1956 Chevrolet Wagon Tires

The 1956 Chevrolet Wagon uses a 670-15 tire size. That is a vintage numeric bias-ply fitment for a 15-inch wheel, and it is the primary size associated with this model. The covered 9 Pass. sub-model uses the same tire size, so the basic fitment question is fairly straightforward.

Once the size is confirmed, the next step is choosing the style of tire within that size rather than searching for a different primary fitment. Sidewall treatment, brand, tire series, and intended use all become more important, especially if the wagon has been restored, modified, or fitted with wheels that differ from its original-style setup.

The primary tire fitment for a 1956 Chevrolet Wagon is built around a 15-inch rim diameter. The 670-15 size itself reflects that wheel diameter, and the available tire choices for this application are all centered on 15-inch fitment. That makes wheel diameter one of the easiest parts of the selection process to confirm.

Rim diameter is only one part of fitment, so wheel width still deserves attention before choosing among available tires or moving to a radial equivalent. Some products in this size are matched to narrower vintage wheel widths, while others cover a broader range, making actual wheel measurement especially worthwhile on a restored or modified wagon.

On a 1956 Chevrolet Wagon, 670-15 is a numeric bias-ply tire size. The 670 portion refers to a nominal section width of about 6.70 inches, while the 15 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. It is an older sizing convention commonly seen on mid-1950s American vehicles rather than a modern metric radial format.

Understanding that format helps separate the original-style fitment from later radial alternatives such as 195R15 or P205/75R15. The important point is not just the number on the sidewall, but how that size works with the wagon's wheel width, overall stance, and clearance if the car no longer sits on its original-style wheels or suspension.

For the 1956 Chevrolet Wagon, 670-15 is the primary bias-ply tire size. That construction matches the traditional sizing and appearance associated with a mid-1950s Chevrolet, and the available products in this primary fitment are bias-ply tires. It is the baseline choice for owners who want the wagon to retain a period-style tire presentation.

That does not mean every owner must stay with bias-ply construction, but any move toward a radial should be treated as an equivalent-size decision rather than the original primary fitment. Wheel width, overall tire dimensions, and body or steering clearance should all be checked carefully before changing construction on a collector vehicle.

Radial equivalents for 670-15 include 195R15, P205/75R15, P215/70R15, and 670R15. Those cover several approaches: 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 intended to preserve a more traditional visual character.

Each of those sizes should be viewed as an alternative rather than an automatic replacement. A 5-7 inch rim-width range is associated with the equivalent set, so the actual wheel width on the wagon should be verified along with suspension clearance, fender space, and the overall look the owner wants to maintain.

Start by confirming the wagon's actual wheel diameter and width, then compare the intended radial equivalent against the car's present setup. For this application, the radial alternatives to 670-15 include 195R15, P205/75R15, P215/70R15, and 670R15, and the equivalent group is associated with a 5-7 inch rim-width range.

After the wheel is confirmed, inspect clearance at the front suspension, fenders, and steering stops, especially if the wagon has aftermarket wheels or a changed ride height. It also helps to think about the goal of the change, since a conventional metric radial and a bias-look radial can lead to very different visual results on a restoration-minded Chevrolet.

The first priority is staying with the correct primary size, 670-15, and matching it to the wagon's 15-inch wheel setup. From there, the decision usually comes down to tire construction, wheel-width compatibility, sidewall presentation, and the visual tone the car should carry. On a Tri-Five wagon, those details have a big effect on stance and character.

A blackwall can give the car a simpler, more utilitarian look, while narrow and wide whitewalls push it in a more dressed, restoration-oriented direction. Comparing brand, tire series, and any stated load or wheel-width information is worthwhile, particularly if the wagon sees regular road use rather than strictly show or occasional fair-weather driving.

Tires for the 1956 Chevrolet Wagon are available in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles within the 670-15 fitment. That gives owners a broad range of visual choices without changing the primary size. The sidewall design can dramatically alter how a mid-1950s wagon sits visually, even when the wheel and tire dimensions stay the same.

Choosing among those styles depends largely on the look the vehicle is meant to carry. A blackwall often suits a more restrained or utility-flavored presentation, while whitewalls bring out the fuller period styling that many restorers want. Sidewall style should be chosen alongside brand, series, and wheel compatibility rather than treated as an appearance-only decision.

The 670-15 size for a 1956 Chevrolet Wagon is available from Firestone, US Royal, Coker Classic, Universal Vintage Tire, BFGoodrich, Excelsior, Avon, Goodyear, and STA. Those brands appear across several bias-ply series, giving owners more than one path to the correct primary size while keeping the wagon within its traditional 15-inch fitment.

The useful comparison is not which brand is best in the abstract, but which tire best matches the wagon's intended use and appearance. Sidewall style, tire series, wheel-width compatibility, and any stated load information matter more than brand name alone, especially on a collector vehicle that may balance show presentation with occasional road time.

A period-style starting point for a 1956 Chevrolet Wagon is the original-format 670-15 bias-ply size on a 15-inch wheel. Staying with that sizing keeps the wagon in the visual language of the mid-1950s, and the available bias-ply options include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions depending on the look being pursued.

The right choice depends on how the vehicle is being finished and what kind of presentation matters most. Some restorations call for a cleaner blackwall look, while others lean heavily on whitewall styling. If exact originality is important, marque references and vehicle-specific historical material are still the best guide for final appearance decisions.

Tire construction changes more than ride feel on a restored 1956 Chevrolet Wagon; it also changes the car's visual posture. A 670-15 bias-ply tire preserves the traditional profile and period-style presentation associated with the wagon's era, while radial alternatives move the car into a more updated tire format even when the wheel diameter remains the same.

That distinction matters on a restoration because the tire is such a visible part of the car's overall stance. Owners who want a more traditional look often stay with bias-ply or consider a bias-look radial, while those prioritizing a different road-use feel may compare metric radial equivalents after checking wheel width and clearance.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1956 Chevrolet Wagon even when the intended size remains 670-15 or one of its radial equivalents. Aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, suspension changes, lowering, brake conversions, or bodywork can all alter the space available around the tire and change what works cleanly on the car.

That is why it helps to verify the wagon's actual wheel setup before choosing between a traditional bias-ply tire and a radial alternative. Clearance at the fender lip, steering range, and suspension components deserves a close look, especially on a long-roof collector car that may have been updated at some point in its life.

Before driving a 1956 Chevrolet Wagon on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, wheel hardware, and overall mounting condition, then confirm proper inflation for the tire being used. It is also smart to look over suspension and steering components, since worn parts can affect how a fresh set of tires behaves on the road.

A short check of fender and steering clearance is worthwhile before any longer outing, especially if the wagon runs replacement wheels or a radial-equivalent size. After the first miles, recheck air pressure and look for any signs of rubbing, uneven seating, or contact marks so small issues are caught before regular use.

670-15 tires on a collector 1956 Chevrolet Wagon should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspection, and careful storage habits. Even a car that is driven lightly can develop age-related issues, so the sidewalls and tread should be checked for cracking, cuts, bulges, or unexplained air loss between outings.

Storage conditions matter almost as much as mileage on an older collector vehicle. Keeping the wagon away from prolonged sun, excess heat, moisture, and ozone-producing equipment can help protect the tires over time. It also helps to inspect them before every road trip rather than assuming low annual mileage means the tires are still road-ready.