The 1957 Studebaker Wagons came from a period when independent American makes were still giving family haulers real personality, with clean postwar styling and practical utility wrapped into one package. For collectors today, these wagons often sit at the crossroads of authentic restoration and enjoyable road use. Tire selection centers on two 15-inch bias-ply sizes, 670-15 and 710-15, so the first job is confirming which setup the wagon actually carries. From there, the choice opens into blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall presentations, along with period-style bias-ply options and modern radial equivalents. The right decision depends on appearance goals, wheel compatibility, and how the wagon will be driven.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1957 Studebaker Wagons
The 1957 Studebaker Wagons uses two primary tire sizes, both bias-ply and both built for 15-inch rims. Because the Base sub-model can use either 670-15 or 710-15, the key step is confirming which size is on the wagon now and whether the wheel width matches the tire being considered. Once that is settled, the decision shifts to sidewall style, tire series, and whether to stay with bias-ply construction or evaluate a radial equivalent.
A 670-15 is a vintage numeric bias-ply size in which the 6.70 designation refers to the tire's nominal section width in inches and the 15 identifies the rim diameter. On a 1957 Studebaker Wagons, this size keeps the traditional bias-ply construction and period-style look many restoration-minded owners want. Available choices include Firestone, BFGoodrich, US Royal, Goodyear, Coker Classic, Universal Vintage Tire, Excelsior, Avon, and STA, with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall treatments across several classic series. It is the size to evaluate when the wagon is set up around the narrower fitment and appearance matters as much as basic compatibility.
A 710-15 follows the same vintage numeric bias-ply system, with the 7.10 indicating a nominally wider section than a 670-15 and the 15 again identifying the rim diameter. For a 1957 Studebaker Wagons, this size stays within the same traditional bias-ply construction while moving to a broader footprint choice within the original-style format. Product options include Firestone, BFGoodrich, US Royal, Goodyear, and Universal Vintage Tire, with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions available in classic bias-ply series. This size is worth considering when the wagon already uses the wider setup and wheel width should be confirmed before selecting among the available styles.
Fitment for the covered sub-model is straightforward in name but not limited to a single tire size. The 1957 Studebaker Wagons Base can use either 670-15 or 710-15, so checking the wagon's current wheel and tire setup matters before choosing a replacement.
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1957 Studebaker Wagons Base
The 1957 Studebaker Wagons Base uses 15-inch bias-ply tires and may be fitted with either 670-15 or 710-15. That means tire selection starts with confirming the existing size and wheel width, then choosing the right sidewall presentation or considering a radial equivalent if the wagon is being set up for different road manners.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1957 Studebaker Wagons
Both primary Studebaker wagon sizes have four radial-equivalent paths. For 670-15, the alternatives are 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, with a 5-7 inch recommended rim-width range. For 710-15, the equivalents are 205R15, P215/75R15, P225/70R15, and 710R15, with a 6-8 inch recommended rim-width range. Each option should be checked against wheel width, overall dimensions, and vehicle clearance before conversion.
Modern Radial Equivalents
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)
205R15
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (710-15)
P215/75R15
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (710-15)
P225/70R15
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (710-15)
710R15
Bias-look Radial Equivalent (710-15)
Important Considerations When Replacing Bias Ply With Radial
Compare overall diameter and section width carefully to ensure proper fit.
Verify recommended rim range (6-8 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 Wagons Tires for Sale
Available 1957 Studebaker Wagons tires span 670-15 and 710-15 bias-ply fitments from Firestone, BFGoodrich, US Royal, Goodyear, Coker Classic, Universal Vintage Tire, Excelsior, Avon, and STA. The product grid is most useful for comparing classic tire series, blackwall versus whitewall presentation, and the rim-width specifications tied to each size.
These FAQs focus on the real decisions for a 1957 Studebaker Wagons: sorting out 670-15 versus 710-15 fitment, understanding bias-ply and radial-equivalent choices, comparing sidewall styles and brands, and checking the wagon before regular road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1957 Studebaker Wagons?
