1940 Studebaker President Tires

The 1940 Studebaker President uses a 650-16 tire size. This is a numeric bias-ply size intended for a 16-inch wheel, and it is the primary fitment for the covered President 8 Cyl. application.

That means the first step is confirming that the car still has its correct 16-inch wheel setup before choosing among the available 650-16 tires. Once size is settled, the real selection comes down to blackwall versus wide whitewall appearance, the tire series you prefer, and whether the car is being kept in a passenger-car presentation or used in a more utility-oriented way.

The 1940 Studebaker President uses a 16-inch rim with its 650-16 tire fitment. Product offerings in this size commonly pair with rim widths in the 4.50 to 5.00 inch range, with some 650-16 applications also appearing on narrower 4.00 to 4.50 inch rims.

Rim diameter is the non-negotiable check, because a 16-inch tire must mount to a 16-inch wheel. Width matters too, especially when comparing different 650-16 product lines, so it is worth measuring the wheel before making a final choice. That is particularly important on older cars that may have had wheels changed over the years.

Yes. The covered 1940 Studebaker President 8 Cyl. application uses the same 650-16 bias-ply tire size as the core fitment for this model. There is no alternate primary size shown for that sub-model.

That simplifies the fitment side of the decision, but it does not make every 650-16 choice identical. Owners still need to think about the tire's sidewall style, its intended character, and wheel-width compatibility. On a restoration-minded car, that often means deciding whether a blackwall or a wide whitewall better matches the look you want.

Start with the correct 650-16 size and confirm that the car still uses 16-inch wheels with a compatible width. From there, compare whether you want a traditional passenger-car bias-ply tire or one of the more utility-oriented 650-16 designs that appear in transport, military, or truck-style series.

Appearance is just as important on a prewar car. Some 650-16 options are blackwall, while others use a wide whitewall for a more formal period-style presentation. It also helps to compare load figures where they are stated, such as 1580@32 psi or 1610@45 psi, while keeping the tire's intended use aligned with how the President will actually be driven.

The 1940 Studebaker President's 650-16 tire options include both blackwall and wide whitewall sidewall styles. That gives owners a meaningful appearance choice even while staying within the correct primary size and traditional bias-ply construction.

A blackwall usually gives the car a more restrained, functional look, while a wide whitewall creates a dressier prewar presentation. Neither sidewall treatment should be assumed correct for every individual car without checking restoration goals and historical references. Once appearance is decided, compare the available series and wheel-width compatibility so the tire choice works mechanically as well as visually.

The 650-16 tire size for the 1940 Studebaker President is available from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Firestone, Garfield, Lester, Goodyear, STA, Tornel, and Excelsior. Those brands cover both passenger-car style offerings and more utility-oriented tread patterns within the same size.

Brand alone should not be the only deciding factor. It makes more sense to compare each tire's series, sidewall style, load specification when stated, and wheel-width range. That approach helps narrow the choice to a 650-16 tire that suits the car's look, the way it will be used, and the actual wheels mounted on the President.

A period-style 1940 Studebaker President should begin with the correct 650-16 bias-ply size. Staying with bias-ply construction preserves the tire format associated with the car's era, and the available passenger-car series provide a traditional visual starting point for a restoration-oriented build.

The next decision is how formal or understated you want the car to look. Blackwall and wide whitewall versions are both available in 650-16, and each changes the car's presentation noticeably. If exact originality matters beyond general period style, compare your choice against marque references, restoration photos, and other vehicle-specific historical material before settling on a sidewall treatment.

On a restored 1940 Studebaker President, construction affects more than ride character. The correct primary fitment is a 650-16 bias-ply, and bias-ply tires help preserve the traditional profile and visual character expected on a prewar sedan from this period.

Appearance still varies within that construction. A blackwall 650-16 gives a simpler, more restrained look, while a wide whitewall creates a more formal and decorative presentation. Since several brands and series are offered in the same size, the most useful approach is to choose the construction first, then refine the look through sidewall style and tread character.

Yes. Even though the primary fitment is a 650-16 on a 16-inch wheel, modifications can change what works on a 1940 Studebaker President. Wheel swaps, changes in wheel width, suspension alterations, brake conversions, or body and fender work can all affect clearance and mounting compatibility.

A car that has been lowered, widened, or fitted with non-original wheels should be measured before a tire is chosen simply by size code. Check wheel diameter first, then wheel width, steering clearance, and available space at the fender and suspension. On an older restoration, it is also smart to confirm that all four wheels actually match each other.

Before putting a 1940 Studebaker President back on the road, inspect the wheels, lug hardware, valve stems, and overall wheel condition along with the new tires themselves. The tires should be checked for proper mounting, correct inflation, and any visible issues such as cuts, bulges, or damage from storage or handling.

The car deserves the same attention. Look over suspension components, steering play, brake function, and the clearances around the tire at full steering lock. A short local drive is the right way to begin after installation so you can watch for vibration, rubbing, or air loss before attempting a longer outing in a collector vehicle.

Collector-car 650-16 tires should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and clean storage conditions. A 1940 Studebaker President that is driven only occasionally can still age its tires through time, sunlight, heat, moisture, and long stationary periods even if tread wear remains low.

Good maintenance includes watching for sidewall cracking, flat spotting, tread separation signs, cuts, and slow air loss. It also helps to keep the car away from prolonged ozone exposure from electric motors and similar equipment during storage. Before each driving season, inspect both the tires and the wheels closely so a handsome prewar car is not let down by neglected rubber.