The 1955 Chevrolet Wagon arrived at a pivotal moment for Chevrolet, combining the fresh look of the all-new 1955 lineup with the everyday practicality that made mid-century wagons such an important part of American family life. Whether preserved as a stock hauler, mild custom, or restoration project, tire choice has a major effect on both stance and character. This Chevrolet Wagon uses a 670-15 bias-ply tire on a 15-inch rim. Within that size, there are period-style blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall choices, along with modern radial equivalents for owners considering a different road-use balance. The right selection starts with matching the wagon's wheel setup, appearance goals, and intended driving use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1955 Chevrolet Wagon
The 1955 Chevrolet Wagon uses one primary tire size: 670-15. It is a bias-ply fitment on a 15-inch rim, and the covered Base sub-model uses that same size. That means the key decision is not which primary size fits, but which version of 670-15 best suits the wagon's appearance, brand preference, sidewall style, and whether a radial equivalent is worth considering for the way the vehicle will be driven.
A 670-15 is a vintage numeric bias-ply size in which the 670 indicates an approximate 6.70-inch nominal section width, while the 15 refers to the wheel diameter in inches. For a 1955 Chevrolet Wagon, this is the primary bias-ply fitment and it preserves the traditional look and construction style associated with the period. Available choices include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall designs across brands such as Firestone, US Royal, BFGoodrich, Goodyear, Universal Vintage Tire, Excelsior, Avon, and STA. Choosing within this size comes down to wheel compatibility, desired sidewall presentation, and whether the wagon is being finished for restoration-minded appearance or regular road use.
Tire fitment is straightforward for the covered 1955 Chevrolet Wagon sub-model. The Base model uses the same primary tire size, so the focus shifts from identifying a different fitment to choosing the right construction style, sidewall treatment, and overall presentation for the vehicle.
1
1955 Chevrolet Wagon Base
The 1955 Chevrolet Wagon Base uses the same 670-15 bias-ply tire as the core model fitment. That makes tire selection more about choosing the right blackwall or whitewall look, confirming wheel compatibility, and deciding whether to stay with bias-ply construction or evaluate a radial equivalent.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1955 Chevrolet Wagon
The original 670-15 tire size has four radial-equivalent options to consider. 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, these options range from conventional metric radial sizing to a radial that keeps a more traditional visual character. A 5-7 inch rim-width range is associated with these equivalents, and wheel size, tire dimensions, and vehicle clearance should all be checked before changing construction.
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 1955 Chevrolet Wagon Tires for Sale
Available 670-15 tires span Firestone, US Royal, BFGoodrich, Goodyear, Universal Vintage Tire, Excelsior, Avon, and STA, with choices across classic bias-ply series and blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall sidewall treatments. Rim-width specifications and load figures also vary across the product lineup.
Owners of a 1955 Chevrolet Wagon usually want clarity on the 670-15 fitment, 15-inch wheel compatibility, bias-ply versus radial alternatives, sidewall appearance choices, and the checks worth making before putting a restored or collector wagon back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1955 Chevrolet Wagon?
The 1955 Chevrolet Wagon uses a 670-15 tire size. This is a numeric bias-ply fitment matched to a 15-inch rim, and the covered Base sub-model uses that same primary size.
That makes the main decision less about finding a different size and more about choosing the right version of 670-15 for the wagon. Wheel width, sidewall style, brand, and intended use all matter, especially if the vehicle has been modified over the years or if a radial equivalent is being considered instead of the original-style bias-ply construction.
What size rim does a 1955 Chevrolet Wagon use?
The primary 670-15 tire fitment for a 1955 Chevrolet Wagon uses a 15-inch rim. That rim diameter is central to staying with the original bias-ply size or evaluating the radial equivalents associated with 670-15.
Rim diameter is only part of the picture, so wheel width still needs attention before choosing a specific tire. Product options in 670-15 cover different rim-width ranges, and an older wagon may no longer have its original wheels. Measuring the actual wheel on the vehicle helps avoid clearance, profile, or bead-seat issues when selecting a new set.
Does the 1955 Chevrolet Wagon Base use the same tire size?
Yes. The 1955 Chevrolet Wagon Base uses the same 670-15 bias-ply tire size as the core 1955 Chevrolet Wagon fitment, so there is no separate primary size to sort out for that covered sub-model.
That consistency simplifies the search, but it does not make every 670-15 product the same. Sidewall styling ranges from blackwall to narrow and wide whitewall, and rim-width specifications differ by product. A buyer restoring the wagon for a traditional appearance may make a different choice than someone planning regular road use or considering a radial alternative.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 670-15 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1955 Chevrolet Wagon?
For the 1955 Chevrolet Wagon, 670-15 is the primary bias-ply tire size. That construction reflects the original-era sizing system and gives the wagon the traditional sidewall shape and period-style presentation many owners want.
A radial option should be treated as an alternative rather than the same construction in a different label. Keeping bias-ply construction often suits restoration-minded appearance, while switching to a radial calls for checking wheel width, tire dimensions, and clearance at the fenders and steering components before deciding that the change makes sense for the vehicle.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 670-15?
Radial equivalents for 670-15 include 195R15, P205/75R15, P215/70R15, and 670R15. Those cover an 80-series metric radial, a 75-series P-metric radial, a 70-series P-metric radial, and a bias-look radial option that keeps a more traditional visual style.
