1958 Studebaker Commander Tires

The 1958 Studebaker Commander uses four primary bias-ply tire sizes: 670-15, 750-14, 710-15, and 800-14. Those sizes do not all belong to one single setup, because fitment changes by sub-model and by wheel diameter. Some Commander versions use the 670-15 and 750-14 pairing, while others use the larger 710-15 and 800-14 pairing.

The practical first step is identifying the exact Commander sub-model and confirming whether the car has 14-inch or 15-inch wheels. Once that is settled, the tire decision becomes much easier, because you can compare the correct size within the available blackwall, whitewall, or redline choices and decide whether to stay with bias-ply construction or evaluate one of the radial equivalents tied to that specific size.

A 1958 Studebaker Commander on this page uses either a 15-inch rim or a 14-inch rim, depending on the tire size and sub-model configuration. The 670-15 and 710-15 sizes are for 15-inch wheels, while the 750-14 and 800-14 sizes are for 14-inch wheels. That makes wheel diameter one of the most important fitment checks before choosing a tire.

Confirming the rim diameter prevents mixing sizes that may sound similar in width but mount on different wheels. It is also worth checking the actual wheel on the car, especially if the Commander has been restored, modified, or fitted with replacement wheels at some point in its life. After wheel diameter is confirmed, compare the tire’s recommended rim-width range and make sure overall clearance still suits the vehicle.

No, the covered 1958 Studebaker Commander sub-models do not all use the same tire size combination. The Base model and the 58B-D4 Wagon share the 670-15 and 750-14 pairing, while the 58B-P4 Wagon uses the larger 710-15 and 800-14 pairing. All of these are bias-ply fitments, but the actual size group changes with the specific Commander version.

That difference matters because the larger and smaller pairings lead you to different products, different radial equivalents, and in some cases different rim-width ranges. A buyer looking only at wheel diameter could still choose the wrong size within that diameter, so it helps to confirm the exact sub-model first and then verify the wheels currently installed on the car before making a final selection.

For the 1958 Studebaker Commander, 670-15 is a primary bias-ply tire size. It is one of the traditional numeric bias-ply fitments used on the smaller Commander size group, and available tires in that size are offered in classic bias-ply construction rather than as a primary radial fitment for the car.

That means a 670-15 choice keeps the original-style sizing system and appearance language intact. If a radial is being considered instead, the equivalent path should be evaluated separately rather than treated as the same thing. Wheel diameter, rim width, overall dimensions, and vehicle clearance still need to be checked, especially if the Commander no longer wears its original wheel setup.

Radial equivalents for 670-15 include 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. Each option keeps the 15-inch wheel diameter but uses a different sizing convention or profile approach than the original numeric bias-ply size.

Those differences matter because an equivalent is a comparison point, not an automatic replacement. The recommended rim-width range for this equivalent group is 5 to 7 inches, so the wheel should be measured before making a change. It also helps to compare the car’s actual wheel and suspension setup, since steering clearance and fender clearance can become more important when switching constructions.

Start by matching the radial equivalent to the Commander’s actual primary tire size, since this car uses more than one fitment group. Then verify wheel diameter, compare the rim width against the equivalent’s recommended range, and confirm that the radial choice lines up with the car’s load needs and intended road use. The correct equivalent depends on whether the car uses 670-15, 750-14, 710-15, or 800-14.

Construction changes can also alter how the tire sits on the wheel and how much space it occupies near fenders and suspension parts. A Commander with replacement wheels, suspension work, or ride-height changes deserves an especially careful clearance check. Owners focused on traditional appearance may also want to compare a bias-look radial with standard metric or P-metric alternatives before making the switch.

A 670-15 choice starts with confirming that this is the correct size for the specific 1958 Studebaker Commander configuration. Once the size is right, the main factors are bias-ply construction, wheel compatibility, sidewall style, and the brand or tire series that best matches the car’s intended look. In this size, blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall options are all available.

After appearance is narrowed down, compare the rim-width specification and any load figures tied to inflation pressure where they are stated. A restoration-oriented sedan or wagon may call for a very different presentation than a driver built for regular touring. The more closely the tire matches the wheel and the visual goal for the car, the easier it is to avoid compromises in both fitment and overall presentation.

