1937 Chevrolet arrived at a pivotal moment for American motoring, offering buyers practical, affordable transportation with styling that felt more modern and streamlined than the early Depression years. The line balanced everyday usability with the kind of presence that still makes a Master or Deluxe appealing to restorers, tour-car owners, and prewar collectors today. Across the full 1937 Chevrolet range covered here, both models share one tire size, 600-16, so the choice is less about model-to-model fitment and more about selecting the right bias-ply look and sidewall treatment for how you want the car to present. Before choosing a tire, confirm your model and decide whether appearance or broader driving use is your first priority.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1937 Chevrolet
One tire size is available for 1937 Chevrolet vehicles here, and it is shared across both the Deluxe and Master. That means the main decision is not between different fitment sizes, but between the available bias-ply products, brands, and sidewall treatments offered in 600-16. Understanding that distinction first makes it much easier to narrow the right tire for your car and your intended use.
Year(s): 1937|Fit(s): Deluxe, Master|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 16 in
600-16 is a numeric bias-ply size, with the 600 indicating a nominal 6.00-inch section width class and the 16 indicating a 16-inch rim diameter. Brands available in this size include BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Avon, and Firestone, with blackwall and wide whitewall sidewall styles offered; load markings include 1400 pounds at 32 psi on several products, while some product details vary by brand. Buyers looking for a period-correct prewar feel, original-style stance, and traditional steering response will generally stay with this size because it is the shared fitment for both 1937 Chevrolet models covered here.
Two 1937 Chevrolet models are covered here. Both use the same 600-16 tire size, so fitment does not change between the Master and Deluxe, but buyer preference still can depending on whether the goal is a straightforward driver, a faithful restoration, or a more presentation-focused whitewall look. Select a model below to continue into model-specific fitment history and available tire options.
1937 Chevrolet Deluxe
The 1937 Chevrolet Deluxe represented the more upscale side of Chevrolet's lineup, with extra trim and a more dressed-up presentation that often makes sidewall appearance especially important during restoration. Its tires mount on 16-inch rims, and the shared 600-16 fitment keeps the focus on choosing the right bias-ply brand and sidewall style for the car's intended character.
The 1937 Chevrolet Master was Chevrolet's mainstream full-size offering, remembered for dependable prewar engineering and broad appeal among collectors who still drive their cars on local tours and events. Its tires also mount on 16-inch rims, so the same 600-16 size applies here, with the real choice centered on blackwall versus whitewall presentation within a traditional bias-ply construction.
Twenty-six products are available across one tire size for 1937 Chevrolet vehicles. In 600-16, 26 bias-ply options span BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Avon, and Firestone, with blackwall and wide whitewall sidewall styles, so it helps to confirm the appearance you want before choosing a tire.
The questions below focus on how the shared 600-16 size works across 1937 Chevrolet models, what that numeric bias-ply code means, how sidewall style affects authenticity, and what prewar owners should check before driving or storing the car.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1937 Chevrolet vehicles?
1937 Chevrolet Deluxe and 1937 Chevrolet Master models both use the same tire size here: 600-16. That size is a bias-ply fitment mounted on a 16-inch rim, and the products offered for it include rim width guidance of 4.00 to 4.50 inches on several listings. Because both models share the same size, there is no model-specific split between Deluxe and Master at this year-and-make level.
That shared sizing simplifies the search, but it does not mean every tire choice looks or presents the same. A blackwall 600-16 and a wide whitewall 600-16 can change the visual character of a 1937 Chevrolet substantially, especially on a restoration-minded car. Start by confirming that your wheels are 16-inch originals or equivalent 16-inch replacements, then choose the sidewall style and brand that fit your restoration goals.
What does 600-16 mean on a 1937 Chevrolet tire?
On a 1937 Chevrolet, 600-16 is a classic numeric bias-ply tire size. The 600 refers to a nominal 6.00-inch section width class, while the 16 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. It is an older American sizing convention used widely during the prewar period, and it does not read like a modern metric radial size because the construction and naming system are from a different era.
