825-16 Silvertown Blackwall Tire
This is an authentic BFGoodrich blackwall 825-16 tire. The 8.25-16 tire size is authentic for 1937 to 1939 Packard automobiles, but we most often see them used on the back of hot rods and rat rods. Coming in at a little over 32 inches tall, they really look great in combination with our other BFGoodrich Silvertown bias ply tires. The piecrust sidewall looks great and gives the vehicle the true authentic look. This is a tube type tire. These 8.25-16 tires feature authentic tread and sidewall designs and are made in the USA.
Blackwall Tire
Since the introduction of carbon black rocked the tire industry, the original recipe for most tires has been a solid black sidewall. For classics and collector cars alike, it's hard to beat the no-nonsense appeal of a classic blackwall style tire. British sports car, classic truck and even hot rod enthusiasts love the way a nice period correct blackwall tire looks on their vehicles.
Bias Ply Construction
Bias ply tire construction is a method that was used from the 1900's through the 1970's on passenger cars and light trucks. Bias ply tires feature ply cords that run at a 45 degree angle to the bead, and overlap in a crisscross pattern, depending on how many ply layers are used. This creates a strong tire, but bias ply tires have a tendency to follow breaks or ruts in the pavement. Bias ply tires are the most authentic choice for classic car restorations and traditional hot rod builds. Coker Tire offers a huge variety of bias ply tires for many applications.
BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply Tires
B.F.Goodrich Silvertown classic bias ply tires are available in dozens of sizes and styles to fit many antique and classic cars from the 1920’s through the 1970’s. With authentic designs and high quality construction, this product line is a favorite among car and truck restorers.
BFGoodrich Tires | 100 Years of Outstanding Tire Fitments
Coker Tire is proud to offer a 100-year range of fitment, thanks to a huge variety of BFGoodrich tires. From the early 1900's to the modern era, the BFG product lines offer original fitments and custom sizes for hot rods, classic trucks and more. We offer BFGoodrich tires in authentic bias ply construction, as well as modern radials. Also included in the BFG line are the famous Silvertowns, Radial T/A, Phenom and All Terrain T/A KO2 tires. You won't find a more comprehensive tire product line in the world!
Please Note
- Tire mounted on wheel for demonstration purposes only. Wheel and other accessories are not included. Please note that dimensions listed (tread width, section width and overall diameter) are non-scientific and based on an inflated tire, mounted to a wheel. Dimensions may vary due to rim width and inflation pressure. Please note Chemical Guys Tire and Rubber Cleaner and Adams Polish Tire shine has been linked to Whitewall browning and should not be used. We recommend using our line of tire care products.
| SKU | 68774 |
|---|---|
| Weight | 31.000000 |
| GTIN | 00842199105643 |
| Sidewall Style | Blackwall |
| Tire Construction | Bias Ply |
| Construction Ply | 8 PLY POLY |
| Tire Series | Silvertown Classic Bias Ply |
| Rim Diameter | 16 inch |
| Tube Type or Tubeless | Tube Type |
| Product Size | 825-16 |
| Width Bias Ply | 8.25 |
| Brand | BFGoodrich |
| Max Load Capacity (LBS) | 2030@46 psi |
| Section Width (IN) | 8.79 |
| Rim Width (in) | 5.00 - 6.00 |
| Overall Diameter (IN) | 32.43 |
This BFGoodrich comes in the 825-16 size, suitable for the classic and collector vehicles listed below.
About the 825-16 Tire Size
The 825-16 tire size is associated with select late-1930s Packard applications spanning the 1937 through 1939 model years. On this BFGoodrich product page, the 825-16 size connects this bias-ply tire to period Packard fitment listings, including senior series and 12-cylinder applications. For more detailed information on this tire size, explore the 825-16 tire on Coker Tire Fitment Guide.
Vehicle Fitment for the BFGoodrich | 825-16
The BFGoodrich | 825-16 is available in a tire size associated with select classic and collector vehicles. The vehicle applications below are organized by year, make, and model to help identify vehicles associated with the 825-16 size. Explore the linked Make & Model and Year Make & Model pages for more detailed fitment information.
Fitment information should be verified for the specific vehicle before purchase. Confirm tire size, wheel fit, load requirements, overall diameter, and available clearance.
1936–19401 make · 3 fitments
The 1936–1940 period includes Packard applications associated with the 825-16 tire size. These fitments cover a small group of senior Packard models from the late 1930s.
Packard
Packard applications in this period include the 1506, 1507 & 1508 Series, 12 Cyl., and 1707 & 1708 Series.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fitment & Compatibility â–¼
The BFGoodrich 825-16 BFGoodrich | 825-16 is engineered for 16 inch wheel applications with a 5.00 to 6.00 inch rim width range. With an overall diameter of 32.43 inches and section width of 8.79 inches, it closely matches original fitments used on late 1930s Packard applications and similar large pre-war platforms. This makes it highly suitable for restorations where factory geometry is retained.
