1946 Chevrolet Tire Fitment Guide

1946 Chevrolet vehicles covered here use one tire size: 600-16. That size fits the 1946 Chevrolet 6 Cyl. model core and mounts on a 16-inch rim. Where rim-width guidance is listed for this size, it falls in the 4.00- to 4.50-inch range, which is the key wheel measurement to confirm alongside the rim diameter.

That makes 1946 Chevrolet fitment much simpler than many later year-and-make combinations, because you are not deciding between multiple diameters or model-specific sizes. The practical next step is verifying that your wheels are true 16-inch rims in the proper width range and then choosing the version of 600-16 that best matches your restoration goals, whether that means blackwall or wide whitewall styling.

On a 1946 Chevrolet tire, 600-16 is a numeric bias-ply size. The "600" identifies the tire's nominal section width in the older numeric system, and the "16" identifies the wheel diameter in inches. Unlike modern metric radial sizing, it does not spell out an aspect ratio, and the construction is bias-ply rather than radial.

That older sizing format is exactly what many postwar American cars used, so it looks appropriate on a 1946 Chevrolet in a way that a modern metric code does not. If you are comparing products within 600-16, pay attention to sidewall style, construction details, and wheel-width compatibility rather than expecting the number to work like a modern P-metric size description.

Yes, the 1946 Chevrolet model core covered here uses the same tire size across the range: 600-16. There is no alternate size split by model in this year-and-make grouping, so the fitment path starts from one common size rather than from several model-specific options.

That shared fitment means your decision is mostly about tire style and intended use rather than sorting out multiple factory diameters. Owners restoring a stock-looking sedan or coupe may focus on sidewall appearance first, while owners building a dependable road car may look more closely at the individual product's specification details within the same 600-16 size.

1946 Chevrolet tires in 600-16 are available in both blackwall and wide whitewall styles. Blackwall choices appear from Coker Classic and Avon in this size, while wide whitewall options are offered by BFGoodrich and Firestone. All of these options remain within the same basic 600-16 bias-ply fitment.

Sidewall style changes the car's visual character more than its fitment. A blackwall usually suits a restrained, practical postwar look, while a wide whitewall delivers a more dressed-up period appearance that many restorers want on a finished collector Chevrolet. Choosing the correct look for your build often matters as much as choosing the correct size.

Several brands offer 600-16 tires for 1946 Chevrolet vehicles, including BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Firestone, and Avon. Each brand stays within the same basic size and 16-inch rim diameter, but they differ in series, sidewall presentation, and some specification details tied to the individual tire.

That variety gives a 1946 Chevrolet owner room to choose by look and intended use without changing size. A buyer trying to match a traditional American postwar appearance may lean toward the domestic heritage brands and their classic sidewall treatments, while another owner may compare individual series features more closely before settling on the right 600-16 tire.

BFGoodrich and Firestone both offer 600-16 bias-ply tires for 1946 Chevrolet with wide whitewall styling, 16-inch rim diameter, a listed 4.00- to 4.50-inch rim-width range, and a maximum load figure of 1400 pounds at 32 psi. One visible difference is whitewall width: the BFGoodrich uses a 3.50-inch whitewall, while the Firestone uses a 3.25-inch whitewall. Their listed weights also differ, with the BFGoodrich at 21 pounds and the Firestone at 24 pounds.

For most buyers, the deciding factor will be appearance first and small specification differences second. If you are trying to match a particular whitewall proportion on a 1946 Chevrolet, that sidewall width difference can matter quite a bit visually even though the basic fitment remains the same. It is worth comparing wheel width, desired stance, and overall restoration style before choosing between them.

For 1946 Chevrolet tires in size 600-16, the listed rim-width range is 4.00 to 4.50 inches on the products where that specification appears. The rim diameter is 16 inches, so both the wheel diameter and the wheel width should be checked before finalizing a tire choice.

Original wheels on collector cars are sometimes swapped, widened, or replaced over the decades, so it is smart to measure the actual wheel rather than rely on memory or trim-level assumptions. Matching the tire to the proper rim-width range helps preserve the intended profile and keeps the car closer to the way a 1946 Chevrolet should sit and steer on bias-ply tires.

Tube requirements vary by product details and by the wheel you are using, so a 1946 Chevrolet owner should confirm the specific tire's sidewall marking and the condition and design of the wheel before installation. The available 600-16 offerings shown here do not all spell out the same tube designation directly in the size line, which makes product-level verification especially important.

That matters because many original postwar wheels were built in an era when tube use was common, and wheel condition can be just as important as the tire itself. If your 1946 Chevrolet still uses original-style steel wheels, inspect the rim carefully and confirm the proper valve-stem and tube setup with the installer instead of assuming every 600-16 tire will be treated the same way.

A 1946 Chevrolet should be stored away from direct sunlight, standing moisture, and ozone-producing equipment such as electric motors, battery tenders with poor shielding, furnaces, or compressors. Keep the tires properly inflated, park on a clean surface, and move the car periodically or support it in a way that reduces long-term static loading. Bias-ply tires are especially prone to flat-spotting if they sit in one position for extended periods.

