The 1959 Rambler Rambler came from an era when compact American cars were earning attention for sensible size, clean styling, and everyday drivability. For many owners today, that makes tire choice part restoration decision and part practical road-use decision. This model uses 15-inch bias-ply fitments in either 640-15 or 670-15, depending on the exact configuration. Within those sizes, there is meaningful choice in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall designs across several established vintage tire lines, and radial equivalents are also available for buyers considering a construction change. The right selection starts with confirming the exact sub-model, then balancing period-style appearance with wheel compatibility and intended use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1959 Rambler Rambler
The 1959 Rambler Rambler uses two primary tire sizes, and both are bias-ply fitments on 15-inch rims. The first step is identifying the exact sub-model, because the Wagon uses 640-15 while the 6 Cyl. can use either 640-15 or 670-15. Once that is settled, the real decision becomes choosing the right period-style look, sidewall treatment, and whether to stay with the original-style bias-ply construction or evaluate a radial equivalent.
A 640-15 is a vintage numeric bias-ply size in which the 640 refers to an approximate 6.40-inch nominal section width and the 15 identifies a 15-inch wheel. This is a traditional bias-ply fitment that suits the character and appearance expected on a late-1950s Rambler. Available choices include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles from brands such as BFGoodrich, Firestone, Avon, and Excelsior across several vintage tire series. It is the key size to confirm for Wagon applications and also matters on 6 Cyl. cars that were set up around the narrower tire.
A 670-15 is also a vintage numeric bias-ply size, with the 670 indicating an approximate 6.70-inch nominal section width on a 15-inch rim. On the 1959 Rambler Rambler, this size remains a period-style bias-ply choice but opens up a broader assortment of tire series and sidewall treatments. Blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions appear from Firestone, BFGoodrich, US Royal, Universal Vintage Tire, Goodyear, Coker Classic, and others, giving buyers more appearance range. It is especially important to verify this size on 6 Cyl. applications before choosing among the many available product styles.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1959 Rambler Rambler because tire size is not identical across every version. The Wagon stays with 640-15, while the 6 Cyl. can use either 640-15 or 670-15, so identifying the exact sub-model comes before comparing tire styles or equivalents.
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1959 Rambler Rambler 6 Cyl.
The 1959 Rambler Rambler 6 Cyl. uses bias-ply tires on 15-inch rims and is the sub-model where size choice requires the closest attention. Tire selection here starts with confirming whether the car is set up for 640-15 or 670-15, then choosing the preferred sidewall style, brand, and whether a radial equivalent is worth considering.
The 1959 Rambler Rambler Wagon uses the 640-15 bias-ply size on a 15-inch rim, which makes fitment more straightforward. Once that size is confirmed, the focus shifts to the look you want from the tire, such as blackwall or whitewall treatment, along with overall wheel compatibility and intended road use.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1959 Rambler Rambler
Radial equivalents are available for both primary 1959 Rambler Rambler tire sizes. For 640-15, the alternatives are 175R15 as an 80-series metric radial, P175/75R15 as a 75-series P-metric radial, and P185/70R15 as a 70-series P-metric radial, with a recommended rim-width range of 5-6 inches. For 670-15, the choices are 195R15, P205/75R15, P215/70R15, and the 670R15 bias-look radial, with a recommended rim-width range of 5-7 inches. Each option should be checked against actual wheel width, overall dimensions, and vehicle clearance before conversion.
Modern Radial Equivalents
175R15
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (640-15)
P175/75R15
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (640-15)
P185/70R15
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (640-15)
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 1959 Rambler Rambler Tires for sale
Available 1959 Rambler Rambler tire choices center on 640-15 and 670-15 bias-ply designs from Firestone, BFGoodrich, Goodyear, US Royal, Coker Classic, Universal Vintage Tire, Excelsior, Avon, and STA. Buyers can compare vintage tire series and sidewall presentation, including blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles.
These FAQs focus on the exact fitment questions that matter on a 1959 Rambler Rambler, including 640-15 versus 670-15 sizing, 15-inch rim fitment, radial equivalents, sidewall choices, and the checks worth making before regular road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1959 Rambler Rambler?
The 1959 Rambler Rambler uses either 640-15 or 670-15, and both are bias-ply sizes for 15-inch rims. Fitment depends on the exact sub-model, with the Wagon using 640-15 and the 6 Cyl. using either 640-15 or 670-15.
That means the first step is confirming which version of the car you have and which wheel setup is actually on it today. A restored or modified Rambler may no longer match its original tire arrangement, so checking the current wheel diameter and the tire size already mounted helps narrow the correct replacement path.
What size rim does a 1959 Rambler Rambler use?
Both primary tire sizes for the 1959 Rambler Rambler use a 15-inch rim diameter. That applies whether the car is fitted with 640-15 or 670-15, so the wheel diameter remains consistent even though the tire width class can change.
Rim diameter is only one part of the fitment picture, especially on a car that may have seen wheel changes over the years. It is still worth confirming actual wheel width before selecting a tire, since product options within these sizes can call for different rim-width ranges and appearance goals may affect the final choice.
Do all 1959 Rambler Rambler sub-models use the same tire size?
No, the covered 1959 Rambler Rambler sub-models do not all use the same size. The Wagon uses 640-15, while the 6 Cyl. is associated with both 640-15 and 670-15 bias-ply fitments.
That difference matters because the tire decision is not just about sidewall style or brand. On a 6 Cyl. car, the buyer needs to confirm which size belongs on the vehicle before comparing whitewall widths, blackwall options, or radial equivalents, while Wagon owners can move directly into choosing among 640-15 products.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 640-15 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1959 Rambler Rambler?
