1949 Packard Standard Tires

The 1949 Packard Standard comes from a moment when postwar American luxury and traditional road manners still leaned heavily on tall-profile bias-ply tires and generous sidewall styling. For many owners, the appeal of this Packard is not just the car itself, but the way its stance and presentation depend on choosing the right tire. This model uses a 760-15 bias-ply tire on a 15-inch rim. Within that size, the available choices include several wide whitewall treatments, a narrower whitewall option, multiple vintage tire series, and curated radial equivalents. The key is deciding whether the goal is restoration-oriented appearance, modernized road feel, or a careful balance of both.

Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1949 Packard Standard

The 1949 Packard Standard uses one primary tire size: 760-15. That is a bias-ply fitment on a 15-inch rim, and the same size carries across the covered Standard 8 sub-model, so the real decision is not which primary size fits, but which sidewall style, tire series, or radial-equivalent direction best suits the car's appearance and intended road use.

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760-15Numeric bias-ply
Fit(s): 8
Construction: Bias PlyRim: 15 in

A 760-15 is a vintage numeric bias-ply size in which the 760 refers to a nominal section width of about 7.60 inches, while the 15 identifies a 15-inch wheel. On a 1949 Packard Standard, that sizing matches the tall-profile, traditional bias-ply presentation associated with late-1940s American luxury cars. Available choices in this size include BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Universal Vintage Tire, and Goodyear, with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall treatments across series such as Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, Coker Classic Bias Ply, Universal Classic Bias Ply, and Super Cushion Deluxe. It is the right starting point when preserving the car's period-style stance and sidewall look matters.

Explore 760-15 Tires

1949 Packard Standard Sub-Model Tires

Tire fitment is straightforward across the covered 1949 Packard Standard sub-models. The shared 760-15 sizing means sub-model checking is mainly a confirmation step, while the real choice centers on sidewall appearance, tire series, and whether to stay with bias-ply construction or evaluate a radial equivalent.

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1949 Packard Standard 8

The 1949 Packard Standard 8 uses the same 760-15 bias-ply fitment that defines this model line's tire selection. That keeps size choice simple and shifts attention toward wide whitewall versus narrow whitewall presentation, brand and series preference, and whether a radial-equivalent conversion is worth considering for the wheel setup on the car.

Associated Tire Sizes

Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1949 Packard Standard

The original 760-15 tire size has four radial-equivalent options to consider. Those include 215R15 as an 80-series metric radial, P225/75R15 as a 75-series P-metric radial, P235/70R15 as a 70-series P-metric radial, and 760R15 as a bias-look radial equivalent. Together, these options range from more conventional metric radial sizing to a radial designed to retain a more traditional visual character. A 6-8 inch recommended rim-width range is associated with these equivalents, and wheel size, wheel width, and vehicle clearance should all be checked before changing construction.

Modern Radial Equivalents
  • 215R15

    Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (760-15)

  • P225/75R15

    Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (760-15)

  • P235/70R15

    Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (760-15)

  • 760R15

    Bias-look Radial Equivalent (760-15)

Important Considerations When Replacing Bias Ply With Radial
  • Compare overall diameter and section width carefully to ensure proper fit.
  • Verify recommended rim range (6-8 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:

  • Wheel modifications (wider rims, offset changes, aftermarket wheels)
  • 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 1949 Packard Standard Tires for Sale

The available 760-15 choices span BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Universal Vintage Tire, and Goodyear, with several bias-ply series and a strong emphasis on whitewall presentation. Buyers can compare narrow whitewall and wide whitewall styles along with rim-width and load-capacity details where they are specified.

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Bias Ply

BFGoodrich 3.375 Inch Whitewall | 760-15

BFGoodrich - Silvertown Classic Bias Ply

SIDEWALLWide Whitewall
RIM DIAMETER15 in
RIM WIDTH5.50 - 6.00 in
WEIGHT26 lb
MAX LOAD1710@32 psi
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Bias Ply

BFGoodrich 1.00 Inch Whitewall | 760-15

BFGoodrich - Silvertown Classic Bias Ply

SIDEWALLNarrow Whitewall
RIM DIAMETER15 in
RIM WIDTH—
WEIGHT26 lb
MAX LOAD—
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Bias Ply

Coker Classic 3.00 Inch Whitewall | 760-15

Coker Classic - Coker Classic Bias Ply

SIDEWALLWide Whitewall
RIM DIAMETER15 in
RIM WIDTH5.50 - 6.00 in
WEIGHT25 lb
MAX LOAD1710@32 psi
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Bias Ply

