The 1950 Buick 70 Roadmaster came from an era when Buick stood for substantial size, smooth highway manners, and unmistakable postwar presence. A Roadmaster carries a very different visual and driving character than a smaller contemporary car, so tire choice plays a big role in how convincingly that character is preserved. This model uses an 800-15 bias-ply tire on a 15-inch rim, keeping the fitment in the traditional full-size American format of the period. Available choices stay focused on restoration-oriented presentation, with wide whitewall variations and a bias-look radial equivalent also in the mix. The real decision is whether to keep the original-style construction and appearance or evaluate a radial alternative carefully.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1950 Buick 70 Roadmaster
The 1950 Buick 70 Roadmaster uses one primary tire size: 800-15. That size is a bias-ply fitment on a 15-inch rim, and it is shared by the covered 8-cylinder Roadmaster sub-model. Once the size is confirmed, the main choice becomes how closely to stay with a traditional bias-ply presentation, which whitewall treatment suits the car, and whether a radial equivalent deserves consideration for the wheel and vehicle setup.
An 800-15 is a vintage numeric bias-ply size in which the 800 designation refers to a nominal section width of about 8.00 inches, while the 15 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1950 Buick 70 Roadmaster, that construction matches the traditional tire type associated with a large postwar American sedan. Available choices center on Coker Classic Bias Ply offerings with wide whitewall styling, including 2.50-inch and 3.00-inch whitewall treatments. This size makes the most sense for owners focused on correct overall visual proportion, traditional road feel, and period-style presentation.
Tire fitment is straightforward across the covered 1950 Buick 70 Roadmaster sub-models. The shared 800-15 bias-ply size means the main decision is not changing sizes between trims, but choosing the right construction and whitewall presentation for the car's intended use.
1
1950 Buick 70 Roadmaster 8 Cyl.
The 1950 Buick 70 Roadmaster 8 Cyl. uses the same 800-15 bias-ply fitment found across this application. That keeps tire selection centered on maintaining a traditional full-size Buick look, comparing the available wide whitewall versions, or carefully evaluating a radial equivalent on the existing wheel setup.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1950 Buick 70 Roadmaster
The original 800-15 tire size has four radial-equivalent paths to consider. Those include 225R15 as an 80-series metric radial, P235/75R15 as a 75-series P-metric radial, P235/70R15 as a 70-series P-metric radial, and 800R15 as a bias-look radial equivalent. Together, they span traditional metric sizing, more modern P-metric profiles, and a radial option that keeps a more vintage appearance. A 6-8 inch rim-width range is associated with these equivalents, and wheel width, overall dimensions, and vehicle clearance should all be checked before changing construction.
Modern Radial Equivalents
225R15
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (800-15)
P235/75R15
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (800-15)
P235/70R15
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (800-15)
800R15
Bias-look Radial Equivalent (800-15)
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:
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 1950 Buick 70 Roadmaster Tires for Sale
Available 800-15 choices stay focused on Coker Classic Bias Ply construction with wide whitewall styling. The main product comparison is between the 2.50-inch and 3.00-inch whitewall presentations, while keeping the correct 15-inch fitment and restoration-oriented look in view.
Owners of a 1950 Buick 70 Roadmaster usually want clarity on the 800-15 fitment, 15-inch rim use, radial-equivalent choices, wide whitewall appearance, and the basic checks that matter before putting a large collector Buick back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1950 Buick 70 Roadmaster?
The 1950 Buick 70 Roadmaster uses an 800-15 tire size. This is a vintage numeric bias-ply fitment used on a 15-inch wheel, giving the car the tall, substantial tire profile expected on a large postwar Buick.
That makes size selection fairly simple, but it does not end the decision. The next step is choosing the right tire within the 800-15 size, including whitewall appearance and whether to stay with bias-ply construction or consider a radial equivalent after confirming wheel width, overall dimensions, and clearance.
What size rim does a 1950 Buick 70 Roadmaster use?
The primary tire fitment for the 1950 Buick 70 Roadmaster is built around a 15-inch rim. The 800-15 sizing format ends with the wheel diameter, and the available bias-ply products in this application also use a 15-inch rim diameter.
Rim diameter is the first check before ordering any replacement tire. It is also worth confirming actual wheel width on the car, especially if the Roadmaster has had wheels changed over the years, because radial equivalents and product selections can have different rim-width expectations than a traditional bias-ply tire.
Does the 1950 Buick 70 Roadmaster 8 Cyl. use the same tire size?
Yes. The covered 1950 Buick 70 Roadmaster 8 Cyl. uses the same 800-15 bias-ply tire size. That keeps fitment consistent within this application and avoids the confusion that can come with different trim-specific tire sizes.
Even with shared sizing, the best tire choice still depends on how the car is being finished and driven. A restoration-minded owner may focus on whitewall presentation and traditional construction, while someone considering a radial alternative should still verify wheel width, tire dimensions, and available clearance before changing from the original-style format.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 800-15 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1950 Buick 70 Roadmaster?
For the 1950 Buick 70 Roadmaster, 800-15 is the primary bias-ply tire size. That construction matches the traditional sizing system and overall look associated with large American cars of this period.
Choosing to stay with bias-ply keeps the original-style tire format and appearance in place. Owners thinking about a radial alternative should treat that as a separate fitment decision, since changing construction can affect wheel-width suitability, tire profile, and the way the car presents visually on the road.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 800-15?
