In the midst of the Depression era, 1933 Hudson stood for substantial American cars with engineering substance and a distinctly upscale feel compared with many lower-priced rivals. The Hudson line that year ranged from the 33E to the larger T and Major 8, and tire choice matters because the model range did not share one universal size. Across these three models, four bias-ply sizes appear, with the 33E alone using two different fitments while the T and Major 8 each carry their own model-specific size on different wheel diameters. Before narrowing down a tire, the first step is confirming the exact model and wheel diameter on your 1933 Hudson rather than relying on year and make alone.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1933 Hudson
Four tire sizes are used across 1933 Hudson vehicles, and they vary by model rather than being shared across the full range. Because these sizes span both 17-inch and 18-inch rims, the real decision starts with confirming the correct model and wheel diameter first, then choosing the appropriate period-style bias-ply fitment. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps match the tire to the right Hudson model.
Year(s): 1933|Fit(s): 33E|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 17 in
550-17 is a numeric bias-ply size in which the first number denotes nominal section width and the final number identifies a 17-inch rim. This size is offered in BFGoodrich with Blackwall, Double-Whitewall, and Wide Whitewall sidewall styles. Because every offering in this size is bias-ply, it suits a 1933 Hudson 33E owner who wants an era-correct construction and can choose the sidewall look that best matches the car's restoration style.
Year(s): 1933|Fit(s): 33E|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 18-in rim
5.25-18 is a numeric bias-ply size, with a nominal 5.25-inch section width and fitment for an 18-inch rim. This size is specific to the 1933 Hudson 33E rather than the full Hudson line, and available brand and sidewall choices differ from the 550-17 offerings. It is the correct direction for a 33E running 18-inch wheels, especially where maintaining the proper prewar bias-ply character matters.
Year(s): 1933|Fit(s): Major 8|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 17-in rim
6.50-17 is a numeric bias-ply size that indicates a nominal 6.50-inch section width on a 17-inch rim. This size is used only on the 1933 Hudson Major 8, so it should be treated as a model-specific fitment rather than a general Hudson replacement. Buyers restoring or maintaining a Major 8 should stay with this size family to preserve the correct bias-ply look and the proportions expected on a larger Hudson eight-cylinder car.
Year(s): 1933|Fit(s): T|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 17-in rim
6.00-17 is a numeric bias-ply size, meaning a nominal 6.00-inch section width paired with a 17-inch rim. This fitment belongs specifically to the 1933 Hudson T and is not universal across the rest of the 1933 Hudson range. It is the appropriate choice for a Hudson T owner seeking the correct prewar bias-ply construction and overall visual balance for that model.
Three Hudson models are covered for 1933, and tire size changes by model rather than carrying across the whole range. That matters in practical terms because a buyer needs to identify whether the car is a 33E, T, or Major 8 before narrowing down tire size, and the 33E itself can appear with either a 17-inch or 18-inch fitment. Select a model below to continue into model-specific tire fitment history and available products.
1933 Hudson 33E
The 1933 Hudson 33E sat in the company's Depression-era lineup as a full-sized Hudson with styling and road presence typical of early 1930s American cars. It is the only model here with two fitments, mounting either 17-inch or 18-inch tires depending on the wheel setup, so checking the actual rim diameter on the car is especially important before choosing a tire.
The 1933 Hudson Major 8 represented Hudson's larger, more prestigious eight-cylinder offering, aimed at buyers who wanted refinement and presence in a senior car. Its tires mount on 17-inch rims, and its single size fitment keeps selection straightforward once the model is confirmed.
The 1933 Hudson T was part of Hudson's broad early-1930s range, carrying the brand's characteristically sturdy road manners and formal styling. It uses a 17-inch rim fitment, but its tire size differs from the Major 8, so model identification still matters even though both mount on the same rim diameter.
Three products are available across four tire sizes for 1933 Hudson vehicles. The 550-17 selection includes three BFGoodrich bias-ply options in Blackwall, Double-Whitewall, and Wide Whitewall styles, so confirming your model, size, and preferred sidewall appearance should come first.
These FAQs sort out the model-specific tire sizes used across 1933 Hudson cars, explain early numeric sizing, and cover the practical details that matter with prewar bias-ply tires, from wheel compatibility to storage and longer-road preparation.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1933 Hudson vehicles?
