1946 Oldsmobile arrived just as Detroit was restarting civilian production after World War II, and the division’s lineup reflected Oldsmobile’s familiar step-up structure from the more affordable Special 66 to the larger, more upscale Custom 98. That makes tire selection at the year-and-make level especially important, because 1946 Oldsmobile did not use one universal size across all three model groups. Four bias-ply sizes appear across the range, split by model and by 15-inch versus 16-inch wheel fitment. Before choosing a tire for a 1946 Oldsmobile, the first thing to confirm is which model you have, since that determines the size and wheel diameter you need.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1946 Oldsmobile
Four tire sizes are used across 1946 Oldsmobile models, and they vary by model rather than being shared across the full range. Because these sizes span both 15-inch and 16-inch wheel fitments, the real decision starts with confirming the correct model and rim diameter before narrowing down sidewall style or brand. Understanding that distinction first saves time and helps match the tire to the right Oldsmobile.
Year(s): 1946|Fit(s): Custom 98|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 15 in
700-15 is a numeric bias-ply size in which the leading number identifies the nominal section width and the final number identifies a 15-inch wheel diameter. This size is offered in Firestone, BFGoodrich, and STA versions, with blackwall and wide whitewall sidewall styles available. For a 1946 Oldsmobile Custom 98, this is the model-specific size to choose when you are keeping the car on its correct 15-inch fitment and selecting the appearance that best suits the car’s restoration style.
Year(s): 1946|Fit(s): Dynamic 76 & 78|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 16 in
650-16 is a numeric bias-ply size, with 6.50 as the nominal section-width designation and 16 indicating the wheel diameter in inches. Brands in this size include BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Firestone, and Garfield, with both blackwall and wide whitewall choices. On 1946 Oldsmobile Dynamic 76 and 78 models, this is one of the model-specific sizes rather than a year-wide Oldsmobile fitment, and it suits buyers aiming for a traditional postwar bias-ply look and feel.
Year(s): 1946|Fit(s): Dynamic 76 & 78|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 15 in
750-15 is another numeric bias-ply size, using a nominal 7.50 section-width designation on a 15-inch wheel. The available offering in this size is an STA blackwall Military NDT bias-ply tire. For 1946 Oldsmobile Dynamic 76 and 78 applications, this size is specific to those models and stands apart from the more passenger-car-oriented whitewall choices in the other Oldsmobile sizes.
Year(s): 1946|Fit(s): Special 66|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 16 in
600-16 is a numeric bias-ply size that uses a nominal 6.00 section-width designation and fits a 16-inch wheel. Available brands include BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Avon, and Firestone, with blackwall and wide whitewall versions offered, and speed rating varies by product because the Avon 600H16 carries an H rating with a 130 mph ceiling. For a 1946 Oldsmobile Special 66, this model-specific size gives the broadest mix of traditional whitewall styling and blackwall options while retaining the era-correct bias-ply construction.
Three 1946 Oldsmobile model groups are covered here. They do not all share the same tire size, so identifying the exact model matters before choosing a tire, especially because the lineup uses both 15-inch and 16-inch wheel diameters. Select your model below to narrow the fitment history and see the tires that apply to that specific Oldsmobile.
1946 Oldsmobile Custom 98
The Custom 98 was Oldsmobile’s senior full-size offering for 1946, carrying the larger, more upscale character buyers expected at the top of the division’s postwar lineup. Its tires mount on 15-inch wheels, and the available fitment centers on traditional bias-ply choices that suit both blackwall and wide whitewall presentations.
Associated Tire Sizes:
700-15 — bias-ply, traditional restoration fitment
The Dynamic 76 and 78 sat in the middle of the 1946 Oldsmobile range and represented the division’s mainstream postwar passenger-car offering. These models appear with both 16-inch and 15-inch tire fitments, so confirming the car’s wheel diameter is especially important before selecting a tire. Their listed sizes remain firmly in the period bias-ply world rather than later radial conversions.
The Special 66 was the more accessible Oldsmobile line in 1946, aimed at buyers who wanted six-cylinder Oldsmobile character in a simpler package. Its tires mount on 16-inch wheels, and the available choices include both blackwall and wide whitewall bias-ply options that fit the look of an entry-level or carefully restored postwar sedan.
