In 1933, Willys was building practical Depression-era transportation with a lineup that ranged from straightforward four-cylinder cars to the better-trimmed 77 and 99 series. That makes 1933 Willys especially interesting from a tire standpoint, because the year spans four distinct models and four different bias-ply sizes rather than one shared fitment across the whole make. Three of those sizes mount on 17-inch wheels, while the 77 Series stands apart with a 16-inch rim diameter, so the first real step is identifying the exact model before narrowing down sidewall style or restoration intent. Once you confirm the model, choosing the correct size becomes much more straightforward.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1933 Willys
Four tire sizes are used across 1933 Willys vehicles, and they vary by model rather than being shared across the full range. Because all four sizes are bias-ply but they do not all share the same rim diameter, the key decision is confirming the correct model and wheel diameter first. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps match the tire to the right Willys.
Year(s): 1933|Fit(s): 4 Cyl.|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 17 in
500-17 is a numeric bias-ply size in which the leading number represents the nominal section width and the final number is the 17-inch rim diameter. Firestone offers this size in a Blackwall Dirt Track pattern, and the available tire carries a maximum load of 820 pounds at 32 psi with a listed rim width range of 4.00 to 5.00 inches. This size is specific to the 1933 Willys 4 Cyl. rather than the full Willys lineup, and it suits buyers looking for a specialty bias-ply fitment with an early-1930s character.
Year(s): 1933|Fit(s): 77 Series|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 16-in rim
5.75-16 is a numeric bias-ply size, with 5.75 indicating the nominal section width and 16 identifying the wheel diameter in inches. Product coverage in this size is part of the 1933 Willys fitment range, and the main point for buyers is that it stands apart from the 17-inch sizes used elsewhere in the make. This size is specific to the 1933 Willys 77 Series, so it should be chosen only after confirming that model and its 16-inch wheels.
Year(s): 1933|Fit(s): 99 Custom|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 17-in rim
6.00-17 is a numeric bias-ply size whose first number indicates nominal section width, while the 17 designates the rim diameter. Within the 1933 Willys range, this size serves as the larger 17-inch bias-ply fitment and is tied to a specific model rather than shared across the year and make. Buyers restoring a 1933 Willys 99 Custom should focus on this size first so the tire remains aligned with that model's original-era fitment approach.
Year(s): 1933|Fit(s): 99 Series|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 17 in
550-17 is a numeric bias-ply size, with the leading number indicating nominal section width and the 17 identifying the wheel diameter. BFGoodrich offers this size in Blackwall, Wide Whitewall, and Double-Whitewall versions, giving the 99 Series the broadest sidewall-style selection within the 1933 Willys range. This size is specific to the 1933 Willys 99 Series, and it is the clearest choice for buyers balancing correct model fitment with the option to tailor the car's finished look.
Four 1933 Willys models are covered here, and tire size changes by model rather than staying uniform across the make. That means year and make alone are not enough for tire selection on a 1933 Willys; the exact model determines both the size and, in one case, the rim diameter. Select a model below to narrow the fitment history and see the tires that apply to that specific car.
1933 Willys 4 Cyl.
The 1933 Willys 4 Cyl. reflects Willys' role as a builder of compact, economical transportation during a difficult market period. Its tires mount on 17-inch wheels, and the model uses its own distinct 500-17 size rather than sharing fitment with the rest of the 1933 Willys range.
The 77 Series sat as one of Willys' core passenger-car offerings and carried a more substantial identity than the basic four-cylinder entry. Its tires mount on 16-inch wheels, making it the outlier in the 1933 Willys lineup and an important model to identify correctly before choosing a tire.
The 99 Custom represented a more upscale Willys offering for buyers who wanted added distinction within the brand's compact pre-war lineup. It uses 17-inch wheels with a 6.00-17 bias-ply size, giving it a model-specific fitment separate from both the 4 Cyl. and the standard 99 Series.
