The 1959 Rambler Rebel came from an era when independent American brands were carving out their own identity with full-size style, V8 power, and a distinct alternative to Detroit’s larger-volume offerings. For collectors today, that makes the Rebel especially appealing as a late-1950s car that rewards careful attention to detail. Tire fitment centers on a 750-14 bias-ply tire on a 14-inch rim, which keeps the car in its proper visual and period driving character. Within that size, there is meaningful choice in blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and redline presentations, along with radial equivalents for owners considering a different construction. The right selection depends on how the car will be shown, driven, and preserved.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1959 Rambler Rebel
The 1959 Rambler Rebel uses one primary tire size: 750-14. It is a bias-ply fitment on a 14-inch rim, and the covered Rebel 8 Cyl. sub-model uses that same size. The main decision is not which primary size fits, but whether to stay with a traditional bias-ply tire and choose the sidewall style and series that suit the car, or compare one of the available radial equivalents after confirming wheel and clearance details.
A 750-14 numeric bias-ply size uses the leading number to indicate an approximately 7.50-inch nominal section width, while the final number identifies a 14-inch rim. On the 1959 Rambler Rebel, this is the traditional bias-ply fitment and it sets the baseline for the car’s period look and road feel. Available choices in this size include BFGoodrich, US Royal, Coker Classic, Firestone, Universal Vintage Tire, and Goodyear, with blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and redline sidewall treatments across several classic tire series. It is the key size to use when maintaining original-style proportions and selecting the appearance that best matches the car’s presentation.
Tire fitment is straightforward across the covered 1959 Rambler Rebel sub-model. The Rebel 8 Cyl. uses the same primary tire size, so the focus shifts from identifying a different fitment to choosing the right construction, sidewall style, and overall presentation for the car.
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1959 Rambler Rebel 8 Cyl.
The 1959 Rambler Rebel 8 Cyl. uses the 750-14 bias-ply tire size on a 14-inch rim. That keeps tire selection centered on period-style appearance, brand and series preference, and whether to remain with bias-ply construction or evaluate one of the available radial equivalents.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1959 Rambler Rebel
The original 750-14 tire size has four radial-equivalent options. Those include 195R14 as an 80-series metric radial, P205/75R14 as a P-metric 75-series radial, P215/70R14 as a P-metric 70-series radial, and 750R14 as a bias-look radial equivalent. Together, they offer different sizing conventions and profile approaches, with the bias-look radial aimed at a more traditional visual presentation. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 6 inches applies, and wheel diameter, wheel width, overall dimensions, and clearance should all be checked before changing construction.
Modern Radial Equivalents
195R14
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (750-14)
P205/75R14
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (750-14)
P215/70R14
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (750-14)
750R14
Bias-look Radial Equivalent (750-14)
Important Considerations When Replacing Bias Ply With Radial
Compare overall diameter and section width carefully to ensure proper fit.
Verify recommended rim range (4-6 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 Rebel Tires for Sale
Available 750-14 choices span BFGoodrich, US Royal, Coker Classic, Firestone, Universal Vintage Tire, and Goodyear. The product grid lets you compare classic bias-ply series and sidewall styles including blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and redline, along with rim-width and load-spec differences.
Common questions for the 1959 Rambler Rebel usually center on the 750-14 size, 14-inch rim fitment, bias-ply versus radial-equivalent choices, sidewall appearance, and what to inspect before putting a collector car back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1959 Rambler Rebel?
The 1959 Rambler Rebel uses a 750-14 tire size. This is a numeric bias-ply size mounted on a 14-inch rim, and the covered Rebel 8 Cyl. sub-model uses that same primary fitment. For most owners, the fitment question is simple because there is one main size to start from.
The practical decision is choosing the type of 750-14 tire that suits the car’s use and appearance. Blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and redline versions are available, and radial equivalents also exist for owners considering a construction change. Before selecting an alternative, confirm the actual wheel diameter and width on the car, especially if it has been modified over the years.
