1948 Ford Typen Tires

The 1948 Ford Typen comes from the immediate postwar period, when Ford passenger cars still carried much of the upright, practical character that defined late-1940s American driving. For owners restoring one for touring, local shows, or traditional road use, tire choice plays a big role in both stance and driving feel. This model uses a 600-16 bias-ply tire on a 16-inch rim, giving the vehicle the tall, narrow profile associated with the era. Within that size, there are blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall choices across several classic tire series. The right selection depends on whether the goal is a restrained driver, a restoration-oriented presentation, or a more specialized tread style.

Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1948 Ford Typen

The 1948 Ford Typen uses one primary tire size: 600-16. It is a bias-ply fitment on a 16-inch rim, and that same size carries across both the 6 Cyl. and 8 Cyl. sub-models. The main decision is not which primary size fits, but which 600-16 tire best matches the vehicle's appearance, tread style, and intended road use.

1
600-16Numeric bias-ply
Fit(s): 6 Cyl. and 8 Cyl.
Construction: Bias PlyRim: 16 in

A 600-16 tire uses an older numeric bias-ply sizing system, where the 600 refers to an approximate 6.00-inch section width and the 16 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1948 Ford Typen, this is a bias-ply fitment that preserves the tall, narrow profile expected on a late-1940s Ford. Available choices include blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall styles, along with series from BFGoodrich, Firestone, Goodyear, Coker Classic, Ford Script, Avon, Excelsior, Lester, STA, and Camac. That makes 600-16 the size to evaluate whether the priority is traditional appearance, a restoration-oriented whitewall look, or a more specialized military or truck-style tread.

Explore 600-16 Tires

1948 Ford Typen Sub-Model Tires

Tire fitment is straightforward across the covered 1948 Ford Typen sub-models. Both versions use the same 600-16 bias-ply size, so the key step is choosing the right style and series rather than sorting through different primary fitments.

1

1948 Ford Typen 6 Cyl.

The 1948 Ford Typen 6 Cyl. uses the same 600-16 bias-ply fitment as the other covered configuration. That keeps tire selection focused on blackwall versus whitewall appearance, classic passenger-car tread style, or more specialized period-style options on the correct rim diameter.

Associated Tire Sizes
2

1948 Ford Typen 8 Cyl.

The 1948 Ford Typen 8 Cyl. also uses the 600-16 bias-ply size on a 16-inch rim. For this sub-model, the real choice is which tire presentation suits the car best, from understated blackwalls to broader whitewall styling and other traditional bias-ply series.

Associated Tire Sizes

Important Fitment Notes

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:

  • Wheel modifications (wider rims, offset changes, aftermarket wheels)
  • 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 1948 Ford Typen Tires for Sale

Available 600-16 choices span BFGoodrich, Firestone, Goodyear, Coker Classic, Ford Script, Avon, Excelsior, Lester, STA, and Camac. Buyers can compare blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall styles, along with classic passenger, military NDT, truck, and specialty bias-ply series.

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Bias Ply

BFGoodrich 3.50 Inch Whitewall | 600-16

BFGoodrich - Silvertown Classic Bias Ply

SIDEWALLWide Whitewall
RIM DIAMETER16 in
RIM WIDTH4.00 - 4.50 in
WEIGHT21 lb
MAX LOAD1400@32 psi
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Bias Ply

Coker Classic | 600-16

Coker Classic - Coker Classic Bias Ply

SIDEWALLBlackwall
RIM DIAMETER16 in
RIM WIDTH4.00 - 4.50 in
WEIGHT20 lb
MAX LOAD1400@32 psi
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Bias Ply

Avon Turbospeed | 600H16 93H

Avon - Turbospeed Mk4

SIDEWALLBlackwall
RIM DIAMETER16 in
RIM WIDTH—
WEIGHT24 lb
MAX LOAD1,433 lbs
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Bias Ply

Firestone 3.25 Inch Whitewall | 600-16

Firestone - Firestone Classic Bias Ply

SIDEWALLWide Whitewall
RIM DIAMETER16 in
RIM WIDTH4.00 - 4.50 in
WEIGHT24 lb
MAX LOAD1400@32 psi
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Bias Ply

