1947 Buick 50 Super Tires

The 1947 Buick 50 Super uses a 650-16 tire size. This is a numeric bias-ply size, and it mounts on a 16-inch rim. The covered 8-cylinder sub-model uses the same primary size, so fitment is consistent across the listed version of the car rather than split across multiple sizes.

That means the main choice is not between different primary sizes, but between different 650-16 tires. Before selecting one, confirm that the car still has the correct 16-inch wheels and check the actual wheel width, especially if the Buick has been restored, modified, or fitted with replacement wheels at some point in its life.

The 1947 Buick 50 Super uses a 16-inch rim with its 650-16 tire size. Product fitments in this size commonly reference rim widths around 4.00 to 5.00 inches, with many passenger-style options centered around 4.50 to 5.00 inches depending on the tire line.

Rim diameter is the first number to confirm, but wheel width matters too when comparing individual tires. A Buick that still has its original-style wheels may be straightforward, while a car with replacement rims should be measured carefully so the selected 650-16 tire suits both the wheel and the car's steering and body clearance.

Yes. The 1947 Buick 50 Super 8 Cyl. uses the same 650-16 bias-ply tire size as the core fitment for this model. There is no separate primary tire size for that covered sub-model, which keeps tire selection simpler than on vehicles where trim or body style changes the fitment.

With size settled, the remaining decisions are about tire style and intended use. A restoration-oriented Buick may call for a traditional wide whitewall presentation, while a driver may focus on brand, tread style, or wheel-width compatibility. It still helps to inspect the actual wheels and confirm that no later changes altered the setup.

Start with the correct size and construction: 650-16 bias-ply on a 16-inch rim. From there, compare the tire's intended character, including whether it is a classic passenger-car design or a more truck-oriented pattern, along with rim-width suitability, load capacity where stated, and the overall look you want on the car.

A postwar Buick usually benefits from a tire that matches its visual style as well as its fitment. Wide whitewall options create a more formal period-style presentation, while blackwalls give a plainer, more understated look. Checking the wheel width on the car helps narrow the choices and avoids selecting a tire that is less appropriate for the existing rims.

The 1947 Buick 50 Super's 650-16 tire choices include blackwall and wide whitewall sidewall styles. That gives owners a meaningful appearance decision even though the primary fitment size stays the same. Both styles are available across several brands and classic tire series in this size.

Sidewall choice changes the car's visual character more than many buyers expect. A wide whitewall usually suits a restoration-minded or more formal postwar look, while a blackwall keeps the presentation simpler and more utilitarian. Since both styles share the same basic size, the better choice comes down to the car's finish, trim level appearance, and how authentic-looking the owner wants the result to feel.

650-16 tires for the 1947 Buick 50 Super are available from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Firestone, Garfield, Excelsior, Lester, Goodyear, STA, and Tornel. Those brands cover a mix of classic passenger-style tires and more specialized truck or military-style offerings within the same overall size and bias-ply construction.

Brand alone should not be the only deciding factor. It helps to compare the tire series, sidewall treatment, and whether the tire is aimed at passenger-car presentation or a heavier-duty tread style. Matching the tire to the Buick's intended appearance and driving use is usually more important than simply picking the first familiar brand name.

A period-style 1947 Buick 50 Super starts with the correct 650-16 bias-ply size. From there, the most restoration-minded choices are usually classic passenger-car tires rather than truck-oriented tread patterns, with sidewall appearance playing a major role in how formal, upscale, or understated the finished car looks.

Wide whitewall tires often complement the visual character many owners want from a postwar Buick, while blackwalls create a simpler presentation. Exact originality can vary by how a specific car was delivered and restored, so buyers who are chasing a highly precise result should compare the tire choice against marque references, period photos, or trusted restoration documentation.

Yes. Correct tire fitment matters because the tire size, construction, and sidewall style all influence how a 1947 Buick 50 Super sits, looks, and feels on the road. Even when the vehicle is primarily for shows or occasional touring, the wrong size or an overly commercial tread style can change the car's overall presentation.

Using the proper 650-16 size keeps the restoration grounded in the Buick's original-era fitment. After that, the visual finish becomes the next major choice, especially between blackwall and wide whitewall versions. A careful inspection of wheel condition, wheel width, and age-related tire concerns is just as important as appearance when the car is being prepared for actual driving.

Yes. A 1947 Buick 50 Super may originally use a 650-16 tire on a 16-inch rim, but later wheel changes, brake conversions, suspension work, or body adjustments can alter what actually clears the car. Even when the tire size remains the same, the wheel's width and other dimensions can change how the tire sits.

A modified Buick should be checked at the wheels rather than assumed to be stock. Measuring rim diameter and width, then checking clearance at the fenders, steering components, and suspension travel, helps prevent surprises. Older restorations are especially worth inspecting carefully because changes made decades ago are not always obvious at first glance.

Before driving, inspect the wheels for cracks, severe rust, bent flanges, and secure mounting surfaces. Then check that the new 650-16 tires are seated properly, inflated appropriately for the tire and vehicle setup, and free from visible damage such as cuts, bulges, or abnormal distortion after installation.

A car that has been stored should also have its suspension, steering, and brakes looked over before road use. On a large postwar Buick, those systems affect how the tire behaves just as much as the tire itself. A short, cautious test drive can reveal rubbing, pull, vibration, or settling issues that need attention before longer trips.

Collector-car 650-16 tires should be checked regularly for air pressure, sidewall cracking, flat spotting, tread wear, and any signs of age-related hardening. A 1947 Buick 50 Super that sees occasional use may spend long periods parked, which makes routine inspection especially important even when the tires do not accumulate many miles.

Storage conditions matter as much as mileage on an older collector vehicle. Keeping the Buick away from prolonged sunlight, excessive heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires between drives. Rolling the car periodically, maintaining proper inflation, and inspecting the spare before touring season are simple steps that support safer and more consistent road use.