1949 Ford Custom Tires

The 1949 Ford Custom uses a 670-15 tire size. That is a vintage numeric bias-ply size, and it applies to both the 1949 Ford Custom 6 Cyl. and 1949 Ford Custom 8 Cyl. covered here.

That single primary size simplifies fitment, but the final choice still depends on the car’s actual wheel setup and the type of tire presentation you want. Many owners narrow the selection by sidewall style, such as blackwall, narrow whitewall, or wide whitewall, while others compare the original-style bias-ply size with radial equivalents after confirming wheel width and clearance.

The primary 670-15 fitment for a 1949 Ford Custom uses a 15-inch rim diameter. That 15-inch wheel diameter applies across the covered Custom 6-cylinder and 8-cylinder configurations tied to this tire size.

Rim diameter is only one part of fitment, so it is worth checking the actual wheel on the car before choosing a tire. Some 670-15 products are matched to narrower factory-style wheel widths, while radial-equivalent options call for their own width range, so confirming both diameter and width helps avoid clearance or compatibility problems.

Yes. The covered 1949 Ford Custom sub-models share the same 670-15 bias-ply tire size. Both the 6-cylinder and 8-cylinder versions use that same primary fitment on a 15-inch rim.

That shared size means the main buying decision is not sub-model variation but how the car is equipped today and what look you want to achieve. A mostly stock restoration may point toward traditional bias-ply styling, while a car with updated driving expectations may lead you to review radial equivalents after checking wheel width, suspension condition, and available clearance.

For the 1949 Ford Custom, 670-15 is the primary bias-ply tire size. It is the original-style construction format used for this fitment, and the available products in that primary size are bias-ply tires on a 15-inch rim.

That matters because construction affects both appearance and driving feel. Owners trying to preserve a traditional late-1940s presentation often stay with bias-ply, while owners considering a more modern construction usually compare one of the available radial equivalents instead of treating the original 670-15 code itself as a radial size.

Radial equivalents for 670-15 include 195R15, P205/75R15, P215/70R15, and 670R15. Those choices cover an 80-series metric radial, a P-metric 75-series radial, a P-metric 70-series radial, and a bias-look radial alternative.

Each option represents a different sizing convention and visual approach, so the choice is not only about converting from bias-ply to radial. A 670R15 keeps a more traditional look, while the metric and P-metric sizes reflect more modern radial formats. Wheel width, overall fit on the car, and clearance at steering and suspension points should be checked before making the change.

Start by confirming the wheel diameter and wheel width on the car, then compare the selected radial equivalent against the vehicle’s available space. For the 1949 Ford Custom, radial alternatives to 670-15 include 195R15, P205/75R15, P215/70R15, and 670R15, with a recommended rim-width range of 5-7 inches for the equivalent options.

The next step is to inspect the full setup rather than assuming every 15-inch wheel will behave the same way. Clearance at the fenders, steering components, and suspension matters, especially on older cars that may have replacement wheels or ride-height changes. A radial conversion should also be matched to the car’s intended use and overall condition.

Begin with the correct primary size, which is 670-15, and decide whether the priority is traditional bias-ply construction, period-style appearance, or a radial-equivalent alternative. Within the bias-ply options, the 1949 Ford Custom has a broad range of sidewall treatments and classic tire series to choose from.

After that, compare the tire against the wheel actually on the car. Some products are suited to narrower vintage wheel widths, while others differ slightly in width recommendations, load capacity, and overall presentation. Matching the tire to your restoration goals, driving habits, and wheel dimensions usually narrows the choice much faster than brand name alone.

Tires for the 1949 Ford Custom are available in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles within the 670-15 size. Those sidewall choices appear across several bias-ply offerings and give the car noticeably different visual character even when the size remains the same.

Blackwalls tend to create a simpler, more understated presentation, while whitewall variations add a stronger period look that many postwar restorations favor. The key is to choose a sidewall style that suits the car’s finish and intended presentation without assuming that any single stripe width was universal. Once the appearance is settled, wheel compatibility and construction choice still need confirmation.

The 670-15 size for a 1949 Ford Custom is available from Firestone, US Royal, Coker Classic, Universal Vintage Tire, BFGoodrich, Excelsior, Avon, Goodyear, and STA. Those brands appear across several classic bias-ply series, with choices that range from plain blackwall to restoration-oriented whitewall styles.

Brand selection is most useful when paired with the details that actually change the fitment and appearance story. Comparing sidewall style, rim-width specification, tire series, and load information can tell you more than the brand name by itself. For a stock-looking car, the visual treatment may matter most, while a regularly driven car may push wheel and setup verification higher on the list.

A period-style 1949 Ford Custom usually starts with the original-size 670-15 bias-ply format. That keeps the car in its traditional tire sizing system and preserves the visual proportions associated with a late-1940s full-size Ford, while still leaving room to choose among blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall presentations.

The best appearance choice depends on how the car is being restored and presented, not on a one-style-fits-all rule. If exact historical authenticity is important, compare the tire choice against marque references, period photography, or other vehicle-specific documentation. Once the visual direction is clear, wheel width and product specifications can narrow the options further.

Tire construction changes more than ride characteristics on a restored 1949 Ford Custom; it also changes the car’s visual impression. A 670-15 bias-ply keeps the vintage sizing format and traditional profile expected on a postwar Ford, while a radial equivalent can introduce a more modern look even when the wheel diameter stays the same.

That difference is why many restoration-minded owners start with bias-ply when appearance is the first priority. A bias-look radial can be worth considering if you want a more traditional presentation with radial construction, but it should still be treated as an alternative fitment that needs wheel and clearance checks rather than as an automatic substitute.

Yes, modifications can change tire fitment on a 1949 Ford Custom even when the intended tire size remains 670-15 or one of its radial equivalents. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, suspension work, ride-height alterations, or body modifications can all affect how much room the tire has.

That is especially important on older cars that may have been updated several times over the decades. A tire that suits a stock-style 15-inch setup may need a closer review on a modified car, particularly at the front wheels where steering travel matters. Checking wheel dimensions and full-lock clearance helps prevent expensive mistakes.

Before road use, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, make sure the tires seat properly, and verify that inflation is set appropriately for the chosen tire. It is also wise to confirm that the car has adequate clearance at the fenders, suspension, and steering points with the wheels pointed straight and turned.

A 1949 Ford Custom may spend long periods parked, so the rest of the chassis deserves attention as well. Check for worn steering parts, weak shocks, loose wheel hardware, and anything that could affect how the new tires track on the road. A careful first inspection makes the tire choice work the way it should.

670-15 tires on a collector 1949 Ford Custom should be kept properly inflated, inspected regularly for cracking, bulges, cuts, and uneven wear, and checked for air loss before longer drives. Cars that see limited use benefit from frequent visual inspections because tire aging can matter even when tread wear looks minimal.

Storage conditions also play a major role in preserving older-style tires. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, excess heat, and ozone sources can help protect the sidewalls and overall condition. Regular movement, periodic pressure checks, and a quick look at clearance and tread before each outing are smart habits for any collector Ford.