Radial equivalents for 800-15 include 225R15, P235/75R15, P235/70R15, and 800R15. 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 keeps a more traditional appearance.
Each of those sizes should be evaluated as an alternative rather than assumed to interchange automatically. A 6-8 inch rim-width range is associated with the equivalent group, and a careful check of wheel width, overall tire dimensions, fender clearance, and steering clearance is worthwhile before converting the Roadmaster to radials.
Can I use a bias-look radial on a 1950 Buick 70 Roadmaster?
Yes, 800R15 is available as a bias-look radial equivalent for the 1950 Buick 70 Roadmaster's 800-15 primary tire size. It is intended for owners who want a radial option while preserving more of the visual character associated with a vintage tire.
That makes it a useful middle ground between traditional bias-ply appearance and a modern radial construction. Even so, the Roadmaster's wheels and clearances still need to be checked carefully, because a bias-look radial is an equivalent choice, not an automatic one-size-fits-all substitute for every wheel and chassis setup.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 800-15 tire for a 1950 Buick 70 Roadmaster?
Start with the confirmed 800-15 size and the 15-inch wheel requirement. From there, the main considerations are whether to keep a traditional bias-ply construction, which whitewall presentation suits the car best, and whether the tire's rim-width specification matches the wheels actually on the Roadmaster.
Available 800-15 products in this application share the same basic size, so the real differences are visual and fitment-related rather than a change in nominal size. A buyer should compare sidewall treatment, construction type, load specification, and wheel compatibility against the car's restoration goals and intended road use.
What sidewall styles are available for 1950 Buick 70 Roadmaster tires?
The available 800-15 products for the 1950 Buick 70 Roadmaster use wide whitewall styling. Within that presentation, the visible choice is between a 2.50-inch whitewall and a 3.00-inch whitewall, both within the Coker Classic Bias Ply line.
That difference matters because whitewall width has a strong effect on how a full-size 1950 Buick looks at the curb. Owners usually choose based on the visual balance they want between the body, wheel opening, and hubcap area, while keeping the tire size and period-style character consistent.
What tire series are available for the 1950 Buick 70 Roadmaster?
The available 800-15 products for this application are offered in the Coker Classic Bias Ply series. That keeps the selection focused on a traditional bias-ply presentation rather than splitting choices across several unrelated series with different visual themes.
With a single series in view, product comparison becomes more about the whitewall treatment and fitment details than broad changes in design family. It is still smart to compare the tire's load specification, 15-inch rim compatibility, and wheel-width suitability to the actual wheels mounted on the Roadmaster.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1950 Buick 70 Roadmaster?
A period-style starting point for a 1950 Buick 70 Roadmaster is the 800-15 bias-ply fitment. That size and construction preserve the traditional tire profile associated with a large 1950 Buick and keep the car visually aligned with its postwar American luxury character.
From there, the decision usually comes down to how the finished car should present, especially in whitewall width and whether traditional bias-ply construction remains part of the goal. When exact originality matters, marque-specific references and restoration documentation are the right next step before settling on a final tire appearance.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1950 Buick 70 Roadmaster?
Tire construction can change how a restored 1950 Buick 70 Roadmaster looks, even when the wheel diameter stays the same. An 800-15 bias-ply keeps the traditional vintage format, while a radial equivalent may alter the visual impression depending on its profile and sidewall treatment.
That is why many restoration-minded owners begin with the original-style size and then decide how much modern substitution they want to accept. A bias-look radial can help preserve a more traditional presentation, but wheel fit, proportions, and clearance should still be reviewed before changing away from the bias-ply format.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1950 Buick 70 Roadmaster?
Yes. Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1950 Buick 70 Roadmaster even when the nominal size remains close to stock. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension work, or body modifications can all influence how an 800-15 tire or radial equivalent sits in the wheel opening.
That matters most when the car no longer retains its original wheel setup. A careful check of actual rim diameter, wheel width, steering clearance, and fender clearance helps prevent ordering a tire that matches the vintage size on paper but does not suit the Roadmaster's current configuration.
What should I inspect before driving a 1950 Buick 70 Roadmaster on new tires?
Before driving a 1950 Buick 70 Roadmaster on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, verify valve-stem condition, and confirm that each tire is properly seated and inflated. It is also wise to look over suspension and steering components on a large collector car before regular road use.
A short, cautious test drive can reveal rubbing, pull, vibration, or clearance issues that are easier to address early. After the first miles, recheck pressure and give the tires another visual inspection so the Roadmaster is not being asked to carry its weight on an installation problem that could have been caught quickly.
How should 800-15 tires on a collector 1950 Buick 70 Roadmaster be maintained?
800-15 tires on a collector 1950 Buick 70 Roadmaster should be kept properly inflated, inspected regularly for cracking, bulges, cuts, and irregular wear, and protected from long exposure to heat, sunlight, and ozone sources during storage. Low-use collector cars especially benefit from routine visual checks rather than occasional attention.
Maintenance also means watching for slow air loss and looking at the tires before every meaningful drive, not just during annual service. Because a Roadmaster is a substantial car, even a small condition issue deserves attention early, especially if the car has been sitting or is preparing for a longer road outing.