Associated Tire Sizes:
600-16 — bias-ply, traditional restoration fitment
Fifty-five products are available across four tire sizes for 1946 Oldsmobile vehicles. The 700-15 size includes 9 bias-ply products from Firestone, BFGoodrich, and STA in blackwall and wide whitewall styles; 650-16 includes 19 from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Firestone, and Garfield; 750-15 includes 1 STA blackwall bias-ply; and 600-16 includes 26 from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Avon, and Firestone in blackwall and wide whitewall styles. Speed ratings can vary between products within the same size.
These answers focus on how 1946 Oldsmobile tire fitment changes across the Special, Dynamic, and Custom lines, what the numeric sizes mean, and how sidewall style, rim width, and long-term collector-car use affect your choice.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1946 Oldsmobile vehicles?
1946 Oldsmobile vehicles use four different tire sizes depending on model. The Custom 98 uses 700-15, the Dynamic 76 and 78 use either 650-16 or 750-15, and the Special 66 uses 600-16. Rim diameters therefore vary between 15-inch and 16-inch applications. Where rim-width guidance is available, 700-15 fits 5.00 to 5.50-inch rims, 650-16 fits 4.50 to 5.00-inch rims, and 600-16 fits 4.00 to 4.50-inch rims.
That means year and make alone are not enough to choose a tire for a 1946 Oldsmobile. You need to identify the exact model first, then confirm whether the car is wearing its correct original wheel diameter before moving on to sidewall style or brand. Once that is settled, the remaining choice is mostly about the look you want and how closely you want the tire to match period postwar bias-ply appearance.
What does 700-15 mean on a 1946 Oldsmobile tire?
On a 1946 Oldsmobile, 700-15 is a numeric bias-ply tire size. The 7.00 portion is the nominal section-width designation in the older inch-based sizing system, and the 15 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. In the 1946 Oldsmobile range, that size belongs to the Custom 98 and is offered in bias-ply form rather than radial form.
Modern buyers sometimes mistake the first number for wheel size, but on a 1946 Oldsmobile numeric tire the last number is the wheel diameter that must match the rim. That is why a 700-15 cannot be substituted onto a 16-inch wheel, even if the car is from the same year and make. Once wheel diameter is confirmed, you can compare blackwall and wide whitewall versions within that correct size.
Do all 1946 Oldsmobile models use the same tire size?
No, 1946 Oldsmobile models do not all use the same tire size. The Special 66 uses 600-16, the Custom 98 uses 700-15, and the Dynamic 76 and 78 are the exception because they appear with either 650-16 or 750-15. All of the listed fitments are bias-ply, but the wheel diameters and section-width designations vary across the lineup.
That difference matters because two cars from the same 1946 Oldsmobile family can require entirely different rims and tire proportions. If you are working from a project car, inherited vehicle, or partially restored car, do not rely on the badge alone without checking the actual model and wheel diameter. Taking that step first avoids choosing a tire that matches the year but not the specific Oldsmobile you own.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 1946 Oldsmobile tires?
1946 Oldsmobile tires are available in both blackwall and wide whitewall styles, depending on size. The 700-15, 650-16, and 600-16 sizes all include blackwall and wide whitewall choices, while 750-15 is offered as a blackwall military-style NDT tire. That gives the broadest styling range to the Custom 98, Special 66, and the 650-16-equipped Dynamic models.
For a 1946 Oldsmobile restoration, sidewall choice changes the car’s visual character almost as much as wheel finish or hubcaps. Wide whitewalls tend to suit the formal, upscale postwar look many owners want, while blackwalls can fit a plainer factory presentation or a more utilitarian style. If show authenticity matters, compare the sidewall style on the car to period photos or marque-club guidance before making the final pick.
What brands make tires for 1946 Oldsmobile vehicles?
Several brands cover 1946 Oldsmobile fitments. The 700-15 size is available from Firestone, BFGoodrich, and STA; 650-16 is available from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Firestone, and Garfield; 750-15 appears from STA; and 600-16 includes BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Avon, and Firestone. All of the listed products remain in the bias-ply category that fits the period character of these postwar Oldsmobiles.
Brand choice on a 1946 Oldsmobile usually comes down to the exact size your model uses, the sidewall look you want, and whether you prefer a familiar American-brand presentation or a more specialized offering in a given size. It is worth comparing product details within the correct size rather than assuming every brand is offered across the whole lineup. A Custom 98 owner and a Special 66 owner will not be shopping from the same exact pool.
What is the difference between Firestone and BFGoodrich 700-15 tires for the 1946 Oldsmobile?