On the 1959 Rambler Rambler, 640-15 is a primary bias-ply tire size. It is the traditional construction associated with this fitment and remains available in several period-style product choices, including blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall designs.
Radial alternatives do exist for buyers considering a change in construction, but they are alternatives rather than another primary fitment. Anyone moving away from bias-ply should confirm wheel width, compare overall tire dimensions, and check steering and body clearance so the new setup matches the way the car is used.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 670-15?
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. These give several ways to move from a vintage numeric bias-ply size into a radial format.
Each option represents a different sizing convention and profile approach, so the decision is not only about keeping the same rim diameter. The recommended rim-width range is 5-7 inches, and the final choice should still be checked against the car's actual wheel width, tire clearance, and the appearance you want to maintain.
What should I check before converting my 1959 Rambler Rambler from bias-ply to radial tires?
Start by confirming the Rambler's primary tire size, actual 15-inch wheel diameter, and wheel width before choosing a radial equivalent. For this car, the available radial alternatives differ by sizing format, and one size family may suit the existing wheel better than another.
A careful conversion also means comparing the new tire's physical proportions with the car's current setup and looking for clearance at the fenders, suspension, and steering components. Tire age and suspension condition matter as well, since worn steering parts or sagging springs can make any fitment change harder to judge accurately.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 640-15 or 670-15 tire for a 1959 Rambler Rambler?
Begin with the correct primary size for the exact sub-model, then decide whether the goal is a traditional bias-ply setup or a radial alternative. On this Rambler, 640-15 and 670-15 do not serve every configuration in the same way, so size confirmation comes before brand or appearance.
After that, compare sidewall treatment, tire series, rim-width compatibility, and load figures where they are shown. A Wagon owner may focus on the look of a 640-15 whitewall, while a 6 Cyl. owner may first need to settle the 640-15 versus 670-15 question before narrowing the available product choices.
What sidewall styles are available for 1959 Rambler Rambler tires?
The available sidewall styles for 1959 Rambler Rambler tires include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall. Those choices appear across both 640-15 and 670-15 bias-ply offerings, although the broader range is found in 670-15.
Sidewall style changes the character of the car as much as the tire brand does, especially on a late-1950s vehicle where whitewall presence is part of the visual impression. Once the correct size is confirmed, the sidewall decision usually comes down to whether the car is being kept understated, restoration-oriented, or more visually formal.
What brands offer tires for the 1959 Rambler Rambler?
Tires for the 1959 Rambler Rambler are available from brands including Firestone, BFGoodrich, Goodyear, US Royal, Coker Classic, Universal Vintage Tire, Excelsior, Avon, and STA. Brand coverage varies by size, with 670-15 carrying the widest assortment.
Brand selection is best treated as part of the overall fitment and appearance decision rather than a shortcut to the right tire. Once the correct size is established, compare the brand's available series, sidewall style, rim-width specification, and any stated load information so the tire suits both the car and its intended use.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1959 Rambler Rambler?
A period-style 1959 Rambler Rambler usually starts with the correct bias-ply size for the exact sub-model, either 640-15 or 670-15. From there, the most appropriate choice depends on how traditional you want the finished car to look and whether blackwall, narrow whitewall, or wide whitewall best matches the presentation.
A buyer aiming for authenticity in appearance should treat size and construction as the foundation, then refine the look through sidewall style and tire series. If exact originality matters beyond a general late-1950s look, marque-specific references and restoration documentation are worth checking before settling on one whitewall treatment over another.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1959 Rambler Rambler?
Tire construction has a visible effect on a restored 1959 Rambler Rambler because a bias-ply tire presents the car with a distinctly vintage stance and feel. That makes the original-style 640-15 or 670-15 bias-ply fitment the natural starting point for owners who want a traditional visual result.
A radial equivalent can change that presentation even when the rim diameter stays at 15 inches, especially if the buyer moves into a more modern metric sizing format. For owners who want radial construction without giving up as much of the older look, the 670R15 bias-look radial is a useful option to evaluate on 670-15 applications.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1959 Rambler Rambler?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1959 Rambler Rambler even when the intended replacement size is correct on paper. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, suspension alterations, or body and fender work can all influence how a 640-15, 670-15, or radial equivalent sits on the car.
That is why a modified Rambler should be checked as it actually stands, not only by model year and sub-model. Looking at steering clearance, ride height, and the space around the tire through its full range of movement helps prevent surprises when switching brands, sidewall styles, or construction types.
What should I inspect before driving a 1959 Rambler Rambler on new tires?
Before road use, inspect wheel condition, verify lug hardware, set appropriate tire pressure, and make sure the new tires clear the fenders and suspension through steering movement. It is also wise to look over the brake system and steering components on a collector-era car before expecting the new tires to perform as intended.
A fresh set of tires cannot compensate for loose front-end parts, bent wheels, or neglected suspension pieces. After the first few drives, recheck pressure and look for any signs of rubbing or uneven wear so the 1959 Rambler Rambler settles into the new tire setup without introducing avoidable fitment or handling issues.
How should 640-15 and 670-15 tires on a collector 1959 Rambler Rambler be maintained?
Collector-car tires in 640-15 or 670-15 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and clean storage conditions. On a low-mileage 1959 Rambler Rambler, age can become as important as tread depth, so sidewall cracking, bulges, cuts, or persistent air loss deserve attention even if the car is not driven often.
Storage matters because long exposure to sunlight, heat, moisture, or ozone can shorten tire life on seldom-used classics. Moving the car periodically, keeping the tires properly inflated, and inspecting them before each driving season helps preserve both appearance and roadworthiness on a vintage Rambler.