A 1957 Studebaker Wagons uses one of two primary tire sizes: 670-15 or 710-15. Both are bias-ply sizes built for 15-inch rims, and the Base sub-model can be found with either size rather than one universal fitment for every wagon.
The practical takeaway is that the wagon's current setup needs to be confirmed before replacing tires. Check the size already mounted, verify the wheel diameter is 15 inches, and compare wheel width with the tire you want to use. That matters even more if the wagon has had wheel changes, suspension work, or a long-ago tire substitution.
What size rim does a 1957 Studebaker Wagons use?
The 1957 Studebaker Wagons uses a 15-inch rim with its primary tire fitments. Both 670-15 and 710-15 are 15-inch bias-ply sizes, so the rim diameter stays the same even though the tire width class changes between the two options.
Rim diameter is only the first part of the check. Wheel width still matters because the available 670-15 and 710-15 products are built around different rim-width ranges. A wagon wearing replacement wheels, later wheels, or restored originals should be measured before changing sizes, especially if the goal is to move from the narrower 670-15 setup to the wider 710-15 format.
Why does the 1957 Studebaker Wagons have more than one tire size?
The 1957 Studebaker Wagons appears with two primary sizes because both 670-15 and 710-15 are recognized fitments for the model. They share the same 15-inch rim diameter and bias-ply construction, but they represent two different width classes within the vintage numeric sizing system.
That means the right replacement is determined by the wagon's actual wheel and tire setup, not by the model name alone. Owners should verify what is currently installed and look closely at wheel width before choosing a size. Using the present configuration as the starting point also helps preserve the wagon's stance and appearance unless a deliberate change is being planned.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 670-15 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1957 Studebaker Wagons?
For a 1957 Studebaker Wagons, 670-15 is a primary bias-ply tire size. It uses the vintage numeric sizing format, and the available tires in that primary fitment are built around a traditional bias-ply construction rather than a modern metric radial format.
That distinction matters because a buyer deciding on 670-15 is really deciding whether to keep the wagon in its original-style construction or step into an equivalent radial size. Bias-ply tires preserve the period presentation, while any radial alternative should be treated as a separate fitment path that requires checking wheel width, overall dimensions, and clearance on the actual wagon.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 670-15 and 710-15?
For 670-15, radial equivalents include 195R15, P205/75R15, P215/70R15, and 670R15 as a bias-look radial. For 710-15, the equivalents are 205R15, P215/75R15, P225/70R15, and 710R15 as a bias-look radial.
Those options give the 1957 Studebaker Wagons several ways to move from vintage numeric bias-ply sizing into radial construction, but they are not automatic substitutes. The 670-15 equivalents are tied to a 5-7 inch recommended rim-width range, while the 710-15 equivalents use a 6-8 inch range. Wheel width, vehicle clearance, and the wagon's current stance all deserve a careful look before any conversion.
What should I check before converting my 1957 Studebaker Wagons from bias-ply to radial tires?
Start by identifying whether the wagon is using 670-15 or 710-15, then compare the correct radial-equivalent options for that size. A 670-15 setup points toward 195R15, P205/75R15, P215/70R15, or 670R15, while a 710-15 setup points toward 205R15, P215/75R15, P225/70R15, or 710R15.
The next checks are wheel width, wheel condition, and physical clearance on the vehicle. The recommended rim-width range for the 670-15 equivalents is 5-7 inches, and for 710-15 equivalents it is 6-8 inches. Steering clearance, fender space, and any suspension or wheel changes should also be reviewed so the radial conversion matches the wagon's actual setup.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 670-15 or 710-15 tire for a 1957 Studebaker Wagons?
The first consideration is using the same primary size the wagon is already set up for, since a 1957 Studebaker Wagons may use either 670-15 or 710-15. Both are 15-inch bias-ply fitments, but they differ in width class, and the available products also vary by rim-width specification, load figures, and sidewall presentation.
After the size is confirmed, the real choice becomes appearance and use. Blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions create very different looks on a late-1950s wagon, while the tire series and brand options shape the period-style character of the finished setup. Matching the tire to the wheel width and the wagon's intended driving style is more important than choosing by looks alone.
