The 1957 Rambler Rambler came from an era when American compact cars were gaining real traction with buyers who wanted sensible size without giving up distinctive 1950s styling. That makes tire selection especially important, because the right fitment helps preserve both the car’s stance and its road manners. This model uses 15-inch bias-ply tire fitments in 640-15 and 670-15, with size choice tied to engine configuration. Period-style options include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall treatments, and modern radial equivalents are also available for owners considering a different driving setup. The key is matching the correct size first, then choosing the look and construction that suits the car’s intended use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1957 Rambler Rambler
The 1957 Rambler Rambler uses two primary tire sizes, and both are bias-ply fitments for 15-inch rims. The first step is confirming the exact sub-model, since the 6 Cyl. version can use either 640-15 or 670-15, while the 8 Cyl. uses 670-15. Once the correct size is confirmed, the real choice becomes sidewall style, brand, tire series, and whether a radial equivalent is worth considering for the way the car will be driven.
A 640-15 is a vintage numeric bias-ply size in which the 6.40 designation refers to nominal section width in inches and the 15 identifies the wheel diameter. On the 1957 Rambler Rambler, this is a traditional bias-ply fitment that suits owners who want to stay close to the car’s original-era tire construction. Available choices include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions from brands such as BFGoodrich, Firestone, Avon, and Excelsior across several classic tire series. This size is worth evaluating carefully on a 6 Cyl. car when appearance, wheel width, and intended road use all point toward the narrower original-style fitment.
A 670-15 is also a vintage numeric bias-ply size, with the 6.70 designation representing nominal section width and the 15 indicating a 15-inch rim. For the 1957 Rambler Rambler, this size is the shared fitment point across the 8 Cyl. model and some 6 Cyl. applications, making it an important size to verify before shopping. Product variety is broad, with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall offerings from Firestone, BFGoodrich, US Royal, Universal Vintage Tire, Goodyear, Coker Classic, Avon, Excelsior, and STA. It is the size to focus on when the car calls for the wider primary bias-ply fitment or when comparing among the most varied restoration-oriented choices.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1957 Rambler Rambler because tire size is not identical across every configuration. The 6 Cyl. can use either primary size, while the 8 Cyl. centers on 670-15, so identifying the exact sub-model is the first step before comparing tire styles or equivalents.
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1957 Rambler Rambler 6 Cyl.
The 1957 Rambler Rambler 6 Cyl. uses 15-inch bias-ply fitments and has the broadest size range within this model line because it is associated with both primary tire sizes. That makes careful size confirmation especially important before choosing among blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, or a radial-equivalent path.
The 1957 Rambler Rambler 8 Cyl. uses the 670-15 bias-ply size on a 15-inch rim. Tire selection for this sub-model becomes less about choosing between primary sizes and more about deciding on sidewall presentation, brand and series character, or whether a radial equivalent should be considered after wheel and clearance checks.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1957 Rambler Rambler
The original 640-15 size has three radial-equivalent options, while 670-15 has four. For 640-15, the choices are 175R15 as an 80-series metric radial, P175/75R15 as a 75-series P-metric radial, and P185/70R15 as a 70-series P-metric radial. For 670-15, the options are 195R15, P205/75R15, P215/70R15, and 670R15 as a bias-look radial. These alternatives span traditional metric radial sizing, lower-profile P-metric formats, and a bias-look presentation, with recommended rim-width ranges of 5-6 inches for 640-15 and 5-7 inches for 670-15; wheel size, wheel width, and clearance should still be checked before changing setups.
Modern Radial Equivalents
175R15
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (640-15)
P175/75R15
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (640-15)
P185/70R15
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (640-15)
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 1957 Rambler Rambler Tires for sale
Available 1957 Rambler Rambler tire choices center on 640-15 and 670-15 bias-ply fitments, with brands including Firestone, BFGoodrich, Goodyear, US Royal, Avon, Coker Classic, Excelsior, Universal Vintage Tire, and STA. The main comparisons are sidewall style, classic tire series, and rim-width compatibility across blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall options.
Owners of a 1957 Rambler Rambler usually need clarity on size by sub-model, 15-inch rim fitment, bias-ply versus radial choices, and how sidewall style affects a restoration-oriented look. These answers focus on the practical checks that matter before the car goes back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1957 Rambler Rambler?
