1948 Vehicle Tire Fitment Guide

1948 vehicles used a wide range of tire sizes, with most applications in bias-ply numeric formats such as 600-16, 650-16, 670-15, 700-15, 710-15, 760-15, 820-15, and 890-15. Smaller and more specialized sizes also appear, including 450-12, 525-16, 550-15, 550-16, 550-17, 640-15, 700-16, and 750-16. A few 1948 applications are tied to radial sizes, including 155R15, 155-400, and 185R16.

That spread reflects how broad the 1948 market was, from compact cars like the 1948 Crosley All Models to luxury models such as the 1948 Chrysler Crown Imperial and Cadillac series cars. It also includes European applications with radial-format sizing and utility-oriented vehicles like the 1948 Willys Jeep CJ-2A, so exact size matching matters more than relying on general era assumptions.

No, 1948 vehicles do not use one universal tire size. Fitment varies widely by make and model, and in some cases a single model family is associated with more than one size. For example, a 1948 Buick 40 Special uses a different size category than a 1948 Buick 70 Roadmaster, and several Packard, Oldsmobile, Chevrolet, De Soto, and Willys applications also span multiple size listings.

This is typical of the late 1940s, when vehicle size, series, body style, and wheel setup could all affect tire fitment. Some sizes are shared across many makes, such as 650-16 or 710-15, while others are very specific, like 890-15 for the 1948 Chrysler Crown Imperial or 450-12 for the 1948 Crosley All Models.

Start with the exact year, make, and full model name, then match the tire size associated with that application. For 1948, that step is important because similar vehicles can use different sizes, and some models are linked to more than one fitment. Once the size is confirmed, compare available products within that size rather than shopping by appearance alone.

It also helps to inspect the vehicle’s current wheels and tire markings, especially on restored or modified cars. A 1948 Bentley Mark, Holden 48/215, or Peugeot 203 may involve a radial-format option, while most domestic applications stay in bias-ply numeric sizes. Wheel diameter, wheel width when listed, and physical clearance should all be checked before final selection.

The 1948 fitment range includes AC, Bentley, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Crosley, De Soto, Dodge, Ford, Frazer, Holden, Hudson, Jensen, Kaiser, Lincoln, MG, Mercedes-Benz, Mercury, Nash, Oldsmobile, Packard, Peugeot, Plymouth, Pontiac, Studebaker, and Willys. That mix includes American, British, European, and Australian-market vehicles, along with both passenger cars and utility applications.

This broad make coverage is one reason 1948 tire research can be more involved than shopping by year alone. A small MG sports-car fitment, a full-size Cadillac luxury-car fitment, and a Willys Jeep CJ-2A fitment may all come from the same model year, but they differ greatly in size, construction emphasis, and product selection.

The model coverage spans a long list, including vehicles such as the 1948 AC Saloon, Bentley Mark, Buick 40 Special, Cadillac 75 Series, Chevrolet Wagon, Chrysler Crown Imperial, Crosley All Models, Hudson 483 & 484 Series, Mercedes-Benz 170, Nash Ambassador 600, Packard Custom, Peugeot 203, Pontiac Torpedo, Studebaker Champion, and Willys Jeep CJ-2A. Some models use one size, while others are tied to more than one.

That variety matters because tire-size overlap does not mean the vehicles are similar. A shared size can appear on very different cars, and some model families carry multiple fitments within the same year. For shopping purposes, the most reliable path is always full year-make-model identification first, then comparison of the products offered in that exact size.

Yes, different models from 1948 often use different tire sizes, even within the same make. Buick, Cadillac, Chrysler, Nash, Oldsmobile, Packard, Pontiac, and Willys all show clear examples of this. A make may have one fitment for a smaller or entry-level series and another for a larger or more upscale model, while some model lines are associated with two sizes.

This is especially important with postwar cars because surviving examples may also have replacement wheels or updated running gear. A 1948 Oldsmobile lineup alone spans several size families, and a 1948 Packard Standard differs from a 1948 Packard Custom. Tire selection works best when the model and series are identified precisely rather than assumed from the badge or body shape.

Most 1948 vehicle applications are served by bias-ply tires, especially in traditional numeric sizes used on American cars of the period. There are also radial options for certain applications, including 185R16 for the 1948 Bentley Mark and radial sizes for the 1948 Holden 48/215 and 1948 Peugeot 203. Product families range from classic passenger-car lines to a few more specialized offerings.

The available choices also vary visually. Depending on tire size, products may come as blackwalls, narrow whitewalls, wide whitewalls, or even double-whitewalls. Some sizes have broad brand coverage from companies like BFGoodrich, Firestone, Coker Classic, Michelin, and Avon, while niche sizes may have fewer products and a more specialized restoration focus.

