1942 Studebaker arrived at a pivotal moment, with South Bend offering cars that ranged from the economical Champion to the more substantial Commander and top-line President just as civilian auto production was about to give way to wartime priorities. That makes year-correct tire selection especially important, because the lineup was broad in character and did not share one universal fitment. Across three models, 1942 Studebaker uses three different bias-ply sizes, with both rim diameter and section size changing by model rather than simply offering alternate constructions of the same fitment. Before choosing a tire for a 1942 Studebaker, the first step is confirming whether you have a Champion, Commander, or President.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1942 Studebaker
Three tire sizes are used across 1942 Studebaker vehicles, and they vary by model rather than being shared across the full range. The real decision starts with identifying the correct model, because these sizes do not all use the same rim diameter. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps match the tire to the right car.
Year(s): 1942|Fit(s): Champion|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 16 in
550-16 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 5.50 represents the nominal section width and 16 is the wheel diameter in inches. This Champion-specific size is available from Excelsior, Avon, BFGoodrich, and Firestone in blackwall and wide whitewall styles, with load figures listed on some products including 992 lbs and 840 lbs at 32 psi. Choose this size if you are fitting a 1942 Studebaker Champion and want the period-correct look and ride character of a bias-ply tire.
Year(s): 1942|Fit(s): Commander|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 16-in rim
6.25-16 is a numeric bias-ply size where 6.25 identifies the nominal section width and 16 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. This size is specific to the 1942 Studebaker Commander, preserving the larger 16-inch fitment that sits between the Champion and President in the range. Choose this size when you are matching a Commander to its correct bias-ply fitment rather than trying to adapt another Studebaker model's tire size.
Year(s): 1942|Fit(s): President|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 15 in
700-15 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 7.00 is the nominal section width and 15 is the wheel diameter in inches. This President-specific size is available from Firestone, BFGoodrich, and STA in blackwall and wide whitewall styles, with listed load figures up to 1700 lbs at 32 psi on several products. Choose this size if you are fitting a 1942 Studebaker President and want the fuller, era-correct bias-ply profile associated with larger upper-line prewar cars.
Three 1942 Studebaker models are covered here: Champion, Commander, and President. They do not share the same tire size, so identifying the model matters before moving on to a tire choice, since Studebaker used different section sizes and even different rim diameters across the lineup. Select a model below to narrow your fitment history and see the tires that apply to that specific car.
1942 Studebaker Champion
The 1942 Studebaker Champion was the make's lighter, more economical offering, known for efficient design and broad appeal during the final prewar production run. Its tires mount on 16-inch wheels, and that smaller numeric bias-ply fitment suits a restoration that stays true to the Champion's practical character.
The 1942 Studebaker Commander occupied the middle of the line, giving buyers a step up in size and presence from the Champion without reaching President territory. Its tires also mount on 16-inch wheels, but the Commander uses its own larger size rather than sharing the Champion fitment.
The 1942 Studebaker President was the senior passenger car in the range, reflecting the fuller proportions and upscale look expected of a top-line prewar Studebaker. Its tires mount on 15-inch wheels, making it distinct from the Champion and Commander and requiring attention to the correct model before choosing a replacement tire.
Ten products are available across three tire sizes for 1942 Studebaker vehicles. The 550-16 size includes four bias-ply options from Excelsior, Avon, BFGoodrich, and Firestone in blackwall and wide whitewall styles, while 700-15 includes four bias-ply choices from Firestone, BFGoodrich, and STA in blackwall and wide whitewall styles.
These answers cover the three model-specific tire sizes used across 1942 Studebaker cars, how numeric bias-ply sizing works, what sidewall choices exist in the available products, and what to inspect on a collector car that may spend long periods parked.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1942 Studebaker vehicles?
