1952 Willys 473 & 673 Wagon Tires

The 1952 Willys 473 & 673 Wagon uses a 670-15 tire size. That is a numeric bias-ply size for a 15-inch wheel, and it is the primary fitment for this wagon. The Base sub-model uses the same size, so the fitment question is fairly straightforward at the size level.

Once the 670-15 size is confirmed, the next step is choosing the tire style that matches the wagon’s intended use and appearance. Blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall options are available, and some owners may also compare radial equivalents. It is still worth checking the actual wheel diameter and width on the vehicle, especially if the wagon has been modified over the years.

The 1952 Willys 473 & 673 Wagon uses a 15-inch rim with its primary 670-15 tire fitment. That rim diameter is central to both original-style bias-ply replacements and any radial-equivalent options being considered, because the tire and wheel must share the same basic bead-seat diameter.

Rim diameter alone is not the whole fitment picture. Wheel width also matters, particularly if the wagon no longer has its original wheels or if a radial alternative is under consideration. Measuring the actual wheel on the vehicle helps avoid ordering a tire that matches the diameter but is not well suited to the wheel width or the wagon’s available clearance.

670-15 is a vintage numeric bias-ply size. The 6.70 portion refers to the tire’s nominal section width in inches, while the 15 indicates the wheel diameter in inches. On a 1952 Willys 473 & 673 Wagon, it describes a traditional bias-ply fitment rather than a modern metric radial size.

That sizing format helps explain why the wagon’s replacement choices look different from late-model tires. The decision usually comes down to preserving the period-style bias-ply appearance or comparing a radial equivalent such as 195R15, P205/75R15, P215/70R15, or 670R15. Any change in sizing format or construction should be checked against the wagon’s wheel width, clearance, and intended use.

For the 1952 Willys 473 & 673 Wagon, 670-15 is a bias-ply tire size. That is the primary fitment and the construction most closely associated with the wagon’s original-era tire profile and traditional look. The available products in this primary size are bias-ply offerings across several brands and sidewall treatments.

Staying with bias-ply construction usually appeals to owners who want period-style appearance and driving character. A radial alternative can still be considered, but it should be treated as an equivalent rather than the original primary construction. Before changing to a radial, confirm the wheel width, compare the intended tire dimensions carefully, and make sure steering and fender clearance remain appropriate.

Radial equivalents for 670-15 include 195R15 as an 80-series metric radial, P205/75R15 as a P-metric 75-series radial, P215/70R15 as a P-metric 70-series radial, and 670R15 as a bias-look radial. Those sizes give a Willys wagon owner several ways to compare modern radial construction while staying on a 15-inch wheel.

Each of those sizes represents a different sizing convention or profile approach, so they should not be treated as automatic substitutes. A recommended rim-width range of 5 to 7 inches is associated with the radial equivalents, which makes wheel measurement especially important. Clearance at the fenders and steering components should also be checked before moving away from the original 670-15 bias-ply setup.

A 670R15 bias-look radial is available as a radial equivalent for the 1952 Willys 473 & 673 Wagon’s original 670-15 size. That makes it a useful option for owners who want radial construction while keeping a more traditional side profile than a modern-looking metric radial may provide.

Even with the familiar appearance, a bias-look radial is still a radial and should be evaluated as a conversion rather than as the same tire in a different name. Wheel width, overall compatibility with a 15-inch wheel, and vehicle clearance all still matter. It also helps to decide whether the wagon’s priority is period-style presentation, regular road use, or a balance of both.

Start with the correct primary size, which is 670-15 for the 1952 Willys 473 & 673 Wagon. From there, compare construction, sidewall style, and the wheel-width specifications attached to the individual tire choices. This size is available in several bias-ply series, so the key decision is usually how traditional the wagon should look and how it will be used.

A blackwall tire gives a more work-oriented presentation, while narrow and wide whitewalls shift the wagon toward a more dressed-up early 1950s appearance. It also makes sense to compare load specifications and the actual wheel on the vehicle before narrowing the choice. Owners considering more frequent road driving may also want to weigh the option of a radial equivalent separately from the original bias-ply fitment.