Ford Script 3.50 Inch Whitewall | 600-16

Ford Script - Ford Script

SIDEWALLWide Whitewall
RIM DIAMETER16 in
RIM WIDTH—
WEIGHT26 lb
MAX LOAD—
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Bias Ply

BFGoodrich | 600-16

BFGoodrich - Silvertown Classic Bias Ply

SIDEWALLBlackwall
RIM DIAMETER16 in
RIM WIDTH4.00 - 4.50 in
WEIGHT19 lb
MAX LOAD1400@32 psi
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Bias Ply

Excelsior | 600-16

Excelsior - Excelsior Bias Ply

SIDEWALLBlackwall
RIM DIAMETER16 in
RIM WIDTH4.00 - 4.50 in
WEIGHT24 lb
MAX LOAD—
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Bias Ply

Lester | 600-16

Lester - Lester Classic Bias Ply

SIDEWALLBlackwall
RIM DIAMETER16 in
RIM WIDTH—
WEIGHT22 lb
MAX LOAD—
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Bias Ply

Firestone | 600-16

Firestone - Firestone Classic Bias Ply

SIDEWALLBlackwall
RIM DIAMETER16 in
RIM WIDTH4.00 - 4.50 in
WEIGHT21 lb
MAX LOAD1400@32 psi
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Bias Ply

Ford Script Blackwall | 600-16

Ford Script - Ford Script

SIDEWALLBlackwall
RIM DIAMETER16 in
RIM WIDTH—
WEIGHT26 lb
MAX LOAD—
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Bias Ply

Avon Tourist | 600-16 86L

Avon - Tourist Crossply

SIDEWALLBlackwall
RIM DIAMETER16 in
RIM WIDTH—
WEIGHT24 lb
MAX LOAD1,168 lbs
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Bias Ply

Coker Classic 3.00 Inch Whitewall | 600-16

Coker Classic - Coker Classic Bias Ply

SIDEWALLWide Whitewall
RIM DIAMETER16 in
RIM WIDTH4.00 - 4.50 in
WEIGHT22 lb
MAX LOAD1400@32 psi
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Bias Ply

Firestone 3.25 Inch Double Whitewall | 600-16

Firestone - Firestone Classic Bias Ply

SIDEWALLDouble-Whitewall
RIM DIAMETER16 in
RIM WIDTH4.00 - 4.50 in
WEIGHT27 lb
MAX LOAD1400@32 psi
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Bias Ply

Ford Script 3.50 Inch Double Whitewall | 600-16

Ford Script - Ford Script

SIDEWALLDouble-Whitewall
RIM DIAMETER16 in
RIM WIDTH—
WEIGHT26 lb
MAX LOAD—
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Bias Ply

Avon Traction Mileage | 600-16C 97/94L

Avon - Traction Mileage

SIDEWALLBlackwall
RIM DIAMETER16 in
RIM WIDTH—
WEIGHT24 lb
MAX LOAD1,609 lbs
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Goodyear Tires

Goodyear Military NDT | 600-16

Goodyear - Goodyear Military NDT

SIDEWALLBlackwall
RIM DIAMETER16 in
RIM WIDTH4.5 in
WEIGHT20 lb
MAX LOAD1430 lbs. @ 45 psi
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Goodyear Tires

Goodyear Deluxe All-Weather 3.5 inch Whitewall | 600-16

Goodyear - Deluxe All-Weather

SIDEWALLWide Whitewall
RIM DIAMETER16 in
RIM WIDTH4 in
WEIGHT24 lb
MAX LOAD1400 lbs. @ 32 psi
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Goodyear Tires

Goodyear Deluxe All-Weather | 600-16

Goodyear - Deluxe All-Weather

SIDEWALLBlackwall
RIM DIAMETER16 in
RIM WIDTH4 in
WEIGHT24 lb
MAX LOAD1400 lbs. @ 32 psi
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Military & Truck

Firestone Military | NDT | 600-16

Firestone - Firestone Classic Military

SIDEWALLBlackwall
RIM DIAMETER16 in
RIM WIDTH4.00 - 4.50 in
WEIGHT22 lb
MAX LOAD1430@45 psi
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Military & Truck