1942 Studebaker vehicles use three different tire sizes depending on model. The Champion uses 550-16, the Commander uses 6.25-16, and the President uses 700-15. The Champion and Commander both use 16-inch rims, while the President uses a 15-inch rim. Where rim-width guidance appears in the available products, 550-16 fits 3.25- to 4.00-inch rims and 700-15 fits 5.00- to 5.50-inch rims.
That means year and make alone are not enough to choose a tire for a 1942 Studebaker. Start by confirming the model on the car, then confirm the wheel diameter already fitted before moving on to sidewall style or brand. On a restoration with mixed parts or replacement wheels, checking the actual wheel is the safest way to avoid ordering a tire that belongs to another model in the Studebaker range.
What does 550-16 mean on a 1942 Studebaker tire?
On a 1942 Studebaker, 550-16 is a numeric bias-ply tire size. The 5.50 refers to the nominal section width in inches, and the 16 refers to the wheel diameter in inches. It is not a modern metric radial code, and it does not indicate an aspect ratio the way a current passenger-car tire size would. For 1942 Studebaker fitment, this size belongs to the Champion.
Understanding that older numeric code helps keep period fitment straight, especially when a car has changed hands several times. A 550-16 tire carries the visual proportions and construction style expected on an early-1940s economy-to-midrange American car. If your Champion is being restored for authenticity, staying with the correct numeric bias-ply size preserves the stance and sidewall profile associated with the model.
Do all 1942 Studebaker models use the same tire size?
No, 1942 Studebaker models do not use the same tire size. The Champion uses 550-16, the Commander uses 6.25-16, and the President uses 700-15. Even though Champion and Commander both use 16-inch rims, they still do not share one tire size, and the President changes to a 15-inch rim altogether.
That difference reflects Studebaker's tiered lineup, with each model carrying its own proportions and road presence. It also means a tire that looks close at a glance may still be wrong for the car. If you are unsure whether your car is a Champion, Commander, or President, confirm the model first and then compare the wheel diameter before choosing among available blackwall or whitewall options.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 1942 Studebaker tires?
Available 1942 Studebaker tires include both blackwall and wide whitewall styles, depending on size. In 550-16 for the Champion, blackwall and wide whitewall options are offered. In 700-15 for the President, blackwall and wide whitewall choices are also offered. Those sidewall styles suit the prewar American market, where whitewalls were a familiar upscale visual cue and blackwalls remained a straightforward, era-appropriate choice.
The right sidewall style depends less on fitment than on the look you want the finished car to present. A blackwall usually gives a simpler, more utilitarian appearance, while a wide whitewall leans into formal prewar styling and show presentation. If your goal is judged authenticity, compare the finished look with period photos, sales literature, and marque-club guidance for your specific 1942 Studebaker model.
What brands make tires for 1942 Studebaker vehicles?
Several brands offer tires for 1942 Studebaker applications. In 550-16, available brands include Excelsior, Avon, BFGoodrich, and Firestone. In 700-15, available brands include Firestone, BFGoodrich, and STA. All of the listed options are bias-ply products, which is appropriate for a 1942 Studebaker's original-era construction and appearance.
Brand choice usually comes down to the combination of sidewall look, series styling, and the exact size your model requires. A Champion owner may have a broader brand mix in 550-16, while a President owner can compare Firestone, BFGoodrich, and STA offerings in 700-15. Once the model and size are settled, compare the available sidewall treatments and any listed rim-width or load information to narrow the best match for your goals.
What is the difference between Firestone and BFGoodrich 700-15 tires for the 1942 Studebaker?
For the 1942 Studebaker President in 700-15, Firestone and BFGoodrich both offer classic bias-ply tires with wide whitewall versions, and both list a maximum load capacity of 1700 lbs at 32 psi. The Firestone blackwall weighs 26 lbs, the Firestone 4.125-inch whitewall weighs 29 lbs, and the BFGoodrich 4.125-inch whitewall weighs 28 lbs. Both brands list a 15-inch rim diameter and a 5.00- to 5.50-inch rim-width range where that specification is provided.
