The 1953 Dodge D 46 & D 47 comes from an era when Dodge passenger cars balanced postwar practicality with the fuller styling and road manners buyers expected in the early 1950s. For owners restoring one for weekend driving, local shows, or regular collector-car use, tire choice has a big effect on both stance and character. This Dodge uses a 670-15 bias-ply tire on a 15-inch rim, keeping the fitment firmly in traditional early-1950s territory. That opens the door to blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall choices, along with several period-style bias-ply series and modern radial equivalents. The key is matching the tire to the car's appearance goals, wheel setup, and intended road use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1953 Dodge D 46 & D 47
The 1953 Dodge D 46 & D 47 uses one primary tire size: 670-15. It is a bias-ply fitment for a 15-inch rim, and the covered 6 Cyl. sub-model uses that same size. With the size settled, the real decision becomes how traditional you want the car to look, which bias-ply series and sidewall treatment suit the build, and whether a radial equivalent is worth considering for your wheel and vehicle setup.
A 670-15 is a vintage numeric bias-ply size in which the 670 indicates an approximate 6.70-inch nominal section width and the 15 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. On a 1953 Dodge D 46 & D 47, this size keeps the tire selection anchored in the construction and proportions associated with the car's original era. Available choices include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall designs from Firestone, US Royal, BFGoodrich, Goodyear, Universal Vintage Tire, Excelsior, Avon, Coker Classic, and STA across several bias-ply series. It is the right starting point when the goal is traditional fitment, restoration-minded appearance, and proper 15-inch wheel compatibility.
Fitment is straightforward for the covered 1953 Dodge D 46 & D 47 sub-model. The listed sub-model shares the same 670-15 bias-ply size, so the main choice is not between different sizes but between sidewall style, tire series, and whether to stay with bias-ply or explore a radial equivalent.
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1953 Dodge D 46 & D 47 6 Cyl.
The 1953 Dodge D 46 & D 47 6 Cyl. uses the same 670-15 bias-ply tire size as the main vehicle fitment. That keeps selection focused on traditional blackwall or whitewall presentation, brand and series preference, and careful evaluation of radial-equivalent options if the wheel setup and intended use point in that direction.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1953 Dodge D 46 & D 47
For the original 670-15 tire size, four radial-equivalent choices are available. Those 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 equivalent. Together, they span traditional metric sizing, later P-metric profiles, and a radial option that keeps a more vintage visual character. A recommended rim-width range of 5 to 7 inches applies to these alternatives, and wheel width, overall dimensions, and vehicle clearance should all be checked before conversion.
Modern Radial Equivalents
195R15
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (670-15)
P205/75R15
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (670-15)
P215/70R15
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (670-15)
670R15
Bias-look Radial Equivalent (670-15)
Important Considerations When Replacing Bias Ply With Radial
Compare overall diameter and section width carefully to ensure proper fit.
Verify recommended rim range (5-7 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 1953 Dodge D 46 & D 47 Tires for Sale
Available 670-15 choices cover a wide spread of period-style bias-ply options from Firestone, US Royal, BFGoodrich, Goodyear, Universal Vintage Tire, Excelsior, Avon, Coker Classic, and STA. Buyers can compare blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles across several classic tire series and rim-width specifications.
These 1953 Dodge D 46 & D 47 tire FAQs focus on 670-15 fitment, 15-inch wheel compatibility, bias-ply versus radial alternatives, sidewall and brand choices, and the practical checks that matter before putting a collector Dodge back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1953 Dodge D 46 & D 47?
The 1953 Dodge D 46 & D 47 uses a 670-15 tire size as its primary fitment. That is a vintage numeric bias-ply size, and it is the central reference point for selecting replacement tires that match the car's original-era sizing format and 15-inch wheel diameter.
Since there is one primary size, the next step is choosing the type of 670-15 tire that suits the car. Owners typically compare blackwall, narrow whitewall, or wide whitewall appearance, along with brand, series, and wheel-width compatibility. Any radial alternative should be treated as an equivalent to evaluate carefully rather than as an automatic substitute.
What size rim does a 1953 Dodge D 46 & D 47 use?
The primary tire fitment for the 1953 Dodge D 46 & D 47 uses a 15-inch rim. That rim diameter matches the 670-15 tire size, where the final number identifies the wheel diameter in inches.
Rim diameter is only part of the picture, especially on an older car that may have had wheel changes over the years. Before choosing a tire, confirm the actual wheel diameter on the car and compare the wheel width to the tire's approved range. That matters whether the goal is a traditional bias-ply replacement or a radial-equivalent setup.
Does the 1953 Dodge D 46 & D 47 6 Cyl. use the same tire size?
Yes. The covered 1953 Dodge D 46 & D 47 6 Cyl. sub-model uses the same 670-15 bias-ply tire size as the core fitment. That keeps sub-model tire selection simple because there is no separate primary size to sort out within this listing.
With the size unchanged, the decision moves to presentation and intended use. A restoration-oriented car may call for a specific blackwall or whitewall look, while a regular driver may lead the owner to compare available bias-ply series more closely or look at a radial equivalent. Wheel condition and actual wheel width still deserve a quick check before purchase.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 670-15 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1953 Dodge D 46 & D 47?
For the 1953 Dodge D 46 & D 47, 670-15 is the primary bias-ply tire size. It uses the vintage numeric sizing system common to early-1950s American cars and remains the traditional fitment for owners who want to keep the car in a period-style construction.
That matters because construction affects both appearance and the overall character of the driving experience. Staying with bias-ply keeps the car visually closer to its era, while moving to a radial equivalent changes the construction even if the replacement is chosen to approximate the original size. Wheel width, clearance, and the car's intended use should guide that decision.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 670-15?
