1948 Pontiac Torpedo Tires

The 1948 Pontiac Torpedo uses two primary tire sizes: 600-16 and 650-16. Both are bias-ply sizes built for 16-inch rims, and both appear across the covered Torpedo sub-models rather than being limited to only one engine designation.

That means the next step is not guessing by model name alone, but confirming which size is already on the car and whether the wheels match that setup. On a restored or long-owned Torpedo, wheel changes over the years can matter just as much as the original vehicle designation when selecting a replacement tire.

The 1948 Pontiac Torpedo uses a 16-inch rim with either 600-16 or 650-16 bias-ply tires. The tire size and the wheel diameter work together, so the first fitment check is making sure the car actually has 16-inch wheels before comparing specific tire options.

Rim width also matters once the 16-inch diameter is confirmed. Many 600-16 options are intended for narrower wheels than typical 650-16 options, so a Torpedo that has had wheels swapped or changed during restoration should be measured rather than assumed to match the tire size being considered.

The covered 1948 Pontiac Torpedo sub-models share the same two primary tire sizes: 600-16 and 650-16. Both the 25 6 Cyl. and 27 8 Cyl. can use those 16-inch bias-ply sizes, so sub-model fitment is more consistent here than on many later vehicles.

Even with that shared fitment pattern, the safest approach is still to verify the wheel and tire setup already on the car. A Torpedo that has been restored, modified, or simply maintained over decades may not still wear the same size it left service with, and replacement choice should match the current wheel arrangement.

Start with the correct primary size for the car's current wheel setup, since the 1948 Pontiac Torpedo can use either 600-16 or 650-16 on a 16-inch rim. From there, compare bias-ply construction details, rim-width requirements, sidewall style, tire series, and load figures where they are provided.

Appearance often drives the final choice on a postwar Pontiac, especially when deciding between blackwall and wide whitewall tires. It also helps to think about how the car will be used, because some available products lean more toward passenger-car presentation while others carry truck or military-style tread patterns that create a very different look.

1948 Pontiac Torpedo tires are available in several sidewall styles depending on size and series, including blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall. Those choices appear within the 600-16 range, while 650-16 offerings include blackwall and wide whitewall options.

Sidewall style has a strong effect on the finished appearance of a late-1940s car, so it is worth deciding whether the goal is a restrained driver look or a more formal restoration-oriented presentation. Once the visual direction is set, compare the available tire series in the correct size rather than choosing a sidewall first and trying to force the fitment later.

Available brands for 1948 Pontiac Torpedo tire sizes include BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Firestone, Goodyear, Excelsior, Lester, Avon, Ford Script, Garfield, STA, Camac, and Tornel, depending on whether the car uses 600-16 or 650-16. Those brands appear across several classic bias-ply and specialty series.

Brand choice should still come after confirming the correct size and wheel setup. Once that is settled, compare each brand's sidewall treatment, tire series, and any stated rim-width or load details, since those differences are usually more important to a Torpedo owner than the name on the sidewall by itself.

A period-style 1948 Pontiac Torpedo starts with the correct primary bias-ply size, either 600-16 or 650-16 on a 16-inch rim. From there, the choice usually narrows to classic blackwall or whitewall bias-ply tires in series that preserve the late-1940s visual character of the car.

Owners aiming for an exact restoration should verify historical details through marque references, photos, or build-specific documentation before treating any sidewall treatment as exact to the car. For many Torpedos, the practical goal is a believable period-style presentation that also matches the wheel width and the car's current fitment.

On a restored 1948 Pontiac Torpedo, bias-ply construction is a major part of the car's visual presentation because it preserves the traditional profile associated with late-1940s fitment. Since the Torpedo's primary sizes here are both bias-ply, construction and sidewall style work together to shape the final stance and overall impression.

Whitewall width, blackwall simplicity, and the exact tire series can shift the car's look from understated to more formal without changing the basic size. Matching construction to the vehicle's era also helps keep the finished appearance coherent, especially when the rest of the restoration follows postwar Pontiac styling cues.

Yes. A 1948 Pontiac Torpedo may share 600-16 and 650-16 fitment across its sub-models, but later wheel changes, suspension work, brake conversions, or body modifications can alter what actually clears the car today. That is especially important when replacing tires on a vehicle with an unknown restoration history.

Checking the wheel diameter and width is the first step, followed by a close look at fender, steering, and suspension clearance. A Torpedo that sits lower than stock or uses aftermarket wheels should be measured at the car rather than chosen by catalog size alone, even when the tire itself is in a correct 16-inch format.

Before road use, inspect the wheels for damage or corrosion, confirm the beads seat properly, and make sure the chosen 600-16 or 650-16 tire matches the 16-inch wheel setup on the car. It is also wise to check steering movement, suspension condition, and visible clearance around the fenders and chassis.

After installation, keep an eye on inflation, tread condition, and any sign of rubbing during low-speed turns or suspension movement. Collector cars that spend long periods parked should also be checked for air loss and uneven wear early, since problems often show up in the first drives after a tire change.

Collector-car tires on a 1948 Pontiac Torpedo should be inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, punctures, and uneven tread wear, even if the car sees limited mileage. Bias-ply tires also deserve routine pressure checks, because a low-use car can lose air over time without showing an obvious problem at a glance.

Storage conditions matter just as much as mileage on a postwar Pontiac. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, standing moisture, and ozone sources helps protect the sidewalls, while occasional movement and regular visual checks can catch developing issues before a longer drive puts added stress on the tires.