What size rim does a 1959 Rambler Rebel use?
The 1959 Rambler Rebel uses a 14-inch rim with its primary 750-14 tire size. That rim diameter is the key wheel measurement tied to the original bias-ply fitment and also forms the starting point for evaluating any radial-equivalent options in the same general fitment range.
Rim diameter should be verified on the actual car before ordering tires, because an older vehicle may no longer have its original wheels. Wheel width matters too, particularly when comparing bias-ply tires with radial alternatives. A correct 14-inch diameter does not automatically confirm every tire choice, so it is smart to check the wheel setup and available clearance at the same time.
Does the 1959 Rambler Rebel 8 Cyl. use the same tire size?
Yes. The covered 1959 Rambler Rebel 8 Cyl. uses the same 750-14 bias-ply tire size as the core vehicle fitment. That makes the tire search more straightforward because you are not sorting through multiple primary sizes tied to different Rebel configurations on this page.
Since the size stays consistent, selection comes down to presentation and construction rather than sub-model differences. Owners can focus on whether the car looks right with a blackwall, whitewall, or redline treatment, and whether preserving a traditional bias-ply setup matters more than exploring one of the radial-equivalent alternatives. It is still worth checking the wheels on the car if it has been altered.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 750-14 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1959 Rambler Rebel?
For the 1959 Rambler Rebel, 750-14 is the primary bias-ply tire fitment. That construction matches the traditional sizing system used on many American cars of the period and preserves the visual character that owners often want on a late-1950s restoration or collector driver.
A bias-ply primary size does not prevent a radial alternative from being considered, but the two constructions should not be treated as the same thing. Anyone thinking about changing construction should confirm wheel width, compare the tire’s overall dimensions, and check steering and body clearance. Those steps matter even when the radial option is presented as an equivalent to the original size.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 750-14?
Radial equivalents for 750-14 include 195R14, P205/75R14, P215/70R14, and 750R14. The 195R14 is a Euro-metric 80-series style radial, P205/75R14 is a 75-series P-metric radial, P215/70R14 is a 70-series P-metric radial, and 750R14 is a bias-look radial equivalent.
Each of those options gives the 1959 Rambler Rebel owner a different way to approach radial construction while staying in the same general fitment family. The recommended rim-width range for these equivalents is 4 to 6 inches. That still does not make them automatic substitutions, so wheel width, tire dimensions, suspension condition, and fender clearance should all be checked before making the change.
Can I use a bias-look radial on a 1959 Rambler Rebel?
Yes, 750R14 is available as a bias-look radial equivalent for the 1959 Rambler Rebel’s original 750-14 size. Its role is to give owners a radial construction option while retaining a more traditional visual presentation than a modern-looking metric radial might provide.
That makes it especially relevant for a Rebel that needs to balance collector appearance with radial-equivalent sizing options. Even so, a bias-look radial is still a radial, not a bias-ply tire, so wheel compatibility and clearance should be confirmed before conversion. Comparing the actual wheel width on the car against the recommended range is an important first step.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 750-14 tire for a 1959 Rambler Rebel?
Start with the primary fitment itself: 750-14 on a 14-inch rim. From there, the main factors are staying with traditional bias-ply construction or moving to a radial equivalent, choosing a sidewall style that suits the car, and comparing product details such as rim-width compatibility and load specifications where they are given.
The best choice depends on how the Rebel will be used and presented. A restoration-oriented car may lean toward a classic bias-ply look, while a road-driven car may prompt a closer look at the radial-equivalent options. It also helps to inspect the wheels already on the car, since decades of wheel swaps or suspension changes can affect which tire is the smartest match.
What sidewall styles are available for 1959 Rambler Rebel tires?
The 1959 Rambler Rebel’s 750-14 tire options include blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and redline sidewall styles. Those choices can change the car’s overall presentation dramatically even when the size remains the same, making sidewall treatment one of the most important visual decisions on this fitment.
