Willys 473 & 673 Wagon Tires

The Willys 473 & 673 Wagon uses 670-15 for both 1951 and 1952. All listed products for that fitment use a 15-inch rim diameter and bias-ply construction. Most of the available tires are intended for rims in the 4.50 to 5.00 inch width range, with a few options extending slightly wider depending on the tire model.

That makes size selection straightforward, but wheel verification still matters because many collector wagons have had replacement wheels fitted over the years. Measure the wheel diameter directly and compare the wheel width to the tire maker's recommendation before settling on a specific 670-15. Once that is confirmed, the remaining choice is usually blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, or a heavier-duty truck-style bias-ply design.

On a Willys 473 & 673 Wagon, 670-15 is a numeric bias-ply size. The 670 refers to the tire's nominal section width in inches with the decimal omitted, and the 15 is the wheel diameter in inches. In the available products, that size is consistently built as a bias-ply tire for 15-inch rims.

Modern buyers sometimes expect a size code to work like a metric radial number, but this older system is simpler and more approximate. The code identifies the general section width class and wheel diameter rather than the highly exact dimensional format seen on later radials. For a Willys 473 & 673 Wagon, the important practical step is matching 670-15 to the actual 15-inch wheel and then checking the recommended rim width for the tire you prefer.

Yes. The Willys 473 & 673 Wagon fitment shown here is entirely bias-ply in 670-15, and that style should be treated as a tube-type application. The available products do not indicate a tubeless radial-style fitment for this wagon, so tube use is part of the expected period-correct installation approach.

Tube choice matters just as much as tire choice on a collector wagon. The tube should match the tire size and valve stem configuration required by the wheel, and the condition of the wheel itself should be checked for rust, burrs, or damage before mounting. A sound tube-and-flap installation practice helps prevent abrasion and slow leaks, especially on a low-use vintage Willys 473 & 673 Wagon.

Both 1951 and 1952 Willys 473 & 673 Wagon listings use 670-15, so the size itself is the same across the full span shown here. The more important checks are wheel diameter, wheel width, and whether the wagon is being equipped for a stock-looking restoration, general hobby driving, or a more work-oriented presentation using a heavier-duty bias-ply option.

Start with the stamping or measured dimensions of the actual wheel, then compare that wheel width to the tire's recommended range. If the wagon has been modified at some point, do not assume the current tire is automatically correct just because it clears the fender. On a Willys 473 & 673 Wagon, getting the wheel dimensions right first makes the later decisions about sidewall style and tire series much easier.

Willys 473 & 673 Wagon tires in 670-15 are available in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles. The listed products include several wide whitewall widths as well as 1-inch narrow whitewalls, depending on brand and series. Blackwall choices are also well represented, including both passenger-style classic bias-ply tires and a truck-oriented STA Super Transport.

That range gives a restorer room to match the wagon's intended look. Blackwalls usually suit utility-oriented presentation, while whitewalls can shift the appearance toward a more passenger-car flavor that fits many period restorations. If authenticity is important, compare the sidewall style on the vehicle to period photos, factory literature, or marque references before making the final cosmetic choice for a Willys 473 & 673 Wagon.

Willys 473 & 673 Wagon tires in 670-15 are offered by Firestone, US Royal, Coker Classic, Universal Vintage Tire, BFGoodrich, Excelsior, Goodyear, Avon, and STA. Those brands appear across several period-style series, including classic bias-ply passenger tires and a truck-oriented Super Transport option. All of the listed fitments remain within the same 15-inch bias-ply size family.

Brand choice on a Willys 473 & 673 Wagon is often less about basic fit and more about appearance, tread style, intended use, and historical flavor. Some buyers want a familiar American passenger-car look, while others want a more utilitarian tire that visually suits a working wagon. Once the 670-15 size and wheel width are confirmed, comparing brands becomes a matter of which period character best matches the specific vehicle.

Willys 473 & 673 Wagon tires in 670-15 appear in several series, including Firestone Classic Bias Ply, US Royal Classic Bias Ply, Coker Classic Bias Ply, Universal Classic Bias Ply, Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, Excelsior Bias Ply, Turbospeed Mk4, Super Cushion, Custom Super Cushion, Super Cushion Deluxe, and Super Transport. Most are passenger-style classic bias-ply tires, while STA Super Transport is the clearest truck-oriented entry. The Avon Turbospeed Mk4 also stands apart as a distinct named series within the same overall size family.

For a restorer, those series differences matter because they affect the wagon's look and likely its driving character more than the basic fitment does. A classic bias-ply passenger series usually suits a stock restoration or general collector use, while a transport-style tire better fits a work-focused visual theme. On a Willys 473 & 673 Wagon, choose the series that matches how the wagon will be presented and used, not just the size on the sidewall.

A Willys 473 & 673 Wagon should be stored on a clean, dry surface away from direct sunlight, ozone sources, and large temperature swings. Keep the tires properly inflated for storage, and avoid leaving the wagon parked for long periods on damp concrete, dirt, or surfaces contaminated with oil or solvents. Because these are bias-ply tires, flat-spotting from prolonged sitting is a normal concern.

If the wagon will sit for months at a time, move it occasionally or support it in a way that reduces constant load on one contact patch while still protecting the suspension and frame. Tire covers help in bright storage areas, and a cool enclosed garage is better than outdoor storage. Collector vehicles like the Willys 473 & 673 Wagon benefit from routine storage habits more than from mileage-based tire care alone.

