1952 Ford Crestline Tires

The 1952 Ford Crestline uses a 670-15 tire size. That is a numeric bias-ply format used on a 15-inch rim, and it is the primary fitment for the covered Crestline application. For buyers trying to match the car's early 1950s character, 670-15 is the starting point for correct-size shopping.

Selection within that size still matters. A Crestline can be fitted with blackwall, narrow whitewall, or wide whitewall versions of 670-15, and radial-equivalent alternatives also exist for owners evaluating a change in construction. Before choosing, confirm the actual wheel diameter on the car and check whether any prior owner changed wheels or suspension components.

The primary tire fitment for a 1952 Ford Crestline is built around a 15-inch rim. That matches the 670-15 size code, where the final number identifies wheel diameter. Keeping that rim diameter correct is essential before comparing bias-ply replacements or any radial-equivalent option.

Rim diameter is only part of the picture, especially on an older collector car. Wheel width should also be checked against the tire being considered, because available 670-15 products do not all share the same rim-width specification. A quick inspection of the wheels already on the car helps prevent ordering a tire that suits the size code but not the actual wheel setup.

Yes. The covered 1952 Ford Crestline 8 Cyl. uses the same 670-15 bias-ply tire size as the model-level fitment. That keeps the basic size decision simple, since tire choice does not branch into multiple primary sizes for this sub-model.

Once size is confirmed, the real choice becomes how the car should look and how it will be driven. A traditional bias-ply with the right sidewall presentation may suit a restoration-minded car, while a radial equivalent may appeal to owners who want an alternative construction. Wheel condition, wheel width, and overall clearance are still worth checking on any surviving Crestline.

For the 1952 Ford Crestline, 670-15 is the primary bias-ply tire size. The available products in that size are bias-ply tires, which aligns with the period construction and visual character most buyers expect on an early 1950s full-size Ford.

That does not mean the only choice is to stay with bias-ply construction. Radial equivalents exist, but they should be treated as alternatives rather than the original primary format. Owners deciding between the two should think about appearance goals, wheel-width compatibility, and whether the car is being kept close to period presentation or prepared for a different style of road use.

Radial equivalents for 670-15 include 195R15, P205/75R15, P215/70R15, and 670R15. The 195R15 is an 80-series metric radial, P205/75R15 is a 75-series P-metric radial, P215/70R15 is a 70-series P-metric radial, and 670R15 is a bias-look radial intended to retain a more traditional visual presentation.

Those options give a Crestline owner several ways to compare radial sizing without abandoning the 15-inch wheel diameter. The recommended rim-width range associated with these equivalents is 5-7 inches, but actual fitment still depends on the wheel and car in front of you. Wheel width, suspension condition, and fender and steering clearance should all be verified before changing construction.

Start by confirming the actual wheel diameter and wheel width on the car, then compare those measurements to the radial-equivalent size being considered for the 1952 Ford Crestline. Radial options exist for the original 670-15 fitment, but they use different sizing conventions, so the decision is more involved than matching the last number in the size.

A sound conversion check also includes tire clearance at the fenders and steering components, plus an inspection of suspension and steering wear on a low-use collector car. If the Crestline has replacement wheels, altered ride height, or brake changes, those details matter even more. A careful measurement-based approach is better than assuming every 15-inch alternative behaves the same.

The first priority is staying with the correct 670-15 size for the 1952 Ford Crestline, then choosing the tire style that matches the car's purpose. Since this size is offered in several bias-ply series and multiple sidewall treatments, the decision usually comes down to period-style appearance, brand preference, and whether the car will keep its original-style construction or move toward a radial equivalent.

Wheel compatibility deserves close attention because 670-15 products do not all share identical rim-width specifications. Load figures and tire weight can also vary, especially across passenger and specialty applications. Comparing those details helps narrow the field, particularly if the car sees more than occasional show use or if its wheels are not the same ones it left the era with.

The 1952 Ford Crestline's 670-15 tire size is available in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles. That range gives owners flexibility to shape the car's overall presentation, from a plainer sedan look to a brighter early 1950s whitewall appearance without changing the underlying size.

Sidewall style is often one of the most visible choices on a Crestline, so it helps to decide whether the car is being restored, preserved, or simply driven in a period-inspired style. Different brands and series offer different whitewall widths, so it is worth comparing the actual treatments rather than choosing by color category alone. The correct size and wheel fitment still come first.

Tires for the 1952 Ford Crestline in 670-15 are available from Firestone, US Royal, Coker Classic, Universal Vintage Tire, BFGoodrich, Excelsior, Avon, Goodyear, and STA. Those brands appear across several classic bias-ply series, giving the car owner a wider range of visual and specification choices than a single-brand selection would.

The best way to use that variety is to compare each brand's available sidewall treatments, series character, rim-width specs, and load figures where they are given. Some options lean toward traditional passenger-car styling, while others serve more specialized needs. Choosing by size alone is not enough when the goal is to match the Crestline's look and the wheel setup already on the car.

A period-style 1952 Ford Crestline starts with the original-format 670-15 bias-ply size on a 15-inch rim. That keeps the car in the correct early 1950s sizing language and opens the door to several traditional-looking bias-ply series from brands associated with vintage passenger-car tires.

The final choice usually depends on visual presentation more than size, since blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions are all available. For a restoration-oriented car, the sidewall treatment can change the whole personality of the vehicle. If exact originality matters beyond a period-style appearance, marque-specific references and historic vehicle documentation are worth consulting before settling on one look.

Tire construction affects a restored 1952 Ford Crestline both visually and proportionally in the way the finished car presents itself. The primary 670-15 fitment is a bias-ply size, and staying with that construction keeps the car aligned with the style language of its era, especially when paired with an appropriate blackwall or whitewall treatment.

A radial equivalent may still be worth considering, but the appearance goal should be defined first. A standard radial size can change the visual impression simply because it belongs to a later sizing convention, while a bias-look radial is intended to preserve more of a traditional presentation. That makes construction choice part of the restoration discussion, not just a mechanical purchase.

Yes. Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1952 Ford Crestline even when the intended tire size remains 670-15. Aftermarket wheels, changed wheel widths, altered ride height, brake conversions, or suspension work can all influence how much space the tire has and whether the chosen tire suits the wheel correctly.

That matters most when considering a radial equivalent or a tire with a different recommended rim-width range than the wheel currently on the car. A Crestline that has been lowered or fitted with replacement wheels should be checked for steering lock clearance, fender clearance, and wheel dimensions before any purchase. Older cars often carry changes that are easy to miss at first glance.

Before driving a 1952 Ford Crestline on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage or corrosion, confirm that the tire size matches the wheel diameter, and make sure inflation is set appropriately for the tire being installed. It is also wise to look over the valve stems and verify that each wheel seats and balances properly.

A broader road-use check should include steering and suspension condition, because worn components can spoil the behavior of even correctly sized new tires. On a collector car, pay close attention to wheel-bearing feel, brake operation, and any signs of rubbing once the car is back on the ground. A short local test drive can reveal clearance or vibration issues early.

670-15 tires on a collector 1952 Ford Crestline should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and careful storage habits. Even a car that covers few miles can develop age-related tire issues, so sidewall cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven wear, and slow air loss deserve attention just as much as tread depth.

Collector cars benefit from being stored away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources that can accelerate tire deterioration. It also helps to inspect the tires before and after longer drives, since a Crestline may spend extended periods parked between outings. Any sign of damage, persistent pressure loss, or rubbing should be addressed before the car returns to regular road use.