The 1979 Ford E-350 Club Wagon belongs to the era when full-size vans were expected to handle real passenger capacity, long-duty use, and heavy commercial-grade service. In Club Wagon form, the E-350 was built around utility first, whether used as a people mover, shuttle, or working hauler with wagon-style accommodation. This exact model uses a 950-16.5 bias-ply tire, so the core decision is less about multiple fitments and more about choosing the right heavy-duty tire within that original sizing approach. Available options stay true to the truck-oriented character of the van, with blackwall STA offerings in different series. That makes wheel condition, intended use, and restoration-minded appearance important before putting the vehicle back on the road.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1979 Ford E-350 Club Wagon
The 1979 Ford E-350 Club Wagon uses one primary tire size: 950-16.5, a bias-ply tire built for a 16.5-inch rim. That fitment carries across the covered Super Wagon passenger configurations, including DRW versions, so the main decision is choosing the right tire series within that size and confirming that the van still has the correct wheel setup.
Fit(s): Super Wagon (12 Passenger), Super Wagon (12 Passenger)(DRW), Super Wagon (15 Passenger), Super Wagon (15 Passenger)(DRW), Super Wagon (5 Passenger), Super Wagon (5 Passenger)(DRW), Super Wagon (8 Passenger), and Super Wagon (8 Passenger)(DRW)
Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 16.5 in
A 950-16.5 size uses the older numeric bias-ply system, where 950 indicates a nominal section width of about 9.50 inches and 16.5 identifies the wheel diameter. On the 1979 Ford E-350 Club Wagon, this is a truck-oriented bias-ply fitment that matches the vehicle’s heavy-duty van character. In this size, STA offers blackwall choices in the Traxion and Super Transport series, both with Military & Truck positioning. Selecting between them comes down to the type of period-style service look you want, along with wheel compatibility and the condition of the van’s existing rims.
Tire fitment is straightforward across the covered 1979 Ford E-350 Club Wagon sub-models, because each one uses the same 950-16.5 bias-ply size. Checking the exact sub-model still matters so the wheel setup, especially on DRW versions, can be confirmed before choosing a tire.
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1979 Ford E-350 Club Wagon Super Wagon (12 Passenger)
The 1979 Ford E-350 Club Wagon Super Wagon (12 Passenger) uses the same 950-16.5 bias-ply fitment as the rest of the covered range. Tire selection centers on choosing the right STA series in that size and making sure the van still carries the correct 16.5-inch wheels.
1979 Ford E-350 Club Wagon Super Wagon (12 Passenger)(DRW)
The 1979 Ford E-350 Club Wagon Super Wagon (12 Passenger)(DRW) also uses 950-16.5 bias-ply tires. Because this is a DRW configuration, wheel condition and exact wheel setup deserve extra attention before moving ahead with a replacement in the original size.
1979 Ford E-350 Club Wagon Super Wagon (15 Passenger)
The 1979 Ford E-350 Club Wagon Super Wagon (15 Passenger) stays with the same 950-16.5 bias-ply tire size. That keeps fitment simple, leaving the buyer to compare tire series, intended use, and the condition of the existing 16.5-inch rims.
1979 Ford E-350 Club Wagon Super Wagon (15 Passenger)(DRW)
The 1979 Ford E-350 Club Wagon Super Wagon (15 Passenger)(DRW) uses 950-16.5 in a bias-ply construction. Choosing a replacement means staying focused on the proper heavy-duty size while verifying the dual rear wheel arrangement and wheel compatibility.
1979 Ford E-350 Club Wagon Super Wagon (5 Passenger)
The 1979 Ford E-350 Club Wagon Super Wagon (5 Passenger) uses the same 950-16.5 bias-ply tire fitment. Since there is no size variation here, the practical choice is between the available blackwall STA series and the condition of the original wheel package.
1979 Ford E-350 Club Wagon Super Wagon (5 Passenger)(DRW)
The 1979 Ford E-350 Club Wagon Super Wagon (5 Passenger)(DRW) remains on 950-16.5 bias-ply tires. A replacement should be chosen with close attention to the van’s current DRW wheel hardware, rim condition, and whether the wheels remain true to the stock diameter.
1979 Ford E-350 Club Wagon Super Wagon (8 Passenger)
The 1979 Ford E-350 Club Wagon Super Wagon (8 Passenger) uses 950-16.5 in bias-ply construction. That makes tire shopping more about selecting the right series for a traditional truck-van presentation and confirming the existing 16.5-inch wheel setup.
1979 Ford E-350 Club Wagon Super Wagon (8 Passenger)(DRW)
The 1979 Ford E-350 Club Wagon Super Wagon (8 Passenger)(DRW) also uses the 950-16.5 bias-ply size. Tire selection is straightforward on paper, but DRW spacing, wheel condition, and proper rim compatibility should be checked carefully before installation.
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.
Best 1979 Ford E-350 Club Wagon Tires for Sale
Available 950-16.5 options for the 1979 Ford E-350 Club Wagon come from STA in the Traxion and Super Transport series. Both are blackwall bias-ply truck tires sized for 16.5-inch rims and share the same 6.50 to 6.75-inch rim-width range.
Owners of a 1979 Ford E-350 Club Wagon usually want clarity on the 950-16.5 fitment, 16.5-inch wheels, bias-ply construction, product differences, and the checks that matter before returning a heavy-duty passenger van to road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1979 Ford E-350 Club Wagon?
The 1979 Ford E-350 Club Wagon uses a 950-16.5 tire size. This is a numeric bias-ply truck tire size rather than a modern metric radial size, and it is the primary fitment across the covered Super Wagon passenger configurations, including single and dual rear wheel variants.