Good storage habits protect both appearance and drivability. On a postwar Chevrolet that may spend long stretches parked between events, careful storage helps prevent sidewall cracking, casing stress, and the rough first miles that come from a heavily flat-spotted bias-ply tire. Even a beautifully restored car benefits from regular movement and a stable garage environment.

Tires on a 1946 Chevrolet should be judged more by age and condition than by mileage, because many collector cars accumulate very few miles each year. A useful rule is to inspect them closely every season, evaluate them carefully once they reach the 5- to 7-year range, and treat around 10 years as the point where replacement deserves serious consideration regardless of tread depth. The DOT date code is the quickest way to establish age on a modern reproduction tire.

That approach matters because an older bias-ply tire can look presentable yet still harden, crack, or lose reliability with time. If your 1946 Chevrolet is driven only to local shows, it is easy to overlook aging simply because the tread still looks fresh. Age-based replacement thinking is a much safer standard than waiting for visible wear alone.

Tires on a 1946 Chevrolet should be inspected before every drive and again before any longer outing. Look for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, embedded debris, unusual tread wear, and any sign that the tire is losing air. On older wheels and vintage-style assemblies, the valve stems and overall wheel condition deserve the same level of attention.

That quick walkaround is one of the best habits a collector-car owner can develop. A 1946 Chevrolet may spend weeks parked and then head out for a parade, cruise, or weekend drive, which means small problems can go unnoticed between uses. Frequent checks reduce the chance of finding a preventable issue only after you are already on the road.

A 1946 Chevrolet 6 Cyl. would have been fitted in the bias-ply era, and the correct size for the model core covered here is 600-16. That makes a bias-ply tire the appropriate construction type for an owner aiming to stay close to how a postwar Chevrolet would have appeared and driven when new. Sidewall treatment could vary by market, trim presentation, or owner preference, so the broad original-equipment baseline is size and construction first.

For a judged restoration, the most important starting points are matching the 600-16 size and using a bias-ply construction that suits the car's period character. If you are trying to pin down the exact sidewall style for a specific body style or sales district, a Chevrolet marque club, factory literature, or period photography is the right next step before making the final choice.

Correct tire fitment matters a great deal when showing a 1946 Chevrolet because judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts notice size, construction type, and sidewall style immediately. A proper 600-16 bias-ply tire supports the visual stance and period character expected of a postwar Chevrolet, while an obviously modern-looking alternative can stand out quickly on an originality-focused car.

That does not mean every event applies the same standard, but it does mean tire choice should match your restoration goal. If the car is headed to concours or marque-specific judging, confirm what the event expects for sidewall appearance and overall presentation. If the car is mainly for touring and local shows, you may have more flexibility while still keeping the size and general era-correct look intact.

Blackwall and whitewall 600-16 tires for the 1946 Chevrolet share the same basic fitment, construction type, and 16-inch wheel diameter, but they create very different visual results. Blackwall versions are available in this size, and wide whitewall versions are as well, including whitewall widths such as 3.25 inches and 3.50 inches on specific offerings. The difference is mostly in period appearance rather than in the core size itself.

That choice becomes important once the rest of the car's presentation is considered. A blackwall can suit a restrained, businesslike postwar Chevrolet, while a wide whitewall tends to emphasize brightwork and a more formal restored look. If authenticity is the priority, compare your car to period photos and restoration references so the tire's sidewall treatment complements the body and trim rather than fighting against them.

1946 Chevrolet tires can be suitable for highway use when they are the correct size, properly installed, correctly inflated, and in sound condition. The available 600-16 choices here are bias-ply tires, and one listing in this size carries an H speed rating, which corresponds to 130 mph, while other products in the same size do not show a speed letter. In real use, the car's own braking, steering, suspension, and general postwar design limits usually matter more than extreme tire speed potential.

The practical takeaway is to treat a 1946 Chevrolet like the vintage machine it is. Bias-ply tires can follow road grooves more than modern radials and may need a little more driver attention, especially on crowned pavement or in crosswinds. Highway driving is most realistic when the whole car is sorted, alignment is correct, and the tires are chosen and maintained with the car's age and intended use in mind.

For 1946 Chevrolet tires in size 600-16, some available products list a maximum load of 1400 pounds at 32 psi. That figure is a tire rating reference, not a blanket instruction to run every 600-16 at that pressure in every situation. Another 600-size product shows a load figure of 1,433 pounds, so exact specifications can differ slightly between individual tires even within the same nominal size.

The best approach is to start with the vehicle manufacturer's recommended pressure for the car and then compare it with the tire maker's rated information for the specific product you are using. Do not transfer a pressure assumption from one tire line to another just because both say 600-16. A well-sorted 1946 Chevrolet usually responds best when inflation is chosen carefully rather than by guesswork.

Before a longer drive in a 1946 Chevrolet, inspect each tire for cracking, cuts, bulges, irregular wear, and proper inflation, and make sure the valve stems and spare are in usable condition. Because these are vintage-style bias-ply fitments on an older car, the wheel condition matters too, especially if the car still wears original or long-stored rims.

Tires are only one part of the pre-drive routine on a postwar Chevrolet. It is equally wise to check brakes, wheel bearings, steering play, cooling system health, and basic fluid levels before spending real time at road speed. A thorough once-over helps the car feel more settled on the road and reduces the chance that a minor age-related issue turns into a trip-ending problem.