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 that keeps a more traditional visual theme.
These choices give owners several ways to compare radial sizing formats without abandoning the 15-inch wheel diameter. The recommended rim-width range for these equivalents is 5 to 7 inches, so the wheel should be measured before changing construction. Overall tire dimensions, steering clearance, and fender clearance should also be checked rather than assumed.
Can I use a bias-look radial on a 1953 Dodge D 46 & D 47?
A 670R15 bias-look radial is available as a radial equivalent for the 1953 Dodge D 46 & D 47. It is meant for owners who want a radial-construction alternative while keeping a more vintage tire presentation than a modern-looking metric size may provide.
That makes it a useful middle ground for a collector car that needs to balance appearance and construction choice. Even so, it should be evaluated like any other equivalent rather than treated as interchangeable by default. Wheel width, tire dimensions, and clearance around the suspension and body all deserve confirmation before making the change.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 670-15 tire for a 1953 Dodge D 46 & D 47?
Start with the fact that 670-15 is the primary size, then narrow the choice by construction, sidewall style, and wheel compatibility. For this Dodge, the available options are heavily centered on bias-ply tires, so the main decisions usually involve traditional blackwall versus whitewall appearance, preferred brand or series, and matching the tire to the actual wheel width.
Use the car's purpose to guide the final decision. A restoration-oriented build may favor a specific period-style look, while a regularly driven car may lead you to compare specifications more closely or consider a radial equivalent separately. It also helps to check load figures where stated and make sure the wheel diameter and wheel condition are correct.
What sidewall styles are available for 1953 Dodge D 46 & D 47 tires?
The 670-15 tires available for the 1953 Dodge D 46 & D 47 come in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles. That gives the car a broad appearance range, from a more understated service look to a fuller early-1950s whitewall presentation.
Sidewall style can change the whole visual balance of the car even when the size stays the same. Choosing among them depends on whether the Dodge is being restored for a traditional look, built as a driver, or matched to existing trim and wheel covers. Appearance should still be considered after confirming the correct size, construction, and wheel fitment.
What brands offer tires for the 1953 Dodge D 46 & D 47?
Tires in the 670-15 size for the 1953 Dodge D 46 & D 47 are available from Firestone, US Royal, Coker Classic, Universal Vintage Tire, BFGoodrich, Excelsior, Avon, Goodyear, and STA. Those choices span several classic bias-ply series and multiple sidewall treatments within the same basic fitment.
Brand choice is best handled as part of a larger comparison rather than as a shortcut. Look at the sidewall style you want, the tire series that matches the character of the build, and any stated rim-width or load information that applies to your wheels and use. That approach keeps the decision grounded in fitment and presentation, not just name recognition.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1953 Dodge D 46 & D 47?
A period-style starting point for a 1953 Dodge D 46 & D 47 is the original-format 670-15 bias-ply size on a 15-inch rim. Within that size, the real choice becomes whether the car looks right with blackwall, narrow whitewall, or wide whitewall tires and which classic bias-ply series best suits the type of restoration.
Many early-1950s restorations are shaped as much by tire appearance as by wheel covers and ride height. For a driver-level restoration, a traditional sidewall treatment may be enough to set the tone. When exact originality matters, the safest path is to compare the car against marque-specific historical references, period photography, or restoration documentation before making a final sidewall choice.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1953 Dodge D 46 & D 47?
On a restored 1953 Dodge D 46 & D 47, bias-ply construction preserves the visual character most closely associated with the car's era because the primary fitment is a 670-15 bias-ply tire. A radial equivalent can still work visually, especially in a bias-look radial form, but the construction choice may subtly change the overall presentation.
That difference matters most on cars built around an authentic early-1950s stance and tire profile. A restoration-focused owner usually starts with the original-format size, then decides whether appearance alone or a blend of appearance and modern road manners is the priority. Either way, the wheel setup should be confirmed before changing from the original construction style.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1953 Dodge D 46 & D 47?
Yes. Even though the primary size for a 1953 Dodge D 46 & D 47 is 670-15, modifications can change what actually works on the car. Aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, suspension changes, altered ride height, or body and fender work can all influence tire clearance and the suitability of either a bias-ply tire or a radial equivalent.
That is why the actual vehicle should be inspected before assuming any replacement is appropriate. Measure the installed wheel diameter and width, turn the steering through its range, and check space around the fenders and suspension. Those steps are especially important if the Dodge no longer sits on its original-style wheels or has been updated over time.
What should I inspect before driving a 1953 Dodge D 46 & D 47 on new tires?
Before putting a 1953 Dodge D 46 & D 47 back on the road with new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the wheel diameter and width, and make sure each tire is mounted in the correct 670-15 fitment or chosen equivalent. It also helps to verify inflation, lug torque, and basic tire-to-body and tire-to-suspension clearance.
A collector car should also be checked beyond the tire itself. Look over the steering and suspension for looseness, inspect the alignment condition if the car has been sitting, and make sure there are no signs of rubbing on a short test drive. Catching those issues early protects the tires and helps the car track and handle as intended.
How should 670-15 tires on a collector 1953 Dodge D 46 & D 47 be maintained?
670-15 tires on a collector 1953 Dodge D 46 & D 47 should be checked regularly for proper inflation, tread condition, sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, and signs of slow air loss. Because many collector cars are driven infrequently, visual condition and age-related deterioration deserve as much attention as tread depth.
Storage conditions make a difference too. Keeping the Dodge away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve the tires between drives. It is also wise to inspect them before every outing and especially before a longer trip, since a car that looks fine in storage can still develop tire issues over time.