The 1957 Rambler Rambler uses two primary bias-ply tire sizes: 640-15 and 670-15. Both sizes fit 15-inch rims, but they do not apply the same way across every sub-model. The 6 Cyl. version is associated with both 640-15 and 670-15, while the 8 Cyl. uses 670-15.
That means the first step is confirming exactly which Rambler Rambler sub-model and wheel setup the car has before selecting a tire. Once the correct primary size is established, the decision shifts to sidewall style, brand, tire series, and whether to stay with a traditional bias-ply construction or compare a radial equivalent.
What size rim does a 1957 Rambler Rambler use?
The primary tire fitments for the 1957 Rambler Rambler are built around a 15-inch rim diameter. Both 640-15 and 670-15 use that same wheel diameter, so the rim-size question is more straightforward than the tire-size question. The more important distinction is which of the two bias-ply sizes belongs on the specific sub-model.
Rim diameter still needs to be confirmed on the actual car, especially if it has had wheels changed over the years. Wheel width also matters when comparing among available tires or considering a radial equivalent, since some products and equivalent sizes call for different rim-width ranges within the same 15-inch diameter.
Do all 1957 Rambler Rambler sub-models use the same tire size?
No. The 1957 Rambler Rambler 6 Cyl. is associated with both 640-15 and 670-15, while the 1957 Rambler Rambler 8 Cyl. uses 670-15. Both are bias-ply tire fitments for 15-inch rims, but the primary size is not identical across every covered configuration.
That difference matters because a buyer cannot assume every 1957 Rambler Rambler takes the narrower 640-15 or the wider 670-15. The safest approach is to verify the exact sub-model and then confirm the actual wheels on the car, particularly if it has been restored, modified, or had its wheels replaced at some point in its life.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 670-15 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1957 Rambler Rambler?
For the 1957 Rambler Rambler, 670-15 is a primary bias-ply tire size. It appears in classic bias-ply product lines from several brands and is the standard construction format tied to this fitment. A radial version exists only as an equivalent choice, not as the primary original-style construction format for this size.
That distinction matters because a 670-15 bias-ply preserves the traditional sizing system and period-style presentation of the car. Anyone considering a radial alternative should compare wheel width, overall dimensions, and clearance carefully instead of assuming a radial marked for the same rim diameter will behave the same or suit the same setup automatically.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 670-15?
Radial equivalents for 670-15 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. These options give the 1957 Rambler Rambler owner several ways to compare a modern radial format against the original numeric bias-ply size.
The practical difference is that these equivalents use different sizing conventions and can change the visual character of the tire, especially when compared with a traditional bias-ply sidewall shape. A recommended rim-width range of 5-7 inches is associated with the 670-15 equivalents, but wheel width, clearance, and overall vehicle setup still need to be checked before conversion.
What should I check before converting my 1957 Rambler Rambler from bias-ply to radial tires?
Start by matching the correct primary tire size for the car, then compare only the radial equivalents tied to that size. On a 1957 Rambler Rambler, that means using the 640-15 or 670-15 equivalent options that correspond to the actual fitment on the vehicle, rather than choosing a radial by appearance alone.
A careful conversion also involves confirming wheel diameter, wheel width, tire clearance at the fenders and steering, and the condition of the suspension and alignment. Cars that have sat for long periods or have aftermarket wheels deserve extra scrutiny, because a radial equivalent may be appropriate yet still require setup checks before regular road use.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 670-15 tire for a 1957 Rambler Rambler?
Begin with fitment and intended use. A 670-15 for a 1957 Rambler Rambler should first match the sub-model and wheel setup, then the choice narrows by bias-ply construction, sidewall style, brand, tire series, and rim-width compatibility. This size has a broad assortment of blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall options across multiple classic product lines.
The most useful comparison points are appearance, how closely the tire suits a restoration-oriented presentation, and whether the wheel width matches the tire’s product specifications. Load figures can also differ among products, so the buyer should compare them carefully instead of assuming every 670-15 is identical beyond size and sidewall treatment.
