1959 Rambler American Tires

The 1959 Rambler American uses two primary tire sizes: 590-15 and 640-15. Both are bias-ply sizes designed for 15-inch rims, and the 1959 Rambler American 6 Cyl. can be associated with either one depending on the car’s actual setup.

That means the right choice starts with confirming what is currently on the vehicle rather than assuming every car uses the same width. Check the sidewall size marking, verify the wheel diameter, and compare the wheel width before replacing tires. That step matters even more if the car has been restored, modified, or changed from its earlier wheel-and-tire combination.

The tire fitments used on the 1959 Rambler American are built around a 15-inch rim diameter. Both 590-15 and 640-15 share that same rim diameter, so the wheel diameter itself stays consistent even though the two tire sizes differ in section width.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, though, because width still affects which tire is appropriate. Product specifications for these sizes show different rim-width ranges, so it helps to measure the wheel before making a final selection. A 15-inch wheel is required, but the correct tire also needs to match the wheel width and the car’s actual clearance.

On a 1959 Rambler American, 590-15 is a vintage numeric bias-ply size. The 590 portion refers to an approximate 5.90-inch nominal section width, and the 15 identifies the rim diameter in inches rather than the tire’s overall height.

That older sizing format can look unfamiliar if you are used to modern metric radials, but it is normal for a late-1950s American car. Interpreting the size correctly helps when comparing period-style bias-ply replacements with radial equivalents such as 165R15, P165/75R15, or P175/70R15. The next step is checking wheel width and the car’s actual setup before changing construction or profile.

For the 1959 Rambler American, 590-15 is a bias-ply primary tire size. That construction matches the vintage sizing system used on the car, and the available tires in this size are traditional bias-ply offerings rather than primary radial fitments.

A radial alternative can still be considered, but it should be treated as an equivalent choice, not the original construction type for this fitment. If the goal is to keep the car visually and mechanically closer to its period presentation, staying with bias-ply may matter. If road manners are the priority, compare the radial equivalents carefully against wheel width and available clearance.

For 590-15, radial equivalents include 165R15, P165/75R15, and P175/70R15. For 640-15, the equivalent radial sizes are 175R15, P175/75R15, and P185/70R15. Those options cover an 80-series metric radial, a 75-series P-metric radial, and a 70-series P-metric radial for each original bias-ply size.

Each equivalent keeps the conversation on a 15-inch wheel, but the sizing convention and profile differ from the original bias-ply format. Recommended rim-width ranges are 4-5 inches for 590-15 equivalents and 5-6 inches for 640-15 equivalents. Choosing among them calls for a careful look at wheel width, overall dimensions, and steering or fender clearance on the specific car.

Start by confirming the original bias-ply size on the car, then match it to the correct radial-equivalent group. A 590-15 points toward 165R15, P165/75R15, or P175/70R15, while a 640-15 points toward 175R15, P175/75R15, or P185/70R15.

Wheel width is a major checkpoint because the equivalent groups use different recommended rim-width ranges. It also helps to inspect steering clearance, suspension condition, and fender space before making the switch, especially on a car that has seen wheel changes or suspension work over time. A conversion should be treated as a fitment evaluation, not as an automatic one-size swap.

Begin with the actual tire size and wheel setup on the car, because the 1959 Rambler American can use either 590-15 or 640-15. From there, compare construction, brand, tire series, sidewall presentation, rim-width compatibility, and load figures where they are stated for the specific tire.

The right choice depends on how the car is being used and how it should look when finished. A narrower 590-15 may suit one setup, while a 640-15 may offer more traditional whitewall choices and broader product variety. Restoration-focused owners often care most about appearance and construction, while drivers considering more road miles may also weigh radial-equivalent options.

Tires for the 1959 Rambler American are available in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles. The mix depends on size, with 590-15 offering blackwall and wide whitewall choices, while 640-15 adds narrow whitewall options alongside blackwall and wider whitewall presentations.

Sidewall style changes the car’s appearance more than many owners expect, especially on a late-1950s compact where the tire has a strong visual presence. A blackwall usually gives a simpler, more understated look, while whitewalls create a more formal period-style presentation. The best choice comes down to the look you want and which sidewall treatments are available in the correct tire size.

BFGoodrich, Firestone, Avon, and Excelsior all appear in the available tire choices for the 1959 Rambler American. The brand mix varies by size, with 590-15 centered on BFGoodrich and Avon, while 640-15 adds Firestone and Excelsior to the available selection.

Brand alone should not be the only deciding factor. It helps to compare each tire’s series, sidewall style, rim-width specification, and any load figure that is given for that particular product. Some owners narrow the choice by appearance first, especially when selecting between blackwall and whitewall styles, then compare the technical details within that shorter list.

A period-style 1959 Rambler American usually starts with one of its primary bias-ply sizes, 590-15 or 640-15, rather than jumping straight to a modern radial. That keeps the vintage sizing format and the traditional tire profile in place, which matters visually on a late-1950s compact car.

After confirming the correct size on the vehicle, the appearance decision often comes down to blackwall versus whitewall and how prominent that sidewall treatment should be. If exact originality matters, period photos, marque references, and restoration documentation are the best guides. Tire selection for appearance still needs to stay grounded in the car’s wheel width and actual fitment.

Tire construction has a visible effect on a restored 1959 Rambler American because a bias-ply tire presents the car in a more traditional late-1950s manner. The original-style numeric sizing and the available whitewall treatments work naturally with the car’s proportions and restoration-oriented presentation.

A radial equivalent can change that visual impression even when it remains in an appropriate 15-inch fitment range. Some owners accept that trade for road-use reasons, while others want the more distinctly vintage look of a bias-ply tire. Matching the construction to the restoration goal helps avoid a finished car that looks visually out of step with the era.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1959 Rambler American even when the car still uses one of the correct 15-inch tire sizes. Changes to wheel width, wheel offset, ride height, springs, or suspension components can alter the available space around the tire.

That matters whether the car is staying with bias-ply tires or moving to a radial equivalent. A different wheel can place the tire closer to the fender, steering components, or suspension travel path, so fitment should be checked on the car as it sits now. Clearance at full steering lock and under compression is worth confirming before regular road use.

Before driving a 1959 Rambler American on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, make sure the tires are properly seated and inflated, and look over the suspension and steering for obvious looseness or wear. It also helps to verify that the new tire size matches the wheel width being used.

A short, careful first drive can reveal rubbing, pulling, vibration, or clearance issues that are easier to address early. Collector cars often spend long periods parked, so it is also wise to inspect the brake system, check for fluid leaks, and confirm that the car tracks cleanly before longer trips. New tires are only one part of road readiness.

Maintain 590-15 or 640-15 tires on a collector 1959 Rambler American with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspection, and attention to how the car is stored between drives. Sidewall cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven wear, and slow air loss deserve attention even when the car is driven only occasionally.

Storage conditions matter because low-use collector cars can age tires long before the tread is worn out. Keeping the car away from prolonged heat, direct sunlight, excess moisture, and ozone-producing equipment helps preserve the rubber. Moving the car periodically and checking tire condition before each outing is a sensible habit for any vintage Rambler that sees seasonal use.