That makes the first step fairly simple: confirm that the van still has 16.5-inch wheels and has not been changed to another wheel package over the years. Once that is verified, the real choice becomes selecting the right tire series in 950-16.5 and checking wheel condition before mounting new tires.
What size rim does a 1979 Ford E-350 Club Wagon use?
The 1979 Ford E-350 Club Wagon uses a 16.5-inch rim with its 950-16.5 tire fitment. Available tires in this size are built around that wheel diameter, and the applicable product options in this fitment also call for a 6.50 to 6.75-inch rim-width range.
Many older vans have seen wheel changes during their working lives, so it is worth checking the actual wheel diameter and width on the vehicle before ordering replacement tires. That is especially important on DRW models, where matching wheel setup and overall compatibility matter just as much as the tire size itself.
Do all 1979 Ford E-350 Club Wagon sub-models use the same tire size?
Yes. The covered 1979 Ford E-350 Club Wagon sub-models all use the same 950-16.5 bias-ply tire size, including the 5-passenger, 8-passenger, 12-passenger, and 15-passenger Super Wagon versions, along with the DRW configurations in those passenger capacities.
Shared size fitment makes tire selection easier, but it does not remove the need to inspect the actual wheels on the van. A long service life, prior commercial use, or later modifications can leave a Club Wagon with a different wheel setup than expected, so checking the hardware before replacement is still important.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 950-16.5 tire for a 1979 Ford E-350 Club Wagon?
Start with the basics: the tire needs to be the correct 950-16.5 size and bias-ply construction for the original fitment approach of the 1979 Ford E-350 Club Wagon. In this size, the available choices also share a truck-oriented character, blackwall styling, and the same maximum load capacity of 2780 at 60 psi.
From there, compare the tire series and make sure the wheel width matches the supported 6.50 to 6.75-inch range. A van used for restoration display may call for a different look than one being prepared for regular driving, so intended use and wheel condition should guide the final selection.
What brands offer tires for the 1979 Ford E-350 Club Wagon?
Tires for the 1979 Ford E-350 Club Wagon in the primary 950-16.5 size are available from STA. The applicable options are the STA Traxion and STA Super Transport, both built as bias-ply truck tires with blackwall sidewalls and a Military & Truck application focus.
Since the brand choice is narrow here, the buying decision shifts to series selection, wheel compatibility, and how the van will actually be used. Comparing the two STA offerings is more useful than hunting for a broader brand spread, especially when keeping the vehicle in its original-size heavy-duty format.
What tire series are available for the 1979 Ford E-350 Club Wagon?
The 1979 Ford E-350 Club Wagon has two applicable tire series in 950-16.5: STA Traxion and STA Super Transport. Both are bias-ply blackwall tires for 16.5-inch rims, and both carry the same 2780 at 60 psi maximum load figure within this vehicle’s primary tire size.
That means the choice is less about changing fitment and more about selecting the series that best suits the van’s intended presentation and service style. Comparing rim-width compatibility, overall tire character, and the condition of the existing wheels will help narrow the better match for the vehicle.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1979 Ford E-350 Club Wagon?
A period-style starting point for a 1979 Ford E-350 Club Wagon is the original-size 950-16.5 bias-ply fitment. That preserves the heavy-duty van look associated with the vehicle, and the available STA Traxion and STA Super Transport options both stay within that traditional blackwall truck-tire presentation.
The better choice depends on whether the van is being refreshed for authentic visual character, occasional driving, or broader road use. Buyers focused on exact originality should also compare the tire choice against vehicle-specific historical references, since a correct size alone does not automatically settle every restoration detail.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1979 Ford E-350 Club Wagon restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters because a van as large and purposeful as the 1979 Ford E-350 Club Wagon can look noticeably different when the tire size or wheel diameter changes. Staying with 950-16.5 bias-ply tires keeps the restoration anchored to the proper size format for the vehicle.
Appearance is only part of the equation. Tire fitment also affects how the van sits, how the wheel openings are filled, and whether the overall presentation still feels true to a late-1970s heavy-duty passenger van. Even on a restoration, wheel condition and actual wheel dimensions should be confirmed before installation.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1979 Ford E-350 Club Wagon?
Yes. A 1979 Ford E-350 Club Wagon may have received aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, or prior-service alterations over the years, and any of those can affect how a 950-16.5 tire fits the vehicle. That matters even more on DRW versions, where wheel setup and spacing are especially important.
Checking the actual wheel diameter, wheel width, and general clearance around the suspension and body helps avoid ordering the right tire for the wrong setup. An older van that has spent time in commercial or shuttle use deserves a careful visual inspection before returning to its original-size replacement strategy.
What should I inspect before driving a 1979 Ford E-350 Club Wagon on new tires?
Before putting a 1979 Ford E-350 Club Wagon back into service on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, corrosion, and correct sizing, and check that the tires are inflated appropriately for the application. It is also wise to look over steering, suspension, and brake condition on a heavy van of this age.
A sound tire installation works best when the rest of the vehicle is ready for road use. Lug hardware, valve stems, alignment condition, and visible clearance at full steering angle all deserve attention, particularly if the Club Wagon has been stored for long periods or has seen work-duty use in the past.
How should 950-16.5 tires on a collector 1979 Ford E-350 Club Wagon be maintained?
Collector-use 950-16.5 tires on a 1979 Ford E-350 Club Wagon should be kept clean, properly inflated, and inspected regularly for cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven wear, and air loss. Because many collector vans see limited mileage, tire condition over time can matter just as much as tread depth.
Storage habits make a real difference on an older heavy-duty tire. Keeping the van away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires, while periodic inspection of both the tread and sidewalls helps catch age-related issues before a road outing or longer drive.