For the 1946 Oldsmobile Custom 98 in 700-15, both Firestone and BFGoodrich offer bias-ply tires with the same listed maximum load capacity of 1700 pounds at 32 psi and the same rim-width range of 5.00 to 5.50 inches. Both are available in wide whitewall form, and Firestone also appears in blackwall form. The listed weights are close as well, with Firestone and BFGoodrich both staying in the upper-20-pound range.
That means the decision between Firestone and BFGoodrich in 700-15 is less about a major spec difference and more about brand preference, sidewall appearance, and the visual details that matter on your particular Custom 98. If you want the cleanest original-style presentation, compare the tread and sidewall look against photos of cars restored to the period you are targeting. When the mechanical fit is this close, appearance often becomes the deciding factor.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1946 Oldsmobile tires require?
Rim-width guidance varies by size on 1946 Oldsmobile applications. The 700-15 size is listed for 5.00 to 5.50-inch rims, the 650-16 size is listed for 4.50 to 5.00-inch rims, and the 600-16 size is listed for 4.00 to 4.50-inch rims. Those ranges should be matched to the tire size used on the specific Oldsmobile model rather than mixed across the lineup.
That is especially important on postwar cars that may have had wheels swapped over the decades. A tire can share the right diameter yet still be wrong for the wheel width if the car has been modified or pieced together from multiple donors. Measure the wheel or verify the rim stamping before final selection, particularly on a Dynamic 76 or 78 where both a 15-inch and a 16-inch fitment appear in the year range.
Do 1946 Oldsmobile tires require inner tubes?
The available 1946 Oldsmobile products shown here do not carry tube-type or tubeless markings in the size descriptions, so tube choice should be confirmed against the wheel design and the exact tire being selected. All of these fitments are bias-ply tires for 1946-era applications, and many original-style wheels from this period are commonly paired with tubes as part of a traditional setup.
The practical step is to inspect the actual wheel before installation rather than assuming every 1946 Oldsmobile should be handled the same way. Original riveted or non-safety-style wheels, restored factory rims, and replacement wheels may not all call for the same setup. If your car is being restored to factory-style presentation, matching the tube decision to the wheel and tire combination matters just as much as choosing the correct sidewall style.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1946 Oldsmobile when the tires are fitted?
A 1946 Oldsmobile should be stored in a cool, dry, dark space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, welders, and other ozone-producing equipment. Keep the tires clean, maintain proper inflation, and move the car periodically so the same footprint does not sit under load for months at a time. Bias-ply tires are more prone to developing temporary flat spotting during long static storage than later radial designs.
If the car will sit for an extended season, many collectors either roll it occasionally or place it on stands while keeping the suspension supported in a sensible way. That reduces stress on both the tires and the chassis. A little storage discipline goes a long way on a 1946 Oldsmobile because even a fresh-looking tire can age prematurely when exposed to heat, sunlight, or constant compression in one position.
How long do tires on a 1946 Oldsmobile typically last?
Tires on a 1946 Oldsmobile should be judged more by age and condition than by mileage. A good working rule is to inspect them carefully once they reach the five- to seven-year range and to treat around ten years as a point for serious replacement consideration, even if the tread still looks deep. The DOT date code and the tire’s overall condition matter more than how little the car has been driven.
Collector cars often fool owners because they can spend most of their lives indoors and still age out before the tread wears down. Sidewall cracking, hardening rubber, and long-term casing fatigue are bigger concerns than mileage on a low-use 1946 Oldsmobile. If the car is driven only to shows or weekend events, schedule tire evaluations by age on the calendar rather than waiting for obvious wear to appear.
How often should tires on a 1946 Oldsmobile be inspected?
Tires on a 1946 Oldsmobile should be checked before every drive and again before any longer outing. Look for cuts, bulges, sidewall cracking, uneven wear, and signs that the tire is losing pressure between drives. On a postwar car, it is also wise to inspect valve stems closely and to pay extra attention if the wheel-and-tire setup uses tubes.
Those quick checks matter because collector cars often go from long storage straight to road use, which can reveal issues that were not obvious when the car was parked. A short local drive may hide a developing problem that becomes serious at sustained speed or on a hot day. Making tire inspection part of your regular pre-drive walkaround is one of the simplest ways to protect a 1946 Oldsmobile and its occupants.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1946 Oldsmobile Custom 98?
