1959 Studebaker Silver Hawk Tires

The 1959 Studebaker Silver Hawk uses two primary bias-ply tire sizes: 6.50-15 and 670-15. The 8 Cyl. model uses 670-15, while the 6 Cyl. model can use either 6.50-15 or 670-15, both on 15-inch rims.

That means the first step is confirming which sub-model you have before choosing a tire. Once the exact fitment is settled, selection becomes more about construction style, sidewall appearance, and product range, especially since 670-15 has the broader assortment and also has radial-equivalent options that 6.50-15 does not share here.

The primary tire sizes used on the 1959 Studebaker Silver Hawk both mount on 15-inch rims. That applies to 6.50-15 and 670-15, so rim diameter stays consistent even though the tire size can vary by sub-model.

Diameter is only part of the fitment picture, though, especially on a collector car that may have had wheel changes over the years. It is wise to confirm the actual wheel width before ordering, because product specifications within 670-15 can vary and radial-equivalent consideration also makes rim-width and clearance checks more important.

No. The 1959 Studebaker Silver Hawk 8 Cyl. uses 670-15, while the 6 Cyl. version can use either 6.50-15 or 670-15. Both are bias-ply sizes for 15-inch wheels, but the fitment is not completely identical across the covered sub-models.

That difference matters because it changes the range of tire choices available to you. A 670-15 opens the door to a much larger assortment of period-style products and to radial-equivalent options, while a car set up for 6.50-15 should be checked carefully so the tire choice matches the wheel and the specific sub-model configuration.

On the 1959 Studebaker Silver Hawk, 670-15 is a primary bias-ply tire size. It is the main fitment for the 8 Cyl. model and also applies to the 6 Cyl., so its original fitment role on this car is clearly rooted in bias-ply construction.

That distinction matters because a bias-ply tire preserves the vintage construction style and appearance associated with the car’s era. If a Silver Hawk owner wants to explore radial behavior instead, the radial choice should be approached as an equivalent-size alternative, with attention paid to wheel width, overall setup, and available fender and steering clearance.

Radial equivalents for 670-15 include 195R15 as an 80-series metric radial, P205/75R15 as a P-metric 75-series radial, P215/70R15 as a P-metric 70-series radial, and 670R15 as a bias-look radial. The recommended rim-width range for these equivalents is 5 to 7 inches.

Those options give you several ways to compare radial sizing while staying with a 15-inch wheel, but they should not be treated as automatic substitutes. It is smart to verify the actual wheel width on the car and then check section width, clearance, and the vehicle’s overall stance before changing from the original bias-ply format.

A 670R15 bias-look radial is available as a radial equivalent for the 670-15 fitment used on the 1959 Studebaker Silver Hawk. It gives owners a radial-construction option that is meant to retain a more traditional tire presentation than a modern-looking metric radial.

That can be appealing on a Silver Hawk where appearance matters as much as road manners, but the conversion still needs careful checking. Wheel width, overall dimensions, and body and steering clearance should all be verified first, especially if the car has replacement wheels, suspension changes, or a setup that differs from stock-era specifications.

Start by confirming that 670-15 is the correct primary size for your specific Silver Hawk, since it is standard on the 8 Cyl. and also used on some 6 Cyl. cars. After size is confirmed, compare construction, sidewall style, tire series, and the rim-width specification attached to the individual product.

The right choice depends on how the car will be presented and used. A blackwall gives a plainer look, while narrow and wide whitewalls change the car’s period character considerably. It also helps to compare load figures and product details carefully so the tire suits both the wheel and the driving expectations for the car.

For the 670-15 fitment used on the 1959 Studebaker Silver Hawk, available sidewall styles include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall. Those choices appear across several brands and vintage-style tire series, giving the car a noticeably different visual character without changing the primary size.

Appearance is often the deciding factor on a car from this era. A blackwall tends to create a more restrained look, while whitewall treatments move the Silver Hawk toward a stronger late-1950s presentation. The best pick depends on the style of restoration or preservation you want, along with the correct size and wheel compatibility.

In 670-15, the 1959 Studebaker Silver Hawk has options from Firestone, US Royal, Coker Classic, Universal Vintage Tire, BFGoodrich, Avon, Goodyear, Excelsior, and STA. Those brands appear across multiple period-style bias-ply series, with a mix of blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall presentations.

Brand choice should be considered alongside the specific tire series, sidewall treatment, and wheel requirements rather than as a standalone decision. Two tires may share the same nominal size but differ in visual emphasis, rim-width guidance, load figure, or overall character, so it is worth comparing the full specification before making a final selection.

For a period-style 1959 Studebaker Silver Hawk, the starting point is the correct primary bias-ply size for the exact sub-model, with 670-15 being the broadest fitment and 6.50-15 also applying to the 6 Cyl. version. Staying with bias-ply construction keeps the tire format aligned with the car’s late-1950s character.

From there, appearance usually comes down to sidewall treatment and series style rather than size alone. A restoration-oriented owner should compare blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall options against the car’s trim and intended presentation. If exact originality matters, marque-specific references and period vehicle documentation remain the best final check.

Tire construction changes more than road feel on a restored 1959 Studebaker Silver Hawk; it also changes the car’s visual impression. A bias-ply tire maintains the traditional shape and era-appropriate presentation associated with the Silver Hawk’s original period, while a radial can alter that look even when overall size is kept close.

That is why many owners decide on construction only after deciding how authentic or relaxed they want the finished car to feel. A bias-look radial can help bridge that gap on a 670-15 setup, but appearance should still be judged alongside wheel width, tire profile, and the overall stance the car has once mounted.

Yes. Modifications can absolutely affect tire fitment on a 1959 Studebaker Silver Hawk, even when the nominal tire size is correct. Aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, altered offset, suspension changes, or body adjustments can all influence how a 6.50-15, 670-15, or a radial equivalent sits and clears.

That is especially important on a car that may have been updated over time. A Silver Hawk with replacement wheels should have the actual rim diameter and width confirmed before tire selection, and any radial-equivalent change deserves an extra check of turning clearance, fender space, and how the tire sits under normal load.

Before driving a 1959 Studebaker Silver Hawk on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, and overall mounting condition, then confirm tire pressure and look for even seating around the rim. It is also worth checking suspension and steering components so the new tires are not asked to compensate for worn parts.

A careful first inspection helps the car track and wear properly from the start. After a short initial drive, recheck pressure and look for any signs of rubbing, uneven contact, or air loss. Collector cars that sit for long periods benefit from regular follow-up checks because low annual mileage can hide problems until road use begins.

670-15 tires on a collector 1959 Studebaker Silver Hawk should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual sidewall inspection, and periodic tread review even if the car is driven only occasionally. A vintage vehicle can spend long periods parked, so aging, flat spotting, and unnoticed air loss matter as much as tread wear.

Storage conditions also play a major role in tire life. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, heat, and ozone sources helps protect the rubber, and moving the vehicle periodically can reduce stress from sitting in one position. Any sign of cracking, bulges, cuts, or persistent pressure loss deserves prompt attention before road use.