1941 Pontiac 26 Tires

The 1941 Pontiac 26 uses a 650-16 tire. This is a numeric bias-ply size mounted on a 16-inch rim, and it is the primary fitment for the covered model and the Streamliner 6 Cyl. sub-model.

That makes the first decision fairly simple, because the question is not which size fits but which version of 650-16 best suits the car. Once the wheel diameter is confirmed, compare sidewall style, tire series, and rim-width requirements, especially if the Pontiac has been sitting for years or has had its wheels changed during an earlier restoration.

The tire fitment for the 1941 Pontiac 26 is built around a 16-inch rim. In practical terms, the 650-16 size is intended for a wheel with a 16-inch bead-seat diameter, so confirming that wheel size is essential before selecting a tire.

Rim width matters too, because some 650-16 products are matched to slightly different wheel-width ranges. A car that still has its original-style steel wheels may be straightforward, but any wheel swap, custom restoration, or older replacement rim should be measured so the new tire’s diameter and width requirements match the actual wheel on the car.

Yes. The covered 1941 Pontiac 26 Streamliner 6 Cyl. uses the same 650-16 bias-ply tire size as the model core. That means there is no separate primary size to sort out for this sub-model.

Since the fitment stays the same, the buying decision usually comes down to presentation and intended use rather than size differences. A wide whitewall can support a strong prewar look, while a blackwall offers a plainer appearance. Either way, the wheel diameter and width should still be checked, particularly on a car that has been restored more than once.

Start with the correct 650-16 size, then compare the tire’s construction, sidewall style, tire series, and wheel-width compatibility. For this Pontiac, all of the primary options are bias-ply, but they vary in look and in whether they are aimed more at classic passenger-car presentation or more utility-oriented tread styles.

A restoration-focused car may call for a traditional wide whitewall, while a driver or a less formal build may suit a blackwall. It also helps to compare rim-width recommendations, and where load figures are stated, some 650-16 passenger options show 1580 at 32 psi while several truck-style choices show 1610 at 45 psi.

The 1941 Pontiac 26 has 650-16 tire options in both blackwall and wide whitewall styles. That gives owners two distinct visual directions within the same basic fitment, from a more understated presentation to a brighter period-style look.

Sidewall style changes appearance much more than fitment, but it can shape the whole character of the car. A wide whitewall often complements prewar Pontiac styling, while blackwall tires keep the look simpler. The better choice depends on the restoration theme, existing trim, and whether the goal is formal show presentation or a more restrained road-going setup.

650-16 tires for the 1941 Pontiac 26 are available from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Firestone, Garfield, Excelsior, Lester, Goodyear, STA, and Tornel. Those brands cover several classic tire lines, including both passenger-car styles and more truck-oriented tread offerings in the same size.

Brand choice should be weighed alongside sidewall treatment, tread style, and the way the car will be used. A Pontiac restored for prewar visual impact may lean toward a passenger-car whitewall, while a more utilitarian build may point toward blackwall or heavier-duty tread patterns. Matching the tire to the car’s appearance and wheel setup matters more than chasing a brand name alone.

A period-style 1941 Pontiac 26 starts with the correct 650-16 bias-ply size, since that preserves the car’s traditional tire profile and visual proportion. From there, the main choices are sidewall treatment and tire line, with both blackwall and wide whitewall options available in several classic bias-ply series.

The right choice depends on how formal or restrained the finished car is meant to look. Wide whitewalls usually create a stronger prewar presentation, while blackwalls keep things simpler. When exact originality matters, it is worth checking marque references, period photographs, or restoration records so the selected tread and sidewall style support the character of the individual car.

Yes, correct tire fitment matters because tire size and construction strongly affect how a prewar Pontiac sits, looks, and drives. Using the proper 650-16 bias-ply size keeps the wheel-to-body relationship in the expected range and helps maintain the traditional stance associated with the 1941 Pontiac 26.

Appearance is only part of the picture. The wheel diameter must match the tire, and wheel width should also suit the product being considered. Even on a cosmetically restored car, old replacement wheels or mixed components can complicate fitment, so measuring the actual wheel before mounting new tires is a smart step in any serious restoration.

Yes. Even though the primary size is 650-16, modifications can change whether a specific tire choice is appropriate for a 1941 Pontiac 26. Wheel swaps, changes in wheel width, suspension work, lowering, brake conversions, or body repairs can all alter the space available around the tire.

A car that still appears stock may still have non-original wheels or older restoration parts, so it helps to verify the actual wheel diameter and width before buying. Clearance at the fender, steering components, and suspension should also be checked, especially if a different tread style or a heavier-duty 650-16 option is being considered.

Before driving a 1941 Pontiac 26 on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, lug hardware, and the condition of the suspension and steering components. The new 650-16 tires should be mounted on sound 16-inch wheels, and the car should not have rubbing, alignment issues, or loose front-end parts.

Collector cars often spend long periods parked, so a broader check is wise before road use. Confirm proper inflation for the tire being used, look for fluid leaks that could reach the rubber, and make sure the brakes and wheel bearings are ready for service. A short local test drive is a sensible way to confirm stability before longer trips.

650-16 tires on a collector 1941 Pontiac 26 should be kept clean, properly inflated, and inspected regularly for cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven wear, and slow air loss. Because collector vehicles are often driven infrequently, condition and age matter just as much as tread depth.

Storage conditions make a real difference on prewar cars. Keeping the Pontiac away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve the rubber, and moving the car occasionally can reduce flat spotting. Any tire that shows structural aging or unexplained vibration should be evaluated before the car returns to regular road use.