1933 Hudson vehicles use four different tire sizes across three models: 550-17 and 5.25-18 for the 1933 Hudson 33E, 6.00-17 for the 1933 Hudson T, and 6.50-17 for the 1933 Hudson Major 8. The 33E is the only model here with two possible fitments, while the T and Major 8 each use one model-specific size. Rim diameters are not uniform across the range, since the 33E can be found on either 17-inch or 18-inch wheels, while the T and Major 8 both use 17-inch rims.
That means year and make alone are not enough to choose a tire for a 1933 Hudson. Start by confirming the model, then verify the actual wheel diameter on the car before moving on to sidewall style or brand preference. On a restored or long-owned car, wheel changes made decades ago are always possible, so the safest path is to compare the existing wheel and tire markings against the model-specific fitment you expect.
What does 550-17 mean on a 1933 Hudson tire?
On a 1933 Hudson, 550-17 is an early numeric bias-ply tire size. The 550 portion refers to the nominal section width class, commonly read as 5.50 inches, while the 17 refers to the wheel diameter in inches. It is not a modern metric code, and it does not describe a radial construction. On the 1933 Hudson line, 550-17 applies to the 33E.
Reading the code correctly helps avoid mixing vintage and modern sizing logic. A 550-17 should be matched with the proper 17-inch wheel, and it should be treated as a prewar bias-ply fitment rather than translated casually into a modern radial equivalent. If your 1933 Hudson 33E is being restored to period appearance, staying within the original-style numeric bias-ply sizing is usually the most historically appropriate direction.
Do all 1933 Hudson models use the same tire size?
No, 1933 Hudson models do not all use the same tire size. The 33E uses either 550-17 or 5.25-18, the Hudson T uses 6.00-17, and the Major 8 uses 6.50-17. Even where two models share a 17-inch rim diameter, the tire size itself still changes by model. That makes 1933 Hudson a model-specific fitment year rather than a one-size-across-the-line year.
For a buyer, that means identifying the car as a 33E, T, or Major 8 is the first real fitment checkpoint. It also means you should not assume that a 17-inch tire from one 1933 Hudson model is automatically correct for another. If the car has been modified, or if its wheel history is uncertain, compare the wheel diameter and the size marked on the current tire before finalizing a replacement.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 1933 Hudson tires?
For 1933 Hudson fitments, the available sidewall styles shown here are Blackwall, Double-Whitewall, and Wide Whitewall, all in the 550-17 size for the Hudson 33E. Those options are offered in BFGoodrich bias-ply form, giving a buyer several period-looking visual directions within the same size. Prewar American cars could wear different sidewall treatments depending on market position, owner taste, and restoration goal, so sidewall appearance is a meaningful part of the final choice.
A blackwall often suits a more understated or utilitarian presentation, while whitewall treatments create a more formal prewar look. The key is matching the sidewall style to the story you want the car to tell, especially if the car is being judged, displayed, or restored to a specific delivery appearance. If your 1933 Hudson is being prepared for concours-style review, marque references and period photography are worth consulting before settling on one style.
What brands make tires for 1933 Hudson vehicles?
BFGoodrich is the brand represented in the currently available 1933 Hudson product selection, specifically in the 550-17 size. Those offerings are bias-ply tires from the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply line and come in multiple sidewall styles. BFGoodrich has long-standing historical presence in the American collector-tire world, which makes it a familiar name for owners seeking prewar-style replacement tires.
Brand choice on a 1933 Hudson often matters as much for presentation and period feel as for basic fitment. Once the model and size are confirmed, the next comparison is usually sidewall style and overall restoration intent rather than switching among many construction types. If you are matching an established restoration, keep the look consistent across all four corners, including the spare if it will be visible.
How should I choose the right tire for a 1933 Hudson?
Choosing the right tire for a 1933 Hudson starts with the model and wheel diameter, because the line uses different sizes rather than one shared fitment. A 33E may require either 550-17 or 5.25-18, while the T uses 6.00-17 and the Major 8 uses 6.50-17. All of the listed 1933 Hudson sizes are bias-ply, so the decision is less about switching construction types and more about selecting the correct vintage size and the sidewall appearance that suits the car.
