Wheels / Tires: Tire Tread Width

[Jeff Bray]

I have a 1939 Commander 9A Sedan. In process of replacing tires and need to know what is the correct tread width for 6.00-16 tires (standard size) or 6.50-16 tires (optional size)?

[t walgamuth]

Do you mean in metric sizes?

[Lynn]

6 = 152.4 mm

6.5 =165.1mm

The width measurement is not actually the tread measurement, but "section width" at its widest. The tread width is normally smaller than section width.

[skyway]

Some folks have been using light truck radials, 205 or 205x85 16's I think?

[Skip Lackie]

Just in case you didn't know: Coker Tire and several other companies sell vintage tires in the original sizes.

[RadioRoy]

Just in case you didn't know: Coker Tire and several other companies sell vintage tires in the original sizes.

They also sell radial tires that look like bias ply tires.

[Jeff Bray]

Thank you, all! I got some 6.00-16 Coker tires, but failed to check the tread width before ordering. Those I received had a tread width of 4.13" , which are too narrow for my application. I returned these, and am now doing the research I SHOULD have done previously.

[t walgamuth]

What width do you desire?

[skyway]

FYI, I was very happy with Sears 6.50 x 16's on my '41 Commander.

[Jeff Bray]

I'm thinking ~5" wide tread. Am leaning toward 6.50-16 tires

[t walgamuth]

Up to 7 x 16 was optional on the CE.

[RadioRoy]

I'm curious.

In all of my years working on old cars, I have never seen/heard a discussion about tread width. It's always been about tire overall diameter and/or sidewall width.

When did tread width become a focal point of old car tire discussion?

[t walgamuth]

Since post #1? This thread?

[RadioRoy]

Since post #1? This thread?

Hahahahahaha!!