1948 Buick 50 Super Tires

The 1948 Buick 50 Super uses a 760-15 tire as its primary fitment. That is a vintage numeric bias-ply size used on a 15-inch rim, and it is the key starting point for selecting a period-style replacement tire for this car.

Since there is one primary size, the next decision is not changing sizes but choosing the right version within 760-15. Whitewall width, brand, tire series, and whether to stay with bias-ply construction or evaluate a radial equivalent will shape the final choice, so it helps to confirm the actual wheels on the car before ordering.

The 1948 Buick 50 Super uses a 15-inch rim with its primary 760-15 tire size. That rim diameter is central to both original-style bias-ply fitment and any radial equivalent being considered, because the tire’s bead must match the wheel diameter exactly.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, especially on an older collector car. Wheel width, tire profile, and any prior wheel changes should be checked as well, particularly if the car no longer wears its original wheels or if a radial equivalent is being considered in place of the original bias-ply construction.

Yes. The covered 1948 Buick 50 Super 8 Cyl. uses the same 760-15 bias-ply tire size as the model core, so there is no separate primary size to sort out within that sub-model. That keeps fitment straightforward for buyers researching this exact Buick.

With the size staying the same, selection comes down to details such as whitewall style, brand, and whether the goal is a restoration-oriented look or a radial alternative. It is still wise to inspect the wheels currently on the car, since decades of service can bring wheel swaps or other changes that affect what works best.

For the 1948 Buick 50 Super, 760-15 is the primary bias-ply tire size. That size belongs to the older numeric sizing system and matches the traditional construction associated with the car’s period driving feel and restoration-oriented appearance.

A radial alternative can still be considered, but it should be treated as a different construction choice rather than the same tire in another form. Buyers comparing bias-ply and radial options should think about wheel width, the desired look of the sidewall, and whether the car is being preserved for period presentation or regular road use.

Radial equivalents for 760-15 include 215R15, P225/75R15, P235/70R15, and 760R15. Those cover an 80-series metric radial, a 75-series P-metric radial, a 70-series P-metric radial, and a bias-look radial that preserves a more traditional visual style.

Each of those sizes should be viewed as an alternative to evaluate, not as an automatic swap. The associated rim-width range is 6 to 8 inches, and overall fit should be checked against the wheel, the car’s clearance, and the stance you want, especially on a large postwar Buick where appearance and proportions matter.

Start by confirming wheel diameter and wheel width, then compare the radial equivalent size you are considering against the Buick’s current setup. For a 760-15 fitment, the available radial alternatives include 215R15, P225/75R15, P235/70R15, and 760R15, each with its own sizing convention and visual character.

A conversion decision should also account for clearance at the fenders and steering, the condition of the suspension, and whether the car still sits at stock height. On a collector vehicle, the visual change matters almost as much as the construction change, so it helps to decide early whether road-use priorities or period-style appearance matter more.

Begin with the correct 760-15 size and 15-inch wheel compatibility, then narrow the choice by construction, sidewall style, and intended use. On this Buick, the available products stay within traditional bias-ply construction, so the main visible difference is often the whitewall treatment rather than a change in the basic fitment.

It also helps to compare brand and tire series, plus practical details such as rim-width specifications and load figures where they are available. A Buick from this era can look very different on a narrow whitewall than it does on a broad whitewall, so the tire choice should support both the way the car is driven and the way it is presented.

The 760-15 options for a 1948 Buick 50 Super include both narrow whitewall and wide whitewall styles. Wide whitewall choices appear in several versions, while narrow whitewall is also available for buyers who want a more restrained look within the same vintage tire size.

Sidewall style has a major effect on the Buick’s overall appearance, especially on a large late-1940s body where the tire is a visible design element. Since sidewall presentation changes the personality of the car more than the fitment itself, many buyers choose the tire by deciding first how formal, subtle, or period-focused they want the finished stance to look.

Available 760-15 tires for the 1948 Buick 50 Super come from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Universal Vintage Tire, and Goodyear. Those brands appear across several traditional bias-ply series, giving buyers more than one way to stay within the correct vintage sizing format.

Brand choice should be considered alongside the specifics of the individual tire, including sidewall style, rim-width suitability, and load specifications when they are stated. On a car like this, the visual result matters just as much as the name on the sidewall, so comparing the full tire presentation is usually more useful than choosing by brand alone.

A period-style starting point for a 1948 Buick 50 Super is the original-size 760-15 bias-ply tire. That keeps the car in its proper vintage sizing convention and preserves the tall, traditional tire presentation that suits a late-1940s Buick far better than a modern-looking fitment.

From there, the appearance decision usually comes down to whitewall treatment and overall presentation rather than changing the basic size. Buyers pursuing very exact originality should compare their choice against marque references, period photos, or other vehicle-specific documentation, while those restoring for road enjoyment can focus on the style that best complements the finished car.

Tire construction changes more than ride character on a restored 1948 Buick 50 Super; it also changes the visual impression of the car. A 760-15 bias-ply keeps the traditional vintage look associated with the Buick’s era, while a radial alternative can alter how modern or subdued the finished presentation feels.

That is why many restoration-minded owners decide on appearance first and construction second. A bias-look radial can be useful for someone who wants a more traditional sidewall presentation while considering radial construction, but the final choice should still be checked against wheel dimensions and the overall stance the car is meant to carry.

Yes. Even though the primary fitment is 760-15 on a 15-inch rim, wheel changes, suspension work, lowering, or other alterations can affect what clears properly on a 1948 Buick 50 Super. That matters whether the car is staying with bias-ply tires or moving to one of the available radial-equivalent sizes.

Cars of this age are often far removed from their original setup, so measuring the actual wheels on the car is worthwhile before selecting tires. Steering travel, fender clearance, and ride height should all be checked, especially if the Buick has aftermarket wheels or if the goal is to preserve a specific stance and appearance.

Before putting a 1948 Buick 50 Super back on the road, inspect wheel condition, lug hardware, valve stems, and the overall state of the suspension and steering. New tires perform best when the supporting parts are sound, and an older Buick can reveal wheel or chassis issues once fresh rubber is installed.

It is also smart to confirm tire pressure, look for any signs of rubbing during full steering lock, and recheck clearances after the car has settled on the new tires. A short test drive followed by another inspection can catch contact points, air-loss concerns, or handling issues before the car is taken on a longer outing.

Collector-car tires in 760-15 size should be inspected regularly for pressure loss, tread wear, sidewall cracking, bulges, cuts, and signs of aging. A 1948 Buick 50 Super may spend long periods parked, so tire condition can change with time even when the car is driven only occasionally.

Good storage habits also matter. Keeping the car away from prolonged sun, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps protect the rubber, and moving the vehicle occasionally can help avoid long-term flat spotting. Any tire that shows visible damage or concerning age-related deterioration deserves closer inspection before road use.