1959 Studebaker Lark Tires

The 1959 Studebaker Lark uses 600-15, 6.50-15, or 670-15 bias-ply tires, depending on the exact sub-model. All three are 15-inch fitments, but they are not used interchangeably across the full Lark range. The 6-cylinder and 8-cylinder cars do not all share the same size pattern, and the 3 Seat Wagon applications narrow the fitment further.

The practical step is to identify the exact sub-model first, then confirm what wheel and tire size is actually on the car. Many collector vehicles have been changed over the years, so checking the existing wheel diameter, current tire markings, and available clearance helps prevent choosing the wrong size simply because it appeared elsewhere in the 1959 Lark lineup.

The primary tire fitments for the 1959 Studebaker Lark use a 15-inch rim. That applies across 600-15, 6.50-15, and 670-15 fitments, so the main difference between sizes is not rim diameter but the tire size assigned to the specific sub-model.

Even with a common 15-inch rim diameter, wheel width still matters when comparing tires or considering a radial equivalent. A collector car may also be running replacement wheels that differ from its original setup, so measuring the wheel and checking the current tire markings is a smart step before choosing between narrow, standard, or wider period-style fitments.

No. The 1959 Studebaker Lark range uses more than one primary tire size, and fitment varies by sub-model. The 6 Cyl. and 6 Cyl. 2 Seat Wagon use 6.50-15 or 600-15, the 6 Cyl. 3 Seat Wagon uses 670-15, the 8 Cyl. and 8 Cyl. 2 Seat Wagon use 6.50-15 or 670-15, and the 8 Cyl. 3 Seat Wagon uses 670-15.

That variation matters because the tire decision starts with the vehicle's exact body and engine configuration, not just the model name. Once the sub-model is confirmed, it becomes much easier to narrow the search to the right period-style bias-ply tire or, where supported, to compare a suitable radial equivalent against the wheel and overall vehicle setup.

On the 1959 Studebaker Lark, 670-15 is a primary bias-ply tire size. It is used as an original-style fitment on several sub-models, including both 3 Seat Wagon applications and certain 8-cylinder versions. The size itself belongs to the vintage numeric bias-ply system rather than a modern metric radial format.

A radial option can still enter the conversation, because 670-15 has radial equivalents, including a bias-look radial. That does not make the original fitment radial, though. Owners considering a change in construction should compare the wheel width, the vehicle's current setup, and fender and steering clearance before moving away from the bias-ply format.

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 alternatives keep the conversation on 15-inch tires while giving the buyer several different radial sizing formats to compare.

The 670-15 equivalent range also carries a recommended rim-width range of 5 to 7 inches, which is an important checkpoint before conversion. Beyond wheel width, the choice should be reviewed against the car's actual wheel setup, intended appearance, and available clearance so the radial alternative suits the vehicle rather than simply matching the rim diameter.

Start with the Lark's exact primary tire size, because radial equivalents are available for 600-15 and 670-15, but that does not mean every sub-model follows the same path. The wheel diameter must remain correct, and wheel width should be checked against the equivalent tire's recommended range before moving from a bias-ply fitment to a radial alternative.

Construction changes should also be reviewed in the context of the vehicle's overall setup. Measure the current tires, inspect steering and fender clearance, and account for any aftermarket wheels, suspension work, or stance changes. A radial equivalent can be a useful option, but the final decision should respect both the car's configuration and the look the owner wants to preserve.

For a 1959 Studebaker Lark that uses 670-15, the first consideration is confirming that 670-15 is the correct primary fitment for the exact sub-model. After that, the meaningful differences are bias-ply construction, sidewall appearance, brand, tire series, rim-width compatibility, and load specification. The 670-15 range is broad enough that two tires in the same size can still present the car very differently.

A blackwall tire gives a more restrained look, while narrow and wide whitewalls change the visual character considerably on a late-1950s car. It also helps to compare the intended use of the vehicle, whether that means restoration presentation, local driving, or a more road-focused setup, then verify the wheel width so the selected tire suits the car's existing wheels.