Universal 3.00 Inch Wide Whitewall | 760-15

Universal Vintage Tire - Universal Classic Bias Ply

SIDEWALLWide Whitewall
RIM DIAMETER15 in
RIM WIDTH—
WEIGHT25 lb
MAX LOAD—
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Bias Ply

BFGoodrich 2.50 Inch Whitewall | 760-15

BFGoodrich - Silvertown Classic Bias Ply

SIDEWALLWide Whitewall
RIM DIAMETER15 in
RIM WIDTH5.50 - 6.00 in
WEIGHT26 lb
MAX LOAD1710@32 psi
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Bias Ply

BFGoodrich 2.50 Inch Whitewall | 760-15S

BFGoodrich - Silvertown Classic Bias Ply

SIDEWALLWide Whitewall
RIM DIAMETER15 in
RIM WIDTH—
WEIGHT25 lb
MAX LOAD—
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Goodyear Tires

Goodyear Super Cushion Deluxe 2.75 inch Whitewall | 760-15

Goodyear - Super Cushion Deluxe

SIDEWALLWide Whitewall
RIM DIAMETER15 in
RIM WIDTH5 in
WEIGHT23 lb
MAX LOAD1710 lbs. @ 32 psi
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Frequently Asked Questions

These Packard-specific FAQs focus on 760-15 fitment, 15-inch rim use, bias-ply versus radial-equivalent choices, whitewall and brand selection, and the checks that matter before putting a 1949 Packard Standard back on the road.

Tire Size & Fitment

What tire size fits a 1949 Packard Standard?

The 1949 Packard Standard uses a 760-15 tire size. That is a vintage numeric bias-ply fitment paired with a 15-inch rim, and it is the primary size to use when matching the car's original-era tire profile and overall visual balance.

Because there is one primary size for this model, the next step is choosing the tire style within that size rather than sorting through multiple factory fitments. Whitewall treatment, tire series, and whether the car still has stock-type wheels can all influence the final decision, especially if the Packard has been modified at some point.

What size rim does a 1949 Packard Standard use?

The 1949 Packard Standard uses a 15-inch rim with its primary 760-15 tire size. That rim diameter is central to the fitment, because the 15 in 760-15 refers to wheel diameter rather than overall tire height.

Rim diameter should be confirmed on the actual car before choosing tires, especially on an older vehicle that may have had wheels swapped over the years. Wheel width also matters when comparing specific products or radial equivalents, since matching the tire to the wheel is just as important as matching the size code.

Does the 1949 Packard Standard 8 use the same tire size?

Yes. The 1949 Packard Standard 8 uses the same 760-15 bias-ply tire size as the covered Packard Standard fitment. That keeps the size question simple and makes the selection process more about style, construction choice, and wheel compatibility than about sorting between multiple primary sizes.

Even with a shared size, it is still worth checking the actual wheel setup on the car before making a final selection. Collector cars often pick up replacement wheels during restoration or long-term ownership, and that can affect rim width, tire profile choice, and whether a radial-equivalent option is a reasonable alternative.

Bias-Ply & Radial Options

Is 760-15 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1949 Packard Standard?

For the 1949 Packard Standard, 760-15 is the primary bias-ply tire size. That construction matches the traditional tall-sidewall look and road-era presentation expected on a late-1940s Packard, and the available products in this primary fitment are bias-ply tires.

Bias-ply and radial tires are not the same thing, even when they are considered equivalent in size. Anyone considering a change in construction should verify wheel width, wheel condition, and vehicle clearance, and should also decide whether preserving the Packard's original-type appearance matters more than pursuing a radial alternative.

What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 760-15?

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 alternative intended to keep a more traditional visual impression.

These sizes are useful comparison points, not automatic replacements. Rim-width guidance of 6-8 inches is associated with the radial equivalents, so the actual wheel width on the car should be checked along with clearance around the fenders and suspension before moving away from the original 760-15 bias-ply setup.

What should I check before converting my 1949 Packard Standard from bias-ply to radial tires?

Start by confirming that the Packard still has 15-inch wheels and that the wheel width suits the radial size being considered. For the 760-15 equivalents, 215R15, P225/75R15, P235/70R15, and 760R15 each deserve a fresh look at wheel compatibility rather than assuming the original bias-ply setup answers the question.

Clearance at the fenders, steering components, and suspension should also be checked on the actual car. A radial conversion can make sense for some owners, but the right choice depends on the wheel setup, the car's condition, and whether the goal is a more traditional Packard appearance or a different on-road character.