The practical distinction is mostly visual and brand preference rather than a major fitment difference. If you want a whitewall President tire with closely comparable load and wheel requirements, either brand stays in the correct bias-ply category for the car. Compare the exact sidewall look you prefer and confirm your wheel width before choosing, especially if the car has replacement rims from an earlier restoration.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1942 Studebaker tires require?
Available rim-width guidance for 1942 Studebaker tires varies by size. In 550-16, the listed range is 3.25 to 4.00 inches. In 700-15, the listed range is 5.00 to 5.50 inches. Those ranges are tied to the specific tire size, so they should not be transferred from one Studebaker model to another just because the cars are from the same year.
Wheel width matters because it affects how the tire sits on the rim, how the tread presents on the road, and whether the sidewall keeps its intended shape. Before fitting a new tire to a 1942 Studebaker, measure the actual wheel or confirm it against a known correct wheel for the model. That is especially important on cars that may have had wheels swapped over the decades.
Do 1942 Studebaker tires require inner tubes?
The available 1942 Studebaker products are bias-ply tires, and the size markings shown here do not carry TL or TT designations. On collector cars from this era, inner-tube use often depends on the wheel design and the exact tire specification rather than the year alone. A prewar Studebaker running original-style wheels commonly needs closer attention to tube compatibility and valve-stem condition than a later tubeless-era vehicle.
The safest approach is to confirm the wheel type on your specific car and then match that with the sidewall marking and recommendations for the exact tire you are considering. If the wheel is an original riveted or otherwise non-tubeless design, tube fitment becomes part of the setup rather than an afterthought. Tube, flap, and valve-stem details should be checked before final installation, not after the tire is mounted.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1942 Studebaker when the tires are fitted?
A stored 1942 Studebaker should be kept in a cool, dry, dark space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, welders, furnaces, and other ozone-producing equipment. Bias-ply tires are especially prone to flat-spotting and cosmetic sidewall aging when a collector car sits in one position for long periods. Clean, stable conditions do more to preserve the rubber than frequent dressing or shine products.
If the car will sit for months, slightly increasing attention to support and movement helps. Rolling the car periodically can reduce long-term set in the carcass, and some owners use stands or cradles to ease static load during extended storage. Keep the tires properly inflated while stored, and inspect them before the car returns to regular driving after a long dormant period.
How long do tires on a 1942 Studebaker typically last?
Tires on a 1942 Studebaker should be judged more by age than by mileage. Collector cars often accumulate relatively few miles, but the rubber, cords, and inner components still age over time. A good rule is to evaluate tires closely once they reach about five to seven years of age and to treat the ten-year mark as a serious replacement consideration, regardless of tread depth.
The date code on the tire is the best starting point for that conversation. Even a Studebaker that is driven only to shows or local events can be riding on old rubber that looks presentable but has begun to harden or crack internally. If ride quality changes, pressure retention worsens, or the sidewalls show visible age, replacement should move higher on the priority list.
How often should tires on a 1942 Studebaker be inspected?
Tires on a 1942 Studebaker should be inspected before every drive and again before any longer outing. Look for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, irregular wear, low pressure, and signs that the car has been sitting on one spot long enough to create a noticeable flat area. On an older collector car, valve stems and any tube-related components deserve the same attention as the tread and sidewalls.
A quick walk-around is usually enough to catch problems before they become roadside issues. For a car that sees intermittent use, inspection matters even more because time, storage, and age often create trouble faster than mileage does. If the spare is still part of your touring plan, inspect it too, since an untouched old spare may be less roadworthy than the four tires on the car.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1942 Studebaker Champion?
A 1942 Studebaker Champion would have been fitted in period with a bias-ply tire, not a modern radial, and the size used for the model is 550-16. That aligns with normal early-1940s American passenger-car practice, when bias-ply construction was standard equipment across the market. The exact original brand could vary by production arrangements and market, so the most important authenticity markers are the correct size, construction type, and sidewall presentation.
