1940 Ford 85 Deluxe Tires

The 1940 Ford 85 Deluxe uses a 600-16 tire size. This is a vintage numeric bias-ply size, and the covered 85 Deluxe V8 sub-model uses that same primary fitment on a 16-inch rim.

That means the usual decision is not which size fits, but which version of 600-16 makes the most sense for the car. Buyers typically compare sidewall appearance, tire series, and rim-width compatibility, especially if the Ford has been restored with replacement wheels or has seen decades of mixed-use maintenance and parts changes.

The 1940 Ford 85 Deluxe uses a 16-inch rim with its 600-16 tire fitment. Product offerings in this size commonly pair with rim widths around 4.00 to 4.50 inches, with some variation depending on the specific tire design.

Rim diameter is the first item to confirm before ordering tires, especially on an older vehicle that may no longer have its original wheel set. Measuring wheel width also matters, because a correct 16-inch diameter alone does not answer whether a particular 600-16 tire matches the wheel properly.

Yes. The 1940 Ford 85 Deluxe V8 uses the same 600-16 bias-ply tire size as the main covered fitment for this model. That keeps sub-model selection simple compared with vehicles that split tire sizes by trim or equipment.

Even with shared sizing, tire choice can still change the look and purpose of the car quite a bit. A blackwall, wide whitewall, or double-whitewall creates a different presentation, and specialty tread designs such as military or truck-style versions should be chosen only after checking how they suit the vehicle's intended use.

Start with the correct 600-16 size and confirm that the tire matches the vehicle's 16-inch wheel setup. From there, the important differences are construction type, sidewall style, tread character, brand, tire series, and whether the rim-width specification suits the wheel on the car.

A restoration-focused Ford may call for a traditional passenger-style bias-ply with a whitewall treatment, while a more specialized build may lean toward blackwall or military-style tread. It also helps to compare load figures where they are stated and to verify that all four wheels are the same width before settling on a specific tire.

The 1940 Ford 85 Deluxe has 600-16 tire choices in blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall styles. Those options appear across several bias-ply series, giving the car a broad range of visual presentations without changing the primary tire size.

Sidewall style has a major effect on how a prewar Ford looks from curb distance, so this is often one of the most important appearance decisions on the page. Matching the sidewall to the car's trim level, paint scheme, and restoration direction usually matters more than chasing the largest whitewall that happens to be available.

Brands available in 600-16 for the 1940 Ford 85 Deluxe include BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Avon, Firestone, Ford Script, Excelsior, Lester, Goodyear, STA, and Camac. They cover a mix of traditional passenger bias-ply designs along with military and truck-oriented tread patterns.

Choosing between brands is usually less about ranking one over another and more about selecting the right combination of appearance and intended use. A whitewall passenger tire, a blackwall touring-style tire, and an NDT military design may all share the same nominal size while giving the Ford a very different finished character.

A period-style 1940 Ford 85 Deluxe starts with the correct 600-16 bias-ply size on a 16-inch rim. From there, traditional passenger-car series and sidewall treatments such as blackwall, wide whitewall, or double-whitewall shape whether the car presents as understated, formal, or more show-oriented.

When exact originality matters, tire selection should be checked against marque references, restoration photos, and other vehicle-specific historical sources rather than appearance alone. Many available 600-16 tires suit the era visually, but period-style and exact as-delivered specification are not always the same thing.

Yes. Correct tire fitment matters on a 1940 Ford 85 Deluxe because tire size and construction strongly influence the car's stance, wheel opening fill, and overall period impression. Staying with the proper 600-16 bias-ply format helps preserve the proportions expected on a prewar Ford.

Appearance is only part of the equation, though. A restoration also benefits from confirming wheel diameter, wheel width, and the condition of the rims themselves before mounting new tires, since a visually appropriate tire can still be the wrong choice for a mismatched or worn wheel setup.

Yes. Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1940 Ford 85 Deluxe even when the intended tire size remains 600-16. Aftermarket wheels, changed wheel width, brake conversions, suspension alterations, ride-height changes, or body work can all influence clearance and how the tire sits on the car.

A stock-size bias-ply does not automatically answer every fitment question once the vehicle has been altered. It is smart to verify wheel diameter, wheel width, backspacing or offset where relevant, and steering clearance at full lock before putting the car back into regular road service.

Before driving a 1940 Ford 85 Deluxe on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage or excessive corrosion, confirm proper mounting and inflation, and check that the tires clear fenders, suspension components, and steering travel. Lug hardware, valve stems, and wheel trueness also deserve attention on an older vehicle.

Collector cars often sit for long periods, so the tire installation should be treated as part of a broader road-readiness check. Brake condition, wheel-bearing play, suspension wear, and alignment can all affect how a new set of 600-16 bias-ply tires behaves once the Ford is back on the road.

600-16 tires on a collector 1940 Ford 85 Deluxe should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspection for cracking, cuts, bulges, and uneven wear, and periodic review of how the car sits after storage. Low-use antique cars can age their tires out long before they wear them out.

Storage conditions matter almost as much as mileage on a prewar vehicle. Keeping the Ford away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources helps protect the rubber, and moving the car occasionally or using proper storage practices can reduce flat spotting and make the next drive more predictable.