Choosing the Right Tire

What should I consider when choosing a 760-15 tire for a 1949 Packard Standard?

Start with the correct primary size, which is 760-15, then compare the available bias-ply options by sidewall style, tire series, brand, and any rim-width or load details that are shown for the specific tire. On a car like a 1949 Packard Standard, appearance usually matters almost as much as basic fitment.

A wide whitewall creates a different visual result than a narrow whitewall, even within the same size. It also helps to confirm whether the Packard still carries stock-type wheels, because wheel width and condition can influence which product makes the most sense for restoration-oriented use or regular collector-car driving.

What sidewall styles are available for 1949 Packard Standard tires?

The available 760-15 tires for a 1949 Packard Standard include both narrow whitewall and wide whitewall sidewall styles. Most of the assortment leans toward wide whitewall options, which suit the late-1940s luxury-car look, while the narrow whitewall choice offers a more restrained appearance in the same primary size.

Sidewall style changes the personality of the car more than many buyers expect, especially on a Packard with generous fender openings and prominent wheel presentation. Once the size is settled, selecting the whitewall width becomes one of the biggest appearance decisions, so it is worth matching the tire look to the restoration direction of the car.

What brands offer tires for the 1949 Packard Standard?

Tires for the 1949 Packard Standard are available from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Universal Vintage Tire, and Goodyear in the 760-15 size. Those options cover several vintage-style bias-ply series, including Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, Coker Classic Bias Ply, Universal Classic Bias Ply, and Goodyear Super Cushion Deluxe.

Brand alone should not be the only deciding factor. It helps to compare the sidewall treatment you want, the specific series presentation, and any stated rim-width or load figures tied to the individual tire, since those details often matter more than simply choosing by name on a restoration-oriented Packard.

Restoration & Appearance

Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1949 Packard Standard?

A period-style starting point for a 1949 Packard Standard is the original-size 760-15 bias-ply tire. Staying with the primary bias-ply construction preserves the tall-profile look associated with the car, and the available options give room to tailor the appearance through different whitewall widths and vintage tire series.

The right choice depends on how authentic-looking the restoration needs to be and how the Packard is used. If exact originality matters, marque-club guidance or period photographs can help narrow down the most suitable whitewall treatment, while the size itself remains the foundation for keeping the car visually in character.

How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1949 Packard Standard?

Tire construction affects both the stance and the overall impression of a restored 1949 Packard Standard. A 760-15 bias-ply keeps the traditional vintage presentation tied to the car's era, while a radial equivalent can change the look even when it remains close in general sizing and wheel diameter.

That visual difference matters on a full-bodied postwar Packard, where sidewall shape and proportions are easy to notice. Owners balancing authenticity and drivability often compare a standard bias-ply tire with a bias-look radial equivalent, since that approach can retain more of the car's traditional appearance than a modern-looking metric radial.

Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use

Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1949 Packard Standard?

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1949 Packard Standard even when the original tire size is straightforward. Wheel swaps, altered wheel width, suspension work, or body changes can all influence whether a 760-15 bias-ply or one of its radial equivalents remains a sensible choice for the car.

That is why the actual vehicle should be checked rather than relying only on what the Packard used when new. Confirming wheel diameter, wheel width, and visible clearance at the fenders and steering components helps prevent choosing a tire that looks right on paper but creates avoidable fitment issues on the car.

What should I inspect before driving a 1949 Packard Standard on new tires?

Before driving a 1949 Packard Standard on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage or corrosion, verify that the tires are mounted in the correct 760-15 fitment or approved equivalent, and check inflation pressure carefully. It is also smart to look over the suspension and steering for looseness that could affect how the car tracks.

A collector car that has spent long periods parked deserves extra attention before road use. Sidewall condition, air retention, lug hardware, brake operation, and basic clearance through the steering range all deserve a quick review, especially if the car recently changed from old tires to a fresh bias-ply or radial-equivalent setup.

How should 760-15 tires on a collector 1949 Packard Standard be maintained?

760-15 tires on a collector 1949 Packard Standard should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections for cracking, bulges, cuts, and uneven wear, and periodic review of how the car sits after storage. Low-mileage collector vehicles can show age-related tire issues even when tread wear looks minimal.

Storage conditions matter almost as much as driving habits on an older Packard. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excessive heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps protect the tires, and checking them before each meaningful outing is a sensible habit whether the car stays on bias-ply tires or moves to a radial equivalent.