1958 Studebaker Classic Tires

The 1958 Studebaker Classic uses two primary tire sizes: 710-15 and 800-14. Both are bias-ply fitments, but they do not use the same wheel diameter, since 710-15 mounts on a 15-inch rim and 800-14 mounts on a 14-inch rim.

That means the first step is checking the actual wheels on the car rather than choosing by appearance alone. A Studebaker that still has 15-inch wheels should stay in the 710-15 range, while a car with 14-inch wheels should use 800-14. If the car has been changed over to different wheels at some point, confirm wheel diameter and width before selecting either size or considering a radial alternative.

A 1958 Studebaker Classic can use either a 15-inch rim with 710-15 tires or a 14-inch rim with 800-14 tires. The model is associated with both rim diameters, so there is not just one universal wheel size across every car carrying the Classic name.

That makes wheel verification especially important before ordering tires. Reading the sidewall on the existing tire can help, but the wheel itself should also be measured or confirmed so a replacement matches the actual setup. Rim width matters too, especially if the car has replacement wheels, because tire options within each size carry their own wheel-width requirements.

The 1958 Studebaker Classic appears with two primary bias-ply sizes because it is associated with two different wheel diameters: 710-15 on 15-inch rims and 800-14 on 14-inch rims. The difference is not a matter of picking either size at random, since each one is tied to its corresponding wheel.

For an owner, the practical takeaway is simple: identify the wheel size on the car first. Once that is settled, tire selection becomes much easier, because then the comparison is among the products available in that correct size, including blackwall or whitewall presentation, brand, and whether to stay with traditional bias-ply construction or evaluate radial-equivalent alternatives.

On a 1958 Studebaker Classic, 710-15 is a primary bias-ply tire size. It is part of the older numeric sizing system and belongs to the traditional construction type associated with this vehicle's original-era fitment, not a radial primary fitment.

That matters because a buyer deciding on 710-15 is really choosing whether to keep the classic bias-ply setup or move into one of the available radial-equivalent sizes. Staying with bias-ply preserves the period-style construction and appearance, while any radial alternative should be checked against wheel width, overall vehicle setup, and available clearance before making the change.

For 710-15, radial equivalents include 205R15, P215/75R15, P225/70R15, and 710R15 as a bias-look radial. For 800-14, radial equivalents include 205R14, P215/75R14, P225/70R14, and 800R14 as a bias-look radial.

Those options span an 80-series metric radial, a 75-series P-metric radial, a lower-profile 70-series P-metric radial, and a radial styled to retain a more traditional look. They are useful alternatives, but they should be treated as fitment choices that still need to be checked against the car's actual wheels, rim width, and clearance rather than assumed to behave exactly like the original bias-ply sizes.

A 1958 Studebaker Classic owner considering radial tires should first match the correct starting size, either 710-15 or 800-14, and then compare the available equivalent radial sizes for that wheel diameter. The wheel itself needs to be suitable for the radial being considered, including rim width as well as basic tire-to-wheel compatibility.

The next checks are on-car fitment details such as steering clearance, fender clearance, and any suspension or wheel changes made over the years. A collector car that has been lowered, fitted with aftermarket wheels, or altered at the front end may react differently than a stock example. That is why equivalent sizing is best treated as a measured conversion, not an automatic swap.

Start with the correct wheel diameter, because 710-15 belongs on a 15-inch rim and 800-14 belongs on a 14-inch rim. After that, the main considerations are staying with bias-ply construction, selecting the sidewall style that suits the car, and comparing the available brands and tire series within the correct size.

The best choice depends on how the Studebaker will be used and how traditional you want it to look. A blackwall gives a different visual impression than a narrow or wide whitewall, and some owners may also want to compare a radial-equivalent path against a period-style bias-ply setup. Wheel width should stay part of the decision, especially on cars with replacement wheels.

The 1958 Studebaker Classic has bias-ply tire options in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles. Those sidewall treatments appear across both 710-15 and 800-14 fitments, although the exact combination varies by brand and tire series.

That gives the buyer some room to tune the car's visual character without changing the primary size. Blackwalls create a more restrained look, while narrow and wide whitewalls move the car toward a more distinctly late-1950s presentation. Since sidewall style is only one part of the choice, it still makes sense to compare construction, wheel compatibility, and the specific series offered in the correct size.

Available tires for the 1958 Studebaker Classic come from BFGoodrich, Firestone, Goodyear, Universal Vintage Tire, and US Royal. Brand availability depends on size, with the broadest spread appearing in 710-15 and a somewhat narrower assortment in 800-14.

That brand mix is most useful when it helps narrow the appearance and series you want, rather than trying to name one brand as the answer for every car. Comparing by size first, then by sidewall style and series, usually leads to a better decision. On a restoration-oriented car, brand preference may also be influenced by the visual style the owner wants to achieve.

A period-style 1958 Studebaker Classic usually starts with the correct primary bias-ply size for the car's wheels, either 710-15 or 800-14. From there, the most relevant choices are the tire series and sidewall presentation, since blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall options all create a different late-1950s visual effect.

For a restoration-minded owner, the goal is often to match the car's overall character rather than simply install any tire that fits the rim. If exact originality matters, compare the tire choice against marque references, period photos, or vehicle-specific documentation. That extra step helps separate a generally appropriate period-style look from a truly exact historical match.

Tire construction changes more than ride and road feel on a restored 1958 Studebaker Classic; it also affects how the car looks at a glance. A traditional bias-ply tire preserves the older visual character of the fitment, while a radial can change that presentation even when it is chosen in an equivalent size.

That is why many restoration-oriented owners decide on construction before they compare brands or whitewall widths. A bias-look radial can help bridge that gap by keeping a more traditional appearance while moving to radial construction. Even then, the result should still be checked against wheel dimensions and the overall stance you want the Studebaker to have.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1958 Studebaker Classic even when the tire size itself is correct. Wheel changes, altered rim width, suspension work, ride-height changes, and body or steering adjustments can all influence whether a 710-15 or 800-14 tire has the clearance it needs.

That is especially important on older cars that may have changed hands many times over the decades. A Studebaker with aftermarket wheels may no longer match the assumptions tied to an original-style setup, so tire choice should be checked against the actual car. Looking at wheel diameter, wheel width, and turning clearance can prevent surprises once the tires are mounted.

Before driving a 1958 Studebaker Classic on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, lug hardware, and overall mounting condition so the tire installation starts from a sound base. Tire pressure should be set correctly, and the car should be checked for obvious alignment, suspension, or steering issues that could affect how the new tires run.

A short initial road test is a smart follow-up, especially on a collector car that may have sat for long periods. Pay attention to pull, vibration, rubbing, or unusual behavior during low-speed turns and straight-line driving. Catching those issues early helps confirm that the tire choice, wheel setup, and the car's mechanical condition are working together properly.

Collector-car tires on a 1958 Studebaker Classic should be maintained with regular pressure checks and routine visual inspections, even if the car is driven only occasionally. Bias-ply tires such as 710-15 and 800-14 deserve close attention for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, irregular tread wear, or gradual air loss that can go unnoticed during storage.

Storage conditions matter almost as much as mileage on an older car. Keeping the Studebaker away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone-producing equipment can help preserve the tires between drives. It also helps to inspect the tires before any longer trip, since age and storage history can affect a collector vehicle long before the tread looks worn out.