Understanding that code helps you avoid comparing it too literally with later P-metric or Euro-metric sizing. A 600-16 should be chosen as a reproduction or vintage-style bias-ply size for the correct type of 16-inch wheel, not as a modern numeric equivalent guessed from width alone. If you are matching a single replacement tire to an existing set, check that the remaining tires are the same 600-16 size and similar in overall style.
Do all 1937 Chevrolet models use the same tire size?
Yes. The 1937 Chevrolet models covered here, the Deluxe and Master, both use 600-16 tires. That means the basic size and 16-inch rim diameter remain consistent across both model lines, which is helpful for owners who know the year and make but are still sorting out the exact model or trim presentation of the car.
Where the decision does change is in how you want the finished car to look and feel within that common size. A Master set up as a driver may lean toward a straightforward blackwall presentation, while a Deluxe restoration may call for a whitewall treatment that better matches the car's upscale image. Once the size is confirmed, the remaining choice is mainly brand, sidewall style, and restoration intent.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 1937 Chevrolet tires?
1937 Chevrolet tires in 600-16 are available in blackwall and wide whitewall styles. Blackwall options appear from brands such as Coker Classic and Avon, while wide whitewall offerings are available from BFGoodrich and Firestone in the same size. All of them stay within the traditional bias-ply construction expected for a prewar Chevrolet, so the visual difference is more significant than any change in basic fitment.
That matters because sidewall style can strongly influence how authentic or era-appropriate a finished car appears. Many restoration-minded owners choose blackwalls for a more restrained factory-period look, while others prefer whitewalls for added presence, especially on more highly trimmed cars. If your Chevrolet will be judged, compare your chosen sidewall treatment against marque-club guidance and period photos before making the final call.
What brands make tires for 1937 Chevrolet vehicles?
1937 Chevrolet vehicles in 600-16 are served here by BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Avon, and Firestone. All are offered in bias-ply form for this size, but they differ in presentation, with some focused on blackwall styling and others on wide whitewall styling. That gives prewar Chevrolet owners several credible directions without changing the core 600-16 fitment.
Brand choice often comes down to the kind of car you are building and the look you want parked at the curb or on the show field. Some owners prioritize a traditional American-brand appearance, while others simply want the sidewall style and overall character that best matches the rest of the restoration. It is wise to compare the exact product sidewall, load marking, and wheel fit guidance rather than choosing by brand name alone.
What is the difference between BFGoodrich and Firestone 600-16 tires for a 1937 Chevrolet?
For a 1937 Chevrolet, both the BFGoodrich and Firestone 600-16 offerings shown here are bias-ply tires with wide whitewall styling, 16-inch rim diameter, a listed 1400-pound load capacity at 32 psi, and a 4.00 to 4.50-inch rim width range. The published difference between them in these listings is mainly the whitewall width and the listed tire weight, with the BFGoodrich shown as a 3.50-inch whitewall at 21 pounds and the Firestone as a 3.25-inch whitewall at 24 pounds.
That makes the choice primarily one of appearance and detail, not one of basic compatibility. A slightly different whitewall width can change the personality of a prewar Chevrolet more than many owners expect, especially when viewed against wheel color and trim. If you are trying to match an existing spare or a previous restoration, compare the whitewall dimension carefully before settling on one series or the other.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1937 Chevrolet tires require?
1937 Chevrolet tires in the 600-16 size use a 16-inch rim, and several products in this size specify a rim width range of 4.00 to 4.50 inches. That range applies to the listed 600-16 bias-ply products from multiple brands and provides a useful guide when checking original wheels or period-style replacements. Matching the tire to the correct rim width helps preserve the intended section shape and contact patch.
A rim that is too narrow or too wide can change how the tire sits, looks, and steers, even when the diameter is correct. Before mounting new tires, inspect the wheel size stamp if present and verify that any restored or replacement wheel still falls within the suitable width range for the 600-16 tire you plan to use. This is especially important on cars that may have had wheels swapped decades ago.
Do 1937 Chevrolet tires require inner tubes?
