The 1940 Pontiac 29 came from an era when Pontiac balanced streamlined styling with substantial road-car presence, and the Torpedo name reflected the period’s move toward sleeker prewar design. For owners keeping one of these cars on the road today, tire choice is closely tied to preserving that unmistakable 1940 character. The 1940 Pontiac 29 uses a 650-16 bias-ply tire on a 16-inch rim, keeping the car in its proper prewar sizing tradition. That still leaves meaningful choice in blackwall and wide whitewall presentations, along with several classic bias-ply series and tread styles. The right selection depends on whether the goal is restoration-minded appearance, traditional construction, or dependable road use on the car’s existing wheels.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1940 Pontiac 29
The 1940 Pontiac 29 uses one primary tire size: 650-16. It is a bias-ply fitment on a 16-inch rim, and the covered Torpedo 8 Cyl. configuration uses that same size. With fitment settled, the real decision becomes choosing the right bias-ply tire within 650-16 based on sidewall appearance, tire series, rim-width compatibility, and the type of driving or restoration presentation planned for the car.
A 650-16 size uses an older numeric bias-ply convention in which the 6.50 designation refers to nominal section width in inches, while 16 identifies the wheel diameter. On a 1940 Pontiac 29, this is a traditional prewar passenger-car bias-ply fitment that preserves the vehicle’s original-era tire construction and visual proportion. Available choices include blackwall and wide whitewall styles from brands such as BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Firestone, Garfield, Lester, Goodyear, STA, Tornel, and Excelsior across several classic series. Choosing among them comes down to the look you want, the wheel width you have, and whether the car is aimed more at restoration appearance or general road use.
Tire fitment is straightforward for the covered 1940 Pontiac 29 sub-model. The available sub-model uses the same 650-16 bias-ply size, so the focus shifts from identifying a different fitment to selecting the right sidewall style, tire series, and wheel match.
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1940 Pontiac 29 Torpedo 8 Cyl.
The 1940 Pontiac 29 Torpedo 8 Cyl. uses the same 650-16 bias-ply fitment as the overall model line. That makes tire selection more about choosing between blackwall and wide whitewall presentations, along with verifying the wheel setup before settling on a particular bias-ply series.
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Best 1940 Pontiac 29 Tires for Sale
Available 650-16 choices span BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Firestone, Garfield, Lester, Goodyear, Excelsior, STA, and Tornel, with both blackwall and wide whitewall styles. The product range also includes several classic passenger-car series along with heavier-duty truck-style bias-ply options, so comparing sidewall appearance and rim-width compatibility matters.
Common 1940 Pontiac 29 tire questions usually come down to the 650-16 fitment, 16-inch wheel compatibility, bias-ply construction, sidewall appearance, and what to inspect before putting a prewar Pontiac back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1940 Pontiac 29?
The 1940 Pontiac 29 uses a 650-16 tire size. This is a numeric bias-ply size used on a 16-inch rim, and the covered Torpedo 8 Cyl. sub-model uses that same fitment. For most buyers, the main fitment question is not choosing among several primary sizes, but understanding what 650-16 means and selecting the right version of that size.
A correct-size search should still include a close look at the wheels actually on the car. Many collector vehicles have had wheel changes over the years, so checking wheel diameter and width before mounting tires is worthwhile. Once the wheel setup is confirmed, the remaining choices are mostly about sidewall style, tire series, and whether a traditional prewar blackwall or wide whitewall look better suits the car.
What size rim does a 1940 Pontiac 29 use?
The 1940 Pontiac 29 uses a 16-inch rim with its 650-16 tire fitment. The 16 at the end of the size code is the wheel diameter, and the available 650-16 products are built for that rim diameter. That rim size is the starting point for any tire decision on this Pontiac.
Wheel width also matters, especially on an older car that may have seen replacements or upgrades during its life. Some 650-16 tires are intended for narrower rims, while many classic passenger-car options call for widths around 4.50 to 5.00 inches. Measuring the actual wheel before purchase helps avoid choosing a tire that looks right in size but is poorly matched to the rim already on the vehicle.
Does the 1940 Pontiac 29 Torpedo 8 Cyl. use the same tire size?
Yes. The 1940 Pontiac 29 Torpedo 8 Cyl. uses the same 650-16 bias-ply tire size as the overall 1940 Pontiac 29 fitment covered here. That means there is no separate primary tire size to sort out for this sub-model, and the vehicle remains within the same 16-inch wheel family.
That consistency makes the buying process easier, but the car still benefits from a quick wheel and clearance check before installation. A Pontiac that has sat for years, been restored, or received later wheels may not match its original setup exactly. After confirming the wheels, the important decision becomes choosing the right 650-16 style for the intended appearance and use rather than hunting for a different size.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 650-16 tire for a 1940 Pontiac 29?
Start with the correct 650-16 size and confirm that the tire matches the car’s 16-inch wheels. From there, compare whether the tire is aimed at classic passenger-car use or a more truck-oriented application, then look at sidewall style, tire series, and rim-width suitability. Those factors shape both the appearance of the car and how appropriate the tire is for the Pontiac’s intended use.
