The 1946 Hudson Commodore arrived as one of the substantial American cars that helped mark the industry's return to civilian production after World War II. Its long, formal presence and smooth straight-six or straight-eight character make tire choice especially important, because the right fitment has a big effect on stance, ride feel, and period presentation. This model uses 6.50-15 and 700-15 bias-ply tire sizes on 15-inch rims. That opens the door to traditional blackwall or wide whitewall choices, along with several classic bias-ply series in 700-15. For restoration-minded owners, the key is matching the car's wheel setup and intended use before settling on appearance or size.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1946 Hudson Commodore
The 1946 Hudson Commodore uses two primary tire sizes, 6.50-15 and 700-15, and both are bias-ply sizes for 15-inch rims. Because both the 6 Cyl. and 8 Cyl. sub-models can use either size, the main decision is not trim level but confirming which wheel and tire setup is already on the car, then choosing the size and sidewall style that best suits its restoration goals and road use.
The 6.50-15 size is a numeric bias-ply designation in which 6.50 refers to the tire's nominal section width in inches and 15 identifies the rim diameter. On a 1946 Hudson Commodore, it represents a traditional postwar bias-ply fitment that preserves the look and driving character associated with the car's era. This format is especially familiar to restoration-minded owners who want the tire size itself to remain true to period practice. It is worth choosing when the car already carries this size or when wheel setup and appearance point toward the narrower of the two primary Hudson fitments.
The 700-15 size is also a numeric bias-ply format, with 7.00 indicating a nominal section width and 15 indicating a 15-inch rim. For the 1946 Hudson Commodore, this size brings the broadest visible product choice, including Firestone, BFGoodrich, and STA offerings in blackwall and wide whitewall styles across several bias-ply series. Some 700-15 products also carry military or transport-oriented specifications, which makes careful comparison important. This size deserves a closer look when the car already uses 700-15 or when the buyer wants more choice in sidewall treatment and product character.
Tire fitment is straightforward across the covered 1946 Hudson Commodore sub-models because both the 6 Cyl. and 8 Cyl. versions use the same two primary sizes. Checking the exact sub-model still helps keep the vehicle record consistent, but the bigger task is confirming which of the two 15-inch bias-ply sizes is already on the car.
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1946 Hudson Commodore 6 Cyl.
The 1946 Hudson Commodore 6 Cyl. uses the same 6.50-15 and 700-15 bias-ply tire sizes found across the covered Commodore range. That gives the owner room to focus on the car's current wheel and tire setup, then choose between a more restoration-oriented sidewall treatment or a more utility-focused 700-15 product where applicable.
The 1946 Hudson Commodore 8 Cyl. shares the same primary 6.50-15 and 700-15 bias-ply fitment choices on 15-inch rims. Tire selection therefore comes down less to engine designation and more to verifying which size the car presently carries, along with the appearance and usage priorities that matter for the finished setup.
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 Hudson Commodore Tires for Sale
Available 700-15 products give the 1946 Hudson Commodore buyer the clearest comparison range, with Firestone, BFGoodrich, and STA options spanning classic bias-ply, military, and transport-oriented series. Sidewall treatments include blackwall and wide whitewall, with some products also differing in rim-width specification, load capacity, and tube-type or tubeless construction details.
Common questions for the 1946 Hudson Commodore usually center on choosing between 6.50-15 and 700-15, understanding bias-ply fitment, and sorting through sidewall, series, and wheel-compatibility details before putting the car back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1946 Hudson Commodore?
The 1946 Hudson Commodore uses two primary tire sizes: 6.50-15 and 700-15. Both are vintage numeric bias-ply sizes for 15-inch rims, and both appear across the covered Commodore range, including the 6 Cyl. and 8 Cyl. sub-models.
That means the first step is checking what is actually mounted on the car now rather than assuming one size by engine alone. A Hudson that has been restored, re-wheeled, or stored for many years may already be set up around one of these sizes, so wheel width, existing clearance, and the appearance you want should all be confirmed before choosing between them.
What size rim does a 1946 Hudson Commodore use?
The 1946 Hudson Commodore uses a 15-inch rim with its primary tire fitments. Both 6.50-15 and 700-15 are built around that same 15-inch rim diameter, so the wheel diameter stays consistent even though the tire sizes differ.
Rim diameter is only part of the check, especially on a collector car that may have changed wheels at some point in its life. It still helps to confirm the wheel width and inspect the existing wheel condition before replacing tires, since the right diameter alone does not answer every fitment question on an older car.
Do all 1946 Hudson Commodore sub-models use the same tire size?
Yes. The covered 1946 Hudson Commodore 6 Cyl. and 8 Cyl. sub-models share the same two primary tire sizes: 6.50-15 and 700-15. Both sizes are bias-ply fitments on 15-inch rims, so there is no separate tire-size split between those two sub-model names.