What sidewall styles are available for 1957 Studebaker Wagons tires?
Tires for the 1957 Studebaker Wagons are available in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles. Those choices appear across both primary sizes, giving owners a broad range of traditional presentations from understated black sidewalls to more prominent whitewall treatments.
That sidewall decision has a big effect on the wagon's finished appearance, especially on a 1957 body style where the tire is visually important. A blackwall can suit a plainer or more utility-oriented look, while whitewalls shift the wagon toward a more dressed-up period feel. Once the correct size is confirmed, sidewall style is often the most visible and personal choice in the entire tire selection process.
What brands offer tires for the 1957 Studebaker Wagons?
Depending on size, 1957 Studebaker Wagons tires are available from Firestone, BFGoodrich, US Royal, Goodyear, Coker Classic, Universal Vintage Tire, Excelsior, Avon, and STA. The mix varies between 670-15 and 710-15, so some brands appear more heavily in one size than the other.
Brand choice should be treated as part of a larger comparison rather than the only factor. Sidewall style, tire series, rim-width specification, and the intended look of the wagon matter just as much. A restoration-minded owner may focus on period-style appearance, while a driver-oriented owner may be more concerned with choosing the right size first and then selecting among the available brand and series combinations.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1957 Studebaker Wagons?
A period-style 1957 Studebaker Wagons usually starts with the correct primary bias-ply size already on the vehicle, either 670-15 or 710-15. Staying with that numeric bias-ply format preserves the late-1950s look more closely than jumping immediately to a modern metric radial size.
Once the size is settled, appearance comes down to sidewall treatment and series character. Blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions all change the wagon's visual tone, and several classic-brand series are available in those sizes. Owners chasing exact historical authenticity should compare their choice against marque references, period photos, or restoration documentation for the particular wagon being finished.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1957 Studebaker Wagons?
On a restored 1957 Studebaker Wagons, tire construction changes more than just the driving feel. A bias-ply tire maintains the vintage numeric sizing format and traditional profile associated with the era, while a modern radial equivalent introduces a later sizing style even when it is chosen carefully as an alternative.
That makes construction part of the wagon's visual presentation, not merely a mechanical decision. A standard metric radial can look more modern, while a bias-look radial can preserve more of the older character. Buyers balancing authenticity with road use often start by deciding how important original-style appearance is before narrowing the choice to sidewall treatment and brand.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1957 Studebaker Wagons?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1957 Studebaker Wagons even when the tire size itself is otherwise appropriate. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, different offsets, suspension alterations, lowering, or body work can all influence whether a 670-15, 710-15, or radial equivalent works cleanly on the vehicle.
A wagon that has been changed from original specifications should be measured rather than assumed. Confirm the wheel is still a 15-inch rim, verify its width, and inspect steering and fender clearance through the full range of motion. Those checks become especially important before moving from one primary size to the other or converting from bias-ply to a radial equivalent.
What should I inspect before driving a 1957 Studebaker Wagons on new tires?
Before driving a 1957 Studebaker Wagons on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, and lug hardware, then confirm that the mounted tire size matches the wagon's intended setup. It is also worth checking that the tires are seated properly and that inflation is set appropriately for the tire being used.
The first road-use checks should include clearance at the front suspension, inside the fenders, and during full steering lock. A collector wagon that has been parked for long periods also deserves a quick review of wheel bearings, brakes, alignment condition, and suspension wear. Good tires cannot compensate for a chassis problem that causes rubbing, wandering, or uneven tread wear.
How should 670-15 or 710-15 tires on a collector 1957 Studebaker Wagons be maintained?
Collector-car tires in 670-15 or 710-15 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and attention to age-related condition even if the tread still looks healthy. Bias-ply collector tires often spend long periods parked, so cracking, flat spotting, sidewall weathering, and slow air loss deserve more attention than mileage alone would suggest.
Storage habits matter almost as much as driving habits on a 1957 Studebaker Wagons. Keeping the wagon away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps protect the rubber over time. Periodic inspection of tread wear and sidewall condition is a smart routine before local cruising, and any sign of bulges, cuts, or unusual vibration should be addressed before longer trips.