The 1957 Studebaker 57G reflects the late-1950s American transition into lower, sleeker hardtop styling, and the Champion/Sky Hawk 6-cylinder carried that look with a distinctly independent Studebaker character. For owners today, tire choice is less about sorting through multiple fitments and more about choosing the right presentation within the proper 640-15 size. That primary fitment is a 15-inch bias-ply, with available options ranging from blackwall to narrow and wide whitewall treatments, plus modern radial equivalents for those considering a construction change. The right selection depends on whether the goal is restoration-minded appearance, relaxed road use, or a careful balance of both.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1957 Studebaker 57G
The 1957 Studebaker 57G uses one primary tire size: 640-15. It is a bias-ply fitment for a 15-inch rim, and the covered Champion/Sky Hawk 6 Cyl. sub-model shares that same size. That means the main decision is not which primary size fits, but which bias-ply style best suits the car and whether a radial equivalent deserves consideration after checking wheel and clearance details.
A 640-15 is a vintage numeric bias-ply size in which the 640 refers to an approximate 6.40-inch nominal section width and the 15 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1957 Studebaker 57G, this size preserves the car's original-era bias-ply sizing format and traditional 15-inch fitment. Available choices include BFGoodrich, Firestone, Avon, and Excelsior, with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall sidewall styles across several classic tire series. For most buyers, the real choice is how closely the tire's appearance and construction should match the car's intended use and restoration direction.
Tire fitment is straightforward for the covered 1957 Studebaker 57G sub-models because the same primary size is used throughout. Checking the exact sub-model still matters, but in this case the tire decision centers more on construction style and appearance than on changing size.
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1957 Studebaker 57G Champion/Sky Hawk 6 Cyl.
The 1957 Studebaker 57G Champion/Sky Hawk 6 Cyl. uses the 640-15 bias-ply size on a 15-inch rim. That keeps selection focused on whether the car should wear a blackwall, narrow whitewall, or wider whitewall presentation, and whether a radial equivalent is worth evaluating for road use.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1957 Studebaker 57G
The original 640-15 size has three radial-equivalent options. 175R15 is the 80-series metric radial equivalent, P175/75R15 is the P-metric 75-series radial equivalent, and P185/70R15 is the P-metric 70-series radial equivalent. These choices give the 1957 Studebaker 57G a range of radial sizing formats and profile families without changing the original 15-inch wheel diameter. A 5-6 inch rim-width range is associated with these equivalents, and wheel width, overall dimensions, and vehicle clearance should all be checked before conversion.
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)
Important Considerations When Replacing Bias Ply With Radial
Compare overall diameter and section width carefully to ensure proper fit.
Verify recommended rim range (5-6 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 Studebaker 57G Tires for Sale
Available 640-15 choices span BFGoodrich, Firestone, Avon, and Excelsior bias-ply tires, with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall sidewall treatments. The product grid is where to compare classic tire series, rim-width compatibility, load figures where stated, and the appearance each tire brings to the car.
Owners shopping for 1957 Studebaker 57G tires usually want clarity on the 640-15 size, 15-inch rim fitment, radial equivalents, sidewall choices, and what to inspect before putting a collector car back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1957 Studebaker 57G?
The 1957 Studebaker 57G uses a 640-15 tire size. That is a vintage numeric bias-ply fitment on a 15-inch rim, and the covered Champion/Sky Hawk 6 Cyl. sub-model uses that same primary size.
Because there is one primary size, the main task is choosing the right version of 640-15 rather than sorting through multiple fitments. Sidewall style, tire series, and brand become the real points of comparison, while any move to a radial equivalent should be checked against the actual wheel width and the car's current clearance.
What size rim does a 1957 Studebaker 57G use?
The 1957 Studebaker 57G uses a 15-inch rim with its 640-15 primary tire size. That 15-inch diameter is the key wheel measurement tied directly to the original tire fitment.
Rim diameter should be confirmed on the car before buying tires, especially if the vehicle has changed hands or has had wheels swapped over the years. A tire may share a similar overall look yet still be wrong for the wheel, so checking the stamped wheel size and the tire's rim-width requirements helps avoid mounting and clearance problems.
Does the 1957 Studebaker 57G Champion/Sky Hawk 6 Cyl. use the same tire size?
Yes. The 1957 Studebaker 57G Champion/Sky Hawk 6 Cyl. uses the same 640-15 bias-ply tire size as the covered 57G fitment. There is no alternate primary size within that sub-model here.
That makes the buying decision more straightforward, but it does not remove the need to inspect the wheel setup already on the car. Older collector cars sometimes carry replacement wheels or mixed tire sets, so it is still smart to verify the 15-inch wheel diameter and compare sidewall style and construction against the look and use you want.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 640-15 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1957 Studebaker 57G?
For the 1957 Studebaker 57G, 640-15 is the primary bias-ply tire size. It uses the traditional numeric bias-ply format associated with many American cars of the period and remains the core fitment for the covered Champion/Sky Hawk 6 Cyl. application.
Keeping the bias-ply format supports a more traditional look and sizing approach, especially when appearance matters as much as basic fitment. Owners considering a change in construction should treat that as a separate decision from simply replacing worn tires, since wheel width, tire dimensions, and clearance around the body and suspension still need to be confirmed.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 640-15?