The 670-15 tire choices for a 1952 Willys 473 & 673 Wagon include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles. That range gives owners a meaningful appearance choice within the correct primary size, whether the wagon is being kept plain and utilitarian or finished with a more polished period-style presentation.

Sidewall style changes the look of the vehicle more than the fitment, but it still helps to compare the tire series and wheel-width specifications attached to each option. A whitewall should not be assumed to be factory-correct without vehicle-specific historical confirmation. For many owners, the practical goal is to choose the sidewall treatment that best fits the wagon’s restoration direction and how it will be displayed or driven.

Tires in the 670-15 size are available for the 1952 Willys 473 & 673 Wagon from Firestone, US Royal, Coker Classic, Universal Vintage Tire, BFGoodrich, Excelsior, Avon, Goodyear, and STA. Those brands appear across several period-style bias-ply series, with both plain and whitewall sidewall treatments represented.

Choosing among brands is less about ranking names and more about matching the tire’s style and specifications to the wagon. Some selections emphasize classic passenger-car presentation, while others carry a more utility-minded character, such as the Super Transport series. Comparing sidewall treatment, rim-width specification, weight, and load figures gives a better basis for selection than picking by brand name alone.

A period-style starting point for a 1952 Willys 473 & 673 Wagon is the original 670-15 bias-ply size on a 15-inch rim. Within that size, the visual choice comes down to blackwall for a more utility-focused look or narrow and wide whitewall variations for a more dressed-up early 1950s presentation.

The right choice depends on the wagon’s restoration direction rather than one universally correct answer. Some owners want a practical, workhorse appearance, while others prefer a more polished show presentation. If exact originality matters, the safest approach is to confirm brand and sidewall details through marque-club references, period photography, or other vehicle-specific historical sources before making the final selection.

Tire construction affects both the look and the stance of a restored 1952 Willys 473 & 673 Wagon. A bias-ply 670-15 preserves the traditional sizing format and the overall period-style visual character associated with an early 1950s utility wagon. A radial equivalent can change the presentation even when it remains close in fitment intent.

That difference matters most on a vehicle with simple body lines and upright proportions, where the tires are a visible part of the wagon’s overall impression. Owners who want the restoration to read as authentically vintage often stay with the primary bias-ply fitment. Those choosing a radial should consider whether appearance, road manners, or a compromise between the two matters most.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1952 Willys 473 & 673 Wagon even when the original size is 670-15. Changes to wheels, suspension height, springs, steering components, or body clearance can alter how much room the tire has and whether the wheel width still suits the intended tire construction.

A wagon that has aftermarket 15-inch wheels may still need closer measurement before a tire is chosen, because diameter alone does not settle the issue. Any owner considering a radial equivalent should be especially careful about wheel width and clearance at full steering lock. Checking those details first helps avoid rubbing, poor wheel-to-tire pairing, or an unintended change in the vehicle’s stance.

Before driving a 1952 Willys 473 & 673 Wagon on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, confirm that the tires are seated properly, and check inflation against the tire’s requirements. It also helps to look over the suspension, steering linkage, and brakes, since tire replacement often brings other age-related issues into clearer view.

A short initial drive is a smart way to confirm that the wagon tracks properly and that there is no contact at the fenders or steering components. Recheck pressure after the first outing and look for any signs of rubbing or uneven wear. On a collector vehicle that may sit for long periods, an overall roadworthiness inspection is just as important as the tire change itself.

670-15 tires on a collector 1952 Willys 473 & 673 Wagon should be checked regularly for pressure, tread condition, sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, and any sign of slow air loss. Bias-ply tires also benefit from routine visual inspection because collector vehicles often spend long periods parked, which can hide age-related issues until the wagon is put back into service.

Storage conditions matter almost as much as mileage on a lightly used vintage wagon. Keeping the vehicle away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone-producing equipment helps preserve the tires over time. It is also wise to inspect the tires before every season of use and before longer drives, since low annual mileage does not prevent aging or deterioration.