A restoration-focused owner may place more importance on a traditional blackwall or wide whitewall presentation, while a driver may focus first on wheel compatibility and load specification. Product weights and load figures can also vary, so it helps to compare the tire’s overall character rather than choosing by brand name alone. The best match is the one that keeps the correct size while fitting the car’s wheels and purpose.
What sidewall styles are available for 1940 Pontiac 29 tires?
The 1940 Pontiac 29’s 650-16 tire selection includes both blackwall and wide whitewall sidewall styles. That gives owners a clear appearance choice within the same correct-size bias-ply fitment. Blackwalls deliver a plainer, more understated look, while wide whitewalls create a stronger prewar and early postwar visual presence that many restorers and collectors prefer.
Choosing between them depends on how the car is being finished and presented. A wide whitewall can change the entire stance and personality of a 1940 Pontiac even when the tire size stays exactly the same. Owners pursuing strict historical accuracy should compare the chosen sidewall style with period photos, marque references, or restoration goals, while drivers focused on general use can simply choose the appearance that best complements the vehicle.
What brands offer tires for the 1940 Pontiac 29?
The 1940 Pontiac 29’s 650-16 tire options include BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Firestone, Garfield, Lester, Goodyear, Excelsior, STA, and Tornel. Those brands appear across a mix of classic passenger-car bias-ply tires and some heavier-duty truck-style offerings in the same size. Brand alone does not define the right choice, because the available tires also differ by sidewall treatment and tire series.
A useful way to compare them is to look at the full package: sidewall appearance, intended application, rim-width specification, and the visual character of the tread and series. Some owners want a traditional passenger-car presentation, while others may be sorting through more utilitarian 650-16 options that share the size but not the same look. Comparing the brand together with the tire’s series and style gives a clearer picture.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1940 Pontiac 29?
A period-style 1940 Pontiac 29 starts with the correct 650-16 size and a bias-ply construction, since that keeps the car in the prewar sizing and visual tradition it was designed around. From there, the most important choice is usually whether the car should wear a blackwall or wide whitewall, followed by the particular classic tire series that best matches the restoration’s tone.
A show-oriented restoration may call for closer attention to sidewall treatment and brand presentation, while a driver-level restoration may focus on capturing the right overall look. Exact originality claims should be checked against period photography, Pontiac reference material, and marque-club guidance. Using the correct size and traditional construction is the strongest starting point for keeping the tire appearance appropriate to the car.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1940 Pontiac 29 restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1940 Pontiac 29 restoration because tires strongly influence stance, wheel opening fill, and overall period presentation. The proper 650-16 bias-ply size helps preserve the proportions expected on a prewar Pontiac. Even when the body and trim are finished beautifully, the wrong tire size or sidewall style can shift the car’s appearance noticeably.
Fitment also affects practical details beyond looks. A tire matched poorly to the wheel can create unnecessary mounting and clearance issues, and an off-theme tread or sidewall can make the car appear visually inconsistent. Restoration-minded owners usually get the best results by confirming the wheel dimensions first, then choosing a 650-16 tire whose construction and sidewall treatment support the level of authenticity or period-style presentation they want.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1940 Pontiac 29?
Yes. Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1940 Pontiac 29 even when the intended tire size remains 650-16. Aftermarket wheels, changed wheel widths, suspension work, lowering, brake conversions, or body repairs can all alter the space available around the tire. On an older car, even small changes in wheel setup can matter more than the tire size alone suggests.
A good check includes actual wheel diameter and width, plus steering and fender clearance at full lock and through suspension movement. Cars that have been restored long ago or assembled from mixed parts deserve extra attention because the current setup may not match original specifications. Confirming the physical wheel and body relationship before mounting new tires helps prevent surprises once the Pontiac is back on the road.
What should I inspect before driving a 1940 Pontiac 29 on new tires?
Before driving a 1940 Pontiac 29 on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, and overall mounting condition, then make sure the tires are inflated appropriately for the chosen tire specification. It also helps to check front-end and suspension condition, since worn steering parts, weak bushings, or brake issues can undermine how a freshly shod prewar car behaves on the road.
A short, careful test drive is the smart next step. Listen for rubbing, note steering feel, and recheck air pressure after the first miles. The owner should also look again for any contact marks inside the fenders or around suspension components. New tires solve only part of the road-readiness equation, so a complete once-over is especially worthwhile on a collector Pontiac that may have spent long periods parked.
How should 650-16 tires on a collector 1940 Pontiac 29 be maintained?
Collector-car 650-16 tires should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspection, and proper storage habits. Watch for sidewall cracking, bulges, cuts, irregular tread wear, and gradual air loss, especially on a 1940 Pontiac 29 that sees occasional rather than daily use. Older vehicles often age their tires through time and storage conditions as much as through mileage.
Keeping the car away from prolonged sun, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the rubber, and moving the vehicle periodically can reduce long-term flat spotting on a parked collector car. A pre-drive inspection is a good habit even when the tires still look presentable. On any low-use Pontiac, maintenance is less about accumulating miles and more about catching age- and storage-related issues before they become road problems.