1958 Studebaker Commander tires are available in several sidewall treatments, including blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and, in 750-14, redline. The exact choices depend on the tire size, so a 14-inch Commander fitment may offer a different sidewall mix than a 15-inch fitment. That makes size confirmation important before narrowing the appearance decision.

Sidewall style changes the personality of the car even when the tire size stays the same. Blackwalls give a plainer, more understated look, while whitewalls and redlines add stronger period character. For a collector car, the right choice usually depends on how the vehicle is being presented rather than on performance claims, so it helps to decide whether the goal is conservative, dressy, or distinctly late-1950s in appearance.

Tires for the 1958 Studebaker Commander are available from brands including Firestone, BFGoodrich, US Royal, Goodyear, Universal Vintage Tire, Coker Classic, Excelsior, Avon, and STA. Brand availability varies by size, so the full range seen in 670-15 is not identical to what appears in 750-14, 710-15, or 800-14. Some brands are also tied to distinct tire series and sidewall presentations.

Brand choice should be treated as one part of the selection process rather than the only decision. The best comparison points are the correct size, the proper wheel fit, the sidewall style you want, and the series characteristics available in that size. Once those pieces are aligned, a brand preference can help narrow the field without pushing the car away from the intended fitment or appearance.

A period-style 1958 Studebaker Commander usually starts with the correct primary bias-ply size for the exact sub-model, since that preserves the vintage sizing format and traditional visual character. From there, the choice often comes down to blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, or, in certain 750-14 offerings, redline. The most suitable tire is the one that matches both the proper fitment group and the intended late-1950s presentation.

Restoration-focused buyers should think about how the car will be shown and driven before deciding on the sidewall treatment. A broad whitewall can create a more formal, dressy look, while a blackwall can keep the car visually cleaner and simpler. If exact originality matters, marque-club guidance, period photos, or factory literature can help confirm whether a particular sidewall treatment suits the specific car being restored.

Tire construction affects a restored 1958 Studebaker Commander because bias-ply and radial tires do not present the same way, even when they are chosen as equivalent sizes. The primary Commander fitments on this page are bias-ply, which keeps the tire language and traditional profile more closely tied to the car’s original era. That matters visually on a 1958 vehicle where wheel opening proportion and sidewall character remain noticeable.

Owners who want a more vintage presentation often stay with bias-ply or look closely at bias-look radial alternatives when available. A standard metric or P-metric radial may still be worth considering for road use, but it should be chosen with an eye toward how the tire will look on the car as well as how it fits the wheel. Appearance and fitment should be judged together, not separately.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1958 Studebaker Commander even when the chosen tire matches one of the correct primary sizes. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, suspension alterations, ride-height changes, or body work around the wheel openings can all influence clearance. That becomes especially important on a car with both 14-inch and 15-inch fitment groups across different sub-models.

A Commander that has been altered should be checked as an individual vehicle rather than assumed to match stock clearances. Measure the actual wheel diameter and width, then look at steering travel and space near the fenders and suspension. Those steps are just as important when staying with bias-ply tires as they are when considering a radial equivalent, because wheel and body changes can affect either construction.

Before driving a 1958 Studebaker Commander on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and sound condition, confirm the tires are mounted in the proper size for the sub-model, and check inflation carefully. It is also smart to look over the suspension and steering for looseness that could affect how the car tracks once the new tires are installed. A proper visual check should include bead seating and basic clearance around the wheel opening.

After the car is back on the ground, turn the steering through its full range and watch for rubbing or tight spots. A short road test can reveal vibration, pull, or interference that was not obvious at a standstill. Collector cars that have sat for long periods deserve extra attention to wheel hardware, brake condition, and alignment-related wear patterns before being returned to regular driving.

670-15 tires on a collector 1958 Studebaker Commander should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspections, and clean, dry storage conditions when the car is not being used. Look for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, irregular tread wear, or slow air loss, since collector vehicles often age out tires before they wear them out. Occasional movement of the car can also help avoid long-term flat spotting.

Storage habits matter just as much as mileage on a vintage vehicle. Keeping the Commander away from prolonged sunlight, high heat, and ozone-producing equipment can help preserve tire condition between drives. Before any longer outing, inspect the tires again and confirm that the wheel and suspension setup has not changed, especially if the car has gone through restoration work or seasonal wheel removal.