1946 Hudson Super Tires

The 1946 Hudson Super uses a 600-16 tire size. That is a numeric bias-ply fitment on a 16-inch rim, and it applies across the covered Super 6 Cyl. and Super 8 Cyl. configurations.

That makes the first step fairly simple: confirm that the car still has the expected 16-inch wheels and then choose among the available 600-16 tire styles. If the Hudson has had wheel changes over the years, check the actual wheel diameter and width before selecting a tire, especially on a restoration that has passed through multiple owners.

The 1946 Hudson Super uses a 16-inch rim with its 600-16 tire size. Many of the passenger-car bias-ply options in this fitment are built around a rim-width range of 4.00 to 4.50 inches, with some variation depending on the specific tire series.

Rim diameter is the non-negotiable starting point, but rim width matters too when comparing individual tires. A Hudson that still carries its stock-style wheels is easier to match, while a car with replacement wheels should be measured carefully so the selected 600-16 tire suits both the wheel and the car’s fender and steering clearances.

Yes. The covered 1946 Hudson Super sub-models use the same 600-16 bias-ply tire size. That includes both the 1946 Hudson Super 6 Cyl. and the 1946 Hudson Super 8 Cyl.

Since the primary size stays the same, the decision shifts to how the tire should look and how the car will be used. A wide whitewall can complement a restoration-oriented sedan, while a blackwall may suit a more restrained presentation or utility-minded build. Wheel condition, actual wheel width, and tire age should still be checked before road use.

Start with the correct 600-16 size and 16-inch wheel fitment, then compare the available bias-ply choices by intended appearance and use. In this size, options include traditional passenger-car tires as well as military- and truck-style tread patterns, so the tread design matters as much as the size itself.

A restored Hudson sedan usually calls for a passenger-car bias-ply with the sidewall treatment that suits the car’s presentation, while a more specialized build may point elsewhere. Brand, tire series, rim-width specification, and load figures can help narrow the selection once the car’s wheel setup, driving plans, and visual goals are clear.

The 1946 Hudson Super’s 600-16 fitment is available in blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall styles. Those choices give the car a noticeably different visual character even when the underlying size and bias-ply construction remain the same.

A blackwall usually creates a more restrained, utilitarian look, while a wide whitewall or double-whitewall leans more formal and restoration-oriented. Sidewall style should be chosen alongside the tire series rather than by appearance alone, since tread design, rim-width compatibility, and the car’s intended use still affect whether a given 600-16 tire is the right match.

The 600-16 size for the 1946 Hudson Super is available from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Avon, Firestone, Ford Script, Excelsior, Lester, Goodyear, STA, and Camac. Those brands cover a range of traditional bias-ply passenger, military, and truck-oriented tire series.

Brand alone should not be the deciding factor. Compare each tire by sidewall style, tread pattern, rim-width specification where stated, and overall presentation on the car. A Hudson restored as a road-going postwar sedan may call for a different 600-16 tire than one built around utility styling or a more specialized period look.

A period-style 1946 Hudson Super should start with the correct 600-16 bias-ply size on a 16-inch rim. From there, the most appropriate choice usually comes down to selecting a traditional passenger-car bias-ply series and the sidewall treatment that best matches the car’s restoration direction.

Wide whitewall and double-whitewall tires can create a more formal postwar presentation, while a blackwall keeps the look simpler and more understated. If exact originality matters, the final decision should be checked against marque references, period photography, and restoration documentation so appearance choices support the car rather than overpower it.

On a restored 1946 Hudson Super, bias-ply construction helps preserve the traditional tire profile and overall visual character expected of a mid-1940s full-size car. Since this fitment is centered on 600-16 bias-ply tires, construction and appearance work together rather than pulling the car in different directions.

Appearance is also shaped by sidewall treatment and tread style. A whitewall passenger tire can make the Hudson look more formal and show-oriented, while blackwall and more utilitarian tread patterns create a plainer presentation. The best choice depends on whether the goal is a refined postwar sedan look or a broader vintage-use interpretation.

Yes. Even though the 1946 Hudson Super’s primary fitment is 600-16, wheel changes, altered wheel width, suspension work, or body modifications can change how that tire sits on the car. A replacement tire should always be matched to the Hudson’s actual current setup, not just its original specification.

Clearance issues often show up at full steering lock or under suspension movement, especially on older cars that may have sagging springs or non-stock wheels. Measuring the wheel diameter and width, then checking inner and outer clearance before mounting, is a sensible step whenever the Hudson has an unknown or modified history.

Before road use, inspect the wheels for damage or corrosion, confirm the tire size matches the wheel, and make sure each tire is seated and inflated appropriately for its type and application. On a collector-era Hudson, it is also wise to check the valve stems, balance, and general condition of the spare.

The car itself deserves attention too. Steering play, worn suspension parts, brake condition, and alignment can all affect how a new set of 600-16 tires behaves on the road. A short shakedown drive followed by a second visual inspection can reveal rubbing, air loss, or other issues before the Hudson is asked to handle longer trips.

Collector-car tires should be checked regularly for pressure loss, sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, and uneven tread wear, even when the Hudson is driven only occasionally. Bias-ply tires in 600-16 size benefit from routine visual inspection because long storage periods can hide age-related issues that are not obvious at a glance.

Storage conditions matter as much as mileage. Keeping the Hudson away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps protect the tires over time. Rolling the car periodically, maintaining proper inflation, and inspecting the tires before each outing are simple habits that support safer road use and preserve the car’s presentation.