1956 Studebaker Power Hawk & Commander Tires

The primary tire size for the 1956 Studebaker Power Hawk & Commander is 670-15. This is a vintage numeric bias-ply size used on a 15-inch rim, and it is the core fitment to start with when replacing tires on this application.

That makes the next decision less about size and more about tire style and construction. Once 670-15 is confirmed, the choice becomes blackwall, narrow whitewall, or wide whitewall appearance, along with brand and tire series. If the car has been modified with different wheels, confirm the actual wheel width and clearance before assuming the original-size tire remains the best path.

The 1956 Studebaker Power Hawk & Commander uses a 15-inch rim with its primary 670-15 tire size. That rim diameter is the key wheel measurement tied directly to the tire size and should be confirmed before ordering replacement tires.

Rim diameter alone does not finish the fitment check, especially on an older car that may have seen wheel changes over the years. It is also worth comparing the actual wheel width to the tire being considered, particularly if moving between different bias-ply offerings or evaluating a radial equivalent. That extra step helps avoid surprises with mounting, stance, or clearance.

On this Studebaker, 670-15 is a numeric bias-ply size. The 670 refers to an approximate 6.70-inch nominal section width, and the 15 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. It is a traditional mid-century sizing format rather than a modern metric radial designation.

Understanding that format helps when comparing modern alternatives. A 670-15 bias-ply keeps the original-style sizing language and overall presentation, while radial equivalents use formats such as 195R15 or P205/75R15. Before switching formats, compare the wheel setup on the car and make sure the tire choice supports the appearance and road-use character you want from the vehicle.

For the 1956 Studebaker Power Hawk & Commander, 670-15 is the primary bias-ply tire size. The available product range in this fitment is centered on bias-ply construction, which matches the period tire type associated with this mid-1950s application.

That matters because bias-ply and radial tires are not simply different labels for the same setup. A bias-ply choice supports a more traditional look and construction, while a radial alternative needs its own fitment review. Wheel width, overall tire dimensions, and clearance at the fenders and steering should all be checked before changing construction on a collector-era car.

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 impression.

Each of those alternatives should be treated as a comparison point rather than an automatic swap. The associated rim-width range is 5-7 inches, and that should be checked against the actual wheel on the car. It is also smart to verify section clearance, turning clearance, and the overall stance you want before moving away from the original-style 670-15 bias-ply fitment.

A bias-look radial equivalent is available for this application in size 670R15. That option is intended for owners who want a radial construction choice while still keeping a tire presentation that is closer to the visual character of a traditional 670-15.

Appearance is only part of the decision, though. The wheel on the car still needs to be suitable for the tire, and the full package should be checked for clearance at normal ride height and at full steering lock. A bias-look radial can be a useful middle ground, but it still deserves the same wheel and fitment review as any other construction change.

Start with the basic fitment points: 670-15 size, bias-ply construction, and a 15-inch wheel. From there, the main differences are visual style, tire series, brand, and wheel-width compatibility, along with practical details such as load figures where they are stated for individual products.

The right choice depends on how the Studebaker is being used and presented. A blackwall can suit a simpler period look, while narrow or wide whitewalls change the car's overall character noticeably. Compare the wheel width on the car to the tire's compatible rim range, and keep an eye on load information if the car will see regular road miles rather than occasional display use.

The 670-15 fitment for the 1956 Studebaker Power Hawk & Commander is available in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles. That gives a broad range of appearance choices while staying within the correct primary tire size for the car.

Sidewall style has a strong effect on how a mid-1950s Studebaker reads visually. A blackwall tends to look more restrained, while whitewall variations bring more period flair and can shift the car toward a more formal or show-oriented presentation. If restoration accuracy matters, compare the tire appearance with photos, marque references, or other vehicle-specific history before settling on a stripe width.

Available 670-15 tires for this Studebaker come from Firestone, BFGoodrich, US Royal, Goodyear, Universal Vintage Tire, Excelsior, Avon, and STA. Those brands cover several classic bias-ply series and a mix of blackwall and whitewall presentations within the same basic fitment.

Brand choice should be weighed alongside the tire's series, sidewall treatment, and wheel-width specification rather than treated as the only decision. Some options are aimed squarely at traditional passenger-car presentation, while others have a more specialized character. Comparing the full tire specification helps keep the choice aligned with the way the car is restored, displayed, and driven.

A 670-15 bias-ply tire is the natural starting point for a period-style 1956 Studebaker Power Hawk & Commander. That size and construction preserve the mid-1950s visual proportions of the car, and there are several brand and series options that maintain a traditional presentation.

The main appearance decision is usually the sidewall treatment. Blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions all change the look of the car without leaving the primary size. If the goal is exact historical accuracy rather than general period style, compare the tire choice with marque-club guidance, original photos, or other vehicle-specific references before making the final call.

Tire construction changes more than the internal build of the tire; it also changes how a restored 1956 Studebaker Power Hawk & Commander presents visually. A 670-15 bias-ply keeps the traditional mid-century look, while radial alternatives use different sizing conventions and can alter the tire's visual impression on the car.

That is why many restoration-oriented owners decide on appearance before they decide on brand. A standard bias-ply emphasizes an original-style stance, while a bias-look radial may offer a compromise between visual tradition and radial construction. Any change in construction should still be checked against the wheel width, the body clearance, and the overall presentation the restoration is trying to achieve.

Yes, modifications can change tire fitment on a 1956 Studebaker Power Hawk & Commander even when the tire size sounds correct on paper. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension changes, ride-height changes, and body or brake modifications can all influence whether a 670-15 or one of its radial equivalents is still a suitable choice.

That is especially important on a collector car that may have been updated decades ago. Confirm the actual wheel diameter and width first, then check turning clearance, fender clearance, and suspension travel with the car at normal ride height. A tire that matches the original size designation still needs to suit the car as it sits today.

Before putting regular road miles on a 1956 Studebaker Power Hawk & Commander with new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, and general mounting condition, then confirm proper air pressure and look over the tire sidewalls and tread after the first short drive. It is also wise to check for rubbing at full steering lock and during suspension movement.

Older vehicles deserve a broader pre-drive look beyond the tires themselves. Brake condition, wheel bearings, alignment, and suspension wear can all affect how a fresh set of tires behaves. A short local test drive followed by another visual inspection helps catch clearance or setup issues early, before the car is taken on a longer trip.

Collector-car tires in 670-15 size should be kept clean, properly inflated, and inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and slow air loss. Even on a lightly used 1956 Studebaker Power Hawk & Commander, tires age over time, so condition matters just as much as tread depth.

Storage habits make a difference on a hobby car. Keeping the Studebaker away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires between drives. A periodic pressure check and a close visual inspection before each outing are sensible habits, especially when the car sits for long stretches and only comes out for shows or fair-weather road use.