The 1946 Cadillac 62 Series arrived as Cadillac resumed civilian production after World War II, carrying the full-size presence and formal styling that defined upper-end American motoring in the immediate postwar years. Buyers restoring or maintaining one today usually care as much about stance and presentation as they do basic roadworthiness. This exact model uses a 700-15 bias-ply tire on a 15-inch rim, keeping tire selection rooted in traditional construction. Within that size, the choices include blackwall and wide whitewall treatments along with several period-style bias-ply series. The real decision is matching the tire to the car’s intended look, wheel setup, and driving use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1946 Cadillac 62 Series
The 1946 Cadillac 62 Series uses one primary tire size: 700-15. It is a bias-ply fitment on a 15-inch rim, and the covered 62 Series V8 sub-model uses that same size. That means the main choice is not between multiple primary sizes, but between sidewall appearance, tire series, and whether the tire suits a restoration-focused presentation or a more utility-oriented setup.
A 700-15 is a vintage numeric bias-ply size in which the leading number refers to an approximate 7.00-inch nominal section width and the final number identifies a 15-inch rim. For a 1946 Cadillac 62 Series, this size keeps the car in its original-era construction style and preserves the tall, traditional profile associated with postwar luxury cars. Available choices include Firestone, BFGoodrich, and STA offerings, with blackwall and wide whitewall options as well as several bias-ply series. It is the size to evaluate when appearance, wheel compatibility, and intended road use all need to stay aligned.
Fitment is straightforward for the covered 1946 Cadillac 62 Series sub-models. The main reason to check the sub-model is simply to confirm that the car remains on the expected wheel and tire setup before choosing among the available bias-ply options.
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1946 Cadillac 62 Series V8
The 1946 Cadillac 62 Series V8 uses the same 700-15 bias-ply fitment as the core model. That keeps tire selection focused on the kind of presentation you want, such as a wide whitewall restoration-oriented look or a blackwall tire for a more understated or utility-focused appearance.
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Best 1946 Cadillac 62 Series Tires for Sale
Available 700-15 choices span Firestone, BFGoodrich, and STA, with both wide whitewall and blackwall presentations. The product range also includes classic passenger-car bias-ply series and more utility-oriented military or transport-style tires, so appearance and intended use matter as much as size.
These FAQs focus on 1946 Cadillac 62 Series tire size, 15-inch rim fitment, bias-ply construction, sidewall choices, and the practical checks that matter before putting a postwar Cadillac back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1946 Cadillac 62 Series?
The 1946 Cadillac 62 Series uses a 700-15 tire size. That is a numeric bias-ply fitment mounted on a 15-inch rim, and it is the primary size associated with this exact year and model.
That makes the first step fairly simple: confirm that the car still has its correct wheel diameter and has not been changed to a different wheel or tire package over the years. Once the 15-inch setup is confirmed, the real choice becomes selecting the right 700-15 tire style, sidewall treatment, and product type for restoration appearance, regular road use, or a more utility-focused application.
What size rim does a 1946 Cadillac 62 Series use?
The primary tire fitment for a 1946 Cadillac 62 Series uses a 15-inch rim. The 700-15 tire size is built around that wheel diameter, so confirming the rim is still 15 inches is essential before choosing a replacement tire.
Wheel diameter is only part of the picture on an older car. It is also smart to verify the actual wheel width, especially if the car has replacement wheels or long-ago service parts. A 700-15 tire can look correct on the car, but the wheel still needs to match the tire’s intended range and the vehicle should be checked for proper clearance, seating, and overall condition before road use.
Does the 1946 Cadillac 62 Series V8 use the same tire size?
Yes. The covered 1946 Cadillac 62 Series V8 uses the same 700-15 bias-ply tire size as the model core, so fitment stays consistent across that sub-model rather than splitting into multiple primary sizes.
That consistency simplifies shopping, but it does not eliminate the need to inspect the actual car. A restored Cadillac, a long-stored survivor, and a car with replacement wheels may all need different attention before new tires are installed. After size is confirmed, the key decision becomes whether the car should wear a wide whitewall for a more formal period-style look or a blackwall for a different presentation.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 700-15 tire for a 1946 Cadillac 62 Series?
Start with the correct size and construction. A 1946 Cadillac 62 Series uses a 700-15 bias-ply tire, so the first priority is keeping the car on the proper 15-inch wheel setup and deciding whether the goal is a traditional luxury-car appearance or a more utility-oriented tire style.
