The 1946 Nash Ambassador 60 arrived as American automakers transitioned from wartime production back to civilian cars, and Nash’s postwar sedans were known for practical engineering and distinctive full-bodied styling. For collectors today, that puts tire choice at the intersection of authentic period character and safe, careful road use. The 1946 Nash Ambassador 60 uses a 6.50-15 bias-ply tire on a 15-inch rim, keeping the fitment firmly in traditional postwar territory. The main decision is not sorting through multiple factory sizes, but choosing the right period-style tire within that size and deciding whether to preserve the original construction approach. That makes wheel condition, intended use, and restoration goals especially important.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1946 Nash Ambassador 60
The 1946 Nash Ambassador 60 uses one primary tire size: 6.50-15. It is a bias-ply fitment for a 15-inch rim, and the covered sub-model shares that same sizing, so the real decision is choosing the right tire within the correct vintage format and confirming that the car still has the expected wheel setup.
A 6.50-15 uses the traditional numeric bias-ply sizing system, where 6.50 refers to the nominal section width in inches and 15 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1946 Nash Ambassador 60, that means a period-style bias-ply tire sized for the car’s original-era wheel format and overall presentation. This style of sizing is especially relevant to postwar restoration work because it preserves the look and construction character associated with the car’s era. Choosing this size starts with confirming the 15-inch wheel and then selecting the tire that best matches the car’s intended appearance and driving use.
Sub-model fitment is straightforward for the 1946 Nash Ambassador 60. The covered sub-model uses the same primary tire size, so the focus stays on choosing the right 6.50-15 bias-ply tire and confirming that the car still wears the correct wheel diameter.
1
1946 Nash Ambassador 60 6 Cyl.
The 1946 Nash Ambassador 60 6 Cyl. uses the same 6.50-15 bias-ply tire size as the core model fitment. That keeps tire selection centered on period-style construction, wheel condition, and the overall look and road-use priorities of the individual car.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
These 1946 Nash Ambassador 60 tire FAQs focus on the correct 6.50-15 fitment, 15-inch wheel compatibility, choosing the right period-style bias-ply tire, and the inspections that matter before putting a postwar collector car back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1946 Nash Ambassador 60?
The 1946 Nash Ambassador 60 uses a 6.50-15 tire. That is a numeric bias-ply size paired with a 15-inch rim, which places it squarely in the traditional postwar sizing system used on many American cars of the era.
Using the correct size matters because vintage tires are part of both the car’s stance and its wheel compatibility. A Nash that has been modified at some point may no longer have its original wheel setup, so it is worth confirming actual rim diameter and overall wheel condition before choosing a replacement tire.
What size rim does a 1946 Nash Ambassador 60 use?
The 1946 Nash Ambassador 60 uses a 15-inch rim with its 6.50-15 tire size. The tire code and wheel diameter work together, so the 15 in the size designation corresponds to the wheel diameter the tire is built to mount on.
That does not mean every 15-inch wheel is automatically suitable. Wheel width, condition, and any prior changes to the car should still be checked carefully, especially on an older collector vehicle where replacement wheels, repairs, or long-term storage may have altered the original setup.
Does the 1946 Nash Ambassador 60 6 Cyl. use the same tire size?
Yes. The 1946 Nash Ambassador 60 6 Cyl. uses the same 6.50-15 bias-ply tire size as the core 1946 Nash Ambassador 60 fitment. That makes sub-model fitment simple, since there is no separate primary size to sort through for this covered configuration.
Even with shared sizing, the car itself still needs a quick fitment check before replacement. Tire selection should account for the actual wheels on the vehicle, the car’s restoration goals, and whether it will be used mainly for show presentation, occasional local driving, or more regular vintage touring.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 6.50-15 tire for a 1946 Nash Ambassador 60?
Start with the basics: the 1946 Nash Ambassador 60 uses a 6.50-15 bias-ply tire on a 15-inch rim. Once that size is confirmed, the key considerations become whether the car retains its original-style wheel setup, how closely the owner wants to stay with period construction, and how the car will actually be used.