The 99 Series shared Willys' pre-war character but occupied its own place in the range, distinct from the better-trimmed Custom variant. Its tires mount on 17-inch wheels and use the 550-17 size, with multiple sidewall treatments available for owners who want to shape the car's finished appearance.
Associated Tire Sizes:
550-17 — bias-ply, blackwall or whitewall appearance
Four products are available across four tire sizes for 1933 Willys vehicles. The 500-17 size includes one Firestone bias-ply Blackwall tire, while 550-17 includes three BFGoodrich bias-ply options in Blackwall, Wide Whitewall, and Double-Whitewall styles.
These FAQs sort out which 1933 Willys models use which sizes, how early numeric bias-ply sizing reads, and what to check for restoration appearance, wheel compatibility, storage, and road use before putting miles on a pre-war Willys.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1933 Willys vehicles?
1933 Willys vehicles use four different tire sizes across four models: 500-17 for the 1933 Willys 4 Cyl., 5.75-16 for the 1933 Willys 77 Series, 6.00-17 for the 1933 Willys 99 Custom, and 550-17 for the 1933 Willys 99 Series. Three of those sizes mount on 17-inch wheels, while the 77 Series uses a 16-inch wheel. A listed rim width range is available for 500-17 at 4.00 to 5.00 inches.
That spread means a 1933 Willys owner should identify the exact model before choosing a tire, because year and make alone do not narrow the fitment enough. If you have a 17-inch Willys wheel, there are still three different model-specific sizes in play, so wheel diameter by itself is only the first checkpoint.
What does 500-17 mean on a 1933 Willys tire?
On a 1933 Willys tire, 500-17 is an early numeric bias-ply size. The 500 portion represents a nominal section width of roughly 5.00 inches in period sizing language, and the 17 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1933 Willys range, that size belongs to the 4 Cyl. model and mounts on a 17-inch wheel.
That older numbering system is very different from modern metric sizing, so it is best read as an era-correct tire designation rather than a modern dimensional formula. If your 1933 Willys sidewall or wheel references 500-17, the next step is to confirm you are working with the 4 Cyl. model and a wheel that falls within the tire's listed fitment range.
Do all 1933 Willys models use the same tire size?
No, 1933 Willys models do not share one universal tire size. The 4 Cyl. uses 500-17, the 77 Series uses 5.75-16, the 99 Custom uses 6.00-17, and the 99 Series uses 550-17. All four are bias-ply fitments, but the model determines the exact size and, in the case of the 77 Series, the rim diameter as well.
That matters because many pre-war cars look similar at a glance, especially if a car has been restored, modified, or separated from its original paperwork over the years. Before choosing tires for a 1933 Willys, verify the model identification and check the actual wheel diameter so you do not mistake one 17-inch Willys application for another.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 1933 Willys tires?
1933 Willys sidewall choices vary by size. The 500-17 fitment currently appears as a Blackwall Firestone Dirt Track tire, while the 550-17 fitment for the 99 Series is available from BFGoodrich in Blackwall, Wide Whitewall, and Double-Whitewall versions. That makes 550-17 the size with the broadest appearance range among the current 1933 Willys offerings.
For a pre-war Willys, sidewall treatment changes the car's visual character even when the size stays correct. Blackwalls tend to suit a simpler or more utilitarian presentation, while whitewall styles create a dressier period look. If appearance matters as much as fitment, start with the correct model and size first, then decide which sidewall treatment best matches the restoration you are building.
What brands make tires for 1933 Willys vehicles?
Two brands appear in the current 1933 Willys product range: Firestone and BFGoodrich. Firestone covers the 500-17 size with a Dirt Track ribbed-front design, while BFGoodrich covers 550-17 with Silvertown Classic Bias Ply tires in multiple sidewall styles. Each brand is tied to a specific size rather than spanning the full 1933 Willys lineup.
That means brand choice is closely tied to the model you own, not just personal preference. A 1933 Willys 99 Series owner can compare several BFGoodrich visual treatments within the same size, while a 4 Cyl. owner looking at 500-17 is selecting a Firestone specialty bias-ply offering intended for a very different character and use case.