A blackwall tends to give the car a more understated look, while narrow and wide whitewalls move it toward a stronger late-1950s appearance. Redline offers a different period-style accent for owners who want something sportier in character. Since sidewall style does not change the primary size, the key is matching the tire’s look to the vehicle’s restoration direction and wheel setup.
What brands offer tires for the 1959 Rambler Rebel?
Available 750-14 tires for the 1959 Rambler Rebel come from BFGoodrich, US Royal, Coker Classic, Firestone, Universal Vintage Tire, and Goodyear. Those brands appear across several classic bias-ply series, giving owners more than one route to a traditional 14-inch fitment in the correct primary size.
Brand choice should be weighed alongside sidewall style, tire series, rim-width specification, and the overall look you want the car to carry. Some owners start with appearance, such as wide whitewall versus blackwall, while others begin by comparing construction and wheel compatibility. Since the car uses one primary size, the comparison is really about product character rather than sorting through multiple fitment sizes.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1959 Rambler Rebel?
A period-style 1959 Rambler Rebel usually starts with the original-size 750-14 bias-ply fitment. That size and construction preserve the car’s late-1950s stance and visual balance, while the available product range allows you to shape the final look through blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, or redline sidewall treatment.
The right choice depends on how strictly the car is being restored and what overall presentation you want. If exact historical authenticity matters, it is wise to compare the tire’s appearance against marque-club guidance, surviving photographs, or other vehicle-specific references. For many collector owners, the goal is a convincing period-style result rather than claiming a specific tire is factory-correct.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1959 Rambler Rebel?
Tire construction affects both the visual tone and the character of a restored 1959 Rambler Rebel. A 750-14 bias-ply keeps the car in a traditional format that suits a late-1950s American sedan, while a radial equivalent can alter the visual impression depending on its sidewall shape and overall presentation.
That difference matters most when the restoration goal is to preserve a distinctly period-style look. A bias-look radial can help bridge the gap for owners who want a more traditional appearance without staying with a pure bias-ply construction. Even then, construction should be considered alongside sidewall style, wheel width, and the car’s overall stance so the finished result looks intentional.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1959 Rambler Rebel?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1959 Rambler Rebel even when the intended size is still 750-14. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, suspension alterations, lowering, or body repairs can all influence how much room the tire has and whether a bias-ply or radial-equivalent option behaves the way you expect.
A Rebel that still uses 14-inch wheels may nevertheless need closer checking if the wheels are not original in width or offset. Steering clearance, fender space, and suspension travel should all be reviewed before settling on a tire, especially when moving from bias-ply to radial construction. Collector cars often carry older modifications, so a hands-on inspection is worth the time.
What should I inspect before driving a 1959 Rambler Rebel on new tires?
Before driving a 1959 Rambler Rebel on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, confirm lug hardware is secure, and look over the suspension and steering for looseness or wear. It also helps to make sure the tires are evenly seated, properly inflated, and free from any shipping or mounting damage.
A short, careful road test is the best follow-up after installation. Pay attention to vibration, pulling, rubbing, or unusual steering feel, and recheck air pressure after the first drive. Since collector cars may sit for long periods, it is also smart to inspect brake condition and wheel-bearing play before regular road use so the new tires are not masking other mechanical issues.
How should 750-14 tires on a collector 1959 Rambler Rebel be maintained?
750-14 tires on a collector 1959 Rambler Rebel should be kept at proper pressure, inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and slow air loss, and protected from long storage in harsh conditions. Even a car that is driven infrequently needs routine tire checks because age and storage environment affect tires as much as mileage does.
Storage habits matter on a vehicle from this era. Parking away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve tire condition, and occasional movement can reduce flat-spotting during extended downtime. Before a longer drive, inspect tread and sidewalls closely and confirm the tires still have the appearance and condition needed for safe road use.