The 1946 Oldsmobile Custom 98 came to market as American automakers resumed civilian production after World War II, and it reflects the big, formal, full-size character buyers expected from an upper-series Oldsmobile of the period. For collectors, that means tire choice is as much about stance and presentation as basic fitment. This car uses a 700-15 bias-ply tire on a 15-inch rim, keeping it firmly in the language of mid-1940s fitment. Available choices include traditional blackwall and wide whitewall styles, along with several bias-ply series from Firestone, BFGoodrich, and STA. The key decision is whether the goal is restoration-minded appearance, road-use practicality, or a more utility-oriented 700-15 tire within the same size.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1946 Oldsmobile Custom 98
The 1946 Oldsmobile Custom 98 uses one primary tire size: 700-15. That is a bias-ply fitment on a 15-inch rim, and the same size carries across the covered 8-cylinder sub-model. Once the size is confirmed, the real choice becomes which 700-15 tire best suits the car's intended look and use, including blackwall versus wide whitewall and passenger-style versus more utility-oriented bias-ply options.
In a numeric bias-ply size like 700-15, the 700 designates a nominal section width of about 7.00 inches, while 15 identifies the rim diameter in inches. For the 1946 Oldsmobile Custom 98, this is a traditional bias-ply fitment that matches the period construction and overall visual character of the car. Within this size, choices include Firestone, BFGoodrich, and STA offerings, with blackwall and wide whitewall sidewall treatments and several different tire series. That makes 700-15 the starting point for balancing restoration appearance, intended driving use, and wheel compatibility on a 15-inch setup.
Sub-model fitment is straightforward for the 1946 Oldsmobile Custom 98. The covered sub-model uses the same 700-15 bias-ply tire size, so the main task is confirming the car's wheel setup and then choosing the tire style and series that best match the vehicle's intended presentation and use.
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1946 Oldsmobile Custom 98 8 Cyl.
The 1946 Oldsmobile Custom 98 8 Cyl. uses the same 700-15 bias-ply fitment found across this application. That keeps tire selection focused on appearance and purpose, such as choosing a wide whitewall for a restoration-oriented look or a blackwall 700-15 for a more restrained or utility-minded presentation.
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 Oldsmobile Custom 98 Tires for Sale
Available 700-15 tires for the 1946 Oldsmobile Custom 98 span Firestone, BFGoodrich, and STA, with choices in blackwall and wide whitewall bias-ply designs. The product grid also shows differences in tire series, load specifications, and rim-width compatibility within the same 15-inch fitment.
Owners of a 1946 Oldsmobile Custom 98 usually want clear answers on 700-15 fitment, 15-inch wheel compatibility, bias-ply construction, sidewall appearance, and what to inspect before putting a collector car back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1946 Oldsmobile Custom 98?
The 1946 Oldsmobile Custom 98 uses a 700-15 tire size. This is a numeric bias-ply size, and it is the primary fitment for the covered application, including the listed 8-cylinder sub-model.
That means the first step is matching the car to a 15-inch wheel setup designed for 700-15 tires rather than searching among several primary sizes. After size is settled, the choice becomes appearance and intended use, such as selecting a blackwall or wide whitewall bias-ply tire and confirming that the wheel width matches the tire's requirements.
What size rim does a 1946 Oldsmobile Custom 98 use?
The 1946 Oldsmobile Custom 98 uses a 15-inch rim with its 700-15 tire fitment. Product options in this size are built around that 15-inch rim diameter, and several 700-15 passenger-style tires call for a 5.00 to 5.50 inch rim width.
Wheel diameter needs to be confirmed before any tire purchase, especially on a collector car that may have seen wheel changes over the years. Rim width matters too, because two wheels can both be 15-inch diameter while still differing in width enough to affect how a 700-15 tire seats, looks, and clears the body and suspension.
Does the 1946 Oldsmobile Custom 98 8 Cyl. use the same tire size?
Yes. The 1946 Oldsmobile Custom 98 8 Cyl. uses the same 700-15 bias-ply tire size. That keeps sub-model fitment simple and avoids the need to sort between multiple primary tire sizes within this application.
Even with shared size fitment, tire selection still depends on how the car will be presented and driven. A restoration-minded owner may focus on traditional sidewall styling, while another buyer may compare the available 700-15 series for more utility-oriented service. Confirming that the car still has the correct 15-inch wheels remains an important final check.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 700-15 tire for a 1946 Oldsmobile Custom 98?