That simplifies shopping, but it does not remove the need to inspect the individual car. Many postwar cars have had wheels, suspension parts, or replacement tires changed over the decades, so the practical question is which of the two sizes the car is already set up to use and whether the present wheels support that choice cleanly.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 700-15 tire for a 1946 Hudson Commodore?
Start with the basics: confirm that the car is already set up for 700-15, then compare the available bias-ply products by sidewall style, tire series, and intended character. In this size, the range includes classic whitewall and blackwall passenger-style options as well as military and transport-oriented designs from Firestone, BFGoodrich, and STA.
That variety means the right choice depends on the car's purpose. A restoration-focused Commodore may call for a traditional visual presentation, while a more utility-minded project may point toward a different series. Rim-width compatibility, load figures where stated, and tube-type or tubeless construction details are also worth reviewing before making the final selection.
What sidewall styles are available for 1946 Hudson Commodore tires?
The available 700-15 tire choices for a 1946 Hudson Commodore include blackwall and wide whitewall sidewall treatments. Those two styles create very different visual results, even when the tire size and basic bias-ply construction remain the same.
A blackwall usually gives the car a simpler, more understated look, while a wide whitewall creates a stronger period-style presentation that suits many postwar American restorations. Sidewall style should be chosen alongside the actual tire size on the car, since appearance alone should not override wheel compatibility, clearance, and the overall direction of the project.
What brands offer tires for the 1946 Hudson Commodore?
Available 700-15 tires for the 1946 Hudson Commodore come from Firestone, BFGoodrich, and STA. Those brands appear across several bias-ply series, including classic passenger-style offerings as well as military or transport-oriented choices within the same basic size category.
Brand alone should not be the whole decision. It helps more to compare the individual tire's sidewall treatment, series, rim-width specification where stated, and overall purpose. On a car like the Commodore, the right tire usually comes from matching the product's look and fitment details to the way the car is being restored, displayed, or driven.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1946 Hudson Commodore?
A period-style 1946 Hudson Commodore should start with one of its primary bias-ply sizes, 6.50-15 or 700-15, rather than a modern-looking substitute. Keeping the correct size family and bias-ply construction preserves the visual proportions and traditional character that suit a substantial postwar Hudson.
From there, the appearance decision usually shifts to sidewall style and the specific tire series. A wide whitewall can create a more formal restoration-oriented presentation, while a blackwall keeps the look more restrained. When exact originality matters, marque-specific historical references should guide the final appearance choice rather than assumptions based only on era.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1946 Hudson Commodore restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1946 Hudson Commodore restoration because tire size and construction strongly affect stance, wheelwell fill, and the overall visual balance of the car. Using one of the proper bias-ply sizes keeps the restoration anchored in the correct postwar tire language.
Fitment also matters mechanically, not just visually. A tire that departs from the car's established setup can create avoidable issues with wheel compatibility or body clearance, especially on an older car with replacement parts or altered ride height. Verifying the wheels already on the car is an important part of getting the restoration to look and sit right.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1946 Hudson Commodore?
Yes. Modifications can change tire fitment on a 1946 Hudson Commodore even when the intended size is one of the proper 15-inch bias-ply options. Aftermarket wheels, non-original wheel widths, altered suspension height, brake conversions, or body repairs can all change the space available around the tire.
A Commodore that has been updated over the years should be checked at the wheel rather than judged by the model name alone. Measuring the existing wheel, looking at steering and fender clearance, and confirming how the car sits under load will help prevent choosing a tire that is correct in size designation but mismatched to the car's present setup.
What should I inspect before driving a 1946 Hudson Commodore on new tires?
Before driving a 1946 Hudson Commodore on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve hardware, and overall wheel condition, then make sure the tires are mounted in the correct size for the car's setup. It also helps to verify that there is no rubbing at the fenders or steering components once the car is back on the ground.
A broader safety check is smart on any collector vehicle returning to service. Tire pressure, lug security, visible sidewall condition, suspension wear, and brake operation should all be looked over before regular road use. A short, careful test drive can then confirm that the car tracks cleanly and that the chosen tire size behaves as expected.
How should 6.50-15 or 700-15 tires on a collector 1946 Hudson Commodore be maintained?
Collector-car tires on a 1946 Hudson Commodore should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspection, and proper storage habits when the car is parked for long periods. Whether the car uses 6.50-15 or 700-15, the basics still matter: watch for cracking, cuts, bulges, unusual wear, and slow air loss.
Low annual mileage can hide age-related deterioration, so condition matters as much as tread depth on an older bias-ply setup. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires, and moving or driving the car periodically can help avoid long-term flat-spotting from extended stationary storage.
