The 1948 Plymouth Deluxe arrived as American car buyers moved out of the immediate postwar years and back into comfortable, practical family transportation with full-bodied styling and traditional road manners. For many owners today, that makes tire choice part of the car’s overall character, not just a maintenance item. The primary fitment for the 1948 Plymouth Deluxe is a 670-15 bias-ply tire on a 15-inch rim. That opens the door to period-style blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall choices, while modern radial equivalents are also available in comparable sizing. The right selection depends on whether the goal is restoration-minded appearance, road-use comfort, or a careful balance of both.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1948 Plymouth Deluxe
The 1948 Plymouth Deluxe uses one primary tire size: 670-15. It is a bias-ply fitment on a 15-inch rim, and that same size carries across the covered Deluxe sub-models here. The real choice is not between multiple primary sizes, but between sidewall style, brand, and tire series within 670-15, or whether to evaluate one of the available radial equivalents after confirming wheel and vehicle compatibility.
A 670-15 is a numeric bias-ply size, with the 670 indicating an approximate 6.70-inch nominal section width and the 15 identifying the wheel diameter in inches. On a 1948 Plymouth Deluxe, this is the traditional bias-ply fitment and suits the car’s original-era tire construction and visual proportions. Available choices include Firestone, US Royal, Coker Classic, Universal Vintage Tire, BFGoodrich, Goodyear, Excelsior, Avon, and STA, with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles across several classic tire series. This size makes the most sense when the priority is preserving a period-style look and using the original-style sizing format.
Tire fitment is straightforward across the covered 1948 Plymouth Deluxe sub-models because both use the same primary size. Checking the exact sub-model still helps confirm that the car remains on its expected wheel and tire setup before moving into product or equivalent-size choices.
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1948 Plymouth Deluxe 6 Cyl.
The 1948 Plymouth Deluxe 6 Cyl. uses the same 670-15 bias-ply tire size found across this fitment group. That makes tire selection more about choosing the right sidewall presentation, brand, and series, or deciding whether a radial equivalent is worth evaluating for your intended road use.
The 1948 Plymouth Deluxe Special 6 Cyl. also uses the 670-15 bias-ply size on a 15-inch rim. With the primary fitment unchanged, the main decision becomes whether to stay with a traditional bias-ply presentation or compare radial-equivalent options after checking the wheel setup.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1948 Plymouth Deluxe
The original 670-15 tire size has four radial-equivalent options to consider. Those include 195R15 as an 80-series metric radial, P205/75R15 as a P-metric 75-series radial, P215/70R15 as a P-metric 70-series radial, and 670R15 as a bias-look radial equivalent. Together, they offer a mix of metric, P-metric, and traditional-looking radial choices rather than one single substitute. A 5-7 inch rim-width range is associated with these equivalents, and overall dimensions, wheel compatibility, and vehicle clearance should be checked before making the change.
Modern Radial Equivalents
195R15
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (670-15)
P205/75R15
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (670-15)
P215/70R15
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (670-15)
670R15
Bias-look Radial Equivalent (670-15)
Important Considerations When Replacing Bias Ply With Radial
Compare overall diameter and section width carefully to ensure proper fit.
Verify recommended rim range (5-7 in) and load needs match your vehicle specifications.
Check fender clearance, steering clearance, and stance before installation.
Consider suspension condition and intended road use when choosing equivalents.
Important Fitment Notes
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Best 1948 Plymouth Deluxe Tires for Sale
Available 670-15 choices span Firestone, US Royal, Coker Classic, Universal Vintage Tire, BFGoodrich, Goodyear, Excelsior, Avon, and STA, with classic bias-ply construction in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles across several restoration-oriented tire series.
Common questions for the 1948 Plymouth Deluxe usually center on the 670-15 tire size, 15-inch rim fitment, bias-ply versus radial alternatives, sidewall appearance, and the checks worth making before putting a restored or lightly used car back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1948 Plymouth Deluxe?
