1946 Buick 50 Super Tires

The 1946 Buick 50 Super uses a 650-16 tire size. This is a numeric bias-ply fitment for a 16-inch wheel, and it is the primary size associated with this model, including the covered 8-cylinder sub-model.

That means the real choice is usually not between multiple factory-style sizes, but between blackwall or wide whitewall presentation, brand, and tire series within 650-16. It is still smart to confirm that the car retains its proper 16-inch wheels and has not been changed to a different wheel width or aftermarket setup over the years.

The tire fitment for the 1946 Buick 50 Super is built around a 16-inch rim. The 650-16 size uses that 16-inch wheel diameter, so wheel diameter confirmation is straightforward as long as the car still carries its original-type wheel setup.

Rim diameter is only part of the picture on a collector car. Several 650-16 tire options also carry rim-width specifications, so owners should verify the actual wheel width before choosing among different bias-ply products, especially if the car has replacement wheels, older service parts, or a mixed set acquired during restoration.

Yes. The covered 1946 Buick 50 Super 8 Cyl. uses the same 650-16 bias-ply tire size as the model core. There is no alternate primary tire size tied to that sub-model in this fitment grouping.

That keeps sub-model selection simple and shifts attention to the condition of the wheels and the look the owner wants. A restoration-oriented car may lean toward a wide whitewall presentation, while a more understated or utilitarian setup may point toward blackwalls, but both still need to match the car’s 16-inch wheel arrangement.

Start with the correct 650-16 size and bias-ply construction, then compare the tire’s intended character. Some options are aimed at traditional passenger-car appearance, while others in the same size lean toward more utilitarian or truck-style tread patterns and attributes.

From there, look at sidewall style, brand, tire series, and wheel-width specifications. A wide whitewall can dramatically change the Buick’s visual presence, while a blackwall keeps things more restrained. Matching the tire to the car’s restoration direction, actual wheel dimensions, and planned use will usually narrow the field faster than brand name alone.

The 1946 Buick 50 Super has 650-16 tire options in both blackwall and wide whitewall styles. That gives owners a clear appearance choice within the same basic size and bias-ply construction rather than forcing a change in fitment to get a different visual presentation.

Wide whitewalls suit a more formal, restoration-oriented postwar look, while blackwalls offer a simpler and often more understated presentation. Since sidewall style does not replace the need for proper wheel compatibility, the smart approach is to choose the look first, then compare series details and rim-width requirements among the available 650-16 tires.

The 1946 Buick 50 Super has 650-16 tire options from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Firestone, Garfield, Goodyear, Lester, Excelsior, STA, and Tornel. These choices span several bias-ply series and include both passenger-style and more utilitarian offerings within the same nominal size.

Brand selection is best treated as one part of a larger fitment decision. Comparing sidewall style, tread character, rim-width specification, and overall presentation will tell an owner more than the name on the sidewall alone. That is especially important on a collector Buick where the tire has a strong effect on stance and visual authenticity.

A period-style 1946 Buick 50 Super should begin with the correct 650-16 bias-ply size. That preserves the vintage construction and proportions associated with the car, then lets the owner choose among several brands and series that offer a traditional postwar appearance.

The final choice usually comes down to how formal or understated the Buick should look. Wide whitewalls create a strong restoration-oriented presentation, while blackwalls are more restrained. If exact originality matters beyond general period style, marque-specific photos, factory literature, and Buick club references are worth checking before settling on one sidewall treatment.

On a restored 1946 Buick 50 Super, bias-ply construction plays a visible role in the car’s overall presentation. The 650-16 fitment keeps the Buick in the traditional tire style associated with its era, which affects sidewall profile, tread character, and the way the car visually sits on its wheels.

Appearance is not just about whitewalls versus blackwalls. Different bias-ply series can also change the car’s visual tone, from formal touring presentation to a more functional look. Owners aiming for a restoration-focused result usually get the best outcome by matching tire construction, sidewall treatment, and wheel condition rather than choosing each detail separately.

Yes. Even though the 1946 Buick 50 Super uses a straightforward 650-16 fitment, modifications can still change what works on the car in practice. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension changes, brake conversions, or body work can all affect clearance and compatibility.

A collector car should be checked as it actually sits today, not only as it left the factory. Measuring wheel diameter and width, then checking steering travel and fender clearance, helps avoid surprises. That matters especially when the Buick has gone through decades of repairs, restorations, or parts substitutions that may not be obvious at first glance.

Before road use, inspect the wheels, valve hardware, and overall mounting condition, then verify that the tires are properly seated and inflated for their intended use. It is also wise to look over suspension and steering components so the new 650-16 tires are not being asked to compensate for worn mechanical parts.

A postwar collector car deserves a careful walkaround before its first real drive. Check for rubbing at full steering lock, uneven stance, visible cuts or bulges, and any signs of air loss after installation. A short, low-speed test drive can reveal pull, vibration, or clearance issues before the Buick is taken out for longer touring.

Collector-car tires in 650-16 size should be kept clean, properly inflated, and inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, and irregular wear. Because cars like the 1946 Buick 50 Super may sit for long periods, tire condition matters just as much as tread depth.

Storage plays a major role in tire life on a low-use Buick. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the sidewalls, especially on show-oriented wide whitewalls. Regular pressure checks and occasional movement of the vehicle can also reduce the chance of discovering age-related issues right before a drive.