For a faithful restoration, start with the Champion's proper 550-16 size and then decide whether blackwall or whitewall better matches the car's intended presentation. Factory literature, period photography, and Studebaker marque specialists are the best places to verify how a specific body style or destination market was commonly equipped. Those sources can help you fine-tune the look without drifting into a size that belongs to another 1942 Studebaker model.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1942 Studebaker?
Correct tire fitment matters on a 1942 Studebaker because judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts often notice size, construction, and sidewall style immediately. A Champion wearing a President-size tire, or a President on a visibly incorrect wheel diameter, changes the car's stance and can undermine an otherwise careful restoration. On prewar and immediate wartime-era American cars, bias-ply construction is also part of the authentic appearance.
The closer the event is to concours or marque judging, the more those details count. Even when formal rules differ from club to club, tire size and sidewall treatment are among the easiest authenticity cues to assess from a few feet away. Before a judged event, compare your tire choice with period photos and check with Studebaker club resources so the final presentation supports the model's proper visual identity.
What is the difference between blackwall and whitewall tires for the 1942 Studebaker?
For a 1942 Studebaker, the difference between blackwall and whitewall tires is primarily visual, but it carries authenticity implications as well. Available products in 550-16 and 700-15 include both blackwall and wide whitewall versions, all within the correct bias-ply construction family for the era. Blackwalls give a plainer, more restrained appearance, while whitewalls add the dressier look many buyers associate with upper-trim prewar American cars.
Choosing between them depends on how your Studebaker is being presented. A touring restoration may lean one way for simplicity, while a formal show car may benefit from the broader visual presence of a whitewall if that matches period expectations for the model. The key is not to assume one style fits every 1942 Studebaker equally well; period photography and marque guidance are the best tie-breakers.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1942 Studebaker tires safe for highway driving?
Bias-ply tires in the correct sizes can be suitable for normal highway use on a properly maintained 1942 Studebaker, provided the tires are in sound condition and matched to the car's correct model and wheels. The available products shown here do not list modern passenger speed letters, so the focus should be on correct fitment, inflation, age, and condition rather than chasing a speed category. On a car of this era, braking, steering, suspension condition, and overall mechanical health usually matter as much as the tire itself.
The practical takeaway is to drive within the car's period capabilities and avoid treating a 1942 Studebaker like a modern interstate cruiser. A fresh, properly fitted bias-ply tire on a well-sorted car is a very different experience from an old, hardened tire on a neglected chassis. Before regular highway use, make sure the tires, alignment, wheel condition, and basic running gear are all working together as a system.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1942 Studebaker tires?
Inflation pressure for a 1942 Studebaker should be set by the specific tire size, the vehicle's original recommendations, and the exact tire's rated information. Among the available products, some 550-16 and 700-15 tires list maximum load figures at 32 psi, including 840 lbs at 32 psi, 1700 lbs at 32 psi, and 992 lbs on one 550-16 product. Those are tire ratings, not blanket running-pressure instructions for every 1942 Studebaker application.
Use the vehicle's original manual or marque references for the baseline pressure appropriate to the model, then compare that against the tire manufacturer's published limits for the exact product you select. Do not copy a pressure from a President tire to a Champion or from one brand's casing to another. Correct inflation is one of the simplest ways to improve ride, wear, and steering feel on a vintage Studebaker.
What should I check before taking a 1942 Studebaker on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1942 Studebaker, inspect each tire for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and proper inflation, and make sure the spare is equally serviceable. On an older bias-ply setup, also pay attention to valve stems and any tube-related service items if your wheel and tire combination requires them. Tire condition is only one part of the picture, but it is one of the quickest checks you can make before heading out.
A longer trip is also the right time to think beyond the tires. Wheel fasteners, brake performance, steering response, fluid levels, and basic electrical reliability all matter more on a 1942 car than they would on a modern daily driver. Treat the pre-drive inspection as a system check, with the tires serving as one visible indicator of whether the rest of the car is ready for sustained road use.