The 1937 Chevrolet 600-16 products shown here are bias-ply tires, but the tire listings do not all present tube information the same way in the size line itself. Because prewar Chevrolet wheels are commonly tube-type in practice, tube use should be confirmed against the exact wheel design, the tire's sidewall marking, and the specific product's construction details before installation. That is more reliable than assuming every 600-16 bias-ply tire will be set up the same way.
Owners should treat tube selection as part of the wheel-and-tire system rather than as an afterthought. If your car still wears original-style riveted or lock-ring-era wheel construction, or if the wheel's sealing condition is questionable after restoration, the tube question becomes even more important. Confirm the wheel condition, valve-stem style, and the chosen tire's intended setup before mounting, especially if the car will see touring use.
Can the original 1937 Chevrolet wheels be used with all 1937 Chevrolet tire options?
Original 1937 Chevrolet wheels can generally be used with the tire options covered here as long as they are the correct 16-inch wheels for the car and fall within the suitable rim width range used by the 600-16 products. Since both the Deluxe and Master share the same 600-16 sizing, there is no alternate rim diameter to sort through on this page. The key point is wheel condition and correct width, not model-specific diameter differences.
That makes wheel inspection especially worthwhile before mounting a fresh set. Check for bent flanges, corrosion around the bead area, prior repairs, and any mismatch between original and replacement wheels on the same car. A restored Chevrolet can have a mix of wheels accumulated over many years, so confirming that each wheel is suitable for the same 600-16 tire avoids uneven appearance and setup headaches once the tires are installed.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1937 Chevrolet when the tires are fitted?
A stored 1937 Chevrolet should be kept out of direct sunlight and away from ozone-producing equipment such as electric motors, battery chargers, and some shop compressors. The tires should rest on a clean, dry surface, and the car should be moved periodically or supported in a way that reduces long-term flat-spotting if it will sit for an extended period. Bias-ply tires are especially prone to temporary flat-spotting after storage compared with later radial designs.
Good storage habits help preserve both appearance and ride quality on a prewar Chevrolet that may only be driven seasonally. Keep the tires properly inflated, avoid parking for months on damp soil or bare concrete, and inspect sidewalls before the car returns to service. If the car is part of a long-term restoration, covering the tires from light exposure and rotating the wheel position occasionally can help them age more gracefully.
How long do tires on a 1937 Chevrolet typically last?
Tires on a 1937 Chevrolet usually age out before they wear out, especially on collector cars that see limited annual mileage. A sensible rule is to begin evaluating them closely once they are around five to seven years old and to consider replacement as they approach ten years, even if tread depth still looks acceptable. The date code on the tire remains one of the most useful age references, alongside visible cracking, hardening, or changes in ride quality.
That timeline matters more on an older Chevrolet because the car may spend long periods parked and then be asked to make a full-day tour or event run. A tire can look presentable in the garage and still be too old for confident road use. If you recently acquired the car and the age of the existing tires is unclear, checking date codes and sidewall condition should be one of the first maintenance steps.
How often should tires on a 1937 Chevrolet be inspected?
Tires on a 1937 Chevrolet should be inspected before every drive and again before any longer outing. Look for visible cracking, tread separation, embedded debris, bulges, irregular wear, and pressure loss, and pay extra attention to valve stems and the overall air-holding condition if the wheel-and-tire setup uses tubes. A prewar car that is driven infrequently can develop age-related issues even when mileage is low.
That routine becomes especially important if the car alternates between short local drives and occasional touring use. A quick walk-around catches problems early and helps prevent a cosmetic restoration issue from becoming a roadside one. Include the spare in the same inspection schedule, because an old spare on a 1937 Chevrolet may be the least-used but also the oldest tire on the car.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1937 Chevrolet Deluxe?
A 1937 Chevrolet Deluxe would originally have been associated with bias-ply tires in keeping with normal U.S. industry practice for the period, and the size used across the Deluxe and Master here is 600-16. That makes a 600-16 bias-ply tire the correct starting point for an owner trying to stay close to the car's original tire character. Original-equipment brand selection could vary by market and period supply, so construction type and size usually matter more than guessing at a single brand name.
