1942 Plymouth Deluxe Tires

A 1942 Plymouth Deluxe uses either 600-16 or 650-16 tires, and both are bias-ply sizes for 16-inch wheels. The correct size depends on the exact sub-model: the 1942 Plymouth Deluxe 6 Cyl. uses 600-16, while the 1942 Plymouth Deluxe 6 Cyl. (7 Passenger) uses 650-16.

That means the first job is identifying the sub-model rather than choosing by appearance alone. Since both sizes mount on 16-inch rims, it is easy to assume they are interchangeable, but the section width is different. Before buying, confirm the car's actual wheel setup and make sure any prior wheel or suspension changes have not altered the fitment picture.

The 1942 Plymouth Deluxe uses a 16-inch rim with either of its primary tire sizes. Both 600-16 and 650-16 are built for 16-inch wheels, so rim diameter stays consistent even though the car can take more than one tire size depending on sub-model.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment check on a prewar-era vehicle. Rim width still matters, especially when comparing tires across different series and intended uses. A car that has had replacement wheels fitted over the decades should be measured before new tires are chosen, because matching the wheel correctly helps preserve clearance, tire shape, and overall road manners.

The 1942 Plymouth Deluxe has more than one tire size because tire fitment varies by sub-model. The standard 6 Cyl. model uses 600-16, while the 6 Cyl. (7 Passenger) version uses 650-16, even though both remain traditional bias-ply tires on 16-inch rims.

That distinction matters because the tire decision is tied to the vehicle configuration, not just to what happens to fit on a 16-inch wheel. A buyer comparing options should start with the exact body configuration shown on the car, then move on to sidewall style, tread character, and brand selection within the correct size rather than treating the two sizes as interchangeable.

Start with the correct size for the exact 1942 Plymouth Deluxe sub-model, then compare the tire's construction, series, sidewall style, and intended use. Both primary sizes are bias-ply, but the available assortment includes traditional passenger-car designs as well as military- and truck-style tread patterns that create a very different look and purpose.

After size is confirmed, think about how the car will be used and presented. A restoration-minded owner may focus on blackwall, wide whitewall, or double-whitewall appearance, while a utility-oriented build may lean toward a more aggressive tread style. Wheel width, load capacity, and the overall character of the tire are worth comparing before making the final selection.

1942 Plymouth Deluxe tires are available in several sidewall styles, including blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall depending on the size and series. The broader assortment appears in 600-16, while 650-16 also offers both blackwall and wide whitewall choices for buyers balancing restoration appearance against a plainer touring look.

Sidewall style changes the visual impression of the car more than many owners expect, especially on a 1940s Plymouth with tall sidewalls and open wheel arches. The best choice depends on the presentation you want rather than on fitment alone. Once the correct size is established, sidewall selection becomes a practical way to tailor the car's period-style appearance.

Tires for the 1942 Plymouth Deluxe are available from brands including BFGoodrich, Firestone, Goodyear, Coker Classic, Excelsior, Lester, Avon, STA, Garfield, Tornel, Camac, and Ford Script, depending on the exact size and tire series. The mix covers both traditional passenger-car styling and more specialized military or truck-oriented tread designs.

Brand choice should be filtered through the correct tire size first, since the 6 Cyl. and 7 Passenger models do not use the same fitment. After that, compare how each brand's offerings differ in sidewall treatment, series character, rim-width suitability, and use case. The most useful comparison is not brand reputation alone, but how each tire matches the car's intended appearance and road use.

A period-style 1942 Plymouth Deluxe should begin with the correct bias-ply size for the exact sub-model: 600-16 for the 6 Cyl. and 650-16 for the 6 Cyl. (7 Passenger). From there, the strongest restoration-oriented choices are the passenger-car series offered in traditional blackwall or whitewall formats rather than utility or military-style tread patterns.

The right visual result depends on how authentic or formal you want the finished car to appear. Whitewall width, tread style, and brand presentation all influence the look, but not every vintage-style option represents the same historical impression. When exact originality matters, compare the tire choice with period photos, marque references, or restoration documentation for the specific car.

Tire construction has a major effect on the appearance of a restored 1942 Plymouth Deluxe because both of its primary fitments are bias-ply designs with the tall, rounded visual profile associated with the era. On a 1940s Plymouth, that construction helps preserve the period relationship between wheel opening, sidewall height, and overall stance.

Appearance is shaped by more than size alone. Sidewall treatment, tread pattern, and the way a bias-ply tire sits on the wheel all contribute to whether the car reads as formal, understated, or more utility-focused. Even when the car is driven regularly, keeping the proper size and era-appropriate construction style usually matters to the finished presentation.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1942 Plymouth Deluxe even when the car still uses a 16-inch wheel. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, altered offset, suspension work, lowering, or body repairs around the fenders can all influence how a 600-16 or 650-16 tire sits and clears.

That matters most on collector vehicles that may have been changed decades ago without detailed records. A Plymouth that has replacement wheels or altered ride height should be measured before new tires are installed. Clearance at steering lock, space under the fenders, and the actual wheel dimensions are all worth confirming so the tire choice matches the car's present configuration.

Before driving a 1942 Plymouth Deluxe on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, lug hardware, and overall condition of the suspension and steering components. Tire pressure should be set correctly for the chosen tire, and the car should be checked for any rubbing, uneven stance, or clearance issues once the new bias-ply tires are mounted.

A short local test drive is a smart follow-up before putting miles on a newly shod collector car. Listen for rubbing on turns, feel for vibration, and recheck air pressure after the first outing. Since older vehicles are often driven infrequently, it also helps to inspect brake operation and wheel-bearing condition so the car is road-ready as a complete system.

Collector-car tires on a 1942 Plymouth Deluxe should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and careful storage habits. Whether the car uses 600-16 or 650-16 bias-ply tires, look for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, irregular wear, and signs of slow air loss, especially if the Plymouth spends long periods parked.

Good maintenance also means protecting the car from long exposure to sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources such as electric motors or charging equipment. Moving the vehicle occasionally can help avoid prolonged flat spotting during storage. Before any longer drive, recheck pressure and condition rather than assuming low-mileage tires are automatically ready for the road.