1959 Willys Truck Truck Tires

The 1959 Willys Truck Truck uses a 650-16 tire size in bias-ply construction. That is the primary fitment for this model, and the covered Base sub-model uses the same size on a 16-inch rim.

Once the size is confirmed, the real decision becomes which type of 650-16 best matches the truck. Some options emphasize a traditional passenger-style look with blackwall or wide whitewall sidewalls, while others use more truck-oriented tread designs. It is smart to confirm the actual wheel diameter and width on the vehicle before ordering, especially if the truck has been modified or fitted with replacement wheels over the years.

The 1959 Willys Truck Truck uses a 16-inch rim with its 650-16 tire fitment. Product options in this size are built around that 16-inch wheel diameter, with several tires suited to rim widths in the 4.50 to 5.00 inch range, and some narrower applications also appearing.

Rim diameter is the first number to verify at the wheel itself, because a 16-inch tire cannot be mounted on a different diameter rim. Width matters too, especially when comparing passenger-style bias-ply tires with truck-oriented designs. A truck that has changed wheels at some point in its life should be measured before selecting a tire, rather than relying only on model-year assumptions.

Yes. The 1959 Willys Truck Truck Base uses the same 650-16 bias-ply tire size as the core fitment for this model. That keeps the fitment question simple, since there is no alternate primary size within the covered sub-model range.

Even with one shared size, the truck can still end up with very different tire personalities. A blackwall passenger-style bias-ply creates one look, while a truck tread or military-style pattern creates another. Buyers should still inspect the actual wheels on the truck and consider how it will be used, especially if the goal is regular road driving, work-truck character, or a restoration-oriented presentation.

Start with the confirmed 650-16 size and 16-inch rim, then look at how the truck will actually be used. In this size, choices include traditional passenger-style bias-ply tires, wide whitewall versions for a more dressed appearance, and truck-oriented tread patterns for a more utilitarian presentation.

Beyond appearance, compare rim-width suitability, load capacity where stated, and whether the tread style fits the truck's purpose. A lightly driven show truck may call for a very different tire than one meant to retain a work-truck look. It also helps to inspect wheel condition, suspension height, and clearance before settling on a tire with a more aggressive tread or different casing profile.

The 650-16 fitment for a 1959 Willys Truck Truck is available in both blackwall and wide whitewall styles. That gives the truck owner a clear appearance choice without changing the underlying tire size or moving away from the original bias-ply construction type.

Blackwall tires usually suit a more work-oriented or understated presentation, especially when paired with truck tread patterns. Wide whitewalls shift the visual tone toward a more restored and dressed-up look. Since sidewall style changes appearance more than fitment, the best approach is to choose the treatment that matches the truck's finish, trim, and intended use while still confirming wheel condition and proper size.

The 1959 Willys Truck Truck has 650-16 tire choices from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Firestone, Garfield, Goodyear, Excelsior, Lester, STA, and Tornel. Those brands cover both passenger-style classic bias-ply offerings and more truck-oriented designs in the same basic size.

Brand choice matters less than selecting the right type of tire for the truck's purpose. Some lines emphasize traditional blackwall or wide whitewall appearance, while others focus on transport, highway, military, or traction-oriented tread character. It helps to compare sidewall style, rim-width suitability, and load figures where shown, rather than assuming every 650-16 option is aimed at the same kind of Willys truck use.

A period-style 1959 Willys Truck Truck starts with the correct 650-16 bias-ply size on a 16-inch rim. From there, the choice depends on the kind of period character being recreated, since this size is offered in traditional passenger-style classic series as well as more truck-oriented tread designs.

A blackwall usually supports a simpler utility-truck presentation, while a wide whitewall gives the truck a more dressed and restoration-oriented look. Tread pattern also changes the visual tone noticeably. If exact originality matters down to brand and sidewall treatment, vehicle-specific historical references and marque expertise are worth checking before choosing a tire based only on general period appearance.

On a restored 1959 Willys Truck Truck, staying with the 650-16 bias-ply construction preserves the tall, traditional visual character associated with mid-century light trucks. The tire's shape, sidewall presentation, and tread style all contribute to how authentic or utility-focused the finished truck appears.

Appearance is not just about whitewall versus blackwall. A passenger-style bias-ply, a military-style NDT pattern, or a highway truck tread can each change the truck's stance and personality even within the same size. That makes construction and tread design part of the restoration decision, especially when the truck is being built to reflect either a showroom-inspired look or a more working-truck identity.

Yes. Even though the primary size is 650-16, modifications can change whether a particular tire is still appropriate for a 1959 Willys Truck Truck. Wheel swaps, altered rim width, suspension changes, lift or lowering changes, and body modifications can all influence clearance and the way the tire sits on the vehicle.

A truck that still carries stock-type wheels is easier to size than one that has been updated over decades of use. Measuring the actual wheel diameter and width is a good starting point, then checking steering clearance and space around the fenders. That is especially important when moving between a smooth passenger-style tire and a more aggressive truck tread within the same 650-16 size.

Before putting a 1959 Willys Truck Truck back on the road with new tires, inspect the wheels, lug hardware, valve stems, and overall wheel condition. The suspension, steering components, alignment condition, and brake system should also be checked so the new 650-16 tires are not being asked to compensate for unrelated mechanical issues.

Collector and hobby trucks often sit for long periods, so it also helps to look for rubbing marks, uneven old tire wear, and signs of sagging springs or loose steering parts. Once the new tires are mounted, verify inflation, recheck clearance at full steering lock, and pay attention to any vibration or pull during the first miles. Early inspection helps catch setup issues before they become tire problems.

A 650-16 tire on a collector 1959 Willys Truck Truck should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspection, and careful storage habits. Bias-ply tires on older hobby vehicles deserve attention even when tread looks good, because long periods of inactivity can still affect condition and roadworthiness.

Look closely for cracking, cuts, bulges, flat spotting, and any sign of air loss before driving. Keeping the truck away from prolonged sun, moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve the tires during storage. It is also wise to inspect the spare and confirm that all tires are wearing evenly, since uneven wear often points to alignment, steering, or suspension issues rather than the tire alone.