The 1956 Hudson Wasp came at the end of Hudson's standalone era, giving this mid-Fifties American car a place in the collector world that blends practical postwar design with distinctive brand history. Owners often approach these cars with an eye toward keeping their road manners and visual character true to the period. Tire fitment centers on a 670-15 bias-ply tire on a 15-inch rim. Within that size, there is still meaningful choice in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles across several vintage-style tire series, along with radial-equivalent options for owners considering a different construction. The right decision depends on appearance goals, wheel setup, and how the car will actually be driven.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1956 Hudson Wasp
The 1956 Hudson Wasp uses one primary tire size: 670-15. That is a bias-ply fitment on a 15-inch rim, and it is the size used on the covered Wasp 6 Cyl. configuration. The main decision is not which primary size fits, but which version of 670-15 best suits the car's appearance, whether to stay with bias-ply construction, and whether a radial equivalent is worth considering after checking wheel and vehicle fitment.
A 670-15 is a numeric bias-ply size in which the 670 refers to an approximate 6.70-inch nominal section width and the 15 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. On a 1956 Hudson Wasp, this is the traditional bias-ply fitment and it preserves the period tire format the car was built around. Available choices include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles from brands such as Firestone, US Royal, BFGoodrich, Goodyear, Universal Vintage Tire, and others across several vintage tire series. It is the size to focus on when the goal is keeping the car in its original sizing convention while still choosing the look and product details that suit the vehicle.
Sub-model fitment is straightforward for the covered 1956 Hudson Wasp configuration. The Wasp 6 Cyl. uses the same primary tire size, so the focus shifts from identifying a different fitment to choosing the right sidewall style, brand, and construction approach.
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1956 Hudson Wasp 6 Cyl.
The 1956 Hudson Wasp 6 Cyl. uses the 670-15 bias-ply size on a 15-inch rim. That makes tire selection more about choosing a period-style blackwall or whitewall presentation, or evaluating a radial equivalent, than sorting through multiple primary fitments.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1956 Hudson Wasp
The original 670-15 size has four radial-equivalent paths 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. Together they offer a range from conventional metric radial sizing to a radial that maintains a more traditional visual presentation. A 5-7 inch rim width range is associated with these equivalents, and wheel dimensions, overall fitment, and vehicle clearance should 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 1956 Hudson Wasp Tires for Sale
Available 670-15 choices span Firestone, US Royal, BFGoodrich, Goodyear, Coker Classic, Universal Vintage Tire, Excelsior, Avon, and STA, with several classic bias-ply series and sidewall treatments including blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall.
Owners researching 1956 Hudson Wasp tires usually want clarity on the 670-15 fitment, 15-inch rim compatibility, bias-ply versus radial alternatives, sidewall appearance, and what to inspect before putting a collector car back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1956 Hudson Wasp?
The 1956 Hudson Wasp uses a 670-15 tire size. This is a numeric bias-ply fitment on a 15-inch rim, and it is the primary size associated with the covered Wasp 6 Cyl. configuration.
That means the first step is usually not choosing between multiple factory sizes, but choosing the right 670-15 tire for the car's purpose and appearance. Buyers typically compare blackwall versus whitewall styling, brand and series differences, and whether to remain with bias-ply construction or evaluate one of the available radial-equivalent sizes after confirming wheel width and clearance.
What size rim does a 1956 Hudson Wasp use?
The 1956 Hudson Wasp uses a 15-inch rim with its primary 670-15 tire size. The tire size itself ends in 15, which corresponds to the wheel diameter in inches for this fitment.
Wheel diameter is only part of the picture, especially on a collector car that may have seen wheel changes over the years. Before selecting a tire, it is worth confirming the actual wheel width on the car and comparing it with the rim-width guidance attached to the tire being considered, particularly if switching to a radial-equivalent size.
Does the 1956 Hudson Wasp 6 Cyl. use the same tire size?
Yes. The covered 1956 Hudson Wasp 6 Cyl. configuration uses the same 670-15 bias-ply tire size as the core fitment for this model. There is no alternate primary tire size shown for that sub-model.
That keeps fitment simple and lets the decision center on tire style and construction rather than sub-model differences. The more useful checks are whether the car still has the expected 15-inch wheels, whether wheel width matches the tire under consideration, and whether the owner wants a traditional bias-ply presentation or a radial-style alternative.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 670-15 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1956 Hudson Wasp?
For the 1956 Hudson Wasp, 670-15 is the primary bias-ply tire size. It uses the traditional numeric bias-ply sizing format common on mid-1950s American cars and matches the vehicle's original tire-sizing convention.
Staying with a bias-ply keeps the car in its period tire format and opens up a wide range of blackwall and whitewall choices in that same size. Owners considering a change in construction should treat radial options as alternatives rather than automatic replacements, then verify the actual wheel width, rim condition, and clearance at the steering and fender edges.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 670-15?
Radial equivalents for 670-15 include 195R15, P205/75R15, P215/70R15, and 670R15. These cover an 80-series metric radial, a 75-series P-metric radial, a 70-series P-metric radial, and a bias-look radial option in 670R15.
