1957 Studebaker 57H Tires

The 1957 Studebaker 57H uses two primary tire sizes: 670-15 and 710-15. Both are bias-ply tires designed for 15-inch wheels, and the covered President/Sky Hawk 8 Cyl. sub-model can appear with either size rather than one fixed fitment across every car.

That makes size confirmation more important than simply ordering by year and model. Checking the tires already on the car, measuring wheel width, and confirming that the car still carries its intended wheel setup will help determine which of the two sizes belongs on your specific Studebaker.

The 1957 Studebaker 57H uses a 15-inch rim diameter with its primary tire fitments. Both 670-15 and 710-15 are built around that same 15-inch wheel diameter, so the main fitment difference is tire size rather than a change in wheel diameter.

Rim diameter is only part of the picture, though. Wheel width still matters, especially when choosing between the two primary sizes or comparing products with different approved rim-width ranges. On a collector car, it is also smart to confirm that the wheels have not been replaced with aftermarket pieces over the years.

The 1957 Studebaker 57H appears with two bias-ply tire sizes, 670-15 and 710-15, even though both use the same 15-inch rim diameter. That means the difference is in the tire size itself, not in a separate wheel-diameter requirement for the covered sub-model.

For the buyer, the practical takeaway is to verify the actual setup on the car instead of assuming one universal size. A Studebaker that has been restored, re-wheeled, or simply maintained over decades may already be set up around one size, and replacement tires should match that verified configuration.

On the 1957 Studebaker 57H, 670-15 is a primary bias-ply tire size. It belongs to the traditional numeric bias-ply sizing system used on many American cars of the period, with the 15 indicating the wheel diameter and the 6.70 marking the nominal section-width class.

That matters because a true 670-15 bias-ply preserves the original-style construction and appearance language of the car. Buyers considering a different driving feel can compare it with radial equivalents, but wheel width, tire dimensions, and body or steering clearance should still be reviewed before moving away from the original construction type.

For 670-15, radial equivalents include 195R15, P205/75R15, P215/70R15, and the bias-look radial 670R15. For 710-15, the equivalents are 205R15, P215/75R15, P225/70R15, and the bias-look radial 710R15. These options cover 80-series metric, 75-series P-metric, 70-series P-metric, and bias-look radial formats.

The main difference between those choices is the sizing convention and profile family, not simply the presence of radial construction. A buyer should compare the intended wheel width, confirm the 15-inch rim, and check the car for clearance at the fenders and steering before treating any equivalent as a practical alternative.

Start by matching the radial alternative to the car’s existing primary size, whether that is 670-15 or 710-15. Then confirm the 15-inch wheel diameter and make sure the wheel width falls within the recommended range for the radial size you are considering, such as 5-7 inches for 670-15 equivalents or 6-8 inches for 710-15 equivalents.

A careful conversion also includes checking overall tire clearance at the front suspension, steering stops, and rear wheel openings. On an older Studebaker, it is also wise to inspect wheel condition, alignment, suspension wear, and any past modifications so the new construction works with the car’s actual setup.

The first decision is confirming whether your 1957 Studebaker 57H is set up for 670-15 or 710-15, since both are correct primary bias-ply sizes on 15-inch wheels. After that, the choice shifts to construction style, sidewall presentation, brand, tire series, and the wheel-width requirements attached to the specific tire you are evaluating.

A restoration-focused car may lean toward a traditional bias-ply appearance, while a driver-oriented car may prompt a closer look at radial equivalents. It also helps to compare product details such as maximum load figures and approved rim-width ranges so the selected tire suits both the vehicle and its intended use.

1957 Studebaker 57H tires are available in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles, depending on the size and product selected. Those choices appear across both 670-15 and 710-15, although the exact brand and tire series combinations vary by size.

Sidewall style changes the car’s presentation as much as the tire brand does. A blackwall gives a plainer, more restrained look, while narrow and wide whitewalls move the appearance further into a distinctly 1950s direction. Matching the sidewall treatment to the car’s trim, restoration goals, and existing visual theme usually produces the best result.

Tires for the 1957 Studebaker 57H are available from Firestone, BFGoodrich, US Royal, Goodyear, Universal Vintage Tire, Coker Classic, Excelsior, Avon, and STA, depending on the size. The two primary sizes do not carry exactly the same assortment, so brand choice can narrow once the correct size is confirmed.

Brand names are only one part of the selection process on a collector car like this. Tire series, sidewall style, approved wheel width, and the intended character of the car all matter just as much. Once the right size is established, compare the available products as complete fitment and appearance packages rather than by brand alone.

For a period-style 1957 Studebaker 57H, the starting point is staying with the correct primary bias-ply size already associated with the car, either 670-15 or 710-15. From there, the choice usually comes down to whether the restoration calls for a blackwall, narrow whitewall, or wide whitewall presentation within the available vintage-style tire lines.

A period-style result depends on more than just ordering a 15-inch tire. Proportion, sidewall treatment, and the way the tire sits on the wheel all shape the finished appearance. When exact originality matters, comparing the car to marque-specific references or period photography can help narrow the most appropriate visual direction.

Tire construction changes the visual character of a restored 1957 Studebaker 57H as much as it changes the driving experience. A bias-ply tire keeps the car within its original-style construction family, while a radial alternative, even in a compatible equivalent size, can give the tire a more modern visual impression.

That difference is why many restorers think about construction and sidewall treatment together rather than separately. A standard radial may suit a driver-focused car, while a bias-look radial can preserve a more traditional presentation. The right answer depends on whether the project is centered on road use, visual authenticity, or a balance of both.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1957 Studebaker 57H even when the tire size itself is correct. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension changes, ride-height adjustments, or brake upgrades can all change the space available for a 670-15, 710-15, or any radial equivalent built around those original sizes.

That is why a modified Studebaker should be checked as an actual vehicle, not just by catalog size. Measuring wheel width, confirming the 15-inch rim, and checking clearance at full steering lock and suspension travel can prevent rubbing issues that might not appear on a stock chassis with stock wheels.

Before driving a 1957 Studebaker 57H on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage or excessive rust, confirm proper mounting on the correct 15-inch rims, and set pressure to the tire maker’s guidance for the specific product. It also helps to recheck lug torque, valve stems, and basic steering and suspension condition before road use.

A short initial drive should be followed by another look at clearance, air retention, and any signs of rubbing or irregular contact. On a collector car that may sit for long periods, it is smart to keep watching for sidewall damage, cuts, vibration, or uneven wear as the tires settle into regular use.

Collector-car tires on a 1957 Studebaker 57H should be maintained with regular pressure checks, periodic visual inspections, and careful storage habits. Whether the car wears 670-15 or 710-15 tires, watch for sidewall cracking, flat spotting from long storage, tread separation signs, bulges, cuts, and slow air loss.

Storage conditions matter almost as much as mileage on an older hobby car. Keeping the Studebaker away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, heat, and ozone sources can help protect the tires between drives. Moving the car occasionally and inspecting the tires before each outing is a sensible routine for low-use vintage vehicles.