Firestone Military NDT | 600-16

Firestone - Firestone Military NDT

SIDEWALLBlackwall
RIM DIAMETER16 in
RIM WIDTH—
WEIGHT21 lb
MAX LOAD—
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Military & Truck

NDT Military 6 Ply | 600-16

STA - Military NDT

SIDEWALLBlackwall
RIM DIAMETER16 in
RIM WIDTH—
WEIGHT31 lb
MAX LOAD—
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Military & Truck

Ford Military | NDT | 600-16

Ford Script - Military NDT

SIDEWALLBlackwall
RIM DIAMETER16 in
RIM WIDTH—
WEIGHT26 lb
MAX LOAD—
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Military & Truck

Firestone Military NDT | 600-16

Firestone - Firestone Military NDT

SIDEWALLBlackwall
RIM DIAMETER16 in
RIM WIDTH—
WEIGHT22 lb
MAX LOAD—
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Military & Truck

Camac Nato Tread | 6 Ply Rated Tube Type | 600-16

Camac - NATO CJ110

SIDEWALLBlackwall
RIM DIAMETER16 in
RIM WIDTH4.0 - 5.0 in
WEIGHT22 lb
MAX LOAD1,518 lbs @ 45 psi
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Military & Truck

Firestone Knobby | Truck Tread | 600-16

Firestone - Firestone Classic Truck

SIDEWALLBlackwall
RIM DIAMETER16 in
RIM WIDTH4.00 - 4.50 in
WEIGHT21 lb
MAX LOAD1400@32 psi
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Military & Truck

NDT Military 4 Ply | 600-16

STA - Military NDT

SIDEWALLBlackwall
RIM DIAMETER16 in
RIM WIDTH—
WEIGHT31 lb
MAX LOAD—
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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions for the 1948 Ford Typen center on the 600-16 tire size, 16-inch rim fitment, bias-ply construction, sidewall appearance, and how to choose among the available period-style tire options before putting a collector car back on the road.

Tire Size & Fitment

What tire size fits a 1948 Ford Typen?

The 1948 Ford Typen uses a 600-16 tire size. This is a numeric bias-ply size and it is the primary fitment across the covered Typen range, including both the 6 Cyl. and 8 Cyl. sub-models.

That means the first step is usually confirming that the car still has its original 16-inch wheel setup. Once the wheel diameter is confirmed, selection comes down to the type of 600-16 tire you want, such as blackwall, wide whitewall, double-whitewall, or a more specialized tread pattern that suits the car's appearance and planned use.

What size rim does a 1948 Ford Typen use?

The 1948 Ford Typen uses a 16-inch rim with its 600-16 tire size. Many of the available 600-16 tires are built around rim widths in the 4.00 to 4.50 inch range, with some variations depending on the specific tire series.

Wheel diameter should be confirmed before replacing tires, especially on an older car that may have changed hands many times. Measuring the actual wheel on the vehicle helps avoid ordering the right tire for the wrong rim, and checking width matters too when comparing passenger-car, military NDT, and other specialty 600-16 designs.

Do all 1948 Ford Typen sub-models use the same tire size?

Yes. The covered 1948 Ford Typen sub-models use the same 600-16 bias-ply tire size. That includes both the 1948 Ford Typen 6 Cyl. and the 1948 Ford Typen 8 Cyl.

Shared fitment simplifies the search because there is no need to sort through multiple primary sizes by engine designation. Even so, an owner should still verify the wheels actually on the car, since vintage vehicles are often updated with different rims over time, and those changes can affect which 600-16 tire series or rim-width specification makes the most sense.

Choosing the Right Tire

What should I consider when choosing a 600-16 tire for a 1948 Ford Typen?

Start with the correct 600-16 size and the 16-inch rim, then compare the kind of tire that suits the car. The available choices include traditional blackwalls, wide whitewalls, double-whitewalls, and several bias-ply series aimed at passenger-car, military, truck, or specialty period-style use.

