The 1952 Buick 70 Roadmaster came from an era when Buick's big senior cars emphasized presence, smooth highway manners, and formal styling in equal measure. A Roadmaster of this period looks right with a tall, substantial tire that matches the car's scale and period character. For this exact model, the primary fitment is an 800-15 bias-ply tire on a 15-inch rim, which keeps the presentation in step with early-1950s Buick proportions. Buyers can stay with a traditional bias-ply layout or compare modern radial equivalents, while also choosing between wide whitewall treatments. The real decision is balancing restoration-minded appearance, wheel compatibility, and the way the car will be driven.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1952 Buick 70 Roadmaster
The 1952 Buick 70 Roadmaster uses one primary tire size: 800-15. That fitment is a bias-ply tire built for a 15-inch rim, and it is shared by the covered 8-cylinder Roadmaster sub-model. Since the size itself is straightforward, the main choice becomes how period-oriented you want the car to look, which whitewall treatment suits it best, and whether a radial equivalent is worth evaluating for your wheel and vehicle setup.
An 800-15 is a vintage numeric bias-ply size in which the leading number refers to nominal section width, here about 8.00 inches, and the final number identifies a 15-inch wheel. On a 1952 Buick 70 Roadmaster, this is the traditional fitment style that preserves the tall sidewall look associated with large early-1950s American cars. Available choices center on Coker Classic Bias Ply tires with wide whitewall styling, including 2.50-inch and 3.00-inch whitewall treatments. That makes 800-15 the size to use when keeping the Roadmaster close to its original visual character is the priority.
Fitment is straightforward for the covered 1952 Buick 70 Roadmaster sub-model. The tire size remains consistent, so the main job is confirming that the car still has the correct 15-inch wheel setup before choosing among available bias-ply and radial-equivalent directions.
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1952 Buick 70 Roadmaster 8 Cyl.
The 1952 Buick 70 Roadmaster 8 Cyl. uses the same 800-15 bias-ply fitment that defines this Roadmaster application. Tire selection therefore comes down to preserving a period-style whitewall look, or comparing radial-equivalent options after checking wheel width, overall setup, and clearance.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1952 Buick 70 Roadmaster
For the original 800-15 tire size, four radial-equivalent options are available. 225R15 is the 80-series metric radial equivalent, P235/75R15 is the 75-series P-metric radial equivalent, and P235/70R15 is the lower-profile 70-series P-metric radial equivalent. An 800R15 is also offered as a bias-look radial equivalent for a more traditional visual presentation. The recommended rim-width range for these equivalents is 6 to 8 inches, and any change should be checked against wheel dimensions, overall tire size, and vehicle clearance.
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 1952 Buick 70 Roadmaster Tires for Sale
Available 800-15 choices focus on Coker Classic Bias Ply tires with wide whitewall styling. The main comparison points are the 2.50-inch versus 3.00-inch whitewall presentation, along with the rim-width specification and traditional bias-ply construction.
These FAQs for the 1952 Buick 70 Roadmaster focus on the 800-15 fitment, 15-inch rim compatibility, bias-ply versus radial-equivalent choices, whitewall selection, and the key checks to make before putting a large collector Buick back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1952 Buick 70 Roadmaster?
The 1952 Buick 70 Roadmaster uses an 800-15 tire size. This is a vintage numeric bias-ply fitment built for a 15-inch rim, and it is the primary size associated with the covered Roadmaster application.
That means the first step is not choosing among multiple primary sizes, but confirming that the car still has the proper 15-inch wheels and a stock-compatible setup. Once that is established, the decision shifts to appearance and construction, such as selecting a wide whitewall bias-ply tire or evaluating one of the available radial-equivalent sizes.
What size rim does a 1952 Buick 70 Roadmaster use?
The tire fitment for the 1952 Buick 70 Roadmaster is built around a 15-inch rim. The primary 800-15 tire size matches that wheel diameter, and the available bias-ply products in this size are intended for 15-inch wheels.
Rim diameter is only one part of the check, especially on an older collector car. It is also smart to verify the actual wheel width on the car, inspect for later wheel changes, and make sure the tire choice still suits the Roadmaster's fender clearance and suspension condition before mounting a new set.
Does the 1952 Buick 70 Roadmaster 8 Cyl. use the same tire size?
Yes. The covered 1952 Buick 70 Roadmaster 8 Cyl. uses the same 800-15 bias-ply tire size as this Roadmaster fitment. There is no separate primary size change within the sub-model coverage here.
That consistency simplifies tire selection, because the key question is not which sub-model size applies. Instead, the focus becomes choosing the right tire style within 800-15, deciding how much emphasis to place on period-style appearance, and confirming that the car has not been altered with different wheels or suspension changes.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 800-15 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1952 Buick 70 Roadmaster?
For the 1952 Buick 70 Roadmaster, 800-15 is the primary bias-ply tire size. In this application, the original fitment format is a traditional numeric bias-ply built for a 15-inch rim rather than a modern radial size designation.
Keeping a bias-ply construction usually supports a more traditional early-1950s look and feel, which matters on a large Buick sedan. Buyers considering a different driving character can compare radial-equivalent sizes, but the wheel width, overall dimensions, and clearance should still be checked carefully before treating a radial option as a workable substitute.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 800-15?
Radial equivalents for 800-15 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. These options all relate back to the original 800-15 fitment.