The primary tire size for the 1948 Plymouth Deluxe is 670-15. This is a numeric bias-ply size used on a 15-inch rim, and it applies to both the Deluxe 6 Cyl. and Deluxe Special 6 Cyl. covered here.
That means the first step is usually not choosing between multiple factory-style sizes, but selecting the right 670-15 tire for the way the car will be used and presented. Before replacing what is on the car now, confirm that the wheels are still 15-inch originals or the same effective setup, especially if the Plymouth has been modified at some point in its life.
What size rim does a 1948 Plymouth Deluxe use?
The 1948 Plymouth Deluxe uses a 15-inch rim with its primary 670-15 tire size. Product offerings in this fitment show several rim-width pairings within the size, so wheel width can matter when narrowing down a specific tire choice.
Rim diameter should be confirmed before anything else, because a 15-inch tire cannot be used safely on a different wheel diameter. It is also smart to check the actual wheel width stamped on the rim or measured at the wheel, since some 670-15 tires are paired with narrower or slightly wider rim-width ranges than others.
Do all 1948 Plymouth Deluxe sub-models use the same tire size?
Yes. Both the 1948 Plymouth Deluxe 6 Cyl. and the 1948 Plymouth Deluxe Special 6 Cyl. use the same 670-15 bias-ply tire size. That makes core fitment straightforward across the covered sub-models.
Even with shared sizing, it still helps to inspect the car before ordering replacement tires. Older Plymouths are often restored, stored for long periods, or updated with replacement wheels, so confirming the wheel diameter and general wheel condition can prevent confusion. Once the setup is verified, the real differences come from sidewall style, tire series, and whether a radial equivalent is being considered.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 670-15 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1948 Plymouth Deluxe?
For the 1948 Plymouth Deluxe, 670-15 is the primary bias-ply tire size. That size reflects the traditional construction and sizing convention associated with late-1940s domestic passenger cars using 15-inch wheels.
Choosing to stay with a bias-ply tire usually keeps the car closer to its original-era look and construction style. Owners considering a radial should treat that as a separate conversion decision, not simply a brand change within the same fitment. Wheel width, clearance, and the condition of steering and suspension components all deserve a careful look before changing construction type.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 670-15?
Radial equivalents for 670-15 include 195R15, P205/75R15, P215/70R15, and 670R15. Those cover an 80-series metric radial, a 75-series P-metric radial, a 70-series P-metric radial, and a bias-look radial option that keeps a more traditional visual presentation.
These sizes give a useful range of modern alternatives, but they should be evaluated as equivalents rather than automatic replacements. A recommended rim-width range of 5-7 inches is associated with the radial-equivalent group, and the actual vehicle setup still matters. Checking wheel width, overall tire clearance, and how the Plymouth sits and steers can help avoid surprises after conversion.
What should I check before converting my 1948 Plymouth Deluxe from bias-ply to radial tires?
Start by confirming the wheel diameter, actual wheel width, and the radial-equivalent size being considered for the 1948 Plymouth Deluxe. The original tire size is 670-15 bias-ply, while radial alternatives include 195R15, P205/75R15, P215/70R15, and 670R15.
A change in construction can affect how the car feels and how much space the tire uses within the wheel opening, even when the size is considered equivalent. Steering clearance at full lock, fender clearance during suspension movement, and the condition of suspension and alignment components are worth checking. That is especially true on collector cars that may have seen wheel changes or long periods of inactivity.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 670-15 tire for a 1948 Plymouth Deluxe?
Begin with the correct primary size, which is 670-15, and make sure the tire matches the 15-inch wheel on the car. From there, the main factors are construction style, sidewall appearance, brand, tire series, and whether the wheel width matches the specific tire being considered.
A period-style restoration may point toward a traditional bias-ply with the right blackwall or whitewall presentation, while a road-driven car may lead you to compare radial equivalents separately. Product details such as rim-width pairing, maximum load figures like 1450@32 psi or 1550 @32 psi, and overall intended use can help narrow the field without turning the decision into guesswork.
What sidewall styles are available for 1948 Plymouth Deluxe tires?
