1952 Plymouth P22 Tires

A 1952 Plymouth P22 uses one of two bias-ply tire sizes, depending on sub-model: 640-15 or 670-15. Both mount on 15-inch wheels, but they are not assigned interchangeably across the covered P22 range. The Deluxe uses 640-15, while the Suburban uses 670-15.

That means the first step is confirming the exact sub-model before choosing a tire. Once the correct size is established, the comparison usually comes down to sidewall style, tire series, and whether to remain with a traditional bias-ply construction or evaluate one of the available radial equivalents for that specific primary size.

The 1952 Plymouth P22 uses a 15-inch rim with both of its primary tire sizes, 640-15 and 670-15. The final number in each vintage numeric bias-ply size indicates the wheel diameter, so both fitments are built around a 15-inch wheel even though the tire widths differ.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture on a vintage Plymouth. Wheel width should also be checked, especially if the car has replacement wheels or if a radial equivalent is being considered. A 15-inch wheel does not automatically make every 15-inch tire appropriate for the car’s exact sub-model and wheel setup.

No. The 1952 Plymouth P22 Deluxe uses 640-15, while the 1952 Plymouth P22 Suburban uses 670-15. Both are bias-ply sizes for 15-inch rims, but the tire size itself changes with the sub-model, so the fitment is not uniform across the full P22 range.

That difference matters because it affects the pool of tires you should compare. The 670-15 size has a broader range of period-style product choices and includes a bias-look radial equivalent, while 640-15 has its own radial-equivalent path. Confirming the exact model badge and actual wheel setup helps prevent selecting a tire built for the other P22 configuration.

For the 1952 Plymouth P22, 640-15 is a primary bias-ply tire size. It uses a vintage numeric bias-ply format and appears on the Deluxe sub-model as the traditional 15-inch fitment. That makes it the period-style starting point for owners who want the car to retain its original construction type.

A radial can still be considered, but it should be approached as an equivalent rather than as the primary fitment. For 640-15, the radial alternatives are 175R15, P175/75R15, and P185/70R15. Checking wheel width, tire dimensions, and clearance is important before changing construction, especially on a restored Plymouth that may still use stock-style wheels.

Radial equivalents for 670-15 include 195R15 as an 80-series metric radial, P205/75R15 as a 75-series P-metric radial, P215/70R15 as a 70-series P-metric radial, and 670R15 as a bias-look radial. Those options give the 1952 Plymouth P22 Suburban several distinct radial sizing paths built around the original 15-inch wheel diameter.

The practical difference is in the sizing convention and profile approach rather than a simple one-size answer. The 670R15 option is especially useful for owners who want a more traditional visual presentation, while the other three follow modern metric sizing conventions. Rim-width suitability, overall dimensions, and clearance at the wheel openings should all be checked before making the change.

That depends on how the car will be used and what kind of appearance you want to preserve. The primary fitments for the 1952 Plymouth P22 are bias-ply sizes, so a bias-ply tire keeps the car aligned with its original construction type. Radial equivalents are also available for both P22 tire sizes if a different road-use approach is being considered.

A restoration-oriented owner may prefer the traditional look and construction of a bias-ply tire, especially with the right blackwall or whitewall style. An owner planning more regular driving may want to compare one of the radial equivalents, but that change should include a careful review of wheel width, tire dimensions, and clearance rather than assuming every 15-inch alternative behaves the same.

Start with the correct sub-model, because the 1952 Plymouth P22 Deluxe uses 640-15 and the Suburban uses 670-15. After size is confirmed, the important comparisons are construction type, sidewall style, tire series, and wheel compatibility. Both sizes are available in traditional bias-ply form, and each has radial-equivalent options for buyers considering a construction change.

The right choice depends on whether the car is being restored for period-style presentation, preserved as a weekend driver, or used more regularly on the road. A blackwall, narrow whitewall, or wide whitewall can change the car’s visual character considerably, while wheel width and clearance checks become more important if the Plymouth has replacement wheels or is moving away from bias-ply construction.