The available sidewall styles for 1959 Studebaker Lark tires include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall. In 600-15, the visible choices are blackwall and wide whitewall. In 670-15, the range expands to blackwall, narrow whitewall, and several wide whitewall presentations across different brands and tire series.

Sidewall style has a strong effect on how a Lark reads visually, especially because the car sits squarely in the late-1950s styling era. A buyer choosing for appearance should first lock in the correct tire size, then compare sidewall treatment against the car's trim level, paint, and restoration goal rather than assuming one whitewall width suits every version equally well.

Tires for the 1959 Studebaker Lark are available from BFGoodrich in 600-15 and from a wider mix of brands in 670-15, including Firestone, US Royal, Coker Classic, Universal Vintage Tire, Excelsior, Avon, Goodyear, and STA. Those brands span several period-style bias-ply series and sidewall treatments rather than a single uniform product type.

Brand selection should still come after size and fitment confirmation. Once the correct tire size is established, comparing brand offerings becomes more useful because the real differences are often tied to series styling, whitewall treatment, rim-width specification, and the sort of presentation the owner wants, not just the name on the sidewall.

A period-style 1959 Studebaker Lark starts with the correct primary bias-ply size for the exact sub-model: 600-15, 6.50-15, or 670-15. Keeping the original-style sizing and construction preserves the visual proportions that suit a compact American car from 1959. After that, the choice usually shifts toward blackwall or one of the available whitewall presentations.

Because several sidewall styles appear in the applicable sizes, appearance can be tailored without stepping away from the period bias-ply theme. Buyers pursuing exact historical authenticity should compare the chosen tire style against marque literature, period photos, or club knowledge, especially before assuming that a particular whitewall width or brand was used on a specific Lark configuration.

Tire construction changes the stance and visual character of a restored 1959 Studebaker Lark even before the car moves an inch. A bias-ply tire keeps the vintage sizing language and period-style presentation associated with the car's era. A radial equivalent can still be considered on supported sizes, but it introduces a more modern construction even when the rim diameter remains the same.

That difference matters most on a restoration where the tires are expected to complement the body lines, wheel openings, and side trim. Owners who want a traditional look often stay with bias-ply, while those seeking a more modern road-use approach may weigh a radial alternative more seriously. The choice should support the car's purpose rather than follow a one-size-fits-all rule.

Yes. Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1959 Studebaker Lark even when the tire size itself is correct for the original application. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, altered offset, lowering, suspension work, or body modifications can all change how a 600-15, 6.50-15, or 670-15 tire sits in the wheel opening.

That is why the actual car should be checked before final tire selection, especially on a vehicle that has been restored or customized more than once. Wheel diameter is only part of the equation; steering clearance, fender clearance, and the car's ride height can all influence whether a traditional bias-ply fitment or a radial equivalent remains a sensible choice.

Before driving a 1959 Studebaker Lark on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, lug hardware, and overall wheel condition along with the tires themselves. The selected tire size should match the correct 15-inch fitment for the sub-model, and inflation should be set appropriately for the tire being used. A careful visual check helps catch obvious installation or condition issues before road use.

It also helps to turn the steering from lock to lock and check for any interference, especially if the car has non-original wheels or suspension changes. After the first short drive, recheck air pressure and look over the sidewalls and tread again. That simple follow-up inspection is valuable on low-use collector cars that may reveal issues only after movement.

670-15 tires on a collector 1959 Studebaker Lark should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspections, and clean, dry storage conditions. Look for cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven wear, or signs of persistent air loss. Because collector vehicles often sit for long periods, tire condition matters just as much as tread depth.

Storage habits also affect service life. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve both the rubber and the appearance of blackwall or whitewall tires. Any Lark that has been sitting for an extended period deserves a full tire inspection before a longer drive, even if the tires still look presentable at first glance.