The differences are mainly in sizing convention and profile family, with 800R15 standing apart as the option aimed at preserving a more traditional visual character. A recommended rim-width range of 6 to 8 inches is associated with these equivalents, but wheel compatibility, tire dimensions, and body or steering clearance still need to be verified on the car itself.
Can I use a bias-look radial on a 1952 Buick 70 Roadmaster?
Yes, an 800R15 bias-look radial is available as an equivalent for the 1952 Buick 70 Roadmaster's original 800-15 size. That gives the car a radial alternative that stays closer to the traditional visual impression than a more modern-looking metric or P-metric size.
This can be an appealing middle ground for an owner who wants a more classic presentation without staying strictly with bias-ply construction. Even so, the decision should include a close check of wheel width, tire clearance, and the overall stance you want, since an equivalent radial should be evaluated rather than assumed to match every Roadmaster setup.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 800-15 tire for a 1952 Buick 70 Roadmaster?
Start with the basics: the 1952 Buick 70 Roadmaster uses an 800-15 bias-ply tire on a 15-inch rim. Within that size, the main considerations are whether you want to keep the traditional bias-ply construction, which wide whitewall treatment best suits the car, and whether the tire's rim-width specification matches your wheels.
A Roadmaster is a large, visually substantial car, so the tire has a major effect on stance and period presentation. It also helps to compare practical details such as maximum load capacity and product weight, especially if the car is driven regularly, while still making sure the wheel setup and clearance remain appropriate.
What sidewall styles are available for 1952 Buick 70 Roadmaster tires?
The available 800-15 products for the 1952 Buick 70 Roadmaster use wide whitewall styling. In this fitment, the main visible distinction is the whitewall width, with options that feature either a 2.50-inch or 3.00-inch whitewall treatment.
That choice affects the car's overall character more than many buyers expect, especially on a formal early-1950s Buick with generous body mass and chrome trim. A narrower or wider whitewall can change the visual balance of the car, so it makes sense to choose the version that matches your restoration direction and the look of the wheels and wheel covers.
What tire series are available for the 1952 Buick 70 Roadmaster?
The available 800-15 products for this application are in the Coker Classic Bias Ply series. That keeps the selection focused on traditional bias-ply construction with wide whitewall presentation rather than splitting across several unrelated series families.
Because the series is consistent, comparison is more about visual treatment and fitment details than about choosing between radically different product personalities. Buyers should pay attention to whitewall width, wheel-width compatibility, and whether the goal is a restoration-oriented appearance or a broader evaluation that also includes the separate radial-equivalent options.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1952 Buick 70 Roadmaster?
For a period-style presentation, the starting point is the 800-15 bias-ply tire size used on the 1952 Buick 70 Roadmaster. In this application, the available Coker Classic Bias Ply options keep the tall-sidewall, early-1950s look that suits a large Buick particularly well.
The visual choice then comes down to details such as 2.50-inch versus 3.00-inch wide whitewall styling. If exact restoration accuracy matters beyond general period style, it is wise to compare your car's trim level, surviving photos, marque references, and other historical documentation before settling on the final whitewall presentation.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1952 Buick 70 Roadmaster?
Tire construction changes the visual tone of a restored 1952 Buick 70 Roadmaster more than many owners expect. A bias-ply 800-15 preserves the traditional profile and presentation associated with early-1950s luxury cars, while radial-equivalent sizes can give the car a somewhat more modern tire look depending on the format chosen.
That difference matters on a Roadmaster because the tire fills a prominent visual role under the car's broad fenders and formal proportions. An 800R15 bias-look radial can offer a more traditional appearance than a metric or P-metric radial, but the best choice still depends on how strongly the restoration prioritizes period character over alternative construction.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1952 Buick 70 Roadmaster?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1952 Buick 70 Roadmaster even when the intended tire size is still 800-15. Changes to wheel width, wheel design, ride height, suspension components, or body clearance can all alter how much room the tire has in real use.
That is especially important on collector cars that may have seen decades of repairs or upgrades. A Roadmaster with replacement wheels or altered suspension should be checked for steering clearance, fender clearance, and overall wheel compatibility before selecting either the original-style bias-ply fitment or any radial-equivalent alternative.
What should I inspect before driving a 1952 Buick 70 Roadmaster on new tires?
Before driving a 1952 Buick 70 Roadmaster on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve hardware, and overall mounting condition, then confirm that the tires are inflated appropriately for the application. It is also smart to look over the steering and suspension for looseness or wear that could affect how a large, heavy car feels on the road.
A quick road-use check should include clearance at full steering lock, visible sidewall condition, and any sign of rubbing once the car is loaded and rolling. Because collector cars often sit for long periods, it also helps to watch for air loss and recheck the tires after the first few drives as the setup settles in.
How should 800-15 tires on a collector 1952 Buick 70 Roadmaster be maintained?
Maintain 800-15 tires on a collector 1952 Buick 70 Roadmaster by checking inflation regularly, inspecting the tread and sidewalls for cracking, cuts, or bulges, and keeping an eye on uneven wear. A car that is driven only occasionally should still have its tires examined often, since age and storage conditions matter as much as mileage.
Storage plays a major role with a Roadmaster that spends long periods parked. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve tire condition, and periodic inspection is important before any longer outing so aging-related issues are caught before they become a road-use problem.