1952 Plymouth P22 tires are available in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles, depending on the size and product selected. Both 640-15 and 670-15 include blackwall choices, while whitewall options range from slimmer white bands to broad period-style whitewall treatments that suit many early 1950s American cars.

The sidewall decision is mostly about appearance rather than basic fitment, but it can make a major difference in the car’s finished look. A blackwall usually gives a plainer, more understated presentation, while a narrow or wide whitewall can push the car toward a more formal restoration-oriented style. Once the correct size is identified, sidewall treatment becomes one of the most visible choices.

Tires for the 1952 Plymouth P22 are available from BFGoodrich, Firestone, Avon, Excelsior, US Royal, Universal Vintage Tire, Coker Classic, Goodyear, and STA. Brand availability depends on whether the car uses 640-15 or 670-15, with the larger 670-15 fitment offering the broadest range of brands and period-style choices.

Brand should be considered alongside size, sidewall style, and tire series rather than by name alone. Some choices focus on blackwall simplicity, others on narrow or wide whitewall presentation, and some vary in rim-width specification or load figures. The best comparison is the one that keeps the correct P22 fitment in place while matching the look and use you have in mind.

A period-style 1952 Plymouth P22 should start with the correct primary bias-ply size for its sub-model: 640-15 for the Deluxe or 670-15 for the Suburban. From there, the decision usually becomes one of presentation, with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall choices all available depending on size and brand.

Bias-ply construction generally supports the most traditional look for an early 1950s Plymouth, especially if the goal is to preserve the car’s original-era character. If exact originality matters, sidewall width and brand choice should be checked against marque references, photos, or restoration documentation, since a period-style appearance is not the same thing as proving one exact factory-delivered specification.

Tire construction influences both the visual stance and the overall character of a restored 1952 Plymouth P22. A bias-ply tire maintains the traditional construction type used on the car’s primary fitments, while a radial equivalent can change the visual impression even when the wheel diameter remains the same and the size is chosen as a modern alternative.

For many restorations, the construction decision works together with the sidewall treatment. A wide whitewall bias-ply can create a distinctly early-1950s look, while a blackwall or narrow whitewall shifts the presentation in a subtler direction. Owners considering a radial often choose it for road-use reasons, but should still evaluate whether the resulting appearance matches the rest of the restoration.

Yes. Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1952 Plymouth P22 even when the tire size itself matches the correct sub-model. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, suspension work, ride-height changes, or body alterations can all influence how a 640-15, 670-15, or radial equivalent sits within the fender opening and through the steering range.

That is especially important on collector cars that may have been altered decades ago and no longer wear stock wheels. Measuring the actual rim diameter and width on the car is a smart first step, followed by checking clearance at full steering lock and through suspension movement. Those checks matter even more when moving from a bias-ply tire to a modern radial equivalent.

Before driving a 1952 Plymouth P22 on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage or corrosion, confirm the wheel diameter and width, and make sure the tires are properly mounted and inflated. It is also wise to look over valve stems, lug hardware, and general clearance around the fenders, steering components, and suspension.

A vintage Plymouth often spends long periods parked, so the rest of the chassis should be ready as well. Brake function, steering response, wheel-bearing condition, and alignment all affect how new tires perform on the road. After the first few drives, recheck inflation and look for any signs of rubbing, uneven wear, or air loss before settling into regular use.

Collector-car tires on a 1952 Plymouth P22 should be inspected regularly for cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven wear, and slow air loss, even if the car is driven only occasionally. Maintaining proper inflation is especially important on bias-ply tires, and storage conditions matter because heat, sunlight, moisture, and ozone can shorten tire life on low-mileage vintage vehicles.

Regular movement helps prevent long-term flat spotting, but the car should still be checked before each road outing rather than assumed ready because the tread looks good. Age and condition are just as important as mileage on an older Plymouth. A quick inspection of tire pressure, sidewalls, tread, and wheel condition can prevent trouble before a local cruise or longer drive.