1956 Willys 226 Tires

A 1956 Willys 226 does not use one universal tire size across every covered configuration. The 4WD 6 Cyl. uses 700-16 bias-ply tires, while the 4x2 6 Cyl. uses 670-15 bias-ply tires, so both the sub-model and wheel diameter matter before choosing a tire.

That means the first job is confirming whether the vehicle is a 4WD or 4x2 version and whether it still has its matching 16-inch or 15-inch wheels. Once that is settled, the decision shifts to tire style and purpose, such as blackwall versus whitewall appearance, passenger-style versus truck-style character, or whether the 670-15 setup should be compared with a radial equivalent.

The 1956 Willys 226 uses either a 16-inch rim or a 15-inch rim, depending on the sub-model. The 4WD 6 Cyl. is paired with the 700-16 size on a 16-inch wheel, and the 4x2 6 Cyl. is paired with the 670-15 size on a 15-inch wheel.

Because both rim diameters appear on this model, measuring the wheel before ordering tires is especially important on vehicles that may have been changed over the years. A tire size with the wrong rim diameter is not just a styling issue; it is the fastest way to end up comparing the wrong products, the wrong construction choices, and the wrong equivalent options.

The 1956 Willys 226 has more than one tire size because the covered sub-models use different wheel and tire combinations. The 4WD 6 Cyl. uses 700-16 bias-ply tires, while the 4x2 6 Cyl. uses 670-15 bias-ply tires, so the fitment changes with the vehicle's configuration.

That difference affects more than the number on the sidewall. It changes the rim diameter you need to match, the product types available, and whether radial equivalents are part of the conversation. A buyer looking at a 4WD Willys should focus on 700-16 utility and military-style options, while a 4x2 buyer can compare a broader range of passenger-style bias-ply tires and radial-equivalent alternatives.

On the 1956 Willys 226, 670-15 is the primary bias-ply tire size for the 4x2 6 Cyl. configuration. That means the original-style fitment in this size stays in vintage numeric bias-ply form, even though radial-equivalent alternatives are also available for buyers considering a different construction.

The practical difference is that keeping 670-15 bias-ply preserves the original sizing format and traditional visual character, while moving to a radial equivalent calls for a closer look at wheel width and overall fit. The available radial alternatives should be treated as comparison options, not automatic substitutions, especially on an older vehicle that may have different wheels or suspension condition than it had when new.

Radial equivalents for 670-15 include 195R15, P205/75R15, P215/70R15, and 670R15. Those represent 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 vintage presentation.

Each of those alternatives follows a different sizing convention, so the choice is not only about switching from bias-ply to radial. A 5-7 inch rim-width range is associated with these equivalent sizes, and the final decision should include checking the actual wheel width, the space available around the fenders and steering components, and the overall stance the owner wants from the 4x2 Willys.

Start by confirming that the Willys is the 4x2 6 Cyl. using the 670-15 size, because that is the fitment with named radial equivalents. Then verify the actual rim diameter and wheel width, since the available equivalents are tied to a 15-inch wheel and a recommended 5-7 inch rim-width range.

A careful conversion also means checking clearance at the fenders, suspension, and steering through full travel rather than assuming any equivalent size will behave the same way. Older vehicles are often altered over time, so wheel changes, ride-height changes, or worn steering parts can affect results just as much as the tire size itself.

The first consideration is making sure the Willys is the 4WD 6 Cyl., because 700-16 belongs to that configuration. After size confirmation, the main choices are the tire's visual style and purpose, including blackwall, wide whitewall, and more utility-focused military or truck-type bias-ply patterns.

Brand and series differences matter most when they change the tire's character rather than its basic fitment. Some 700-16 options emphasize passenger-style presentation, while others lean toward work-truck or military appearance. Comparing rim-width guidance where it is given, along with load figures and the kind of driving the vehicle actually sees, will do more for a good choice than simply picking by brand name alone.