For 1948, most listed applications are bias-ply, but a smaller group uses radial sizing. Bias-ply construction dominates the domestic fitments such as 600-16, 650-16, 670-15, 710-15, 760-15, and 820-15. Radial applications appear in selected cases, including 155R15, 155-400, and 185R16, which are associated with certain European and Commonwealth vehicles represented in the year.

That means the answer depends on the exact vehicle rather than the year by itself. A 1948 Cadillac or Chrysler application is generally in the bias-ply category here, while a Bentley Mark or Peugeot 203 may lead you into radial options. Construction should be matched to the listed fitment and the vehicle’s wheel setup, not assumed from broader collector-car trends.

Tire sizes and construction types vary across 1948 vehicles because the year includes many different vehicle classes, markets, and engineering approaches. Large American luxury cars needed much larger tires than compact economy cars, and imported applications could use different sizing conventions altogether. That is why one year can contain everything from 450-12 and 450-19 to large sizes like 820-15 and 890-15, plus radial formats such as 185R16.

Construction differences also reflect the vehicles represented. Most domestic 1948 applications remain in classic bias-ply territory, while certain European-oriented fitments are supported by radial products. The result is a mixed fitment landscape where the size format itself can offer clues, but final selection still depends on the exact make, model, wheel, and intended use.

Choose tires for a 1948 vehicle by confirming the exact size first, then comparing construction, sidewall style, rim fitment details, and the character of the product line. Some sizes have many choices and sidewall treatments, while others are much more specialized. It is also important to verify whether the vehicle uses a bias-ply or radial application before comparing brands.

For many late-1940s cars, appearance plays a major role because whitewall width can dramatically change the finished look. At the same time, practical details matter, especially on larger cars or utility models. Load figures are listed on some products, rim-width ranges appear on certain sizes, and modified vehicles may need extra clearance checks before a selection is finalized.

Available 1948 tire brands include BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Firestone, Michelin, Avon, Vredestein, US Royal, Lester, Garfield, Universal Vintage Tire, Excelsior, Ensign, Deka, and STA. Brand availability depends heavily on the tire size. Common domestic sizes like 600-16, 650-16, 670-15, 710-15, and 820-15 tend to have broader brand coverage than niche applications.

That brand spread gives owners different ways to balance look, construction type, and product family. For example, radial-focused selections appear in some Bentley, Holden, and Peugeot sizes, while classic bias-ply whitewall and blackwall offerings dominate many American fitments. The best way to shop is by the confirmed tire size first, then by the brands offered within that exact fitment.

Sidewall styles for 1948 vehicle tires include blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and in at least one size, double-whitewall. The available style depends on the tire size rather than applying universally across the year. Common domestic bias-ply sizes often have the greatest visual range, while some radial and specialty sizes are offered only as blackwalls.

This matters because sidewall treatment strongly influences the finished look of a postwar car. A 760-15 or 820-15 can present a very different personality in blackwall versus wide whitewall form, while a radial size like 155R15 stays more understated. Owners focused on restoration appearance should compare the exact whitewall widths offered in their confirmed size, not just the basic size itself.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1948 vehicle. Wheel changes, brake conversions, suspension work, steering alterations, and body or fender modifications can all change how a tire fits, even when the size matches a known 1948 application. That is especially important on collector vehicles that may no longer retain their original wheel width or ride height.

This matters across the full 1948 range, from utility vehicles like the 1948 Willys Jeep CJ-2A to luxury cars and imported models. A tire that works well on a stock vehicle may create clearance or appearance issues on a modified one. Before buying, compare the confirmed tire size with the actual wheels on the car and check clearances at full steering and suspension travel.

Before installing tires on a 1948 vehicle, confirm the year, make, full model name, and the exact tire size associated with that application. Then verify wheel diameter and, where product details are provided, compare the wheel’s width to the listed rim-width range. It is also wise to inspect current clearances and make sure the vehicle’s existing setup matches the intended replacement path.

On 1948 cars, this step is especially useful because some models carry more than one listed size and some imported applications use radial sizing conventions that differ from domestic numeric bias-ply formats. Also check the age and condition of the wheels, the valve stems, and whether the car has been modified. A careful pre-installation check helps avoid avoidable fitment surprises.

Tires on a 1948 vehicle should be inspected regularly for tread wear, cracking, puncture damage, sidewall deterioration, and air-pressure consistency. Collector vehicles often sit for long periods, so flat spotting, weather checking, and age-related sidewall issues deserve close attention even when tread depth still looks acceptable. The wheels and valve stems should also be inspected whenever the tires are serviced.

Maintenance is especially important on older vehicles because many see seasonal use and may carry heavier steering effort or suspension designs than later cars. Keep inflation matched to the product’s requirements and the vehicle’s needs, and recheck pressure after storage. If the car has unusual wear patterns, inspect alignment, suspension components, and wheel condition before assuming the tire itself is the only issue.