1940 Dodge Special Six & Deluxe Tires

A 1940 Dodge Special Six & Deluxe uses either 600-16 or 650-16 tires, and both are bias-ply sizes for 16-inch rims. The Base model uses 600-16, while the 7 Passenger model uses 650-16.

That means the first job is identifying the exact sub-model before choosing a tire. Once the size is confirmed, the decision shifts to details such as blackwall versus whitewall appearance, tire series, and wheel-width compatibility, especially if the car has been modified or has replacement wheels fitted over the years.

The 1940 Dodge Special Six & Deluxe uses a 16-inch rim with both of its primary tire sizes. The difference between 600-16 and 650-16 is not wheel diameter, but the tire size assigned to the specific sub-model.

Rim diameter is only one part of fitment, so it still helps to check the actual wheel width before ordering tires. Many period replacements in these sizes are intended for relatively narrow wheels, and an old car may have had wheels swapped at some point during its service life.

No. The 1940 Dodge Special Six & Deluxe Base uses 600-16, while the 7 Passenger model uses 650-16. Both are 16-inch bias-ply tires, but the sizes are not the same across the covered sub-models.

That distinction matters because choosing by year and model alone can still leave room for error on this Dodge. A buyer should confirm the body configuration and inspect the wheels already on the car, especially if the vehicle has been restored, modified, or pieced together from more than one donor car.

Start with the correct size for the exact sub-model, since this Dodge uses 600-16 in Base form and 650-16 in 7 Passenger form. From there, compare construction, sidewall style, tire series, and wheel-width compatibility rather than choosing only by appearance.

A prewar car can call for a different tire look depending on whether the goal is touring use, a restoration-oriented presentation, or a more utilitarian setup. It also helps to compare load figures and tread character where relevant, particularly if the car carries passengers regularly or uses specialty tread patterns.

Tires for the 1940 Dodge Special Six & Deluxe are available in blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall styles, depending on the size and product line. Most 650-16 options focus on blackwall and wide whitewall, while 600-16 adds some double-whitewall choices.

Sidewall style has a major effect on how a prewar Dodge presents visually, even when the size stays the same. Buyers focused on appearance should choose the correct tire size first, then compare whitewall treatment, brand character, and tread style so the finished look matches the era and use of the car.

Available brands across 600-16 and 650-16 include BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Firestone, Garfield, Excelsior, Lester, Goodyear, STA, Tornel, Avon, Ford Script, and Camac. The exact brand mix changes somewhat between the two sizes.

Brand choice is best used as one part of a broader selection process. On this Dodge, it makes sense to compare each brand's available sidewall styles, tread presentation, rim-width specifications, and whether the tire is aimed at passenger-car use or a more specialized military or truck-style application.

A period-style 1940 Dodge Special Six & Deluxe starts with the correct numeric bias-ply size for the exact sub-model: 600-16 for the Base model or 650-16 for the 7 Passenger model. That preserves the tall profile and traditional construction associated with prewar passenger cars.

After the size is settled, appearance comes down to sidewall treatment and tread style. Blackwall, wide whitewall, and some double-whitewall options are available, but exact originality can vary by how the car was ordered and restored, so marque references and period photos are useful when authenticity matters closely.

On a restored 1940 Dodge Special Six & Deluxe, bias-ply construction plays a major role in preserving the vehicle's visual character. The tall sidewall shape and vintage numeric sizing contribute to the upright, prewar stance that suits the car's body and wheel proportions.

Appearance is influenced by more than construction alone, since sidewall style and tread pattern also change the finished look. A restoration-oriented buyer should keep the correct sub-model size in mind first, then decide whether a blackwall, wide whitewall, or double-whitewall presentation better matches the car's intended era and trim impression.

Yes. Even though the 1940 Dodge Special Six & Deluxe uses 16-inch bias-ply fitments, modifications can change what actually works on the car. Replacement wheels, different wheel widths, brake changes, suspension work, or body alterations can all affect clearance and tire selection.

A Dodge that has been lowered, fitted with aftermarket wheels, or rebuilt with parts from another vehicle should be checked carefully before new tires are chosen. Measuring the wheels already on the car and inspecting fender, steering, and suspension clearance can prevent costly mistakes, especially when selecting taller prewar-style tires.

Before driving a 1940 Dodge Special Six & Deluxe on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, and overall mounting condition, then confirm inflation pressure and basic clearance at the front suspension and fenders. It also helps to check brake function and steering condition on a prewar car returning to service.

Collector vehicles often sit for long periods, so the rest of the chassis should be evaluated along with the tires. Looking for loose wheel hardware, worn suspension parts, and any signs of rubbing during low-speed steering checks is a sensible final step before longer road use.

Tires on a collector 1940 Dodge Special Six & Deluxe should be kept properly inflated, inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, and uneven wear, and protected from long exposure to heat, sunlight, and ozone. That advice applies whether the car uses 600-16 or 650-16 bias-ply tires.

Low annual mileage can hide tire aging, so visual condition matters just as much as tread depth on an older collector car. Occasional pressure checks, clean storage conditions, and periodic inspection of the spare and road tires alike help keep the car ready for short drives, shows, and longer seasonal outings.