The 1946 Pontiac Streamliner arrived as American carmakers resumed civilian production after World War II, carrying prewar styling and engineering into an important transition year. For many collectors, that makes the Streamliner especially appealing because it captures the look and road manners of the immediate postwar period. Tire fitment is straightforward, with a 6.50-15 bias-ply tire used on a 15-inch rim across the covered Streamliner lineup. The real choice is not between multiple factory-size fitments, but between period-style tire presentation and the specific product character within that size. For restoration-minded owners, keeping the proportions, stance, and wheel compatibility in line with the car matters as much as the size itself.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1946 Pontiac Streamliner
The 1946 Pontiac Streamliner uses one primary tire size: 6.50-15. That is a bias-ply fitment on a 15-inch rim, and it remains consistent across the covered 26 Series 6 Cyl. and 28 Series 8 Cyl. sub-models. Since the size itself is straightforward, the decision becomes choosing the right tire within that fitment and making sure the wheel and overall vehicle setup still match the original-style specification.
The 6.50-15 designation is a vintage numeric bias-ply size, with 6.50 indicating the nominal section width in inches and 15 identifying the wheel diameter in inches. On a 1946 Pontiac Streamliner, this size preserves the traditional bias-ply construction that suits the car's postwar character and original-style proportions. Numeric bias-ply sizing is familiar on many prewar and immediate postwar American cars, so the goal is usually maintaining the proper visual profile rather than modernizing the format. Choosing this size keeps the focus on correct fitment, wheel compatibility, and the period-style appearance expected on a restoration-oriented Streamliner.
Tire fitment stays simple across the covered 1946 Pontiac Streamliner sub-models. Both the 26 Series 6 Cyl. and 28 Series 8 Cyl. use the same primary tire size, so the main task is confirming that the car still has the expected 15-inch wheel setup before selecting tires.
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1946 Pontiac Streamliner 26 Series 6 Cyl.
The 1946 Pontiac Streamliner 26 Series 6 Cyl. uses the same 6.50-15 bias-ply fitment as the other covered Streamliner configuration. That makes tire selection more about choosing a restoration-oriented tire in the proper size and verifying the wheel setup on any car that may have been altered over time.
The 1946 Pontiac Streamliner 28 Series 8 Cyl. also uses a 6.50-15 bias-ply tire on a 15-inch wheel. With no sub-model size split to sort through, the practical focus is preserving the car's traditional stance and confirming that replacement tires match the existing wheels and intended use.
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
Common questions for the 1946 Pontiac Streamliner usually center on the 6.50-15 fitment, 15-inch wheel compatibility, period-style tire selection, and the checks that matter before putting a restored or collector car back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1946 Pontiac Streamliner?
The 1946 Pontiac Streamliner uses a 6.50-15 tire. This is a vintage numeric bias-ply size, and it is the primary fitment across the covered Streamliner range, including the 26 Series 6 Cyl. and 28 Series 8 Cyl. sub-models.
That makes the size question fairly simple, but the next step is still important. A collector car may have different wheels than it left the factory with, so confirm that the car still has 15-inch wheels and that wheel width and overall clearance remain appropriate before mounting a new set of 6.50-15 tires.
What size rim does a 1946 Pontiac Streamliner use?
The primary tire fitment for the 1946 Pontiac Streamliner is built around a 15-inch rim. The 6.50-15 size itself confirms that wheel diameter, and the same 15-inch fitment applies across the covered Streamliner sub-models.
Rim diameter is the first thing to verify on any postwar car that has changed hands several times. If the Streamliner has replacement wheels, measure the wheel diameter directly and inspect the wheel condition as well, since a tire in the correct size still needs a sound wheel with compatible dimensions to perform properly.
Do all 1946 Pontiac Streamliner sub-models use the same tire size?
Yes. The covered 1946 Pontiac Streamliner sub-models share the same primary tire size, 6.50-15 in bias-ply construction. That includes both the 26 Series 6 Cyl. and the 28 Series 8 Cyl., so there is no split here between six-cylinder and eight-cylinder Streamliner fitment.
Shared fitment simplifies the search, but it does not remove the need to inspect the actual car. Wheels may have been changed during an earlier restoration or a long service life, and suspension wear can also affect clearance. Checking the wheel setup on the car itself is still the safest way to confirm the right replacement direction.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 6.50-15 tire for a 1946 Pontiac Streamliner?