Appearance is only part of the decision. It also helps to compare rim-width guidance, load figures when they are stated, and the tread style that matches how the Typen will be used. A formal restoration, a casual weekend driver, and a utility-minded build can all point toward different 600-16 choices even though the primary fitment size stays the same.

What sidewall styles are available for 1948 Ford Typen tires?

The 1948 Ford Typen's 600-16 tire options include blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall sidewall styles. Those choices create noticeably different visual results, from a restrained working-car look to a brighter late-1940s presentation.

Sidewall style should be chosen with the overall build in mind rather than treated as a small cosmetic detail. A blackwall often suits a simpler or utility-oriented appearance, while wide whitewall and double-whitewall designs push the car toward a more restoration-oriented look. Since more than one series offers these styles, it is worth comparing both appearance and the specific tire line before deciding.

What brands offer tires for the 1948 Ford Typen?

The 1948 Ford Typen has 600-16 tire options from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Avon, Firestone, Ford Script, Excelsior, Lester, Goodyear, STA, and Camac. Those brands appear across several bias-ply series, including classic passenger-car lines and more specialized military or truck-style treads.

Brand choice is best handled as part of a bigger comparison rather than as a shortcut. The more useful question is which brand offers the sidewall treatment, tread style, rim-width compatibility, and overall visual character that fit your Typen. Comparing the series within the correct 600-16 size usually tells you more than the brand name alone.

Restoration & Appearance

Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1948 Ford Typen?

A period-style 1948 Ford Typen starts with the correct 600-16 bias-ply size. From there, the choice depends on how the car is being presented, since this size is available in blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall form across several traditional bias-ply series.

For many owners, the right answer is the tire that matches the car's trim level, stance, and restoration goal without overstating it. If exact originality matters, compare your choice against period photography, marque-club guidance, or other vehicle-specific references. That approach helps narrow whether a plain blackwall or a more formal whitewall presentation suits the car best.

How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1948 Ford Typen?

Tire construction matters because the 1948 Ford Typen's primary fitment is bias-ply, and that construction contributes to the tall, narrow look associated with late-1940s passenger cars. On a restored car, that visual proportion is a major part of the finished presentation.

Construction choice also shapes the sidewall profile and how the tire fills the wheel opening, so it affects more than road feel alone. Staying with a 600-16 bias-ply tire keeps the selection anchored to the vehicle's period style, while the sidewall treatment you choose, such as blackwall or whitewall, further refines whether the car reads as modest, formal, or show-oriented.

Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use

Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1948 Ford Typen?

Yes. The 1948 Ford Typen's primary tire size is 600-16, but modifications can change what works on the car in practice. Different wheels, altered wheel width, suspension changes, brake conversions, or body modifications can all affect clearance and overall compatibility.

That is especially important on collector vehicles that may no longer wear their original wheels. Before choosing a 600-16 tire, check the actual rim diameter and width on the car, then inspect steering and fender clearance through the full range of travel. A modified setup can still use a period-style tire, but it should be matched to the vehicle as it sits now.

What should I inspect before driving a 1948 Ford Typen on new tires?

Before road use, inspect the wheels, valve stems, lug hardware, and overall tire clearance on the 1948 Ford Typen. New tires should also be checked for proper seating, inflation, and any interference at the fenders, suspension, or steering components.

A collector car benefits from a broader safety review before the first drive. Look at wheel condition, brake function, steering play, and suspension wear so the new 600-16 tires are not being asked to work around neglected chassis issues. After a short initial drive, recheck pressure and give the tires another visual inspection for settling or rub marks.

How should 600-16 tires on a collector 1948 Ford Typen be maintained?

Collector-car 600-16 tires should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and careful storage habits. Even when tread wear is minimal, a 1948 Ford Typen that sees limited miles can still develop age-related issues such as cracking, flat spotting, air loss, or sidewall damage.

Routine maintenance is most effective when it becomes part of the car's normal storage and pre-drive process. Keep the Typen away from prolonged sunlight, excess moisture, and ozone sources, and inspect the tires before any longer outing. Watching for cuts, bulges, and uneven wear helps catch problems early, especially on a vehicle that may sit for extended periods.