From there, compare sidewall style, tire series, and the character of each offering. Some 700-15 options emphasize classic passenger-car presentation with blackwall or wide whitewall styling, while others lean toward military or transport use. Rim-width suitability, load figures where stated, and the overall condition of the car’s wheels should all be part of the decision before installation.
What sidewall styles are available for 1946 Cadillac 62 Series tires?
The available 700-15 tires for the 1946 Cadillac 62 Series include both blackwall and wide whitewall sidewall styles. That gives owners a clear visual choice between a more understated tire appearance and the broader whitewall look often associated with upscale postwar American cars.
Sidewall style can change the character of the whole car, even when the tire size stays the same. A wide whitewall usually suits a restoration-oriented presentation, while a blackwall can feel more restrained or more utilitarian depending on the tire series chosen. The right choice depends on how the Cadillac is being finished, how it is driven, and whether visual authenticity or everyday practicality is the higher priority.
What brands offer tires for the 1946 Cadillac 62 Series?
Tires in the correct 700-15 size for the 1946 Cadillac 62 Series are available from Firestone, BFGoodrich, and STA. Those brands cover classic passenger-car bias-ply choices as well as several more truck- or military-oriented 700-15 offerings.
Brand alone should not be the only deciding factor on a collector car like this. It helps to compare the tire series, sidewall style, load information where shown, and the overall role of the tire. Some choices are aimed more at traditional Cadillac presentation, while others carry a more rugged visual character that may suit a different type of build or use.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1946 Cadillac 62 Series?
A period-style starting point for a 1946 Cadillac 62 Series is a 700-15 bias-ply tire, since that keeps the car in the construction type and overall sizing language associated with its era. Within that size, classic passenger-car offerings are the most natural place to focus for a restoration-minded presentation.
The final choice depends on how closely the car is being restored and what look the owner wants to present. Wide whitewall versions often complement postwar Cadillac styling, while blackwall tires create a more restrained appearance. When exact originality matters, it is worth checking marque literature, surviving period photography, or Cadillac club guidance before settling on a specific sidewall treatment.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1946 Cadillac 62 Series?
Tire construction has a strong visual effect on a restored 1946 Cadillac 62 Series. Staying with a 700-15 bias-ply preserves the traditional profile and period-style stance expected on a full-size postwar Cadillac, especially when paired with a sidewall treatment that suits the rest of the restoration.
Appearance is not only about sidewall color. The shape of the tire, the way it fills the wheel opening, and the overall presentation of the car all change with tire type. A restoration-focused owner will usually want the tire to support the Cadillac’s formal proportions rather than fight them, so size, construction, and sidewall style should be considered together instead of as separate decisions.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1946 Cadillac 62 Series?
Yes. A 1946 Cadillac 62 Series may still call for a 700-15 tire, but aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension changes, brake conversions, or body work can all affect whether a given tire setup remains appropriate for the car in its current form.
Older cars often go through decades of changes, so it is worth measuring the actual wheel diameter and width instead of assuming everything is still stock. Clearance at the fender, steering components, and suspension should also be checked carefully. Even when the tire size is correct on paper, modifications can change how well the tire suits the car’s present-day setup.
What should I inspect before driving a 1946 Cadillac 62 Series on new tires?
Before road use, inspect the wheels, valve hardware, and the overall mounting condition of the new 700-15 tires. The car itself should also be checked for basic readiness, including steering response, brake function, suspension condition, and any signs that the tires may contact surrounding components.
Collector vehicles that sit for long periods need extra attention before a real drive. Set tire pressure correctly for the tire and application, then look for air loss, uneven stance, or rubbing during low-speed movement. It also helps to recheck lug torque, verify smooth steering travel lock to lock, and give the Cadillac a short shakedown run before committing to a longer outing.
How should 700-15 tires on a collector 1946 Cadillac 62 Series be maintained?
A 700-15 tire on a collector 1946 Cadillac 62 Series should be kept clean, properly inflated, and inspected regularly for age-related issues such as sidewall cracking, flat spotting, cuts, bulges, or recurring air loss. Low annual mileage does not stop a tire from aging, so time and storage conditions matter.
Storage habits have a big effect on how collector-car tires hold up. Keeping the Cadillac away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps protect the rubber. It is also wise to check tread and sidewall condition before each driving season and after long periods of inactivity, especially on a heavy postwar luxury car that may spend much of its life parked.