What is the difference between the BFGoodrich 550-17 options for a 1933 Willys?
The BFGoodrich 550-17 tires offered for a 1933 Willys 99 Series share the same basic size, bias-ply construction, 17-inch rim diameter, and Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series. The main difference is sidewall treatment: one is Blackwall, one is a 3.25-inch Wide Whitewall, and one is a 3.25-inch Double-Whitewall. Each version is listed at the same 18-pound weight.
For a 1933 Willys owner, that makes the decision mostly visual rather than structural within this size. If your goal is a restrained period look, the Blackwall version keeps the appearance simple. If you want the 99 Series to present as a more dressed-up pre-war car, the whitewall versions change the profile of the car without changing the basic 550-17 fitment.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1933 Willys tires require?
A published rim width range is available for the 500-17 tire used on the 1933 Willys 4 Cyl., and that tire is listed for 4.00- to 5.00-inch rims on a 17-inch wheel. The other 1933 Willys sizes shown here are identified by their correct tire and rim diameters, but the same style of width range is not shown for every application.
Rim width matters because the same nominal tire size can behave differently if mounted on a wheel that is too narrow or too wide. On a pre-war 1933 Willys, it is wise to measure the actual wheel before ordering, especially if the car has changed hands several times or if replacement wheels may have entered the picture during an older restoration.
Do 1933 Willys tires require inner tubes?
1933 Willys tires are early bias-ply applications, and the products shown here do not carry a tubeless marking in the listed size descriptions. On pre-war wheels, that generally points owners toward careful confirmation of tube requirements against the specific tire and wheel combination rather than assuming every tire in the size will be handled the same way.
The practical step is to check the sidewall marking on the exact tire you are considering and inspect the wheel itself for condition and construction. Tube use on a 1933 Willys is often influenced as much by the original-style wheel as by the nominal tire size, so confirming both together is more useful than treating the size code alone as the answer.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1933 Willys when the tires are fitted?
A 1933 Willys should be stored in a cool, dry space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, welders, battery chargers, and other ozone sources that accelerate sidewall cracking. Because these are bias-ply applications, long stationary periods can also encourage flat-spotting more readily than many later radial designs. Clean floors and stable temperatures help preserve both the rubber and the wheel finish.
If the car will sit for months at a time, keep the tires properly inflated and move the car occasionally to change the contact patch. Some owners also use stands for long-term storage, but the goal is not to leave the suspension hanging awkwardly. A pre-war Willys benefits from the same careful storage routine as any collector car: dry, dark, and free from avoidable stress.
How long do tires on a 1933 Willys typically last?
Tires on a 1933 Willys are usually judged more by age and condition than by mileage, because collector cars often accumulate relatively few miles each year. A good rule is to begin evaluating them closely once they reach the five- to seven-year range and to treat roughly ten years as a strong point for replacement consideration, regardless of tread depth. The DOT date code is the starting point for that timeline on modern reproduction tires.
That approach matters on a 1933 Willys because a tire can still look usable at a glance while the rubber has hardened internally with time. If the car is driven infrequently, do not assume low mileage means long remaining life. Sidewall condition, storage history, and age all deserve more weight than odometer readings when deciding whether the tires should stay in service.
How often should tires on a 1933 Willys be inspected?
Tires on a 1933 Willys should be inspected before every drive, and they deserve another close look before any longer outing. Check for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, embedded debris, and pressure loss. If your particular tire-and-wheel setup uses tubes, the valve stems and any signs of tube-related leakage should be part of the routine inspection as well.
A brief inspection is especially important on a pre-war car because age-related issues can show up long before tread wear becomes obvious. It is also smart to inspect the spare so it is serviceable if needed. Catching a pressure problem or a cracked sidewall in the garage is far preferable to learning about it after the 1933 Willys is already out on the road.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1933 Willys 4 Cyl.?