That approach keeps the process orderly: identify the model, confirm the wheel diameter, then choose the sidewall style that matches your restoration or driving goals. On a car with uncertain history, check both the wheel and the existing tire before making assumptions from year and make alone. It is also wise to think about how the spare will look, since a mismatched spare on a prewar car can be visually obvious.
Fitting & Setup
Do 1933 Hudson tires require inner tubes?
1933 Hudson tires are from an era when tube-type use was the normal expectation for passenger-car fitments, especially with prewar wheels and bias-ply construction. The currently shown 550-17 product entries do not carry a tube-type or tubeless marker in the size line, so the right setup should be matched to the wheel design actually on the car. With a 1933 Hudson, the wheel itself often drives that decision just as much as the tire.
Owners should inspect whether the existing wheels are original-style rims intended for tube use and whether the valve-stem arrangement supports that setup. If the car still has its original-type prewar wheels, tubes are commonly part of the correct installation plan. Before finalizing a tire package for any 1933 Hudson, confirm the wheel condition, flap or tube requirements if applicable, and the exact setup recommended for the specific tire being considered.
Can the original 1933 Hudson wheels be used with all tire sizes?
Original 1933 Hudson wheels cannot be assumed to work with all tire sizes across the full model range, because the line includes both 17-inch and 18-inch fitments. The 33E can use either a 17-inch or 18-inch tire depending on its wheel setup, while the T and Major 8 use 17-inch tires. A tire must match the wheel diameter exactly, so a 17-inch tire cannot be fitted to an 18-inch wheel, and the reverse is equally true.
That makes wheel verification one of the most important checks on a prewar Hudson. If the car has had wheel swaps, mixed spares, or restoration changes over the years, inspect each wheel rather than assuming all five match. Once wheel diameter is confirmed, you can narrow to the proper size for the specific model and then evaluate sidewall style and overall visual correctness.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1933 Hudson when the tires are fitted?
A 1933 Hudson should be stored in a cool, dry space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, welders, battery chargers, and other ozone-producing equipment that can age rubber. Bias-ply tires also benefit from being kept at proper inflation during storage, because they can develop flat spotting more readily than modern radials when left in one position for long periods. Clean floors, stable temperatures, and protection from standing moisture all help preserve both the tires and the wheels.
If the car will sit for an extended season, rolling it periodically or placing it on stands can reduce stress at the contact patch. Many collectors also move the car slightly every few weeks to avoid one section of the casing carrying the load continuously. A prewar Hudson stored well will usually drive more smoothly on its next outing and show less cosmetic sidewall aging over time.
How long do tires on a 1933 Hudson typically last?
On a 1933 Hudson, tire age usually matters more than mileage because collector cars are often driven infrequently. A sound rule is to begin evaluating tires closely once they are in the five-to-seven-year range and to treat around ten years as a point where replacement deserves serious consideration regardless of tread depth. The DOT date code on the tire is the best starting point for establishing age, and visible cracking, hardening, or repeated loss of pressure moves replacement higher on the priority list.
Prewar cars can fool owners into thinking low use equals long tire life, but rubber still ages while the car is parked. That is especially important on a 1933 Hudson that may only see fair-weather drives, tours, or display use. If the tires are older but the car is being prepared for longer outings, replacing them before a touring season is often wiser than stretching one more year from a visibly aged set.
How often should tires on a 1933 Hudson be inspected?
Tires on a 1933 Hudson should be inspected before every drive, and they deserve a more thorough review before any extended outing. Look for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, irregular tread wear, and signs that the tire has been run underinflated. On a prewar bias-ply car, pressure retention matters, and tube-equipped setups also warrant a close look at valve stems, stem grommets, and any evidence of slow leakage around the wheel.
Regular inspection is one of the simplest ways to avoid roadside trouble in an older car. A Hudson that only comes out occasionally can develop age-related issues while standing still, so a visual check should be routine rather than occasional. It is also smart to inspect the spare with the same care, since a period car with an unusable spare can turn a minor puncture into a much larger trip interruption.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1933 Hudson 33E?
The 1933 Hudson 33E used bias-ply tires, which aligns with normal original-equipment practice for American passenger cars of the early 1930s. Within the 33E fitments covered here, the applicable sizes are 550-17 and 5.25-18, depending on the wheel setup on the car. No original-equipment brand should be assumed from replacement offerings alone, but the construction type and period numeric sizing are consistent with what a restorer would expect on a prewar Hudson.