A 1946 Oldsmobile Custom 98 would have been a bias-ply car when new, and the listed size for the model is 700-15. That fits the period, since postwar American passenger cars of this class were still firmly in the bias-ply era. A reproduction-style 700-15 bias-ply tire therefore keeps the construction type aligned with what buyers expected on a new Custom 98 in 1946.
Original-equipment details could still vary by market, body style, or dealer practice, so owners chasing exact authenticity should compare their car against factory literature and marque-club references. The key point for restoration work is that size, construction, and sidewall presentation all shape how correct the car looks. Getting the tire type right on a senior Oldsmobile matters because the tire is a very visible part of the car’s formal postwar stance.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1946 Oldsmobile?
Correct tire fitment absolutely matters when showing a 1946 Oldsmobile. Judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts notice whether the car is wearing the proper size for its model, whether the construction matches the era, and whether the sidewall presentation suits the period. On a postwar Oldsmobile, the wrong wheel diameter, an obviously mismatched size, or a sidewall style that looks out of character can distract from an otherwise strong restoration.
That does not mean every event applies the same standard, because local shows, concours events, and marque-specific judging can differ. Owners should review the rules for the event they care about and compare them with the model-specific fitment on their car. If authenticity is the goal, tire choice should be treated as part of the restoration plan rather than as a last-minute finishing detail.
What is the difference between the 600-16 Firestone and Avon tires for the 1946 Oldsmobile?
For the 1946 Oldsmobile Special 66 in 600-16, Firestone and Avon represent two different expressions of the same basic size. The Firestone offering appears as a classic bias-ply with a wide whitewall and a listed maximum load of 1400 pounds at 32 psi, while the Avon appears as a blackwall 600H16 bias-ply with a listed H speed rating and a 1433-pound load figure. Both fit the same 16-inch diameter category, but they present very different visual and specification character.
That distinction matters if your Special 66 is being restored for a specific look. The Firestone whitewall leans toward the formal American postwar appearance many owners want, while the Avon blackwall changes the presentation and introduces a stated speed rating that some buyers may find useful as a reference point. The right choice depends on whether your priority is period-correct styling, brand preference, or a more specialized product profile within the same nominal size.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1946 Oldsmobile tires safe for highway driving?
1946 Oldsmobile tires can be suitable for normal road use when they are the correct size, properly mounted, correctly inflated, and in sound condition. The available fitments here are all bias-ply, and one 600-16 product carries an H speed rating, which corresponds to a 130 mph ceiling. Most of the other listed bias-ply offerings do not show a speed letter in the size description, so they should be used with the driving style and expectations appropriate to a postwar collector car.
On a 1946 Oldsmobile, the car’s age, braking system, steering, and suspension condition usually matter more in real-world highway safety than theoretical top-speed capability. Treat highway driving as a whole-vehicle question, not just a tire question. A well-sorted car on fresh, properly matched tires can be enjoyable on modern roads, but sustained speed should always respect the limits of both the tire construction and the vehicle itself.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1946 Oldsmobile tires?
Inflation pressure on a 1946 Oldsmobile should follow the factory recommendation for the vehicle first, then be checked against the tire’s own rated pressure information. Several listed products show their maximum load at 32 psi, including 700-15 at 1700 pounds, 650-16 at 1580 pounds, and 600-16 at 1400 pounds. Those figures are tire ratings, not automatic instructions to run every 1946 Oldsmobile tire at the same pressure.
The safest approach is to use the correct size for the model, consult the owner’s manual or service literature for the car, and then confirm the tire maker’s guidance for the exact product. Do not transfer a pressure number from a 700-15 Custom 98 application to a 600-16 Special 66, or from one brand to another, simply because they are all bias-ply. Pressure tuning on vintage cars is size-specific and vehicle-specific.
What should I check before taking a 1946 Oldsmobile on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1946 Oldsmobile, inspect each tire for cracks, cuts, bulges, irregular wear, and stable air pressure, and make sure the spare is usable as well. Check the valve stems closely and confirm that any wheel-and-tire setup using tubes is in good condition. Since these cars are postwar machines with model-specific tire sizes, also verify that the car is actually wearing the correct size for its model and wheel diameter.
Tires are only one part of the pre-trip picture on a 1946 Oldsmobile, so the broader mechanical check matters too. Brakes, wheel bearings, steering play, cooling system condition, and basic fluid levels all deserve attention before sustained driving. Starting with the tires is smart because they are easy to inspect and immediately affect how the car rides and tracks, but a successful long drive depends on the whole car being ready.