Start with the basics: the 1946 Oldsmobile Custom 98 uses a 700-15 bias-ply tire on a 15-inch rim. From there, compare sidewall style, tire series, brand, rim-width compatibility, and any load figures that relate to how the car will actually be used.
A wide whitewall gives the car a more formal, restoration-oriented presentation, while a blackwall can create a plainer or more utilitarian look. It also helps to verify whether the car still has stock-type wheels or a changed setup, because wheel width and actual vehicle condition influence how a 700-15 tire will sit and operate.
What sidewall styles are available for 1946 Oldsmobile Custom 98 tires?
The available 700-15 tires for a 1946 Oldsmobile Custom 98 include both blackwall and wide whitewall sidewall styles. Those two treatments create distinctly different visual impressions even though they share the same basic tire size.
Wide whitewalls usually appeal to owners aiming for a period-style presentation that complements a full-size postwar Oldsmobile. Blackwalls can make sense for a more understated look or for buyers comparing utility-oriented 700-15 offerings. The best choice depends on whether the car is being restored for appearance, driven regularly, or kept closer to a functional road-use setup.
What brands offer tires for the 1946 Oldsmobile Custom 98?
Tires for the 1946 Oldsmobile Custom 98 are available from Firestone, BFGoodrich, and STA in the 700-15 size. The selection includes passenger-style bias-ply offerings as well as several more utility-oriented series within the same size.
Brand alone should not be the only deciding factor. It helps to compare the tire series, sidewall treatment, rim-width requirements, and whether the tire is aimed at a classic passenger-car presentation or a heavier-duty service style. Keeping the intended character of the car in mind makes it easier to narrow the right 700-15 option.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1946 Oldsmobile Custom 98?
For a period-style 1946 Oldsmobile Custom 98, the right starting point is the original-size 700-15 bias-ply format. That preserves the tall, traditional look associated with mid-1940s American luxury and upper-series cars and keeps the tire choice aligned with the car's era.
From there, sidewall treatment becomes a major visual decision. A wide whitewall often suits a formal restoration-oriented presentation, while a blackwall creates a plainer traditional appearance. When exact historical authenticity matters, compare the finished look against marque references, period photography, and vehicle-specific restoration guidance rather than assuming every 700-15 style is equally appropriate.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1946 Oldsmobile Custom 98?
Tire construction has a strong effect on the appearance of a restored 1946 Oldsmobile Custom 98 because this application centers on a 700-15 bias-ply tire. Bias-ply construction helps preserve the visual character expected on a large postwar car, especially when paired with an appropriate blackwall or wide whitewall sidewall.
Appearance is only part of the decision, though. A restoration-minded owner should also consider how the car will be driven and whether the wheels remain consistent with the intended tire choice. Construction, sidewall treatment, and overall stance work together, so selecting a 700-15 tire should support both the car's visual goals and its real road-use plans.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1946 Oldsmobile Custom 98?
Yes. Even though the primary fitment is 700-15 on a 15-inch rim, modifications can affect how that tire works on a 1946 Oldsmobile Custom 98. Wheel width changes, aftermarket wheels, suspension alterations, or body work can all change clearance and the way the tire sits on the car.
A collector car that has been altered over time should be checked carefully before replacing tires by size alone. Verify actual wheel diameter and width, then inspect steering clearance, fender clearance, and suspension condition at normal ride height. Those steps matter just as much as the printed tire size when deciding whether a particular 700-15 option suits the car.
What should I inspect before driving a 1946 Oldsmobile Custom 98 on new tires?
Before driving a 1946 Oldsmobile Custom 98 on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, and overall wheel condition, then confirm that the tires are seated properly and inflated to the intended service pressure. It also makes sense to check for any interference at full steering lock and through normal suspension movement.
A newly mounted tire does not cancel out other age-related issues on a postwar car. Brake condition, wheel-bearing play, alignment, and suspension wear can all affect how the car feels on the road. Taking time for a careful inspection and a short, gradual road test helps confirm that the 700-15 setup is working as intended.
How should 700-15 tires on a collector 1946 Oldsmobile Custom 98 be maintained?
700-15 tires on a collector 1946 Oldsmobile Custom 98 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and attention to age even if the car is driven only occasionally. Sidewall cracking, tread separation signs, cuts, bulges, and slow air loss deserve prompt attention on any low-use vintage vehicle.
Storage conditions matter almost as much as mileage. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve tire condition over time. It also helps to move the car periodically, inspect the tread and sidewalls before each drive, and recheck wheel and suspension condition so the tires are not carrying avoidable stress.
