1955 Studebaker Commander Tires

The 1955 Studebaker Commander uses a 670-15 tire size. That is a vintage numeric bias-ply size mounted on a 15-inch rim, and the covered Commander V8 sub-model uses that same primary fitment.

That makes the first step fairly simple: start with 670-15, then decide which version of that size suits the car. The next checks involve sidewall style, brand, rim-width compatibility, and whether the car still has its original-style wheels or has been changed to an aftermarket setup that could affect tire choice.

The 1955 Studebaker Commander uses a 15-inch rim with its primary 670-15 tire fitment. The tire size and available products are centered on that 15-inch wheel diameter.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so it is still worth confirming the actual wheel on the car before ordering tires. A Commander that has had wheels swapped over the years may still be wearing a 15-inch diameter wheel, but wheel width and overall wheel design can change which tires are the most appropriate.

On a 1955 Studebaker Commander, 670-15 is a numeric bias-ply tire size. The 670 indicates an approximate 6.70-inch nominal section width, while the 15 refers to the wheel diameter in inches.

That sizing format matters because it points you toward vintage-style bias-ply products rather than modern metric tires as the primary fitment. If a radial alternative is being considered, use the equivalent sizes as comparison points and confirm wheel width, section width, and clearance rather than assuming any modern radial will behave like the original size.

For the 1955 Studebaker Commander, 670-15 is the primary bias-ply tire size. The available primary products in this fitment are bias-ply designs, which keeps the car in its traditional mid-1950s sizing and construction style.

That matters because a bias-ply Commander can retain the look and road feel associated with period-style tires, especially with blackwall or whitewall choices. Owners considering a radial should treat that as a separate conversion decision, then check wheel width, tire dimensions, and fender and steering clearance before changing construction.

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 alternative.

Each of those sizes gives a different path away from the original bias-ply format, so the choice is not only about construction. A 5- to 7-inch rim-width range is associated with these equivalents, and the final selection should be checked against the car's actual wheels, overall tire dimensions, and available clearance at full steering travel.

A 670R15 bias-look radial is available as a radial equivalent for the 1955 Studebaker Commander's 670-15 size. That makes it a useful option for owners who want radial construction while keeping a more traditional tire presentation.

Even with the vintage appearance, it should still be treated as a radial conversion rather than as the same thing as the original bias-ply tire. Wheel width, mounted dimensions, and clearance around the suspension and fenders deserve the same attention here as they would with any other radial-equivalent choice.

Start with the correct 670-15 size and the 15-inch wheel diameter, then compare the available bias-ply options by sidewall style, tire series, and wheel-width compatibility. Load capacity can also vary, with examples such as 1450@32 psi, 1550 @32 psi, and 1530@45 psi appearing among available products.

After the basic fitment is confirmed, the real decision becomes how the car will be used and how it should look. A blackwall gives a more restrained appearance, while narrow and wide whitewalls can pull the Commander in different restoration-oriented directions, so the tire should match both the wheel and the overall character of the car.

The 1955 Studebaker Commander's 670-15 tire options include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall sidewall styles. Those choices appear across several bias-ply brands and series, giving the same primary size noticeably different visual personalities.

That sidewall decision can have almost as much visual impact as the wheel itself on a mid-1950s car. A buyer aiming for a clean, understated look may lean toward blackwall, while a restoration-minded car may call for either a narrow or a broader whitewall depending on the appearance being pursued.

Brands available in 670-15 for the 1955 Studebaker Commander include Firestone, US Royal, Coker Classic, Universal Vintage Tire, BFGoodrich, Avon, Goodyear, Excelsior, and STA. The assortment spans several classic bias-ply series and multiple sidewall treatments.

Brand selection is most useful when paired with other comparison points rather than treated as the only decision. It helps to look at the specific tire series, sidewall style, rim-width specification, and load figure tied to each product so the tire suits both the wheel on the car and the owner's appearance goals.

A period-style 1955 Studebaker Commander starts with the primary 670-15 bias-ply size. Staying with that vintage numeric bias-ply format preserves the original-style wheel diameter and keeps the car visually closer to the mid-1950s presentation buyers usually expect.

From there, the best choice depends on the appearance being recreated rather than on one universal answer. Blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions are all available, so owners focused on exact authenticity should compare those options with marque references, historic photos, or other vehicle-specific documentation before settling on a final look.

Tire construction changes more than ride and handling on a restored 1955 Studebaker Commander; it also changes the visual character of the car. A 670-15 bias-ply keeps the Commander in its traditional vintage sizing format, while radial alternatives shift the car toward a more modern tire presentation.

That visual difference matters on a car with prominent fender lines and a distinctly 1950s stance. A bias-look radial can narrow the styling gap for owners who want radial construction, but appearance should still be judged alongside wheel width, overall proportions, and how closely the finished car is meant to reflect period style.

Modifications can absolutely affect tire fitment on a 1955 Studebaker Commander, even when the tire size itself is correct. Wheel swaps, suspension changes, altered ride height, brake conversions, or bodywork differences can all change the space available for a 670-15 or for a radial equivalent.

That is why the actual car should be checked before making a final choice, especially if its history is uncertain. Confirm wheel diameter and width first, then look at steering clearance, fender clearance, and suspension travel so the selected tire matches the current setup rather than the factory-era specification alone.

Before driving a 1955 Studebaker Commander on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, lug hardware, and overall wheel condition along with the tires themselves. Tire pressure should be set appropriately, and the car should be checked for rubbing, uneven stance, or any clearance issue once the tires are mounted.

A collector car also deserves a broader road-readiness check before the first drive. Steering components, suspension bushings, alignment condition, and wheel bearings all influence how the car feels on fresh tires, so those items should be in sound condition before putting miles on a newly mounted set.

670-15 tires on a collector 1955 Studebaker Commander should be kept properly inflated, inspected regularly, and protected from long periods of harsh storage conditions. Tread wear, sidewall cracking, bulges, cuts, and slow air loss are all worth watching closely on a car that may spend more time parked than driven.

Good maintenance also means paying attention to age and environment, not just mileage. Stored collector vehicles benefit from being kept away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources, and the tires should be checked before longer drives even if they still look good from a distance.