The 1958 Chevrolet Corvette marked the first year of the quad-headlamp front end and a more elaborate chrome-laden presentation, giving America’s sports car a sharper, more upscale look without losing its two-seat character. For owners sorting out road-ready fitment, the tire decision is fortunately straightforward: the 1958 Chevrolet Corvette uses a 670-15 bias-ply tire on a 15-inch rim. Within that size, the real choices are brand, sidewall appearance, and whether to stay with traditional bias-ply construction or consider a radial equivalent. That makes this page especially useful for balancing restoration-minded appearance, wheel compatibility, and the way the car will actually be driven.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1958 Chevrolet Corvette
The 1958 Chevrolet Corvette uses one primary tire size: 670-15. It is a bias-ply fitment for a 15-inch rim, and the same size applies to the covered Base sub-model. That means the main decision is not which primary size fits, but which 670-15 tire best matches your Corvette’s appearance goals, brand preference, and whether a modern radial equivalent is worth considering for your wheel and vehicle setup.
A 670-15 is a vintage numeric bias-ply size in which the 670 indicates an approximate 6.70-inch nominal section width and the 15 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. On a 1958 Chevrolet Corvette, this is the traditional bias-ply fitment and preserves the period tire format associated with the car’s late-1950s character. Available choices include brands such as Firestone, BFGoodrich, US Royal, Goodyear, Universal Vintage Tire, Excelsior, Avon, and STA, along with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall presentations across several series. It is the right starting point for buyers who want to stay with the original sizing convention before narrowing the selection by appearance and wheel compatibility.
Sub-model fitment is simple for the 1958 Chevrolet Corvette because the covered configuration uses the same primary tire size throughout. Checking the exact sub-model still matters so the tire choice stays aligned with the car’s wheel setup and restoration direction.
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1958 Chevrolet Corvette Base
The 1958 Chevrolet Corvette Base uses the 670-15 bias-ply size on a 15-inch rim. That keeps tire selection focused on brand, sidewall style, and whether to remain with traditional bias-ply construction or evaluate a radial equivalent carefully.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1958 Chevrolet Corvette
The original 670-15 tire size has four radial-equivalent options. Those include 195R15 as an 80-series metric radial, P205/75R15 as a P-metric 75-series radial, P215/70R15 as a P-metric 70-series radial, and 670R15 as a bias-look radial equivalent. Together, they span traditional metric sizing, P-metric alternatives, and a radial intended to keep a more vintage presentation. The recommended rim-width range is 5 to 7 inches, and any change should be checked against wheel width, overall fitment, and vehicle clearance.
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)
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 1958 Chevrolet Corvette Tires for Sale
Available 670-15 choices cover a wide range of period-style bias-ply options from Firestone, BFGoodrich, US Royal, Goodyear, Universal Vintage Tire, Excelsior, Avon, and others. Buyers can compare blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall tires across several classic series and rim-width specifications.
These FAQs focus on the 1958 Chevrolet Corvette’s 670-15 fitment, 15-inch rim compatibility, bias-ply versus radial-equivalent choices, sidewall appearance, and the wheel and condition checks that matter before road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1958 Chevrolet Corvette?
The 1958 Chevrolet Corvette uses a 670-15 tire as its primary fitment. That is a vintage numeric bias-ply size used on a 15-inch rim, and it is the size associated with the covered Corvette Base configuration as well.
For most owners, the main question is not which primary size fits, but which version of 670-15 makes the most sense for the car. Sidewall style, brand, tire series, and wheel width all matter, especially if the car has changed wheels over the years or if a radial equivalent is being considered instead of a traditional bias-ply tire.
What size rim does a 1958 Chevrolet Corvette use?
The 1958 Chevrolet Corvette uses a 15-inch rim with its primary 670-15 tire size. That 15-inch wheel diameter is the key dimension to confirm before looking at either period-style bias-ply tires or radial-equivalent alternatives.
Wheel diameter alone does not settle the full fitment question, because wheel width also affects which tires can be used comfortably and safely. A Corvette that has replacement steel wheels, aftermarket wheels, or old rims of uncertain origin should have the actual wheel dimensions checked before a tire is selected, especially when moving away from the original bias-ply construction.
Does the 1958 Chevrolet Corvette Base use the same tire size?
Yes. The 1958 Chevrolet Corvette Base uses the same 670-15 bias-ply tire size as the core fitment for this model year. That keeps size selection simple and centers the buying decision on tire style, construction, and wheel compatibility.
Even with a shared size, individual cars can differ because collector vehicles are often restored, modified, or fitted with replacement wheels over time. It is still worth confirming that the car retains a 15-inch wheel and that the wheel width matches the tire being considered, particularly if the goal is to switch from a traditional bias-ply tire to a radial equivalent.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 670-15 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1958 Chevrolet Corvette?
For the 1958 Chevrolet Corvette, 670-15 is the primary bias-ply tire size. That means the original sizing convention for this Corvette is tied to traditional bias-ply construction rather than a modern radial size designation.
That distinction matters because bias-ply and radial tires can change both the look and the setup requirements of the car. Owners staying with a restoration-oriented presentation often remain with a 670-15 bias-ply, while owners considering more modern road manners usually compare the available radial equivalents after checking wheel width, overall dimensions, and clearance at the front suspension and fenders.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 670-15?
Radial equivalents for 670-15 include 195R15, P205/75R15, P215/70R15, and 670R15. Those options cover an 80-series metric radial, a 75-series P-metric radial, a 70-series P-metric radial, and a bias-look radial equivalent that keeps a more traditional visual presentation.