Start with the correct size and construction. A 1946 Pontiac Streamliner uses a 6.50-15 bias-ply tire, so the main goal is choosing a tire that preserves the car's intended proportions and traditional look while matching the 15-inch wheel setup already on the car.
Beyond size, think about how the car will be used. A restoration shown at events may call for a more period-style presentation, while a car driven regularly still needs careful attention to wheel condition, tire age, and overall setup. Selection should support the vehicle's appearance, road use, and compatibility with its existing wheels.
How do I choose between the available 6.50-15 tires for a 1946 Pontiac Streamliner?
The best way to compare 6.50-15 options for a 1946 Pontiac Streamliner is to stay focused on fitment first and presentation second. Since the size remains the same, the meaningful differences usually involve construction details, visual style, and how closely the tire suits the character of a postwar restoration.
A Streamliner intended for judged events may call for a more traditional appearance than one used mainly for local touring. It also helps to inspect the wheels before choosing, because an older rim can influence what tire is appropriate. Keeping the car's stance, look, and wheel compatibility aligned usually leads to the right decision.
What rim-fitment details should I compare when choosing 1946 Pontiac Streamliner tires?
The key rim-fitment detail for a 1946 Pontiac Streamliner is wheel diameter, since the car uses a 6.50-15 tire on a 15-inch rim. Beyond that, the wheel should also be checked for overall condition, proper width for the tire, and any signs of past repair or damage.
Older cars often carry wheels that have been refinished, swapped, or stored for long periods, so a visual check matters. Measure the wheel before mounting tires if there is any doubt, and make sure the tire sits correctly without clearance issues at the fender, suspension, or steering components once the car is back on the ground.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1946 Pontiac Streamliner?
For a period-style 1946 Pontiac Streamliner, the natural starting point is the original-size 6.50-15 bias-ply fitment. That size supports the car's immediate postwar look and helps maintain the tall, traditional sidewall proportions that are part of the Streamliner's visual character.
Appearance goals should guide the final choice. Some owners want a tire that simply looks right on the car, while others are aiming for a more exact restoration standard. When absolute originality matters, compare the tire's look with period photos, marque-club references, and restoration documentation so the finished stance matches the era.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1946 Pontiac Streamliner restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment has a major effect on a 1946 Pontiac Streamliner restoration. The proper 6.50-15 size influences the car's stance, sidewall height, wheel-to-tire proportion, and overall visual balance, all of which are especially noticeable on a full-bodied postwar Pontiac.
Fitment also matters beyond appearance. A tire that departs too far from the intended setup can create clearance concerns or alter how the car sits and feels on the road. Even on a cosmetic restoration, confirming wheel diameter and choosing a tire that respects the car's original-style dimensions helps the finished vehicle look coherent.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1946 Pontiac Streamliner?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1946 Pontiac Streamliner even when the intended tire size is still 6.50-15. Changes such as replacement wheels, altered suspension height, brake upgrades, or body work can influence how much room the tire has at the fender, steering components, and suspension.
That is why the actual car should always be checked before mounting tires. A Streamliner that has been restored over many decades may not still match its original wheel setup, and even small dimensional changes can matter on older cars. Verifying wheel diameter, wheel width, and clearance avoids surprises once the tires are installed.
What should I inspect before driving a 1946 Pontiac Streamliner on new tires?
Before driving a 1946 Pontiac Streamliner on new tires, inspect the wheels, lug hardware, valve stems, and overall tire seating on the rim. It is also wise to check suspension and steering components for looseness, since worn parts can affect how an older car feels even when the tires themselves are new.
A careful road-use check should also include tire pressure, visible clearance at full steering travel, and a final look for rubbing once the car is on the ground. Collector cars often spend long periods parked, so this is a good time to look over wheel bearings, brake condition, and any signs of fluid leakage nearby.
How should 6.50-15 tires on a collector 1946 Pontiac Streamliner be maintained?
6.50-15 tires on a collector 1946 Pontiac Streamliner should be inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and gradual air loss. Even when tread looks good, age and long storage periods matter on collector vehicles because the tire can deteriorate from time, heat, sunlight, and inactivity.
Good maintenance also means keeping the car stored in a clean, dry space away from prolonged ozone exposure and checking pressures before each outing. Driving the car occasionally can help, but only if the tires remain in sound condition. A visual inspection before every road trip is a smart habit with any postwar collector Pontiac.
