1952 Chevrolet 6 Cyl. Tires

The primary tire size for the covered 1952 Chevrolet 6 Cyl. application is 670-15. That is a vintage numeric bias-ply size used on a 15-inch rim, and it is the core starting point when replacing tires on this vehicle.

Once the size is confirmed, the next step is choosing the tire style that suits the car and its use. The biggest decisions are usually blackwall versus whitewall appearance, brand and series preference, and whether the car still has wheels that match the intended tire’s rim-width requirements.

The covered 1952 Chevrolet 6 Cyl. tire fitment uses a 15-inch rim. That rim diameter matches the 670-15 tire size, where the final number in the size code identifies the wheel diameter the tire is designed to mount on.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, especially on an older car that may have had wheel changes over the years. It is worth confirming actual wheel width as well, because available 670-15 products can call for different rim-width ranges depending on the tire series and brand.

A 670-15 tire uses a vintage numeric bias-ply sizing system. The 6.70 refers to the tire’s nominal section width in inches, while the 15 identifies the wheel diameter in inches, so it is a bias-ply tire built for a 15-inch rim.

That format differs from modern metric radial sizes, which is why it can look unfamiliar today. For a 1952 Chevrolet 6 Cyl., understanding the size code helps separate the original-style fitment from radial equivalents, and it makes it easier to compare sidewall treatments and wheel compatibility before choosing a replacement.

On the 1952 Chevrolet 6 Cyl., 670-15 is the primary bias-ply tire size. It uses a traditional numeric bias-ply format and is the size associated with the vehicle’s original-style fitment on a 15-inch rim.

That matters because construction affects both appearance and the overall character of the tire selection. Staying with bias-ply keeps the sizing format and period-style presentation intact, while moving to a radial alternative means checking wheel width, dimensions, and clearance rather than assuming every 15-inch option behaves the same.

Radial equivalents for 670-15 include 195R15, P205/75R15, P215/70R15, and 670R15. In that group, 195R15 is an 80-series metric radial, P205/75R15 is a P-metric 75-series radial, P215/70R15 is a P-metric 70-series radial, and 670R15 is a bias-look radial.

Those alternatives give the owner several ways to compare modern radial sizing against the original bias-ply format. A recommended rim-width range of 5 to 7 inches applies to the equivalent setup, but wheel width, actual tire dimensions, and body or steering clearance should still be checked before changing construction.

A 670R15 bias-look radial is available as a radial equivalent for the 1952 Chevrolet 6 Cyl. It is intended for owners who want a radial alternative while keeping a more traditional tire presentation than a modern-looking metric size might provide.

That makes it a useful middle ground for some restorations and drivers, but it still should not be treated as automatic interchangeability. The wheel setup, rim width, overall vehicle clearance, and the car’s current suspension condition are all worth confirming before making the change from the original 670-15 bias-ply fitment.

Start with the correct size and construction, which for this application is 670-15 bias-ply on a 15-inch rim. From there, selection usually comes down to the look you want, the brand and tire series you prefer, and whether the wheel width on the car matches the intended tire’s rim specification.

A period-style blackwall creates a different visual effect than a narrow or wide whitewall, even within the same size. It also helps to compare maximum load figures and the pressure attached to those figures when they are given, especially if the car will see regular road use rather than display-only duty.

The available 670-15 choices for the 1952 Chevrolet 6 Cyl. include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall sidewall styles. Those options appear across multiple brands and series, giving the owner room to shape the car’s overall presentation without changing the primary tire size.

Sidewall style affects the look of the car more than most buyers expect, especially on an early 1950s Chevrolet with generous visual emphasis on tire and wheel height. Choosing among them usually depends on restoration goals, trim style, and whether the owner wants a restrained driver look or a more formal period-style whitewall appearance.

Available 670-15 tires for the 1952 Chevrolet 6 Cyl. come from Firestone, US Royal, Coker Classic, Universal Vintage Tire, BFGoodrich, Excelsior, Avon, Goodyear, and STA. Those brands are spread across several classic bias-ply series with different sidewall treatments and, in some cases, different rim-width specifications.

The practical choice is less about ranking brands and more about matching the tire to the car’s intended look and setup. Comparing sidewall style, series character, rim-width callout, and any stated load figure will usually tell the buyer more than the brand name alone when narrowing the field.

A 670-15 bias-ply tire is the natural starting point for a period-style 1952 Chevrolet 6 Cyl. because it keeps the original-style sizing format and traditional construction associated with the car’s era, while still leaving room to choose among blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall presentations.

The best visual match depends on how the car is being restored and the look the owner wants to emphasize. When exact originality matters, vehicle-specific historical references, marque-club guidance, and restoration documentation are worth consulting before choosing a sidewall treatment or brand simply because it is offered in the correct size.

Construction changes more than the driving feel; it also changes how the tire looks on the car. A 670-15 bias-ply preserves the vintage numeric size format and traditional presentation, while a modern radial equivalent can introduce a different sidewall profile or a more contemporary sizing convention.

That is why many restoration-oriented owners decide on appearance first, then compare construction choices within that goal. A bias-look radial can be useful for someone seeking a more vintage visual impression from a radial, but wheel compatibility and the car’s actual stance should still be checked before settling on that route.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1952 Chevrolet 6 Cyl. even when the tire size appears correct on paper. Aftermarket wheels, wheel-width changes, altered offset, suspension work, lowering, or body and brake changes can all influence how a 670-15 tire or a radial equivalent sits on the car.

That is especially important on older vehicles that may have changed hands many times. A quick check of actual wheel diameter and width, plus clearance at the fenders and during steering movement, can prevent choosing a tire that matches the size code but does not suit the car’s current setup.

Before road use, inspect the wheels, valve stems, lug hardware, and the tires themselves for proper inflation, visible damage, and secure mounting. On a collector-era Chevrolet, it is also wise to look over the steering and suspension for looseness or wear that could affect how the new tires behave.

A short local drive followed by a second inspection is a sensible habit after installation. Recheck tire pressure, look for any sign of rubbing, and confirm the car tracks consistently, because the condition of the chassis and wheels has as much influence on driving confidence as the tire choice itself.

670-15 tires on a collector 1952 Chevrolet 6 Cyl. should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspections, and attention to age-related deterioration. Cars that spend long periods parked can develop issues that are easy to miss, including sidewall cracking, flat spotting, air loss, and general hardening over time.

Storage conditions matter as much as mileage on a low-use car. Keeping the Chevrolet away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps protect the tires, and periodic movement or inspection before each drive helps catch problems before they turn into a road-use concern.