The 1950 Ford Custom sits in the heart of postwar American motoring, when full-size Fords blended everyday practicality with the sweeping styling buyers wanted at the start of the decade. Whether the car carries the six-cylinder or eight-cylinder version, tire selection centers on one primary size: 670-15 in bias-ply construction on a 15-inch rim. That makes the choice less about chasing fitment variations and more about selecting the look and driving character you want, from blackwall to narrow or wide whitewall, with several period-style series and radial equivalents also available. For a restoration-minded driver, the right decision starts with wheel confirmation, intended road use, and the appearance you want the car to present.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1950 Ford Custom
The 1950 Ford Custom uses one primary tire size: 670-15. It is a bias-ply fitment for a 15-inch rim, and that same size carries across both the 6 Cyl. and 8 Cyl. versions. The main decision is choosing the right tire within that size, including sidewall style, brand, and period-style bias-ply presentation, or deciding whether a radial equivalent deserves a closer look for your particular wheel and road-use setup.
The 670-15 size uses an older numeric sizing system, where 670 refers to an approximate 6.70-inch nominal section width and 15 identifies the rim diameter in inches. On the 1950 Ford Custom, this is a bias-ply fitment that matches the traditional construction and visual profile many owners want on an early-1950s full-size Ford. Within this size, there is meaningful choice across Firestone, US Royal, Coker Classic, BFGoodrich, Universal Vintage Tire, Goodyear, Excelsior, Avon, and STA, with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles spread across several tire series. It is the size to evaluate when the goal is proper 15-inch fitment with a restoration-oriented look or a traditional road-going setup.
Tire fitment is straightforward across the covered 1950 Ford Custom sub-models. Both versions use the same primary tire size, so the key task is confirming the car still has the correct 15-inch wheel setup before choosing among the available bias-ply styles or radial-equivalent alternatives.
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1950 Ford Custom 6 Cyl.
The 1950 Ford Custom 6 Cyl. uses the same 670-15 bias-ply tire size as the rest of the covered lineup. That keeps selection focused on appearance and intended use, such as blackwall versus whitewall presentation, or whether to stay with traditional bias-ply construction or compare radial-equivalent options carefully.
The 1950 Ford Custom 8 Cyl. also uses the 670-15 bias-ply tire size on a 15-inch rim. Since the fitment stays consistent, the real choice becomes which tire series and sidewall treatment best suits the car's restoration direction, driving plans, and current wheel setup.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1950 Ford Custom
For the original 670-15 tire size, four radial-equivalent options are available. 195R15 is the 80-series metric radial equivalent, P205/75R15 is the P-metric 75-series radial equivalent, and P215/70R15 is the lower-profile P-metric 70-series radial equivalent. A 670R15 bias-look radial is also available for owners who want a more traditional presentation in a radial format. The recommended rim-width range for these equivalents is 5 to 7 inches, and each option should be checked against wheel dimensions, overall vehicle setup, and clearance 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 1950 Ford Custom Tires for Sale
Available 670-15 choices span Firestone, US Royal, Coker Classic, BFGoodrich, Universal Vintage Tire, Goodyear, Excelsior, Avon, and STA, with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles across several period-style bias-ply series. Rim-width recommendations and load specifications also vary enough to make product comparison worthwhile.
These FAQs focus on 1950 Ford Custom tire size, 15-inch rim fitment, bias-ply versus radial-equivalent choices, sidewall and brand selection, and the checks that matter before road use on a restored or regularly driven car.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1950 Ford Custom?
The primary tire size for a 1950 Ford Custom is 670-15. This is a bias-ply size used on a 15-inch rim, and it applies to both the 1950 Ford Custom 6 Cyl. and 1950 Ford Custom 8 Cyl. covered here. For most owners, that makes the initial fitment question simple because there is one main size to start from rather than multiple original-size options.
The next step is confirming that the car still has the expected wheel setup, especially if it has changed hands over the years or received later wheels. Once the 15-inch rim is confirmed, selection usually comes down to sidewall style, brand, tire series, and whether the goal is a traditional bias-ply appearance or a carefully checked radial-equivalent alternative.
What size rim does a 1950 Ford Custom use?