These sizes provide useful alternatives, but they should not be treated as automatic replacements. The recommended rim-width range associated with the equivalents is 5-7 inches, and the final choice should be checked against the wagon's actual wheel width, available clearance, and the overall stance and appearance the owner wants to preserve.
What should I check before converting my 1955 Chevrolet Wagon from bias-ply to radial tires?
Start by confirming the wagon's actual wheel diameter and width, then compare the radial equivalent being considered against the current tire and wheel setup. For a 670-15 application, that means closely reviewing options such as 195R15, P205/75R15, P215/70R15, or 670R15 rather than assuming all radial alternatives behave the same.
Steering clearance, fender clearance, suspension condition, and overall vehicle height all deserve attention before making the switch. An older wagon may also have replacement wheels or suspension changes from past ownership. Looking over those details first helps keep the conversion focused on fitment, appearance, and road-use goals instead of discovering problems after installation.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 670-15 tire for a 1955 Chevrolet Wagon?
Begin with the essentials: correct 670-15 sizing, bias-ply construction, and a 15-inch wheel that matches the tire's intended rim-width range. From there, the choice broadens into brand, tire series, sidewall style, load capacity where stated, and whether the wagon is being kept close to its original-era look.
A restored family wagon often benefits from a very different visual treatment than a driver-grade car or mild custom. Blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall options all create a different presentation. Looking at wheel specs and the vehicle's intended use at the same time usually leads to a better decision than choosing on appearance alone.
What sidewall styles are available for 1955 Chevrolet Wagon tires?
The 670-15 fitment for a 1955 Chevrolet Wagon is available in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles. That gives the wagon owner room to choose a more understated appearance or a stronger mid-1950s visual statement without changing the underlying primary tire size.
Sidewall choice affects the vehicle's overall character as much as the wheel or hubcap design. A blackwall can suit a more restrained or utilitarian presentation, while whitewalls push the wagon toward a more restoration-oriented look. The most useful approach is matching the sidewall style to the vehicle's trim, finish level, and the era-specific look being pursued.
What brands offer tires for the 1955 Chevrolet Wagon?
Available 670-15 tires for the 1955 Chevrolet Wagon come from Firestone, US Royal, Coker Classic, Universal Vintage Tire, BFGoodrich, Excelsior, Avon, Goodyear, and STA. Those brands appear across several classic bias-ply series and sidewall treatments, giving the buyer meaningful variety within the same primary size.
The best way to compare them is by fitment details and presentation rather than by assuming one brand serves every goal equally. Rim-width specifications, load figures where stated, tire series, and whitewall width can all influence the final choice. Narrowing the selection by how the wagon will be used usually makes the comparison much clearer.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1955 Chevrolet Wagon?
A period-style 1955 Chevrolet Wagon starts with the correct primary size, 670-15, in bias-ply construction. From there, the visual direction depends on whether the wagon is being finished with a more restrained blackwall look or with narrow or wide whitewalls that better reflect many mid-1950s styling themes.
For many restorations, construction and sidewall treatment matter just as much as the nominal size. Exact originality can vary by trim, market, and past ownership history, so buyers pursuing a highly precise restoration should compare their tire choice with marque references, original photos, or other vehicle-specific documentation before settling on a final presentation.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1955 Chevrolet Wagon?
Tire construction changes the visual character of a restored 1955 Chevrolet Wagon even when the overall size choice stays close to the original fitment. A 670-15 bias-ply preserves the traditional period-style look, while a radial alternative can change the wagon's presentation even if the owner selects a size intended as a modern equivalent.
That difference matters most on a vehicle with prominent sidewalls and a strong mid-century profile. Owners who want the wagon to read as a faithful restoration often stay focused on the original-style bias-ply format, while those planning more road use may also weigh a bias-look radial if they want to retain a more traditional outward appearance.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1955 Chevrolet Wagon?
Yes. A 1955 Chevrolet Wagon may use the correct 670-15 size on paper and still present fitment issues if it has aftermarket wheels, altered ride height, brake changes, or body and suspension modifications. Those changes can alter wheel width, offset, and the space available around the tire.
A close inspection of the actual wheel and tire package on the vehicle is worthwhile before choosing new rubber. Checking steering sweep, fender clearance, and suspension travel helps prevent surprises, especially if the wagon has passed through several owners. The same caution applies when moving from bias-ply construction to any radial equivalent.
What should I inspect before driving a 1955 Chevrolet Wagon on new tires?
Look over the wheels, valve stems, lug hardware, and overall wheel condition before the wagon goes back on the road. Tire pressure, tread condition, sidewall condition, and any signs of rubbing or uneven seating should also be checked once the new tires are mounted.
An older wagon often needs more than a quick glance before regular use resumes. Steering components, brakes, and suspension condition all affect how the tire performs in service, and a short test drive can reveal pull, vibration, or clearance issues early. Rechecking pressure and visual condition after the first miles is a sensible follow-up step.
How should 670-15 tires on a collector 1955 Chevrolet Wagon be maintained?
Collector-car tires such as 670-15 bias-ply fitments benefit from regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and clean storage conditions. Even a wagon that is driven infrequently should be watched for cracking, bulges, cuts, flat-spotting, or gradual air loss, since age and storage can affect tires as much as road mileage.
Long periods of inactivity deserve their own routine. Moving the vehicle occasionally, keeping it away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources, and inspecting the tires before each outing helps preserve both appearance and road readiness. A maintenance habit like that is especially important on a 1950s wagon that may spend more time displayed than driven.