Radial equivalents for 640-15 include 175R15, P175/75R15, and P185/70R15. Those represent an 80-series metric radial, a P-metric 75-series radial, and a P-metric 70-series radial, all tied to the same original 15-inch wheel diameter.
Each equivalent follows a different sizing convention, so the choice is not only about construction but also about the type of radial format you want to compare against the original bias-ply size. A 5-6 inch rim-width range is associated with these alternatives, and the final check should always include wheel width, tire dimensions, and available clearance on the car.
What should I check before converting my 1957 Studebaker 57G from bias-ply to radial tires?
Start with the wheel itself. The 1957 Studebaker 57G's original fitment is 640-15 bias-ply, and its radial equivalents remain 15-inch tires, but wheel width still needs to match the radial size being considered. Overall tire dimensions and clearances should also be reviewed.
A careful conversion means looking beyond diameter alone. Check front steering clearance, rear fender space, suspension condition, and any non-stock wheel or ride-height changes before choosing 175R15, P175/75R15, or P185/70R15. That extra step is especially important on collector cars that may have accumulated modifications or replacement wheels over time.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 640-15 tire for a 1957 Studebaker 57G?
Begin with the correct primary size and construction. For the 1957 Studebaker 57G, that means a 640-15 bias-ply on a 15-inch rim, then narrowing the choice by sidewall style, brand, tire series, and any stated rim-width or load details that matter to your wheel setup and intended use.
A restoration-minded car may call for a different visual treatment than a driver that sees more casual road miles. Compare blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall options carefully, and confirm the wheel width already on the car before choosing among the available BFGoodrich, Firestone, Avon, and Excelsior offerings.
What sidewall styles are available for 1957 Studebaker 57G tires?
The 1957 Studebaker 57G has 640-15 tire options in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall form. That gives owners a useful range of period-style presentations while staying within the vehicle's primary vintage tire size.
Sidewall treatment has a major effect on the car's visual character, especially on a 1950s Studebaker where the tire and wheel opening are part of the overall look. A blackwall creates a simpler, more understated presentation, while narrow and wide whitewalls push the appearance in a more distinctly late-1950s direction without changing the underlying tire size.
What brands offer tires for the 1957 Studebaker 57G?
Available 640-15 tires for the 1957 Studebaker 57G come from BFGoodrich, Firestone, Avon, and Excelsior. Those brands appear across several bias-ply product lines, including Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, Firestone Classic Bias Ply, Super Safety Crossply, and Excelsior Bias Ply.
Brand choice should be considered alongside sidewall style, tire series, and wheel compatibility rather than in isolation. Some options lean toward blackwall presentation while others add narrow or wider whitewall treatments, so the better comparison is how each tire supports the car's intended look and how its stated rim-width and load details align with the actual wheel setup.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1957 Studebaker 57G?
A period-style 1957 Studebaker 57G starts with the original-format 640-15 bias-ply size. From there, the best visual direction depends on how you want the car to read: blackwall for a restrained presentation, or narrow to wide whitewall treatments for a stronger late-1950s American look.
Appearance decisions are often more important here than broad performance claims, because the size itself is already settled. If exact originality matters beyond a general period-style result, compare your intended sidewall treatment and brand choice with Studebaker-specific historical references or marque-club guidance before making the final call.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1957 Studebaker 57G restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters because the 640-15 size influences both the stance and the visual balance of a restored 1957 Studebaker 57G. Using the proper vintage size format also keeps the car aligned with the proportions expected of a late-1950s Studebaker.
Restoration fitment is not only about preserving appearance. The wrong diameter, width, or wheel match can affect clearance and alter the overall character of the car even before it moves. Staying with the proper 15-inch fitment and choosing a sidewall style that suits the restoration goal usually delivers a more convincing final result.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1957 Studebaker 57G?
Yes. Even though the 1957 Studebaker 57G uses a 640-15 tire on a 15-inch rim, modifications can change how that fitment works in practice. Aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, altered ride height, suspension changes, or body work can all affect tire choice and clearance.
A car that has been lowered, fitted with non-stock wheels, or rebuilt with different front-end components deserves a closer look before ordering tires. Measure the actual wheel diameter and width, inspect steering clearance lock to lock, and confirm space at the fenders and suspension so the replacement tire suits the Studebaker as it sits now.
What should I inspect before driving a 1957 Studebaker 57G on new tires?
Before driving a 1957 Studebaker 57G on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, and overall wheel condition, then verify proper inflation and secure mounting. It is also wise to confirm that the suspension, steering, and brakes are in sound condition so the new tires are not being asked to compensate for unrelated problems.
A short, careful shakedown drive is the best next step after installation. Listen for rubbing, watch for pull or vibration, and recheck air pressure after the tires have settled. On a collector car that may sit for long periods, this first inspection matters just as much as the tire choice itself.
How should 640-15 tires on a collector 1957 Studebaker 57G be maintained?
640-15 tires on a collector 1957 Studebaker 57G should be kept properly inflated, inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, and uneven wear, and protected from long exposure to sun, heat, and ozone sources. Cars that sit often deserve closer age and condition checks than daily drivers.
Collector use changes the maintenance routine because long storage can age a tire even when tread wear looks minimal. Rolling the car periodically, keeping it on a clean dry surface, and checking for slow air loss before each drive helps preserve both appearance and road readiness. Any sign of sidewall deterioration calls for prompt professional evaluation.