1949 Plymouth Tire Fitment Guide

1949 Plymouth vehicles use three tire sizes: 640-15, 670-15, and 710-15. The P17 uses 640-15, the P18 uses 670-15, the Suburban uses 640-15 or 670-15, and the Wagon uses 670-15 or 710-15. All three sizes are built for 15-inch rims. Rim-width ranges vary by size and product, with 640-15 commonly listed from 4.00 to 5.00 inches, 670-15 from 4.50 to 6.00 inches, and 710-15 from 5.00 to 5.50 inches.

That means year and make alone are not enough to choose a tire for a 1949 Plymouth. You need to identify the exact model first, then compare the tire size on the car now with the wheel width you actually have. The Suburban and Wagon deserve extra attention because they each appear with more than one size. If the car has been restored or modified over the years, measuring the wheel and checking the sidewall on the existing tire is the safest way to confirm which of Plymouth's 15-inch bias-ply sizes belongs on your specific vehicle.

A 640-15 on a 1949 Plymouth is a numeric bias-ply tire size. In this older format, the 6.40 refers to the tire's nominal section width and the 15 refers to the wheel diameter in inches. It is not a modern metric size and it is not read the same way as a later radial code. On 1949 Plymouth models, 640-15 is used on the P17 and on certain Suburban applications.

That older size code matters because the best replacement is usually another 640-15 bias-ply tire rather than a modern size chosen only by rough visual similarity. A buyer comparing 640-15 choices should also pay attention to sidewall appearance, since wide whitewall and narrow whitewall versions are both available. The wheel itself deserves a second look as well, because 640-15 products are listed for different rim-width ranges depending on brand and version. Matching the size code alone is only the first step toward getting the right period look and fit.

No, 1949 Plymouth models do not all use the same tire size. The year spans 640-15, 670-15, and 710-15, and those sizes are divided by model. The P17 is tied to 640-15, the P18 to 670-15, the Suburban overlaps the 640-15 and 670-15 sizes, and the Wagon overlaps the 670-15 and 710-15 sizes. Every one of those tires mounts on a 15-inch rim, but the section width and compatible rim-width range change from size to size.

That shared 15-inch rim diameter can make the lineup look simpler than it really is. A Plymouth owner who assumes all 1949 models interchange tires may end up choosing a size that is visually or dimensionally wrong for the model. The practical takeaway is to identify the body style and model series before narrowing the tire choice. On wagons and Suburbans especially, it is wise to confirm the wheel width already on the car so the selected size matches both the original application and the wheel that will carry it.

1949 Plymouth tires are available in several sidewall styles depending on size. The 640-15 offerings include wide whitewall and narrow whitewall versions. The 670-15 and 710-15 ranges include blackwall and wide whitewall versions. That gives owners room to match the visual character of a practical driver, a restrained restoration, or a more formal late-1940s appearance.

Sidewall style can change the look of a 1949 Plymouth almost as much as wheel covers or paint trim. A blackwall tends to suit a more utilitarian or understated presentation, while a wide whitewall delivers the fuller postwar American look many restorers want. The narrower whitewall options in 640-15 can split the difference on a P17 or Suburban. Before choosing strictly by appearance, make sure the sidewall style you want is offered in the exact size your model uses, since sidewall variety is not identical across all three Plymouth sizes.

Several brands cover the 1949 Plymouth range. In 640-15, BFGoodrich and Firestone are available. In 670-15, the brand mix includes Firestone, US Royal, Coker Classic, and Universal Vintage Tire. In 710-15, BFGoodrich and Firestone are offered. All of the listed options for these Plymouth sizes are bias-ply tires rather than radial replacements.

Brand choice on a 1949 Plymouth usually comes down to the exact size you need first, then the sidewall look you want for the car. The broadest variety appears in 670-15, which is helpful for P18, Suburban, and Wagon owners comparing blackwall versus whitewall presentations. Buyers working with 640-15 or 710-15 have a narrower brand pool, so appearance and wheel-width compatibility become even more important filters. If authenticity matters for a judged restoration, many owners also compare brand heritage and sidewall treatment against period photos and club guidance before deciding.

Within 670-15 for the 1949 Plymouth, Firestone and Coker Classic differ in sidewall presentation, load rating, and wheel-width range. The Firestone examples include a blackwall version rated at 1450 pounds at 32 psi on 4.50- to 5.00-inch rims. The Coker Classic example is a 2.75-inch whitewall rated at 1550 pounds at 32 psi and listed for 5.00- to 6.00-inch rims. Both are bias-ply 15-inch tires, but they are not identical in appearance or wheel fit window.

That comparison matters most for a P18, Suburban, or Wagon owner choosing among 670-15 options. A car with narrower original wheels may align more naturally with the Firestone rim-width range, while a car on wider 15-inch rims may line up better with the Coker Classic specification. The visual effect is different too, since one leans blackwall and the other leans wide whitewall. Comparing the wheel width already on the car before selecting between those two products is the smartest way to avoid a mismatch.