Proper fitment depends on maintaining stock suspension height and original fender clearance designed around tall bias ply tires. When used in correct applications, the BFGoodrich 825-16 BFGoodrich | 825-16 preserves factory stance and avoids the dimensional compromises seen with modern replacements.
The BFGoodrich 825-16 BFGoodrich | 825-16 is an authentic replacement size for several 1937 to 1939 Packard applications listed in factory fitment references. These vehicles were originally designed around tall 32 inch class bias ply tires, allowing direct installation without suspension or body modification in correctly restored examples.
Its 32.43 inch diameter and narrow bias ply footprint maintain original engineering proportions. Fitment accuracy depends on preserving stock wheel offset and ensuring fender clearance remains consistent with original specifications.
The BFGoodrich 825-16 BFGoodrich | 825-16 has a tall 32.43 inch overall diameter, which makes suspension travel and fender clearance critical considerations. It is designed for vehicles originally engineered to accommodate this height, especially large pre-war passenger cars and select early trucks.
Under compression, bias ply sidewall flex and vertical travel must be accounted for, particularly during steering lock or uneven road conditions. Proper clearance ensures no rubbing occurs under load, braking dive, or cornering compression.
Tire Size Equivalents & Conversions â–¼
The BFGoodrich 825-16 BFGoodrich | 825-16 does not have a direct modern radial equivalent, but it aligns roughly with large 235 to 255 radial profiles depending on application. Its defining characteristic is the 32.43 inch overall diameter rather than a metric aspect ratio system.
This creates a taller stance and narrower footprint compared to modern tires. The bias ply design prioritizes authenticity and original geometry rather than maximizing lateral grip or modern handling precision.
The 8.25-16 designation on the BFGoodrich 825-16 BFGoodrich | 825-16 refers to an approximate 8.25 inch section width paired with a 16 inch rim diameter. It reflects historical sizing conventions used in early automotive manufacturing rather than modern metric systems.
This format prioritizes fitment compatibility for vintage vehicles. It is not a ratio-based measurement, so actual dimensions such as 8.79 inch section width and 32.43 inch diameter provide more precise real-world reference.
Performance & Use Case â–¼
The BFGoodrich 825-16 BFGoodrich | 825-16 delivers a period-correct driving experience suited for restored pre-war and early classic vehicles. Its bias ply construction provides a softer, more mechanical road feel consistent with original factory behavior.
It is best suited for moderate speed driving where authenticity and ride character are prioritized over modern performance handling. It maintains predictable straight-line stability in properly aligned vintage suspension systems.
The BFGoodrich 825-16 BFGoodrich | 825-16 can be used for highway cruising when properly inflated and installed on correctly matched vintage platforms. Its large diameter supports stable RPM levels at sustained speeds.
However, bias ply construction introduces increased road sensitivity and heat generation compared to radial tires. Long-distance driving requires proper inflation management and load awareness.
The BFGoodrich 825-16 BFGoodrich | 825-16 can exhibit tracking behavior on uneven pavement due to its narrow footprint and bias ply construction. This is a known characteristic of vintage tire design.
Minor steering corrections may be required at highway speeds, especially on grooved or worn surfaces. Proper alignment reduces this effect significantly.
Construction, Durability & Load Capacity â–¼
The BFGoodrich 825-16 BFGoodrich | 825-16 is constructed using modern manufacturing methods combined with traditional bias ply architecture. Its 8 ply polyester structure provides strength suitable for heavy vintage passenger applications.
Durability depends heavily on correct inflation, alignment, and controlled driving conditions, especially during extended highway use.
The BFGoodrich 825-16 BFGoodrich | 825-16 supports up to 2030 lbs at 46 psi, making it suitable for large vintage vehicles such as full-size sedans and Packard platforms.
Staying within load limits is critical for maintaining temperature control and preventing uneven wear during operation.
Bias ply construction in the BFGoodrich 825-16 BFGoodrich | 825-16 prioritizes authenticity over modern wear efficiency. It is durable within its intended operating range but generates more heat than radial designs at sustained speeds.
This trade-off is expected in vintage tire engineering. The steel rim provides load-bearing strength, while the aluminum center reduces weight and enhances appearance. This combination makes it suitable for classic GM restorations and street-driven applications.
Installation & Maintenance â–¼
Proper installation of the BFGoodrich 825-16 BFGoodrich | 825-16 requires a compatible 16 inch rim within the specified width range and correct bias ply mounting procedures. Attention to bead seating is essential for safe operation.
Because it is a tube type tire, correct tube installation and inflation practices must be followed to ensure structural integrity.
Air pressure on the BFGoodrich 825-16 BFGoodrich | 825-16 should be checked at least every two weeks and before long trips. Bias ply tires are more sensitive to pressure variation than modern radials.
Maintaining 46 psi ensures optimal load distribution and handling consistency.
Maintenance for the BFGoodrich 825-16 BFGoodrich | 825-16 includes regular inflation checks, visual inspections, and proper cleaning using non-reactive tire care products. Storage conditions also play a major role in longevity.
Avoiding excessive heat and direct sunlight helps preserve compound integrity over time.