The 1950 Ford Custom uses a 15-inch rim with its primary 670-15 tire fitment. That rim diameter is consistent across the covered Custom 6 Cyl. and Custom 8 Cyl. versions. Since the tire size itself ends in 15, the wheel diameter needs to match that dimension before any correct-size bias-ply or radial-equivalent option can be considered.
Rim diameter is only part of the picture on a collector car. Wheel width should also be checked because available 670-15 products carry different rim-width recommendations, and the radial-equivalent options call for their own width range as well. Measuring the actual wheels on the car is worthwhile before choosing a tire, especially if the Ford has replacement wheels or a long-ago restoration.
Do all 1950 Ford Custom sub-models use the same tire size?
Yes. The covered 1950 Ford Custom sub-models use the same primary tire size, 670-15, in bias-ply construction. That includes both the 6 Cyl. and 8 Cyl. versions. There is no split here where one Custom sub-model uses a different original tire size, so buyers do not need to sort through multiple factory-size paths before narrowing down product choices.
Even with shared fitment, it still helps to confirm what is actually on the car today. Older Fords are often restored, modified, or fitted with later wheels, and any change in rim width or wheel type can affect which 670-15 product makes the most sense. Shared original size simplifies the search, but wheel condition, sidewall preference, and intended driving use still guide the final choice.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 670-15 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1950 Ford Custom?
For the 1950 Ford Custom, 670-15 is the primary bias-ply tire size. That construction matches the traditional sizing and profile associated with early-1950s domestic cars, and it is the main fitment used across both covered Custom sub-models. Buyers looking at 670-15 products for this Ford are looking first at bias-ply tires rather than a modern radial as the original-style starting point.
That matters because construction affects both appearance and how the car presents on the road. A bias-ply tire preserves the period-style look many owners want, while a radial alternative is a separate decision rather than the default interpretation of the original size. Before changing construction, confirm wheel width, compare the intended equivalent size carefully, and check clearance on the actual vehicle.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 670-15?
Radial equivalents for 670-15 include 195R15 as the 80-series metric radial option, P205/75R15 as the P-metric 75-series radial option, P215/70R15 as the P-metric 70-series radial option, and 670R15 as a bias-look radial equivalent. Those sizes give 1950 Ford Custom owners several radial-format choices while still starting from the original 670-15 fitment reference point.
Each equivalent represents a slightly different sizing convention, so the right choice depends on more than matching the 15-inch rim diameter. The recommended rim-width range for these radial equivalents is 5 to 7 inches, and the car's wheel width, clearance, and overall setup should all be confirmed before conversion. An equivalent is a useful alternative to evaluate, not an automatic interchange decision.
Can I use a bias-look radial on a 1950 Ford Custom?
Yes, a 670R15 bias-look radial is available as an equivalent to the original 670-15 size for a 1950 Ford Custom. That makes it a relevant option for owners who want a radial-format tire while keeping a more traditional visual character than a plainly modern metric size might suggest. It sits alongside 195R15, P205/75R15, and P215/70R15 as a radial-equivalent path.
A bias-look radial can appeal to owners trying to balance road use with vintage presentation, but it still needs the same careful fitment review as any other equivalent. Wheel width, actual rim configuration, and body or steering clearance should be checked before making the change. It should be treated as a considered alternative to 670-15 bias-ply, not as a guaranteed one-step substitute.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 670-15 tire for a 1950 Ford Custom?
Start with the basics: the 1950 Ford Custom uses 670-15 on a 15-inch rim, and the primary construction in that size is bias-ply. From there, the choice becomes more specific. Sidewall style, brand, tire series, rim-width recommendation, and load specification can all vary among available 670-15 products, even though they share the same basic fitment size.
A car built for restoration display may call for a different visual presentation than one driven regularly on local roads. Wide whitewall, narrow whitewall, and blackwall options create very different looks, and some products suit different wheel-width ranges. Matching the tire to the car's actual wheels, intended use, and appearance goals will usually lead to a better decision than picking by size alone.
What sidewall styles are available for 1950 Ford Custom tires?
The 1950 Ford Custom has 670-15 tire options in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles. That variety is important because sidewall treatment changes the car's overall presentation as much as brand choice does on a full-size 1950 Ford. A blackwall gives a more understated look, while narrow and wide whitewalls move the appearance toward different period-style directions.