Each equivalent follows a different sizing convention, so the decision is not simply radial versus bias-ply. A 5-7 inch rim width range is associated with these equivalents, and the owner should compare wheel width, overall vehicle stance, and tire clearance before changing sizes or construction on a 1956 Hudson Wasp.
Can I use a bias-look radial on a 1956 Hudson Wasp?
A 670R15 bias-look radial is available as an equivalent to the 670-15 size used on the 1956 Hudson Wasp. It is distinct from the original bias-ply fitment because it uses radial construction while aiming for a more traditional visual presentation.
That makes it a useful option for owners who want a vintage-style appearance without staying strictly with a bias-ply tire format. The choice still needs a careful fitment check, including wheel width, wheel condition, and vehicle clearance, because a bias-look radial should be evaluated as an alternative rather than assumed to match every existing wheel setup.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 670-15 tire for a 1956 Hudson Wasp?
Start with the correct 670-15 size and the intended use of the car. For a 1956 Hudson Wasp, the main variables are bias-ply construction, sidewall appearance, brand and series, and the wheel-width range associated with the specific tire being considered.
A car built for restoration display may call for a very different visual treatment than one aimed at regular touring. It also helps to compare practical details such as rim-width guidance, published load figures when present, and whether the car still wears its expected 15-inch wheels, since collector cars are often changed long after they left the factory.
What sidewall styles are available for 1956 Hudson Wasp tires?
The 670-15 tires available for a 1956 Hudson Wasp include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall sidewall styles. That gives the car owner a broad range of visual choices while staying within the correct primary tire size.
Sidewall treatment has a major effect on how a mid-1950s car presents itself, so this choice is often as important as the brand. A blackwall can create a more understated look, while narrow or wide whitewalls push the car toward a stronger period-style appearance; the best choice depends on the car's trim, finish level, and restoration direction.
What brands offer tires for the 1956 Hudson Wasp?
Available 670-15 tires for the 1956 Hudson Wasp come from Firestone, US Royal, Coker Classic, Universal Vintage Tire, BFGoodrich, Excelsior, Avon, Goodyear, and STA. These brands cover several classic bias-ply series and multiple sidewall treatments within the same size category.
Brand choice matters less as a ranking exercise than as a way to compare appearance, series character, and fitment details. Some buyers narrow the field by looking for a particular sidewall style first, then comparing rim-width guidance, published load information where available, and the overall presentation they want the finished car to have.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1956 Hudson Wasp?
A period-style 1956 Hudson Wasp usually starts with the original 670-15 bias-ply size. That keeps the car in its proper mid-1950s sizing format and lets the owner choose among blackwall, narrow whitewall, or wide whitewall versions depending on the look being pursued.
The right visual choice depends on how the car is being restored and presented, not just on the tire size alone. When exact originality matters, it is smart to compare the car against marque references, period photos, or restoration documentation, then select a sidewall treatment and tire series that support that direction without overreaching beyond known fitment.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1956 Hudson Wasp?
On a restored 1956 Hudson Wasp, tire construction affects both the way the car sits visually and the overall period impression it gives. The original-style 670-15 fitment is a bias-ply tire, while radial equivalents introduce a more modern construction even when they remain close in general size intent.
For many restorations, the choice comes down to whether appearance or driving preference leads the project. A standard bias-ply keeps the car closest to its original tire format, while a bias-look radial can help preserve a traditional presentation; either way, the finished result should still be checked against wheel dimensions and the car's actual stance.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1956 Hudson Wasp?
Yes. Modifications can change tire fitment on a 1956 Hudson Wasp even when the car still uses a 15-inch wheel. Aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, altered ride height, suspension work, or body changes can all affect how a 670-15 or any radial equivalent sits in the car.
That is why a tire choice should be based on the car as it stands now, not just on the original size specification. It helps to confirm wheel width, inspect steering and fender clearance lock to lock, and account for any suspension settling or replacement parts before selecting either a traditional bias-ply tire or a radial alternative.
What should I inspect before driving a 1956 Hudson Wasp on new tires?
Before driving a 1956 Hudson Wasp on new tires, inspect the wheels for condition and size, confirm proper mounting, and check inflation, tread seating, and overall clearance. It is also wise to look over suspension and steering components on a collector car that may have spent long periods parked.
A fresh set of tires cannot compensate for cracked wheels, worn tie-rod ends, loose wheel bearings, or old alignment problems. Once the car is on the ground, recheck sidewall-to-fender and steering clearance, then monitor air pressure and any early signs of rubbing or uneven wear during the first few drives.
How should 670-15 tires on a collector 1956 Hudson Wasp be maintained?
670-15 tires on a collector 1956 Hudson Wasp should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspection, and attention to age-related condition. Even low-mileage tires deserve close inspection for cracking, flat spotting, bulges, cuts, and slow air loss because collector cars often spend more time stored than driven.
Storage conditions matter almost as much as mileage. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve the tires, and moving the vehicle occasionally reduces stress from long stationary periods. Before any longer outing, a quick walkaround and pressure check is a simple habit that can prevent avoidable problems.