1962 Studebaker Hawk Tires

The 1962 Studebaker Hawk uses a 670-15 tire size. That is a numeric bias-ply size mounted on a 15-inch rim, and it is the primary fitment for the covered Hawk application.

For most owners, the fitment question is less about choosing between multiple primary sizes and more about selecting the right tire within 670-15. Sidewall style, brand, tire series, and wheel-width compatibility all matter, and any Hawk that has been modified with different wheels or suspension parts should be checked before assuming the original-size tire remains the best match.

The 1962 Studebaker Hawk uses a 15-inch rim with its 670-15 tire size. The tire code itself confirms the 15-inch rim diameter, which is the wheel diameter the tire is designed to mount on.

Rim diameter is only part of the picture, especially on a collector car that may no longer have its original wheels. Before choosing a tire, it is smart to confirm both wheel diameter and wheel width, then compare those measurements with the rim-width range tied to the specific tire being considered so the tire profile and fit remain appropriate.

Yes. The 1962 Studebaker Hawk 8 Cyl. uses the same 670-15 bias-ply tire size as the covered Hawk fitment. That keeps tire selection fairly simple at the sub-model level.

Because the sub-model does not introduce a different primary size, the real comparison shifts to construction and appearance choices within 670-15. A period-style blackwall or whitewall bias-ply can keep the car visually traditional, while a radial equivalent may be worth evaluating if road use is the priority and the wheel setup has been carefully confirmed.

On the 1962 Studebaker Hawk, 670-15 is the primary bias-ply tire size. It is a vintage numeric bias-ply format rather than a modern radial designation, and that construction is central to the car’s original-style tire presentation.

Staying with bias-ply construction typically appeals to owners who want a traditional look and period-style feel. Switching away from it changes the decision from simply replacing a tire to evaluating an alternative setup, so wheel width, tire dimensions, and available clearance should all be reviewed before moving from the original-style construction to a radial option.

Radial equivalents for 670-15 include 195R15, P205/75R15, P215/70R15, and 670R15. Those cover an 80-series metric radial, a 75-series P-metric radial, a 70-series P-metric radial, and a bias-look radial equivalent.

These options do not all present the tire in the same way, even though each serves as a radial comparison for the original size. The recommended rim-width range associated with these equivalents is 5 to 7 inches, and any conversion should also account for the actual wheel on the car, plus steering, suspension, and fender clearance before finalizing the change.

Yes, a 670R15 bias-look radial is available as a radial equivalent for the 1962 Studebaker Hawk’s original 670-15 size. It offers a radial construction while aiming to preserve a more traditional visual character than a modern metric radial typically does.

That makes it especially relevant for owners who want to move away from bias-ply construction without giving the car an obviously later tire appearance. Even so, it should still be treated as an alternative rather than an automatic substitute, with attention given to rim-width suitability, mounted dimensions, and how the Hawk’s current wheel and suspension setup affects clearance.

Start with the correct primary size, which is 670-15, then narrow the choice by construction, sidewall style, and intended use. For the 1962 Studebaker Hawk, the main comparison is usually among bias-ply options that vary in appearance, brand, series, rim-width specification, weight, and in some cases load capacity.

A restoration-oriented car may call for a more traditional blackwall or whitewall presentation, while a road-driven Hawk may justify closer attention to wheel-width compatibility and whether a radial equivalent is under consideration. It also helps to inspect the actual wheels on the car, since replacement rims or long-ago modifications can affect which tire within the same nominal size makes the most sense.

The 1962 Studebaker Hawk’s 670-15 tire size is available in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles. That range gives the car owner several distinct visual directions while staying within the correct primary tire size.

Sidewall choice has a major effect on how the Hawk looks at a glance, especially on a car from the early 1960s where whitewall treatment can strongly influence the finished presentation. The right pick depends on the appearance you want to create, and it is worth comparing sidewall width carefully so the tire complements the car rather than overpowering it.

Tires in the 1962 Studebaker Hawk’s 670-15 size are available from Firestone, BFGoodrich, US Royal, Goodyear, Universal Vintage Tire, Excelsior, Avon, and STA. These brands appear across several bias-ply series and sidewall treatments rather than as one uniform type of tire.

Brand is only one part of the decision. It helps to compare each option by tire series, blackwall or whitewall style, rim-width specification, and whether the tire’s overall character matches the way the Hawk is being restored or driven. That approach usually leads to a better choice than selecting by name alone.

A period-style 1962 Studebaker Hawk generally starts with the original-size 670-15 bias-ply format. Within that size, the visual direction can vary quite a bit depending on whether the car looks right with a blackwall, a narrow whitewall, or one of the wider whitewall treatments available.

For many restorations, preserving the traditional construction and proportions matters as much as the size itself. Exact originality can be more specific than size alone, so owners pursuing a highly authentic result should compare the tire choice with marque references, build documentation, and period photography before settling on a particular brand or whitewall width.

Tire construction changes more than road feel on a restored 1962 Studebaker Hawk; it also changes how the car presents visually. A 670-15 bias-ply keeps the car in its original-style sizing language, while a radial alternative can introduce a more modern visual impression depending on the exact equivalent chosen.

That difference is especially noticeable on a car where sidewall profile and stance play a large role in the finished look. Owners who want a traditional appearance often stay with bias-ply or explore a bias-look radial, while those moving to metric or P-metric radials should compare the full mounted presentation, not just the size code on paper.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1962 Studebaker Hawk even when the intended tire size is still 670-15. Changes to wheel width, wheel offset, suspension height, steering components, or body clearance can all influence how a tire sits and moves through its travel.

That matters even more when comparing the original bias-ply size with a radial equivalent, since the wheel and tire package may not behave exactly the same way. A Hawk with aftermarket wheels or altered ride height should be measured carefully at full steering lock and under suspension movement before a replacement tire is chosen.

Before driving a 1962 Studebaker Hawk on new tires, inspect wheel condition, lug hardware, valve stems, inflation pressure, and visible clearance around the fenders and suspension. It also helps to confirm that the tire size and rim diameter match the wheels actually installed on the car.

A short test drive should be used to watch for rubbing, unusual steering feel, vibration, or signs that the car has alignment or suspension issues unrelated to the tire itself. On a collector vehicle, it is also wise to inspect older spare tires and to recheck pressure after the first outings, since long storage habits often leave tires underinflated.

670-15 tires on a collector 1962 Studebaker Hawk should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspection, and careful storage habits. Sidewall cracking, tread damage, bulges, cuts, and gradual air loss deserve attention even if the car is driven only occasionally.

Collector cars often age their tires through time and storage as much as mileage, so the Hawk should be kept away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources when possible. A slow-drive inspection before each outing is a good habit, especially after the car has been parked for extended periods or moved infrequently.