Sidewall style should be chosen with the car's restoration theme and wheel setup in mind rather than as an afterthought. A wide whitewall can become a dominant visual feature, while a narrow whitewall offers a more restrained accent. Since all of these styles appear in the same 670-15 fitment family, owners can focus on the look they want without leaving the correct original-size starting point.
What brands offer tires for the 1950 Ford Custom?
Available 670-15 tires for the 1950 Ford Custom come from Firestone, US Royal, Coker Classic, Universal Vintage Tire, BFGoodrich, Excelsior, Goodyear, Avon, and STA. Those brands appear across several bias-ply series and sidewall treatments, giving buyers a broad mix of traditional replacement styles. That range is useful because selection is not limited to a single visual theme or one brand family.
The best way to compare brands here is by the features attached to each tire rather than by reputation alone. Some emphasize blackwall presentation, others offer several whitewall widths, and rim-width recommendations or load figures can differ as well. Once the 670-15 size and 15-inch wheel are confirmed, brand choice becomes part of a larger decision that includes appearance, wheel compatibility, and driving plans.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1950 Ford Custom?
A period-style 1950 Ford Custom usually starts with the original-size 670-15 bias-ply format. That keeps the car within the traditional sizing system and preserves the visual character associated with an early-1950s full-size Ford. From there, the choice depends on how formal or understated the finished car should look, since blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions are all available in this fitment.
For a restoration-oriented build, appearance often matters as much as size. Whitewall width, brand family, and tire series can all influence the final presentation, and a wider whitewall creates a very different impression than a blackwall. If exact originality matters beyond general period style, marque-club references and vehicle-specific historical documentation are the right places to confirm the most appropriate finishing details.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1950 Ford Custom?
On a restored 1950 Ford Custom, tire construction changes the car's visual stance as well as its sidewall presentation. A 670-15 bias-ply tire keeps the vintage numeric sizing and traditional look most closely associated with the car's era. Radial equivalents such as 195R15, P205/75R15, P215/70R15, or the 670R15 bias-look radial can alter that presentation, even when they remain visually sympathetic to the vehicle.
Owners restoring for a period-style appearance often start by deciding how authentic they want the tire profile to look from curb distance. A bias-look radial can help bridge appearance and modern construction, while a more conventional metric radial may read differently on the car. The right choice depends on the build's purpose, how the Ford will be driven, and how closely the finished look should follow vintage tire character.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1950 Ford Custom?
Yes. Even though the 1950 Ford Custom's primary tire size is 670-15 on a 15-inch rim, modifications can change what actually works on the car. Aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, altered ride height, brake updates, or body and suspension changes can all affect clearance and overall tire choice, especially when moving from a bias-ply tire to one of the available radial-equivalent sizes.
That is why the actual car should be measured rather than assuming the original-size reference tells the whole story. Confirm wheel diameter and width first, then inspect steering clearance, fender clearance, and suspension travel with the vehicle loaded as it will be used. A restored stock Ford and a modified driver may both start from 670-15, but they do not always end up with the same practical tire decision.
What should I inspect before driving a 1950 Ford Custom on new tires?
Before driving a 1950 Ford Custom on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter, width, and general condition, then check that the tires are mounted in the intended size and construction. It also makes sense to look over valve stems, wheel balance, tread and sidewall condition, and basic suspension or steering wear points that could affect how the car tracks once back on the road.
A collector car that sits for long periods deserves extra attention before its first outing. Tire pressure should be set appropriately for the tire being used, and the car should be rolled and turned lock-to-lock to confirm there is no unexpected interference. A short local drive followed by a second inspection is a smart way to catch rubbing, settling, or air-loss issues early.
How should 670-15 tires on a collector 1950 Ford Custom be maintained?
670-15 tires on a collector 1950 Ford Custom should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and careful storage habits. Since many restored cars are driven less often than modern daily drivers, it is important to watch for age-related issues such as cracking, flat-spotting from long stationary periods, cuts, bulges, or slow air loss even when tread wear looks minimal.
Maintenance also includes protecting the tires from conditions that shorten service life. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone-producing sources helps preserve the rubber, especially on low-mileage vehicles. Periodic inspection of alignment, suspension condition, and wheel hardware is equally worthwhile, because a vintage Ford can wear tires unevenly if underlying chassis issues are left unattended.