1940 Buick 90 Series Tires

The 1940 Buick 90 Series uses a 750-16 tire size. This is a bias-ply fitment on a 16-inch rim, and the covered 8 Cyl. sub-model uses that same primary size, so there is no split in fitment among the covered configurations here.

That makes the buying decision more about choosing the right type of 750-16 tire than sorting through multiple primary sizes. A buyer should still confirm the actual wheel diameter and width on the car, especially if the Buick has been modified, stored for years, or fitted with replacement wheels at some point in its life.

The 1940 Buick 90 Series uses a 16-inch rim with its 750-16 tire size. Among the available 750-16 products, the stated rim-width range is commonly 5.00 to 6.00 inches, which is useful when comparing the wheel already on the car to the tire being considered.

Rim diameter needs to match exactly, and rim width should also be checked before mounting any replacement tire. On a collector car, that step matters because wheels are sometimes changed over the years, and even a correct-looking tire can create mounting or clearance issues if the current wheel dimensions are not what the car is expected to use.

The 750-16 size is a vintage numeric bias-ply designation. The 7.50 identifies the tire’s nominal section width in inches, while the 16 refers to the wheel diameter in inches. It is an older sizing system that is commonly seen on prewar and early postwar American vehicles.

Understanding that format helps separate the tire’s basic fitment from its styling and series differences. Once the size is confirmed, the next questions become whether the Buick should wear a blackwall or wide whitewall, whether a classic passenger-car design is preferred, and whether the current wheels fall within the tire’s suitable rim-width range.

Start with the confirmed 750-16 size and 16-inch wheel, then compare the kind of tire that suits the car’s purpose. In this size, choices include traditional classic bias-ply passenger-car tires as well as heavier-duty military and transport-style bias-ply options that present very differently on a prewar Buick.

Appearance is usually the next major factor, especially when deciding between blackwall and wide whitewall treatments. Wheel width should also be checked against the tire’s stated range, and cars that see regular road use deserve extra attention to load capacity, overall condition of the suspension, and how closely the tire matches the intended character of the restoration.

The 1940 Buick 90 Series has 750-16 tire options with both blackwall and wide whitewall sidewalls. That gives owners a meaningful appearance choice within the correct primary size, rather than forcing a change in fitment just to get a different visual treatment.

A blackwall tends to create a more restrained and utilitarian presentation, while a wide whitewall leans more strongly into a formal prewar luxury-car look. Since sidewall appearance can change the car’s stance and period impression so noticeably, many buyers choose the sidewall first and then compare series, rim-width compatibility, and other tire characteristics within that style.

The 750-16 size for the 1940 Buick 90 Series is available from Firestone, Lester, BFGoodrich, and STA. Those brands cover several different tire series, including classic passenger-car bias-ply designs and more specialized military or transport-oriented bias-ply tires in the same size.

Brand selection should be treated as part of a broader fitment and appearance decision, not as a shortcut by itself. A buyer will get more useful results by comparing the tire series, sidewall style, rim-width specification, and overall purpose of each 750-16 option rather than assuming every tire in the size is aimed at the same kind of Buick use.

A period-style 1940 Buick 90 Series usually starts with the correct 750-16 bias-ply size and then narrows the choice by sidewall treatment and overall tire character. Classic passenger-car bias-ply options are the most natural place to begin if the goal is a traditional prewar luxury-car presentation.

A wide whitewall often complements the formal look many restored senior Buicks aim for, while a blackwall creates a more restrained visual result. Exact originality can vary by how a specific car was delivered, so buyers pursuing highly detailed restoration work should compare the tire choice against marque references, historical photos, and other vehicle-specific documentation.

Correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1940 Buick 90 Series because tire size, construction, and sidewall treatment all have a strong visual effect on a large prewar car. Staying with the 750-16 bias-ply fitment preserves the period sizing language and traditional overall presentation of the vehicle.

Restoration results can look noticeably off when a tire’s profile or sidewall style does not suit the era, even if the wheel opening is filled. Beyond appearance, proper fitment also helps avoid problems with wheel compatibility and road readiness, which is why restoration-minded buyers usually verify wheel dimensions and general chassis condition before mounting new tires.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1940 Buick 90 Series even when the intended replacement size is still 750-16. Wheel changes, altered ride height, brake upgrades, or body and suspension work can all change how a tire sits within the wheel opening and how it clears nearby components.

A Buick that has aftermarket wheels or non-original suspension parts deserves a closer check before any tire is mounted. Verifying wheel diameter, wheel width, and available clearance at the fender and steering points helps prevent surprises, especially on a collector vehicle that may have accumulated decades of repairs and alterations beyond its original setup.

Before driving a 1940 Buick 90 Series on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage or corrosion, confirm the rim dimensions, and make sure the tires are mounted and inflated appropriately for the specific product. The rest of the car also deserves attention, including steering, suspension, brakes, and any signs of rubbing or uneven ride height.

A prewar car can sit for long periods, so road readiness is about more than fresh rubber alone. It is wise to recheck air pressure after initial use, look for any witness marks that suggest clearance issues, and watch for vibration or pull on the first drive, since those symptoms can point to wheel, alignment, or chassis concerns.

Collector-car 750-16 tires should be kept properly inflated, visually inspected often, and protected from prolonged exposure to sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone-producing equipment. On a 1940 Buick 90 Series that sees limited mileage, age and storage conditions can matter just as much as tread wear.

Regular checks for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, flat spotting, and slow air loss help catch problems before a road outing. It also helps to move the car periodically or store it thoughtfully so the tires are not carrying the same load in one position for months at a time, especially on a large prewar Buick.