.

Brand choice matters less than selecting the right type of tire for the Buick's intended look and use. Comparing sidewall style, tread character, rim-width specification, and any stated load information will usually tell an owner more than the brand name alone when narrowing the field.

A period-style 1940 Buick 50 Super should begin with the correct 650-16 bias-ply size. From there, the decision usually comes down to choosing a passenger-car style tire with the sidewall treatment and tread presentation that best reflects the car's intended restored appearance.

Wide whitewalls often suit the formal look many owners want from a prewar Buick, while blackwalls create a plainer and more understated finish. When exact originality matters, compare the tire choice against marque-specific historical references or restoration documentation rather than assuming any one available brand or whitewall width is automatically exact.

Yes, correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1940 Buick 50 Super restoration. The proper 650-16 size and bias-ply construction have a strong influence on the car's stance, wheelwell fill, and overall visual character, especially on a substantial prewar body design.

Even a good-looking tire can change the finished impression if the size, construction, or sidewall treatment drifts too far from the car's period presentation. Restorers should confirm wheel diameter and width first, then choose the sidewall style and series that support the Buick's intended appearance without overlooking practical road-use needs.

Yes. Wheel changes, altered suspension height, brake conversions, or non-original rims can all affect tire fitment on a 1940 Buick 50 Super even when the chosen tire is the correct 650-16 size. Diameter may stay the same while width, offset, or clearance changes create issues.

A Buick that has been lowered, fitted with different wheels, or rebuilt with replacement suspension parts should be checked at the fenders, steering components, and inner wheelhouse before tire selection is finalized. That is especially important on older cars, where long ownership histories often mean the current setup differs from original specifications.

Before road use, inspect wheel condition, lug hardware, valve stems or tubes as applicable, inflation pressure, and basic tire seating on the rim. On the car itself, look over steering linkage, brake operation, suspension wear, and wheel bearing condition so the new tires are not asked to compensate for unrelated chassis problems.

A short, careful test drive is the best next step after installation. Pay attention to pull, vibration, rubbing, or unusual feel through the steering, then recheck pressure and hardware after the first miles. On a prewar Buick that may have sat for long periods, this follow-up matters just as much as the initial mounting.

Collector-car 650-16 tires should be kept properly inflated, inspected regularly for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and slow air loss, and protected from prolonged exposure to sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources. Regular movement or careful repositioning during storage also helps prevent long-term flat spotting.

A prewar Buick that sees only occasional road use can age its tires out before it wears them out, so visual condition and service history matter as much as tread depth. It is wise to inspect the spare as well, and to review all tires before any longer drive rather than assuming low mileage means they are ready.