1940 Ford Mercury Tires

The 1940 Ford Mercury uses two primary tire sizes: 600-16 and 650-16. Both are bias-ply sizes built for 16-inch rims, and the Mercury V8 is associated with both sizes rather than a single universal fitment. That means the correct starting point is the actual wheel-and-tire setup on the car you are working with.

A car restored many years ago may already be set up around one of those sizes, and wheel width can differ between them. Checking the size stamped on the current tires, measuring the wheel, and comparing the visual stance you want will help narrow the decision before selecting a blackwall, whitewall, or another period-style option.

The 1940 Ford Mercury uses a 16-inch rim with both of its primary tire sizes, 600-16 and 650-16. The shared rim diameter simplifies part of the process because you are not choosing between different wheel diameters, only between two bias-ply sizes within the same 16-inch family.

Rim diameter is only one part of fitment, though. Rim width still matters, especially because 600-16 and 650-16 products can call for different width ranges. Looking at the wheel itself before ordering helps prevent a mismatch and also keeps the finished tire profile closer to the traditional look expected on a prewar Mercury.

The 1940 Ford Mercury is associated with both 600-16 and 650-16, so more than one primary size can be encountered on the same year and model. Both are vintage numeric bias-ply sizes and both use a 16-inch rim, but they represent different nominal section widths.

That difference matters because it can change the car’s visual presence, the wheel-width requirement, and the range of available tire styles. A Mercury that has been restored, modified, or simply maintained over decades may not still wear its earlier setup, so it is wise to confirm the actual wheels and current size before choosing replacement tires.

Start with the exact size on the car, because the 1940 Ford Mercury uses both 600-16 and 650-16 in bias-ply construction. From there, compare wheel width, sidewall treatment, tire series, and whether you want a passenger-car presentation or a more utility-focused tread pattern found in some truck-oriented offerings.

Appearance often drives the final choice on a prewar car. A blackwall gives a restrained look, while wide whitewalls or double-whitewalls create a more formal period-style presentation. It also helps to think about how the car is used, since a show-focused Mercury and a regularly driven collector car may call for different priorities within the correct size.

Tires for the 1940 Ford Mercury are available in several sidewall styles depending on size and series. Across 600-16 and 650-16, the main choices are blackwall and wide whitewall, and 600-16 also includes double-whitewall options. Those differences have a major effect on how formal, sporty, or understated the car looks.

The best choice depends on the kind of presentation you want rather than a universal rule. A restoration-oriented Mercury may benefit from a sidewall style that matches the era and trim level you are trying to evoke, while a driver may simply need a look that complements the body color and wheel treatment already on the car.

The 1940 Ford Mercury has tire choices from several brands, including BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Firestone, Ford Script, Goodyear, Excelsior, Lester, Avon, STA, Camac, Garfield, and Tornel. Brand availability varies by size, so 600-16 and 650-16 do not present exactly the same mix of product lines or sidewall treatments.

Brand should be considered alongside the tire series, sidewall style, and the character of the tread itself. Some offerings lean toward traditional passenger-car presentation, while others are more truck or military influenced. Staying with the correct size and matching the tire’s visual style to the Mercury’s overall build usually matters more than chasing a name alone.

A period-style 1940 Ford Mercury starts with the correct bias-ply sizing family, which here means 600-16 or 650-16 on 16-inch rims. Once the right size is confirmed, the choice usually comes down to the car’s intended visual character, such as a restrained blackwall look or a more formal wide whitewall presentation.

That decision is especially important on a prewar Mercury because tire height, width, and sidewall style strongly influence the car’s stance. For buyers chasing exact historical accuracy, it helps to compare against marque references, period photography, or restoration records so the chosen tire supports the era-specific look of the finished car.

Correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1940 Ford Mercury restoration because these cars depend on tall, narrow bias-ply proportions for much of their visual balance. Using the proper 600-16 or 650-16 size family helps preserve the way the car sits, fills the fenders, and presents itself as a prewar Mercury.

Fitment also affects how believable the finished restoration feels. Even when the car is not being judged, an overly modern look can distract from otherwise careful work. Confirming wheel width, sidewall style, and the overall character of the selected tire before installation helps keep the result consistent with the Mercury’s era and design language.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1940 Ford Mercury even when the tire size itself is correct. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel widths, suspension changes, brake conversions, or body adjustments can all change how a 600-16 or 650-16 tire sits relative to the fender, steering components, and chassis.

That is why it helps to inspect the car as it exists today rather than assuming it still matches an earlier setup. A quick check of wheel width, lock-to-lock clearance, ride height, and inner-fender space can prevent problems that do not show up until the car is loaded, turning sharply, or traveling over uneven pavement.

Before driving a 1940 Ford Mercury on new tires, inspect the wheels for condition and proper size, confirm that the tires are seated correctly, and verify pressure, valve stems, and overall clearance. It is also wise to look over the suspension, steering, and brakes, since a newly mounted tire can reveal issues that an old setup was hiding.

A brief test at low speed is a smart next step. Listen for rubbing, feel for pull or vibration, and recheck the tires after the first drive for any sign of contact or air loss. On a collector car that has been sitting, this basic inspection routine is just as important as the tire selection itself.

Collector-car tires on a 1940 Ford Mercury should be kept clean, properly inflated, and inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, or signs of air loss. Because 600-16 and 650-16 are bias-ply sizes often used on low-mileage cars, age and storage conditions can matter as much as tread depth.

Long periods of sitting call for a little extra attention. Keeping the car out of prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the rubber, and moving the car occasionally can reduce flat-spotting. A careful inspection before each driving season and before any longer trip is a sensible habit for a prewar Mercury.