1942 Pontiac 28 Tires

The 1942 Pontiac 28 uses a 650-16 tire size. This is a bias-ply fitment built for a 16-inch rim, and the covered Streamliner 8 Cyl. sub-model uses that same primary size.

That makes 650-16 the starting point for any replacement search, but the decision does not end with the size code alone. It is still important to confirm the actual wheel diameter and wheel width on the car, especially if it has been sitting for years or has seen wheel changes during restoration. After that, the real choice becomes sidewall appearance, tire series, and whether the car’s use is mainly show, touring, or occasional road driving.

The 1942 Pontiac 28 uses a 16-inch rim with its 650-16 tire fitment. That rim diameter is the key wheel dimension tied directly to the tire size itself.

Rim diameter should be confirmed before ordering, because a vintage car may no longer have its original wheels. Width matters too, since some 650-16 tires are intended for 4.00 to 4.50-inch rims while others are suited to 4.50 to 5.00-inch rims. Checking both dimensions helps narrow the correct product options and reduces the chance of choosing a tire that does not match the wheel already on the Pontiac.

On a 1942 Pontiac 28, 650-16 is a vintage numeric bias-ply size. The 6.50 portion refers to nominal section width in inches, while the 16 indicates the wheel diameter in inches.

That older sizing format is different from modern metric radial markings, so it helps to read it in period terms rather than compare it casually to a current passenger-car tire. Since the Pontiac uses a bias-ply construction in this size, buyers should focus on choosing among the available 650-16 bias-ply options instead of assuming a modern-looking tire with a similar width will provide the same fit, proportions, or presentation.

Start with the correct 650-16 size and the bias-ply construction that suits the 1942 Pontiac 28. From there, compare wheel compatibility, sidewall style, tread character, and whether the car is being kept in a restoration-oriented presentation or prepared for more regular road use.

Product differences within 650-16 can matter more than buyers expect. Some tires are aimed at traditional passenger-car appearance, while others carry truck or transport-style tread and different load specifications. Whitewall width also changes the visual effect significantly on a prewar Pontiac. Matching the tire to the wheel dimensions, the car’s stance, and the look you want usually leads to a better decision than choosing by brand name alone.

Tires for the 1942 Pontiac 28 are available in both blackwall and wide whitewall styles within the 650-16 size. That gives the car two very different visual directions while staying within the proper primary fitment.

A blackwall usually gives the Pontiac a more restrained, utilitarian look, while a wide whitewall creates a stronger prewar luxury and restoration-oriented appearance. Several whitewall widths appear within the available product range, so the visual effect can vary from one tire series to another. The right choice depends on how the car is being finished, how authentic-looking you want the presentation to be, and whether all five tires need to match closely in appearance.

The 650-16 size for a 1942 Pontiac 28 is available from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Firestone, Garfield, Excelsior, Lester, Goodyear, STA, and Tornel. Those brands cover several bias-ply series, along with both blackwall and wide whitewall options.

Brand choice should be treated as one part of the decision rather than the whole decision. A buyer will usually get farther by comparing the tire series, sidewall treatment, rim-width specification, and overall intended character of the tire. Some 650-16 offerings lean toward classic passenger-car presentation, while others have truck-style or military-style tread patterns. The best match depends on how the Pontiac is restored, displayed, and driven.

A period-style 1942 Pontiac 28 starts with the correct 650-16 bias-ply size on a 16-inch rim. From there, the choice usually comes down to whether the car looks more appropriate with a blackwall or a wide whitewall, along with the particular classic tire series that best matches the restoration’s overall character.

Bias-ply construction preserves the traditional shape and presentation associated with cars of this era, which matters visually even before the car moves. Exact originality can vary by trim, market, and how the car was first delivered, so owners pursuing strict authenticity should compare their selection against marque-club guidance, period photos, and vehicle-specific historical references. For many restorations, correct size and era-appropriate appearance are the most important first steps.

Correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1942 Pontiac 28 because tire size and construction strongly influence the car’s stance, wheelwell fill, and overall period impression. Using the proper 650-16 bias-ply format helps the Pontiac retain the visual proportions expected of an early-1940s American car.

Appearance is only part of the equation. A restoration-minded tire choice should also account for the wheel dimensions actually on the car, the sidewall look you want, and whether the Pontiac will spend more time on display or on the road. Even within the correct size, a wide whitewall creates a very different presentation than a blackwall. Choosing carefully helps the finished car look intentional rather than merely serviceable.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1942 Pontiac 28 even when the intended tire size remains 650-16. Wheel changes, altered suspension height, brake conversions, and body or fender work can all change the space available around the tire.

A vintage Pontiac may also have replacement wheels that differ from the original width, which matters because 650-16 products are not all built around the same rim-width range. Checking wheel diameter, wheel width, and visible clearance at the fender, steering, and suspension points is a smart step before mounting new tires. That is especially important if the car has been modified over time or assembled from a long restoration project.

Before driving a 1942 Pontiac 28 on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, make sure the tires are properly mounted and inflated, and look over the car for basic clearance at the fenders and steering components. It also helps to confirm that valve stems, tubes if used, and lug hardware are in good order.

A collector car that has been parked for long periods deserves a broader check before road use. Brake function, suspension wear, alignment, and wheel-bearing condition can all affect how the car behaves on fresh tires. After the first few drives, recheck pressure and look for any signs of rubbing or unusual wear. A careful inspection routine protects both the tires and the vehicle’s overall drivability.

650-16 tires on a collector 1942 Pontiac 28 should be kept at appropriate pressure for the tire in use, inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, or air loss, and stored away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources. Even lightly used collector-car tires should be checked closely because age can matter as much as mileage.

Regular visual inspection is especially important on a prewar-style bias-ply setup, since many collector cars spend long stretches parked between drives. Moving the car occasionally, keeping it on a clean surface, and avoiding underinflation during storage can help preserve the casing and sidewalls. Before any longer outing, check tread condition, pressure stability, and overall ride feel so small issues are caught before they become road problems.