The 1948 Plymouth Deluxe has 670-15 tire options in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles. That gives owners room to choose a more understated driver look or a brighter restoration-oriented presentation without leaving the correct primary size.
Sidewall style can change the entire personality of a late-1940s Plymouth, especially on cars with stock wheel covers and full-height body lines. The best choice depends on how the car is being finished and used, not just what physically mounts to the wheel. If exact originality matters, compare the tire appearance against period photos, marque references, or build-specific restoration research.
What brands offer tires for the 1948 Plymouth Deluxe?
Available 670-15 tires for the 1948 Plymouth Deluxe include Firestone, US Royal, Coker Classic, Universal Vintage Tire, BFGoodrich, Goodyear, Excelsior, Avon, and STA. Those brands appear across several classic bias-ply series, with both blackwall and whitewall choices represented.
The smartest way to compare them is by looking at the details that affect your specific car and goals. Sidewall treatment, tire series, rim-width pairing, load specification, and visual character usually matter more than the brand name alone on a vintage Plymouth. Once the correct size is set, narrowing the choice around appearance and wheel compatibility is usually the most productive next step.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1948 Plymouth Deluxe?
A period-style 1948 Plymouth Deluxe starts with the original-type 670-15 bias-ply size. Within that size, the car can be outfitted with blackwall, narrow whitewall, or wide whitewall options from several traditional tire series, depending on the look being pursued.
For many restorations, the decision comes down to visual balance rather than basic fitment, since the primary size stays the same. A restrained sedan finish may suit a blackwall or narrow whitewall, while a more formal postwar presentation often works well with a broad white sidewall. Exact originality should be checked against period photos, marque guidance, or build-specific documentation.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1948 Plymouth Deluxe?
Tire construction changes both the look and character of a restored 1948 Plymouth Deluxe. A 670-15 bias-ply keeps the vintage sizing format and traditional sidewall profile associated with the car’s era, while a radial equivalent can shift the visual impression even when chosen carefully.
That matters most on a postwar Plymouth because the tires are a visible part of the car’s overall stance and presentation. Owners aiming for a restoration-oriented look often stay with bias-ply construction, while others may consider a bias-look radial to retain more of that classic appearance. The right answer depends on whether authenticity of style or modernized road use takes priority.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1948 Plymouth Deluxe?
Yes. Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1948 Plymouth Deluxe even when the nominal size remains 670-15 or a recognized radial equivalent is being considered. Changes to wheels, ride height, suspension parts, or brake components can alter the space available for the tire.
That is why an older Plymouth should be checked as it actually sits today, not only by what it used originally. Wheel diameter and width are the first items to confirm, followed by steering clearance and room at the fender opening. Cars that have been lowered, updated with aftermarket wheels, or repaired with non-original parts deserve especially careful measurement before replacement.
What should I inspect before driving a 1948 Plymouth Deluxe on new tires?
Before driving a 1948 Plymouth Deluxe on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and sound condition, then check lug hardware, valve stems, and inflation pressure. It also helps to look over steering and suspension components so the tires are not being asked to work around worn parts.
A short initial test drive is a smart follow-up on any collector car. Pay attention to tracking, steering response, rubbing at full lock, and any signs of contact inside the wheel opening. Recheck pressure after the first drive and keep an eye on the tire sidewalls and tread surface, especially if the car has been dormant or recently returned to regular road use.
How should 670-15 tires on a collector 1948 Plymouth Deluxe be maintained?
Maintain 670-15 tires on a collector 1948 Plymouth Deluxe by keeping inflation consistent, inspecting them regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, and air loss, and watching for uneven tread wear. Collector cars that are driven infrequently still need routine tire attention because age and storage conditions can matter as much as mileage.
Storage habits make a real difference on postwar cars that may spend long periods parked. Keeping the Plymouth away from prolonged sunlight, standing moisture, and ozone sources such as electric motors can help preserve the tires. Before any longer outing, check pressure when cold and inspect the full circumference of each tire, including the inward-facing sidewall when possible.