What sidewall styles are available for 1957 Rambler Rambler tires?
Tires for the 1957 Rambler Rambler are available in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles. Those sidewall treatments appear across both 640-15 and 670-15 bias-ply fitments, although the broader variety is found in 670-15. That gives owners room to tailor the car’s presentation without moving away from the correct basic tire size.
Sidewall style affects appearance more than fitment, but it can make a major difference in how a 1950s Rambler reads visually. A blackwall creates a plainer, more understated look, while narrow and wide whitewalls move the car toward a more restoration-oriented period feel, so the right choice depends on the character the owner wants to preserve.
What brands offer tires for the 1957 Rambler Rambler?
The 1957 Rambler Rambler has tire options from BFGoodrich, Firestone, Avon, Excelsior, US Royal, Coker Classic, Universal Vintage Tire, Goodyear, and STA. Brand availability depends on whether the car uses 640-15 or 670-15, with the larger 670-15 size carrying the widest overall assortment of bias-ply choices and sidewall variations.
Brand selection is best treated as one part of a larger fitment decision rather than the starting point. The smarter approach is to confirm the correct size first, then compare each brand’s sidewall style, tire series, rim-width specification, and overall presentation so the tire suits both the car’s setup and the owner’s restoration goals.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1957 Rambler Rambler?
A period-style 1957 Rambler Rambler should start with the correct primary bias-ply size for the sub-model: either 640-15 or 670-15. From there, the most suitable tire is usually the one that preserves the proper construction type and visual character the owner wants, whether that means a blackwall, narrow whitewall, or wide whitewall presentation.
That choice depends on how authentic or era-appropriate the finished car needs to look. When exact originality matters, marque-specific references and historical documentation are worth checking, because a tire can be the correct size and still create a different visual impression depending on brand, sidewall width, and overall styling.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1957 Rambler Rambler?
Tire construction changes more than ride feel on a restored 1957 Rambler Rambler; it also affects the car’s visual character. A bias-ply tire keeps the original-era sizing language and traditional profile associated with a 1950s American car, while a radial alternative can shift the presentation even when it stays close in overall fitment intent.
That makes construction an appearance decision as much as a driving decision. Owners pursuing a restoration-oriented look often stay with the proper bias-ply size first, then choose a sidewall style that suits the build, while owners prioritizing road use may compare radial equivalents after verifying the wheels and overall fitment carefully.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1957 Rambler Rambler?
Yes. A 1957 Rambler Rambler may have the correct tire size on paper and still need extra fitment checks if the car has aftermarket wheels, altered ride height, suspension changes, or body modifications. Those changes can influence how a 640-15, 670-15, or any radial equivalent sits within the wheel opening and clears through steering travel.
The practical approach is to verify actual wheel diameter and width first, then inspect clearance at the fenders, inner wheelhouse, and steering components. Cars that have been modified over the years should never be treated as stock fitment assumptions, especially when moving from a traditional bias-ply tire to a radial alternative.
What should I inspect before driving a 1957 Rambler Rambler on new tires?
Before putting a 1957 Rambler Rambler back on the road, inspect wheel condition, valve stems, lug hardware, and overall tire seating on the rim. The tires themselves should be checked for proper inflation, visible defects, and consistent clearance once mounted. On a collector car, it is also wise to look over suspension, steering, and alignment condition.
A freshly mounted tire cannot compensate for worn components or an incorrect wheel setup. A short local test drive after installation helps confirm that the car tracks properly and that nothing rubs under turning or suspension movement, which is especially useful on vehicles that have spent long periods parked or recently completed restoration work.
How should 670-15 tires on a collector 1957 Rambler Rambler be maintained?
670-15 tires on a collector 1957 Rambler Rambler should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and careful storage habits. Bias-ply tires on low-mileage hobby cars can age out long before they wear out, so sidewall cracking, flat spotting after storage, bulges, cuts, and unexplained air loss deserve attention even when tread looks fine.
Good maintenance also includes keeping the car away from prolonged heat, direct sunlight, excess moisture, and ozone-producing equipment during storage. Occasional inspection of tread wear and wheel alignment is helpful as well, because uneven wear can point to suspension or steering issues that affect both road manners and long-term tire life.