Tires on a Willys 473 & 673 Wagon should be inspected before each drive and more thoroughly several times each year, even if the wagon sees only occasional use. Look for pressure loss, sidewall cracking, tread separation, uneven wear, damage around the bead area, and any signs that the tube or valve stem may be causing trouble. Bias-ply tires can age out long before they wear out.

A practical collector-car routine is to check inflation and visible condition before every outing, then perform a hands-on inspection at the start and end of each driving season. Include the spare if the wagon carries one, since age affects it too. On a Willys 473 & 673 Wagon, regular inspections are especially important because low annual mileage can disguise deterioration that would be obvious on a daily-driven vehicle.

Tires on a Willys 473 & 673 Wagon should be replaced when age, cracking, hardening, casing damage, repeated air loss, or uneven structural wear appears, even if the tread still looks deep. Collector tires often retain good-looking tread because they are driven infrequently, but rubber condition and internal integrity matter more than visual tread depth on a low-mileage vintage wagon.

That principle is especially important with bias-ply construction, which can spend long periods parked and then be asked to carry a full load without warning signs that are obvious to a casual glance. Any tire showing age-related deterioration should be evaluated promptly, and the tubes and wheel condition should be reviewed at the same time. On a Willys 473 & 673 Wagon, replacement decisions should be driven by condition and age, not just miles accumulated.

The Willys 473 & 673 Wagon fitment shown here is 670-15, and the available products are all period-style bias-ply tires for 15-inch wheels. Several classic series are offered within that size, including Firestone, US Royal, Silvertown, Universal, Excelsior, and multiple Goodyear lines. That means the correct restoration path centers first on the 670-15 size and bias-ply construction rather than on a single brand assumption.

For a highly exact restoration, use factory literature, original photos, surviving unrestored examples, or Willys marque references to narrow the choice further. Sidewall style can materially change the wagon's appearance, even when the size is correct. On a Willys 473 & 673 Wagon, the strongest authenticity baseline is the proper 670-15 bias-ply fitment on the correct 15-inch wheel, followed by matching the sidewall and brand character to the vehicle's intended presentation.

Correct tire fitment can absolutely affect how a Willys 473 & 673 Wagon is judged, and it can influence buyer confidence as well. The right overall size, proper 15-inch wheel fit, era-appropriate bias-ply construction, and suitable sidewall treatment all contribute to an authentic stance and period-correct appearance. Tires that are visibly too modern or mismatched to the wagon's character can distract from an otherwise careful restoration.

Judging standards vary by event, so restorers should compare the wagon against marque-club expectations and period reference material. A utility-themed wagon may look most appropriate on blackwalls, while a more passenger-oriented restoration may call for whitewalls. On a Willys 473 & 673 Wagon, the visual effect of tires is strong enough that getting the details right often improves both authenticity and how the finished vehicle is perceived.

Willys 473 & 673 Wagon tires in 670-15 are available as blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall designs. Any of those can be period-appropriate depending on how the wagon was equipped and presented, but they create noticeably different visual results. Blackwalls emphasize the utility side of the vehicle, while narrow and wide whitewalls move the appearance toward a more dressed passenger-car look.

The right answer depends on the specific restoration goal rather than on size alone. If the wagon is being restored as a practical workhorse, blackwalls are often the most convincing visual match. If the vehicle is intended to reflect a more upscale suburban or passenger presentation, one of the whitewall options may fit better. For a Willys 473 & 673 Wagon, period photos and original sales material are the best tie-breakers when more than one sidewall style seems plausible.

A properly fitted new bias-ply tire in the correct 670-15 size can be suitable for public-road use on a Willys 473 & 673 Wagon when the rest of the vehicle is mechanically sound. That includes proper wheel condition, correct tube installation, sound brakes, good steering components, and inflation matched to the tire's specifications. Roadworthiness depends on the whole vehicle, not just the tire size.

Collector drivers should also remember that a bias-ply-equipped wagon will not behave like a modern radial-tire vehicle. Steering response, braking feel, and tracking can all be different, especially on crowned roads or in crosswinds. A Willys 473 & 673 Wagon should be driven with that character in mind, and any newly restored example should be tested carefully at moderate speeds before longer trips.

Before driving a Willys 473 & 673 Wagon, check tire pressure, visible sidewall condition, tread condition, valve stems, and any signs of tube leakage or bead-area damage. Make sure all four tires match in size and general type, and confirm lug hardware is secure and the spare is serviceable if it will be carried for road use. On a vintage wagon, tire condition should be part of every pre-drive routine.

A short walk-around catches problems that often develop while collector vehicles sit parked. Also pay attention to wheel cracks, rust around the rim, and any vibration or pull that appeared on the previous outing. If a Willys 473 & 673 Wagon has been off the road for a while, include a broader mechanical review of brakes, steering, fluids, and suspension before trusting the tires with regular road duty.

A Willys 473 & 673 Wagon fitted with period-style 670-15 bias-ply tires should be driven at moderate speeds that respect both the tire design and the vehicle's overall vintage chassis. Even when the tires are new, the wagon's steering, braking, suspension geometry, and high-profile bias-ply construction belong to an earlier driving era than modern traffic conditions. Smooth, conservative operation is the right approach.

Practical road speed should be guided by tire condition, inflation, mechanical soundness, road surface, and how the wagon feels in motion rather than by trying to match modern highway behavior. Build speed gradually and stay alert to wander, vibration, or heat buildup after a run. For a Willys 473 & 673 Wagon, comfortable and controlled touring speeds are far more appropriate than sustained high-speed driving.