1948 Hudson 481 & 482 Series Tires

A 1948 Hudson 481 & 482 Series uses either 710-15 or 760-15 tires, and both are primary bias-ply fitments on 15-inch rims. Those two sizes are the core fitment choices for this vehicle, so the correct starting point is identifying which of the two is already on the car or which wheel setup the car is using.

That matters because 710-15 and 760-15 are not simply appearance variations of the same tire. Before replacing anything, confirm the wheel diameter, check the current tire size, and look for any prior wheel or suspension changes. Once the correct size is established, the remaining decision is usually sidewall style, brand, and whether to stay with bias-ply construction or evaluate a radial equivalent.

The 1948 Hudson 481 & 482 Series uses a 15-inch rim with both of its primary tire sizes, 710-15 and 760-15. That shared rim diameter simplifies the first part of the fitment question, since both sizes belong on the same nominal wheel diameter rather than requiring different rim sizes between the available Hudson fitments.

Rim diameter is only one part of correct tire selection, though. Wheel width still matters, especially if the car has replacement wheels or has been altered over the years. A 15-inch wheel must also be appropriate for the tire's width and the car's clearance needs, so it is smart to confirm the actual wheel dimensions before choosing between the two available bias-ply sizes or a radial equivalent.

A 710-15 is a vintage numeric bias-ply size. The 7.10 portion refers to the tire's nominal section width in inches, and the 15 indicates that it mounts on a 15-inch rim. On a 1948 Hudson 481 & 482 Series, it represents one of the correct period-style bias-ply fitments rather than a modern metric or alphanumeric size.

Understanding that format helps when comparing replacement choices, because modern radial alternatives use a completely different sizing language. If the car currently wears 710-15 tires, keep the comparison focused on that exact size family and its approved equivalents instead of guessing across unrelated dimensions. That approach helps preserve proper wheel compatibility and reduces the chance of selecting a tire that changes the car's fitment unnecessarily.

On the 1948 Hudson 481 & 482 Series, 710-15 is a bias-ply tire size. It is one of the vehicle's primary fitments and uses the traditional numeric bias-ply sizing system common to many American cars of the late 1940s. That makes it the restoration-oriented starting point for owners who want to keep the Hudson in a period-style configuration.

A bias-ply tire affects both the vehicle's appearance and the way the tire is selected, since sidewall style, brand, and tire series become important within that original-format size. Owners considering a radial alternative should compare against the available equivalent sizes rather than assuming any 15-inch radial will do the job. Wheel width, dimensions, and clearance still need to be checked before making that change.

For 710-15, radial equivalents include 205R15, P215/75R15, P225/70R15, and 710R15 as a bias-look radial. For 760-15, the equivalent choices are 215R15, P225/75R15, P235/70R15, and 760R15 as a bias-look radial. That gives each primary Hudson size an 80-series metric option, a 75-series P-metric option, a lower-profile 70-series P-metric option, and a radial that keeps a more traditional visual presentation.

These equivalents are useful comparison sizes, not automatic replacements. The recommended rim-width range is 6-8 inches, but overall tire dimensions, wheel width, and body or steering clearance still need to be reviewed on the actual car. That is especially important on a postwar Hudson that may have seen wheel changes, suspension work, or long-term service adjustments over the decades.

Start by matching the radial conversion to the correct original size. A car using 710-15 should be compared against 205R15, P215/75R15, P225/70R15, or 710R15, while a 760-15 setup should be compared against 215R15, P225/75R15, P235/70R15, or 760R15. The wheel must still be a 15-inch wheel, and the 6-8 inch recommended rim-width range is an important reference point.

After that, inspect the actual vehicle rather than relying on catalog logic alone. Check wheel width, front turning clearance, fender space, suspension condition, and whether the Hudson still has its original wheel and ride-height setup. A radial equivalent can be a sensible alternative, but the change should be evaluated as a complete fitment decision instead of a simple construction swap.

The first priority is choosing the correct primary size for the car, since the 1948 Hudson 481 & 482 Series uses either 710-15 or 760-15, not one universal fitment. After that, look at construction, sidewall style, and wheel compatibility. Both sizes are available as bias-ply tires, and both also have radial-equivalent paths for owners considering a different driving or appearance balance.