Sidewall choices for the 1956 Willys 226 include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall, depending on the tire size and product selected. The 700-16 fitment leans heavily toward blackwall and wide whitewall options, while the 670-15 fitment offers the broadest spread across all three sidewall styles.

That gives the Willys owner some room to shape the vehicle's presentation without changing the basic fitment. Blackwalls generally support a more utilitarian or work-focused look, while narrow and wide whitewalls move the 4x2 setup toward a more dressed, roadgoing appearance. The right choice depends on whether the goal is practical utility, a restored vintage style, or a more formal passenger-car feel.

Brands available for the 1956 Willys 226 include Firestone, BFGoodrich, Goodyear, US Royal, Universal Vintage Tire, Coker Classic, Lester, Avon, Tornel, Excelsior, and STA. Not every brand appears in both sizes, so the brand selection changes depending on whether the vehicle uses 700-16 or 670-15.

The better way to use that brand variety is to narrow the search by the correct size first, then compare sidewall style, tire series, rim-width guidance, and the overall look you want on the vehicle. A 700-16 4WD buyer may focus on military, truck, or classic blackwall choices, while a 670-15 4x2 buyer has a larger mix of whitewall and passenger-style offerings to compare.

A period-style choice starts with the correct primary size for the specific Willys configuration: 700-16 for the 4WD 6 Cyl. and 670-15 for the 4x2 6 Cyl. From there, the tire's visual character becomes the main decision, with blackwall, whitewall, and truck or military-style bias-ply options creating very different vintage impressions.

For a utility-oriented Willys, the 700-16 blackwall and military-style patterns usually align with a more work-focused presentation. A 4x2 setup in 670-15 allows more decorative whitewall choices if the goal is a cleaner passenger-vehicle look. When exact originality matters, it is worth checking marque references or historical documentation before choosing a brand or whitewall width.

Tire construction changes the visual impression of a restored 1956 Willys 226 even when the overall size seems comparable. The primary fitments for both covered configurations are bias-ply, which helps preserve the vintage numeric sidewall format and the traditional look associated with mid-1950s utility and passenger-vehicle tire design.

A move to a radial equivalent is mainly relevant to the 670-15 4x2 setup and can change the visual feel through its different sizing format, even before driving differences enter the picture. Buyers who want a radial while keeping a more traditional appearance may want to compare the 670R15 bias-look radial with the more modern-looking metric and P-metric alternatives.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1956 Willys 226, especially because this model already appears with two different wheel diameters depending on sub-model. Wheel swaps, suspension changes, brake conversions, or ride-height changes can alter the actual space available and may also mean the vehicle no longer matches its original tire and rim setup.

That is why a modified Willys should be inspected as it sits rather than selected by year and model alone. Confirm the current rim diameter first, then check wheel width and turning clearance before settling on a tire. Owners considering a 670-15 radial equivalent should be especially careful, since the vehicle's present wheel and suspension condition can influence the result.

Before driving a 1956 Willys 226 on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, make sure the tires are seated properly, and verify that inflation matches the tire's requirements. It is also smart to look over steering and suspension parts, since loose or worn components can affect how an older Willys behaves on fresh tires.

A short, careful test drive should include checking for rubbing during turns, unusual vibration, and any sign of contact at the fenders or suspension. Recheck pressure after the first outing and keep an eye on how the vehicle tracks and brakes. On a collector vehicle that may sit often, regular inspections matter just as much as the initial installation.

Collector tires on a 1956 Willys 226 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and attention to age and storage conditions. Whether the vehicle uses 700-16 or 670-15 tires, look for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, or slow air loss, especially if the Willys spends long periods parked between drives.

Storage has a major effect on older-vehicle tires, so keeping the Willys away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve condition. Driving the vehicle periodically can also help reveal problems early, but any tire that shows visible deterioration deserves closer inspection before road use. Maintenance is about preserving safety and fitment, not just keeping the sidewalls looking clean.