For an authenticity-minded owner, the practical goal is to confirm which of those two sizes belongs on the specific 33E being restored and then choose a sidewall treatment that fits the car's intended presentation. Factory literature, surviving originals, and Hudson marque clubs are the best places to sort out market-specific or body-specific details. That extra step is especially worthwhile when a car has changed hands or wheels multiple times over the decades.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1933 Hudson?
Correct tire fitment absolutely matters when a 1933 Hudson is judged for authenticity. Size, construction, and sidewall appearance all affect whether the car looks era-correct, and judges or knowledgeable enthusiasts will notice if a prewar Hudson wears an obviously incorrect diameter, section, or modern-looking sidewall treatment. Since all of the listed 1933 Hudson fitments are bias-ply sizes, staying within the proper numeric bias-ply family is an important part of keeping the car visually and historically consistent.
What counts as acceptable can vary by event, so owners pursuing high-level showing should check the standards of the club or judging body involved. A blackwall versus whitewall decision can also influence the final impression, especially on a formal early-1930s car. When authenticity is the goal, a little research up front usually prevents the much more frustrating task of redoing the tire choice later.
Why does sidewall appearance matter on a 1933 Hudson restoration?
Sidewall appearance matters on a 1933 Hudson because the tire is a highly visible part of the car's overall period character. In the available 550-17 fitment for the 33E, blackwall, double-whitewall, and wide whitewall versions create very different visual impressions even though the underlying size remains the same. On a prewar American car, that distinction can shift the look from restrained and businesslike to more formal and upscale.
The right choice depends on the story of the specific restoration rather than on fitment alone. If the car is being returned to a factory-delivery style or a judged presentation, compare period photographs and club guidance before deciding. If the goal is simply a tasteful driver, choose the sidewall style that best fits the car's paint, trim, and overall personality while keeping the correct vintage size and construction.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1933 Hudson tires safe for highway driving?
A properly selected and well-maintained 1933 Hudson tire can be suitable for normal road use within the limits of its design, but highway safety is about the entire car rather than the tire alone. The listed 1933 Hudson fitments are bias-ply designs, so they deliver a distinctly vintage driving feel compared with later radial tires. On a car from 1933, braking, steering response, suspension condition, and the general condition of the wheel and chassis are often just as important as the tire when judging readiness for modern traffic.
That means a 1933 Hudson should be driven with realistic expectations and prepared thoroughly before longer or faster travel. Good tread and fresh sidewalls are only part of the picture; inflation, alignment, wheel condition, and mechanical soundness matter just as much. If the car has been sitting, a short local shakedown drive before any sustained highway outing is a sensible way to confirm that everything is behaving as it should.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1933 Hudson tires?
Inflation pressure for a 1933 Hudson should be tied to the exact tire size on the car and the recommendation for that specific reproduction tire, rather than borrowed from another Hudson model or another size. The line uses 550-17, 5.25-18, 6.00-17, and 6.50-17 fitments, and pressure should not be transferred casually across them just because they are all bias-ply designs. The original Hudson owner's literature remains the best guide to factory-era pressures, while the tire maker's rated pressure information should guide the tire itself.
Using one generalized pressure for every 1933 Hudson is a common mistake and can affect ride, steering feel, and tread wear. Once the exact model and tire size are confirmed, compare the vintage vehicle recommendation with the tire manufacturer's current specifications and use the combination sensibly. Recheck pressures when the tires are cold, especially before tours or seasonal first drives, since long-stored collector cars often drift lower than expected.
What should I check before taking a 1933 Hudson on a longer drive?
Before taking a 1933 Hudson on a longer drive, inspect each tire for cracks, cuts, bulges, exposed cord, uneven wear, and proper inflation. Look closely at the spare as well, and if the wheel setup uses tubes, inspect the valve stems and surrounding wheel area for signs of leakage or age. Tire readiness is only one part of the plan on a prewar car, but it is one of the easiest places to catch trouble before leaving home.
A longer drive in a 1933 Hudson should also include a broader mechanical check of brakes, steering, cooling, and fuel-system condition, since those systems matter as much as the tires once the miles add up. If the car has not been driven recently, a short local test run can reveal vibration, flat spotting, or pressure loss before the real trip begins. Bringing basic tire tools and confirming that the jack and spare are usable is also wise on a car of this age.