Selection becomes more meaningful once the size is confirmed. A narrower or wider nominal size can change the visual stance of a postwar sedan, and sidewall treatment can shift the car from understated to distinctly restoration-oriented. Brand, tire series, rim-width specification, and available load information are all worth comparing, especially if the Hudson is driven regularly rather than displayed occasionally.

Available sidewall styles for the 1948 Hudson 481 & 482 Series include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall, depending on the tire size and product chosen. In 710-15, the range is especially broad, while 760-15 centers more heavily on whitewall offerings. That gives owners room to shape the car's appearance without changing away from the proper primary size family.

Sidewall style can make a major visual difference on a late-1940s Hudson because the tire is such a visible part of the car's presentation. Blackwalls create a more restrained look, while narrow and wide whitewalls move the car toward a more formal or restoration-minded appearance. It helps to choose the sidewall treatment after the correct size is settled, not as a substitute for confirming fitment.

Tires for the 1948 Hudson 481 & 482 Series are available from BFGoodrich, Firestone, Goodyear, US Royal, Coker Classic, and Universal Vintage Tire, depending on whether the car uses 710-15 or 760-15. Those brands appear across several classic bias-ply series, with different sidewall treatments and some variation in wheel-width guidance and other product details.

The practical choice between brands usually comes down to size availability, sidewall presentation, and the specific tire series that best suits the car. A buyer comparing options should keep the focus on the exact Hudson fitment first, then review brand-level differences within that size. That approach keeps the decision centered on proper fitment and intended appearance rather than on brand name alone.

A period-style 1948 Hudson 481 & 482 Series starts with the correct primary bias-ply size, either 710-15 or 760-15, depending on the car's actual setup. Staying within those original-format numeric bias-ply sizes preserves the late-1940s tire profile and visual character more closely than jumping immediately to a modern metric radial format.

From there, the better choice depends on how the Hudson is being presented. Blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall options can all shape the final look differently, and exact originality claims should be checked against marque references or vehicle-specific historical documentation when that level of detail matters. The most convincing result usually comes from matching size, construction, and sidewall treatment thoughtfully.

Tire construction changes more than ride feel on a restored 1948 Hudson 481 & 482 Series; it also changes how the car sits visually. A bias-ply tire keeps the traditional profile associated with postwar American cars, while a radial equivalent introduces a more modern sizing format even when chosen carefully for comparable fitment.

That visual difference is why many restoration-minded owners begin with the original-format bias-ply size and then choose a sidewall style that suits the car. A bias-look radial can also be considered when retaining a more traditional presentation matters. For a Hudson being restored to a particular standard, construction choice should support both the intended use and the finished appearance.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1948 Hudson 481 & 482 Series even when the tire size appears correct on paper. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, altered ride height, suspension work, or body repairs can all influence how a 710-15, 760-15, or radial equivalent actually sits and clears on the car.

That is why an older Hudson should be checked as an individual vehicle before replacement tires are chosen. Measure the actual wheel, confirm the installed size, and inspect clearance at the fender edge and during steering movement. A car that has been modified even slightly may need closer evaluation than one still wearing its long-established factory-type wheel and suspension layout.

Before road use, inspect the wheel condition, verify tire pressure, and make sure the new tires seat correctly on the 15-inch rims. It is also smart to look at suspension and steering components, especially on a 1948 Hudson that may have spent long periods stored or only lightly driven. New tires perform best when the rest of the supporting hardware is in sound condition.

A short check for fender and steering clearance is worth doing before a full drive, particularly if the car changed from one primary size to the other or moved to a radial equivalent. After the first miles, recheck pressure and look for any rubbing, unusual wear pattern, or air loss. Those early inspections help catch fitment issues before they become larger problems.

Collector-car tires on a 1948 Hudson 481 & 482 Series should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and careful storage habits. Whether the car uses 710-15 or 760-15 bias-ply tires, age and inactivity can be just as important as mileage. Sidewall cracking, flat spotting, cuts, bulges, and gradual air loss are all worth watching on a low-use vehicle.

Storage conditions matter because heat, sunlight, moisture, and ozone exposure can shorten tire life on a car that is driven infrequently. It also helps to move the Hudson periodically and inspect the tread and sidewalls before each outing. Even a well-kept collector car benefits from routine tire checks, since long gaps between drives can hide developing condition issues.