1958 Lloyd LT Tires

The 1958 Lloyd LT is associated with two primary tire sizes: 135R15 in radial construction and 500-15 in bias-ply construction. Both sizes use a 15-inch rim, so the size decision is less about wheel diameter and more about choosing the construction and tire style that suit the car.

That choice affects both appearance and setup. A 135R15 keeps the car in a narrow Euro-style radial format, while 500-15 gives it a more traditional vintage bias-ply presentation. Before selecting either size, confirm the actual wheel width on the car and make sure the vehicle has not been changed with aftermarket wheels or other fitment-altering modifications.

Both tire sizes associated with the 1958 Lloyd LT use a 15-inch rim. That applies to the 135R15 radial option and the 500-15 bias-ply option, which means wheel diameter stays consistent even though the sizing systems and constructions are different.

Wheel diameter is only part of the fitment picture, especially on a small vintage car. Some 135R15 products call for 3.50- to 4.50-inch rim widths, while 500-15 products can be tied to narrower or wider ranges depending on the tire. Checking the wheel’s actual width before ordering helps prevent a mismatch between the tire and the rim.

The covered 1958 Lloyd LT sub-models share the same fitment paths. Both the LT 500 and LT 600 are associated with 135R15 radial tires and 500-15 bias-ply tires, all on 15-inch rims.

That makes sub-model selection simpler than on many collector vehicles, but it does not remove the need to inspect the car itself. A previous owner may have changed wheels, or one setup may be more appropriate for the way the car is being restored and driven. Confirming wheel width and the intended look is still the smart next step.

On the 1958 Lloyd LT, 500-15 is a bias-ply tire size. It uses the vintage numeric sizing format, where the 500 designation reflects an approximately 5.00-inch nominal section width and the 15 refers to the rim diameter.

That matters because a bias-ply tire changes both the car’s visual character and the type of product you will compare. In this size, choices include blackwall and wide whitewall versions, which can be important on a restoration-oriented small European car. It is also wise to verify rim width, since the available 500-15 products are not all built around the same wheel-width specification.

Either construction can be appropriate for a 1958 Lloyd LT because both 135R15 radial and 500-15 bias-ply fitments are associated with the car. The decision usually comes down to whether the owner wants a more traditional vintage presentation or prefers to keep the car on a narrow radial tire format.

Appearance often drives the decision as much as fitment. A 500-15 bias-ply can support a more period-style look, especially with a wide whitewall, while 135R15 keeps the car in a classic small-car radial size. Matching the tire to the actual wheel width and checking body and steering clearance remain important before settling on either route.

The first thing to check is the wheel itself. A 135R15 radial for the 1958 Lloyd LT still uses a 15-inch rim, but radial products in that size can call for a 3.50- to 4.50-inch rim-width range, so the existing wheel needs to match the tire’s requirements.

The rest of the inspection should focus on practical fitment. Make sure the car has adequate steering and fender clearance, look for any suspension wear that could affect tire position, and verify that the car is not running altered wheels. Even when the rim diameter matches, construction changes should be treated as a full setup check rather than an automatic swap.

Start with the two approved fitment paths for the 1958 Lloyd LT: 135R15 radial or 500-15 bias-ply. From there, the right choice depends on the car’s wheel width, the appearance being pursued, and whether the owner wants a narrow blackwall radial presentation or a more traditional bias-ply style.

Product details matter once the size and construction are settled. In 135R15, the available tires are blackwall radials from Michelin and Firestone, while 500-15 introduces blackwall and wide whitewall bias-ply choices from BFGoodrich plus a Firestone Dirt Track option. Comparing rim-width requirements and sidewall style is often more useful than focusing on brand alone.

The 1958 Lloyd LT has both blackwall and wide whitewall sidewall choices, depending on tire size and construction. The 135R15 radial options are blackwall tires, while the 500-15 bias-ply range includes blackwall versions and a 2.00-inch wide whitewall option.

That difference can shape the car’s entire visual presentation. A blackwall radial keeps the look simple and compact, while a wide whitewall on a 500-15 bias-ply leans much more heavily into period styling. Choosing the sidewall should come after confirming the correct size path, since not every sidewall treatment is available in both constructions.

Michelin, Firestone, and BFGoodrich all appear in the 1958 Lloyd LT tire range. Michelin and Firestone cover the 135R15 radial side, while BFGoodrich and Firestone appear in the 500-15 bias-ply selection.

Brand is only one part of the comparison. The more useful distinctions on this car often come from construction type, sidewall treatment, and tire series, because those factors change the car’s appearance and wheel compatibility more directly. Once the correct size path is chosen, compare the products by rim-width requirement and overall presentation rather than assuming every tire serves the same purpose.

For a period-style 1958 Lloyd LT, the 500-15 bias-ply size is the strongest visual starting point. Its vintage numeric sizing and available blackwall or wide whitewall treatments give the car a more traditional small-car presentation than the 135R15 radial format.

That does not automatically make one specific tire historically exact for every restoration. If originality matters down to sidewall treatment, compare the tire choice against marque references, period photos, or other vehicle-specific historical material. For many owners, though, selecting the correct bias-ply size and an appropriate sidewall style is the most important first step toward the right look.

Construction changes the visual character of a restored 1958 Lloyd LT more than many buyers expect. A 500-15 bias-ply usually gives the car a more traditional vintage stance and sidewall presence, while a 135R15 radial presents the car in a narrow European radial format with a more modern-looking construction style.

That is why construction should be treated as both a fitment and appearance decision. A restorer focused on period flavor may lean toward the bias-ply path, especially with a wide whitewall option, while a buyer who values a simpler blackwall presentation may prefer the radial route. The wheel width on the car still needs to support whichever construction is chosen.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1958 Lloyd LT even when the tire size itself is correct. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel widths, suspension changes, or bodywork differences can all change how a 135R15 radial or 500-15 bias-ply sits on the car.

Small vintage cars leave less room for guesswork than many larger classics. A wheel that remains 15 inches in diameter may still be too narrow or too wide for the intended tire, and changes in ride height can affect clearance during turns or suspension movement. Looking over the entire wheel-and-tire setup before purchase helps avoid problems that the size code alone cannot reveal.

Inspect the wheels, valve stems, and overall tire installation before putting a 1958 Lloyd LT back into service. Make sure the tire beads are seated properly, verify inflation, and look for any immediate clearance issues at the fenders, suspension, and steering components with the car at rest and at full lock.

A broader safety check is just as important on a lightly used collector car. Examine brake condition, wheel hardware, and suspension wear, then watch for any signs of rubbing or unusual behavior during the first short drive. Collector cars that have sat for long periods also deserve a close look for cracked rubber parts, air loss, and uneven wheel condition.

Tires on a collector 1958 Lloyd LT should be kept clean, properly inflated, and inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, and uneven wear. That applies whether the car is running 135R15 radials or 500-15 bias-ply tires, since age and storage conditions can affect both types long before tread wear becomes the issue.

Storage habits matter on a low-use vintage car. Keeping the Lloyd away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve the rubber, and periodic movement helps avoid long-term flat spotting. Even tires that look good at a glance should be checked closely before road use, especially after the car has been parked for an extended period.