Rim width depends on the tire size chosen for the 1949 Plymouth. For 640-15, listed rim-width ranges run from 4.00-4.50 inches on some BFGoodrich versions to 4.50-5.00 inches on Firestone versions. For 670-15, listed fitments run from 4.50-5.00 inches on some products to 5.00-6.00 inches on others. For 710-15, the available products are listed for 5.00-5.50-inch rims.

Those ranges show why wheel width should be checked before settling on a specific tire, even when the wheel diameter is already known to be 15 inches. Two 670-15 tires can both be correct in size code yet favor different wheel widths depending on brand and sidewall treatment. A Plymouth owner restoring an original car should verify the wheel currently on the vehicle rather than assuming all 15-inch wheels are interchangeable. That extra step helps the tire seat correctly and preserves the intended profile and stance.

The available 1949 Plymouth tire listings are bias-ply products, but they do not all carry explicit tube-type or tubeless markings in the size description. Because of that, inner-tube use should be confirmed against the specific tire's sidewall marking and the design of the wheel itself before final installation. On many late-1940s applications, original wheels were built in an era when tube use was common, especially with reproduction bias-ply tires and older-style rims.

For a 1949 Plymouth owner, the practical approach is to treat tube choice as part of the complete wheel-and-tire setup rather than a blanket rule across all three sizes. The wheel condition, the valve-stem arrangement, and the tire's own construction marking all matter. If the car still has original wheels, a marque specialist or experienced vintage tire installer can help confirm whether a tube is appropriate for that exact combination. That is a better path than assuming every 15-inch Plymouth tire from 1949 should be mounted the same way.

All 1949 Plymouth tire sizes listed here share a 15-inch wheel diameter, so original 15-inch Plymouth wheels are in the right diameter family for 640-15, 670-15, and 710-15. Diameter alone does not settle the question, though, because the listed rim-width ranges differ by size. The smaller 640-15 products can be matched to narrower rims, while 710-15 products call for a wider 5.00-5.50-inch range and some 670-15 products extend up to 6.00 inches.

That means an original wheel may work across more than one size in some cases, but only if its actual width falls within the tire's approved range. This is especially important on Suburban and Wagon models, where more than one tire size appears in the year. Before moving from one Plymouth size to another, measure the wheel or confirm its stamped dimensions. Keeping the original 15-inch wheel is often possible, but the wheel must still suit the specific tire you intend to mount.

A 1949 Plymouth should be stored in a cool, dry, dark space with the tires kept away from direct sunlight, electric motors, welders, battery chargers, and other ozone-producing equipment. Bias-ply tires are particularly prone to flat-spotting when they sit in one position for long periods, so maintaining proper inflation and rolling the car occasionally helps. If the car will be parked for an extended season, many owners also reduce stress on the tires by using stands placed correctly under the chassis or suspension as appropriate.

Good storage habits preserve both the appearance and the structure of collector tires on a 1949 Plymouth. Whitewalls stay cleaner when shielded from moisture and grime, and the sidewalls are less likely to develop premature cracking when ozone exposure is controlled. A fabric car cover can protect the body, but tire care still matters underneath it. If the Plymouth is rarely driven, storage conditions often have a greater effect on tire life than mileage does.

Tires on a 1949 Plymouth are usually judged more by age than by tread wear, because collector cars often accumulate low mileage. A sensible rule is to evaluate them closely once they reach the five- to seven-year range and to give serious replacement consideration around ten years, even if they still look presentable. The DOT date code on the tire provides the manufacture date. That age-based approach is especially important with bias-ply tires that may spend long periods parked between outings.

A 1949 Plymouth can seem lightly used and still be riding on tires that are no longer ideal for dependable road service. Sidewall cracking, hardening rubber, and loss of flexibility matter more than how much tread remains. Owners who drive only to local shows sometimes overlook tire age because the car rarely wears them out. Scheduling tire inspections by calendar time instead of mileage is the better habit for a postwar Plymouth that sees occasional use.

Tires on a 1949 Plymouth should be inspected before every drive and again before any longer outing. Check inflation, visible tread wear, sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, and signs of impact damage. On an older bias-ply setup, it is also wise to look closely at the valve stems and to listen for any slow leak that may point to a tube or wheel-sealing issue. A spare tire deserves the same attention because it may be the same age as the four tires on the ground.

Routine inspection is one of the easiest ways to make an occasional-use Plymouth more dependable. A short local cruise can mask a problem that becomes obvious only once the tire warms up on a longer drive. Catching weather checking, uneven wear, or pressure loss early helps protect the wheel and keeps the car more predictable on the road. Making tire inspection part of the pre-drive ritual also encourages a broader look at brakes, steering, and suspension before the car leaves the garage.