For a serious restoration, the next level of authenticity is sidewall treatment and overall visual profile. Some owners prefer blackwalls for a restrained factory-era look, while others choose whitewalls to match the presentation they are restoring. If your goal is judged authenticity, compare your car against period photos, sales literature, and Chevrolet marque-club guidance before finalizing the exact sidewall appearance.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1937 Chevrolet?
Correct tire fitment matters on a 1937 Chevrolet because judges and experienced enthusiasts often notice size, construction type, and sidewall style immediately. A 600-16 bias-ply tire is in character for the year, while an obviously later construction or a sidewall treatment that does not suit the car's presentation can stand out even if the car otherwise looks well restored. Tire appearance is part of the overall visual language of a prewar Chevrolet.
That does not mean every event uses the same judging standard, but it does mean tire choice should be made intentionally. If the car is headed for formal concours or marque-based judging, verify whether the event expects blackwalls, allows whitewalls, or places special emphasis on reproduction-style construction. Matching the tire to the car's restoration philosophy avoids last-minute changes after the rest of the car is already finished.
What is the difference between blackwall and whitewall tires for a 1937 Chevrolet?
For a 1937 Chevrolet, the difference between blackwall and whitewall tires in 600-16 is primarily visual, since both styles are available in the same basic bias-ply size. Blackwall versions offer a simpler, more understated look, while wide whitewall versions add contrast and visual presence around the wheel opening. Both can be appropriate depending on the exact restoration direction and how the owner wants the car to present.
That distinction matters because a tire can either reinforce or distract from the way a prewar Chevrolet is trimmed and finished. A subtler blackwall often suits owners chasing a restrained period appearance, while a whitewall can complement a more upscale or show-oriented presentation. If originality is the priority, use period references and club standards to decide which sidewall treatment best matches your particular car.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1937 Chevrolet tires safe for highway driving?
1937 Chevrolet tires can be suitable for highway use when they are in good condition, correctly mounted, properly inflated, and used within their construction and speed capabilities. Among the 600-16 offerings here, an Avon 600H16 carries an H speed rating, which corresponds to 130 mph, while the other listed 600-16 products shown do not present a speed letter in the same way. On a prewar Chevrolet, the tire is often only one part of the highway-use conversation.
The larger limiting factors are usually the car's own age, braking performance, suspension condition, steering wear, and the realities of 1930s-era vehicle design. In normal collector-car use, those mechanical factors generally matter more than the upper speed ceiling printed on a reproduction tire. Highway confidence comes from the whole package: fresh tires, sound wheels, good alignment, and a Chevrolet that has been inspected for safe road use.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1937 Chevrolet tires?
Several 1937 Chevrolet 600-16 tires listed here show a maximum load capacity of 1400 pounds at 32 psi, while one Avon 600H16 lists a 1,433-pound maximum load figure. Those are tire rating references, not a blanket instruction that every 1937 Chevrolet should simply be set to the same pressure in all conditions. Factory operating pressure should be confirmed against Chevrolet literature, while the tire's own rating remains important when comparing reproduction products.
Pressure should be set with the car's actual use in mind and checked cold before driving. A lightly used collector Chevrolet that sits between outings can lose pressure gradually, and underinflation does more harm than many owners realize. If your car carries passengers, luggage, or touring gear more often than a show car does, revisit pressures more frequently and stay within the tire maker's rated limits for the exact product you are using.
What should I check before taking a 1937 Chevrolet on a longer drive?
Before taking a 1937 Chevrolet on a longer drive, inspect each tire for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and proper cold inflation, and make sure the valve stems and spare are in comparable condition. Confirm that each wheel is sound and that the tires have not aged past the point where appearance is better than actual roadworthiness. A long-drive check should also include basic roadworthiness items beyond the tires, such as brakes, steering response, and wheel-bearing condition.
That broader inspection matters because a prewar Chevrolet asks more of the owner than a modern car before a day trip or tour. Tires are one of the easiest systems to evaluate visually, but they should be considered alongside the rest of the chassis and not in isolation. If the car has been dormant for months, a short local test drive before the main outing is a smart way to catch pressure loss, vibration, or wheel-related issues early.