Each of those sizes should be treated as an alternative rather than an automatic swap. The recommended rim-width range is 5 to 7 inches, and the car’s actual wheel width, suspension condition, and available clearance should all be confirmed before making the change, especially on a Corvette that may have non-original wheels or a slightly different ride height than stock.
What should I check before converting my 1958 Chevrolet Corvette from bias-ply to radial tires?
Start by confirming the wheel diameter, wheel width, and the exact radial-equivalent size being considered for the 1958 Chevrolet Corvette. For a 670-15 fitment, the available radial alternatives are 195R15, P205/75R15, P215/70R15, and 670R15, with a recommended rim-width range of 5 to 7 inches.
A smart conversion also includes checking steering clearance, front and rear fender space, suspension condition, and the car’s actual stance. Older Corvettes often carry replacement wheels, aging springs, or other changes that affect tire room, so the goal is to confirm the whole setup rather than assume that a radial equivalent will behave the same way as the original bias-ply tire.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 670-15 tire for a 1958 Chevrolet Corvette?
Start with the correct 670-15 size and a 15-inch wheel, then narrow the choice by construction, sidewall appearance, brand, and tire series. The available 670-15 assortment includes several bias-ply options, so the real choice is how closely the tire should match the Corvette’s intended look and use.
Some owners want a blackwall presentation, while others want a narrow or wide whitewall to support a more period-style finish. It also helps to compare rim-width specifications and, where available, load details such as 1450@32 psi or 1550 @32 psi so the tire choice suits the actual wheel and the way the car will be driven.
What sidewall styles are available for 1958 Chevrolet Corvette tires?
The 1958 Chevrolet Corvette’s 670-15 tire choices include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall sidewall styles. Those options appear across several brands and series, giving the owner room to choose between a plainer sporting look and a brighter late-1950s presentation.
Sidewall style is one of the biggest visual decisions on a collector car because it changes how the wheel opening and overall bodyline read from a distance. The best choice depends on whether the Corvette is being restored toward a specific period look, shown casually, or driven regularly, but the size and wheel compatibility should still come before appearance.
What brands offer tires for the 1958 Chevrolet Corvette?
The 670-15 size for the 1958 Chevrolet Corvette is available from Firestone, BFGoodrich, US Royal, Goodyear, Universal Vintage Tire, Excelsior, Avon, Coker Classic, and STA. Those brands appear across several classic bias-ply series and sidewall treatments rather than representing just one visual or construction style.
Brand choice should be considered alongside the tire series, the sidewall treatment, and the wheel-width specification for the exact tire being compared. That approach is especially helpful on an older Corvette because two tires in the same nominal size can still differ in presentation and wheel compatibility details that matter once the car is back on the road.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1958 Chevrolet Corvette?
A period-style approach for a 1958 Chevrolet Corvette usually starts with the original 670-15 bias-ply sizing convention. Staying with that size and construction preserves the late-1950s visual character more closely than moving immediately to a modern metric or P-metric radial format.
From there, the decision usually comes down to sidewall appearance and brand presentation rather than size. Blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions are all available, so owners pursuing a very specific restoration should compare the car’s historical references, marque-club guidance, and build-era photos before deciding which look best suits the finished Corvette.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1958 Chevrolet Corvette?
Tire construction changes more than driving feel on a restored 1958 Chevrolet Corvette; it also changes the visual character of the car. A 670-15 bias-ply keeps the traditional vintage sizing format, while a modern radial equivalent introduces a more contemporary tire presentation even when the rim diameter stays the same.
That difference is why many restoration-minded owners begin with the original bias-ply format and then decide whether road-use priorities justify a radial alternative. A bias-look radial such as 670R15 can be worth considering when the goal is to keep a more traditional appearance while still moving away from pure bias-ply construction.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1958 Chevrolet Corvette?
Yes. Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1958 Chevrolet Corvette even when the car still uses the original 670-15 size or a related radial equivalent. Wheel width, wheel offset, ride height changes, suspension work, and body repairs can all alter how much room the tire has.
A Corvette with aftermarket wheels or altered springs should have the full setup checked before tires are chosen. Clearance at the front wheels during turning is especially important, and any move to 195R15, P205/75R15, P215/70R15, or 670R15 deserves another look at the wheel dimensions so the car’s present configuration drives the decision instead of assumptions.
What should I inspect before driving a 1958 Chevrolet Corvette on new tires?
Before driving a 1958 Chevrolet Corvette on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, confirm lug hardware is appropriate, and make sure the tires are inflated properly for the intended setup. It is also wise to look over steering and suspension components so the new tires are not working against worn mechanical parts.
A short, careful test drive helps reveal rubbing, pull, vibration, or other issues before the car is used normally. Collector cars often sit for long periods, so checking for brake drag, uneven ride height, and any sign of tire contact at full steering lock can prevent a simple tire change from turning into a larger fitment problem.
How should 670-15 tires on a collector 1958 Chevrolet Corvette be maintained?
670-15 tires on a collector 1958 Chevrolet Corvette should be checked regularly for pressure, visible cracking, tread condition, bulges, cuts, and slow air loss. That routine matters even more on a low-mileage car because age and storage conditions can affect the tire long before the tread looks worn.
Storage plays a major role in tire life on a collector Corvette. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps protect the sidewalls, and occasional inspections during the off-season can catch problems early. Any tire that shows age-related deterioration deserves closer evaluation before the car is returned to regular road use.