A 1949 Plymouth P17 would have been fitted in the bias-ply era, and the size associated with the P17 here is 640-15. That makes a 640-15 bias-ply tire the correct starting point for an owner aiming to stay close to original construction and proportion. Sidewall style could vary by market presentation and trim expectations, so the exact whitewall treatment should be confirmed against factory literature, period photography, or marque-club guidance rather than assumed from the model name alone.

For restoration work, the key is to separate construction, size, and appearance instead of treating them as one decision. Getting the 640-15 size and bias-ply construction right preserves the basic late-1940s Plymouth character, while sidewall width refines the visual finish. Owners building a serious authenticity-focused car often compare surviving cars, brochures, and club standards before committing to blackwall or a particular whitewall width. That extra verification is worthwhile because show standards can be stricter than casual enthusiast expectations.

Correct tire fitment matters on a 1949 Plymouth because judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts often notice tire size, construction type, and sidewall appearance immediately. A P17 shown on 670-15s, or a Wagon shown on a size outside its known range, can look visually off even before anyone checks details. On period cars from 1949, bias-ply construction is also part of the authenticity picture, since that was the standard construction style of the time.

A restoration intended for judged events should treat tires as part of the car's overall presentation rather than a late cosmetic decision. The right size supports the proper stance, and the right sidewall style helps the wheel covers, trim, and body proportions read correctly. Event standards can vary, so marque clubs and Plymouth specialists remain the best source for class-specific expectations. Even if the car is not headed for concours judging, accurate tire fitment often makes the whole restoration feel more convincing.

For a 1949 Plymouth Wagon using 710-15 tires, BFGoodrich and Firestone share the same basic size, bias-ply construction, 15-inch rim diameter, 5.00-5.50-inch rim-width range, and 1550-pound-at-32-psi load rating. The visible differences come from sidewall treatment and slight weight variation among the listed versions. BFGoodrich appears in both blackwall and wide whitewall forms, including a 2.50-inch whitewall and a broader 3.875-inch whitewall, while Firestone appears in blackwall form in the examples listed.

That makes the choice especially relevant for a Wagon owner balancing authenticity goals with the finished look of the vehicle. If the restoration calls for a stronger whitewall presence, BFGoodrich provides more than one visual option within the same size. If a simpler blackwall presentation is preferred, both brands can support that direction. Since the dimensional basics align closely, the final decision is often driven by appearance and the character the owner wants the Wagon to project.

The available 1949 Plymouth tires here are bias-ply products, and no explicit speed ratings are shown for these sizes. A properly matched, properly inflated vintage-style bias-ply tire in good condition can be suitable for normal road use, but highway confidence depends on the complete condition of the car as much as the tire itself. On a 1949 Plymouth, braking, steering play, suspension wear, wheel condition, and alignment all affect how secure the car feels at speed.

For most owners, the sensible view is that tire safety and vehicle safety are linked. Even a fresh set of reproduction tires will not make a worn postwar chassis behave like a modern car. Before regular highway use, inspect the tires closely, verify inflation, and make sure the rest of the Plymouth is roadworthy. If the car wanders, pulls, or shimmies, address those issues first. A 1949 Plymouth can be enjoyable on modern roads, but it should be driven within the limits of its era and condition.

Several 1949 Plymouth tire offerings list their maximum load at 32 psi, including 640-15 examples at 1190 pounds or 970 pounds, 670-15 examples at 1450 or 1550 pounds, and 710-15 examples at 1550 pounds. Those figures describe the tire's rated load at that pressure, not necessarily the vehicle's recommended operating pressure. Factory pressure guidance for the car itself should come from Plymouth literature, while the tire manufacturer sets the tire's own limits and construction requirements.

The practical rule is not to transfer one pressure assumption from one size to another just because all of them fit 15-inch wheels. A P17 on 640-15s and a Wagon on 710-15s may use different tire sizes and should be treated accordingly. Start with the vehicle's original recommendation if available, then make sure it stays within the tire's published capability. Pressure should always be checked cold, because a vintage Plymouth can feel dramatically different on underinflated bias-ply tires.

Before a longer drive in a 1949 Plymouth, inspect each tire for cracking, cuts, bulges, embedded objects, irregular wear, and proper cold inflation. Check the valve stems, and if the wheel-and-tire combination uses tubes, pay attention to any sign of slow air loss or stem movement. Confirm that the spare is usable and inflated as well. A quick look at the wheels themselves for damage or rust around the bead area is also worthwhile on an older car.

That tire inspection should be part of a broader pre-trip routine rather than a stand-alone task. On a postwar Plymouth, brakes, coolant, belts, hoses, steering components, and wheel bearings can matter just as much as tire condition on a longer outing. The goal is not only to avoid a roadside problem but also to make the car more predictable and comfortable to drive. A few careful minutes in the garage usually tell you far more than the first ten miles on the road will.