A show-oriented restoration may prioritize traditional appearance and era-appropriate construction, while a road-driven collector car may place more emphasis on condition, consistency, and careful setup. It also helps to inspect the wheels for age, damage, and past repairs so the tire choice matches both the car’s appearance goals and its mechanical reality.
How do I choose between the available 6.50-15 tires for a 1946 Nash Ambassador 60?
Choosing among 6.50-15 tires for a 1946 Nash Ambassador 60 usually comes down to vintage presentation, intended use, and the condition of the vehicle itself. Since this car uses a single primary size, the comparison is less about alternate fitments and more about selecting the tire character that suits the build.
A carefully restored Nash may call for a more traditional period-style look, while a driver-quality car may simply need a sound, properly sized replacement that respects the original format. Matching the tire to wheel diameter, confirming wheel condition, and keeping the car’s use in mind will usually narrow the decision quickly.
What rim-fitment details should I compare when choosing 1946 Nash Ambassador 60 tires?
The most important rim-fitment detail is the 15-inch wheel diameter required by the 6.50-15 tire size. On a collector car from 1946, it is also wise to verify that the wheels are appropriate for a bias-ply tire and have not been swapped for a different size over the years.
Condition matters just as much as size. Wheels should be checked for rust, bent flanges, poor previous repairs, and any signs that they no longer seat a tire properly. A correct-size tire mounted on a compromised wheel can still create trouble, so the wheel itself deserves the same attention as the tire.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1946 Nash Ambassador 60?
For a period-style 1946 Nash Ambassador 60, the right starting point is the original-size format: 6.50-15 in a bias-ply construction. That keeps the tire visually and mechanically aligned with the car’s postwar character, which is often important on a restoration-oriented sedan from this era.
Appearance goals can vary between a preserved driver and a more formal restoration, so the tire should suit the overall build rather than chase a claim of exact originality without proof. When historical accuracy matters at a very high level, marque references and period photographs can help confirm the most appropriate presentation.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1946 Nash Ambassador 60 restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1946 Nash Ambassador 60 restoration. The 6.50-15 size influences the car’s stance, side profile, and overall visual balance, and the bias-ply construction also contributes to the period-authentic look expected on many postwar American cars.
Restoration fitment is not only about appearance. The wheel diameter must be right, the tires must suit the car’s actual setup, and the wheels themselves need to be in sound condition. A properly chosen tire helps the car look settled and appropriate rather than visually off or mechanically mismatched.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1946 Nash Ambassador 60?
Yes. A 1946 Nash Ambassador 60 may have had wheel, suspension, or brake changes over the decades, and any of those can affect how a 6.50-15 tire fits in practice. Even when the car is supposed to use a 15-inch wheel, a prior owner may have changed the actual hardware.
That is why the car should be checked as it sits today rather than assumed to be untouched. Wheel diameter, wheel condition, steering clearance, and fender clearance all deserve attention, especially if the Nash has been lowered, altered, or rebuilt with components that differ from its original arrangement.
What should I inspect before driving a 1946 Nash Ambassador 60 on new tires?
Before driving a 1946 Nash Ambassador 60 on new tires, inspect the wheels, lug hardware, valve stems, and overall mounting condition. The suspension and steering should also be checked for looseness or wear, since an older car can have issues that show up more clearly once fresh tires are installed.
Tire condition checks should continue after installation as well. Keep an eye on pressure retention, sidewall condition, and any signs of rubbing during turns or suspension movement. A short local test drive followed by a second inspection is a smart way to confirm that the car is ready for regular vintage road use.
How should 6.50-15 tires on a collector 1946 Nash Ambassador 60 be maintained?
6.50-15 tires on a collector 1946 Nash Ambassador 60 should be kept clean, properly inflated, and inspected regularly for age-related issues such as cracking, bulges, cuts, or slow air loss. Collector cars often spend long periods parked, which makes routine visual checks especially important.
Storage conditions also matter. Keeping the Nash away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources can help protect tire condition over time. Even if tread wear is minimal, an old-looking tire on a low-mileage car still deserves close inspection before any meaningful road trip.