A 1933 Willys 4 Cyl. used a 500-17 bias-ply fitment, which aligns with the construction type expected for an early-1930s American car. Bias-ply construction was standard practice in that period, and the 500-17 size fits the model-specific approach Willys used across its 1933 range. Original-equipment brand choice could vary by market and surviving records, so size and construction are the first authenticity checkpoints.
For restoration work, getting the 500-17 size and bias-ply construction right will usually matter more than chasing a brand assumption that cannot be verified from the car itself. If the goal is a highly exact restoration, compare the car against period photos, surviving paperwork, and Willys marque specialists so sidewall treatment and presentation match the way your specific car would have been delivered.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1933 Willys?
Correct tire fitment does matter when showing a 1933 Willys, especially in restoration classes that judge authenticity closely. Size, construction type, and sidewall appearance all contribute to whether the car looks faithful to its era. A wrong diameter, a size tied to a different Willys model, or a modern-looking presentation can all distract from an otherwise accurate pre-war restoration.
That does not mean every event applies the same standard, because local shows are often more relaxed than formal judging. Still, choosing the proper model-specific size is the foundation. If your 1933 Willys is being prepared for marque judging or concours-style review, check the event rulebook and speak with Willys enthusiasts so your tire choice matches the expectations of that specific venue.
What is the difference between the BFGoodrich 550-17 Blackwall and whitewall tires for the 1933 Willys?
For the 1933 Willys 99 Series, the BFGoodrich 550-17 Blackwall, 3.25-inch Wide Whitewall, and 3.25-inch Double-Whitewall versions all share the same basic size, series, construction, and listed weight. The real distinction is visual presentation at the sidewall. Each remains a bias-ply 17-inch tire intended for the same model-specific fitment.
That makes them useful for different restoration directions without changing the fundamental tire size. A Blackwall can support a more restrained or businesslike pre-war look, while the whitewall versions add a dressier appearance that many owners prefer on a more finished passenger-car restoration. If show authenticity is the goal, match the sidewall style to the character and judging standard of the particular 1933 Willys you are restoring.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1933 Willys tires safe for highway driving?
1933 Willys tires can be suitable for road use when they are in good condition, correctly fitted, and used within the limits of their construction and any stated ratings. The listed 500-17 Firestone tire includes a maximum load figure of 820 pounds at 32 psi, but the products shown here do not present a broad range of modern speed-letter ratings. On a car of this age, tire condition and proper setup are only part of the safety picture.
A 1933 Willys is a pre-war automobile, so brakes, steering, suspension, wheel condition, and overall mechanical soundness may be more limiting than the tire itself at ordinary road speeds. Highway use should be approached with the vehicle's age in mind. If the car feels unsettled, wanders, or has old chassis components, solve those issues before treating the tire choice alone as the answer.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1933 Willys tires?
Inflation pressure on a 1933 Willys should be set by the combination of the vehicle's factory recommendations and the individual tire's rated limits. One listed 500-17 tire carries a maximum load of 820 pounds at 32 psi, but that figure is not a blanket inflation recommendation for every 1933 Willys size. The 5.75-16, 6.00-17, and 550-17 applications should be treated according to the specific tire selected.
The right way to handle pressure on a 1933 Willys is to start with the owner's manual or period service guidance for the car, then compare that information with the reproduction tire manufacturer's published guidance for the exact product. Avoid transferring a pressure figure from one size to another just because the cars are from the same year and make.
What should I check before taking a 1933 Willys on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1933 Willys, inspect each tire for cracking, cuts, bulges, tread separation, and pressure loss, and make sure the valve stems are sound. Check the spare as well, since an old spare is often forgotten until it is urgently needed. Wheels should also be examined for damage, and the tires should be matched to the correct model-specific size before the trip begins.
Tires are only one part of the pre-drive checklist on a pre-war Willys. Brake feel, steering play, wheel bearing condition, fluid levels, lighting, and cooling system health deserve attention too. A careful garage inspection makes long drives more enjoyable and reduces the chance that an avoidable tire or chassis issue will cut the outing short.
