1962 Studebaker Lark Tires

The 1962 Studebaker Lark uses three primary tire sizes: 600-15, 6.50-15, and 670-15. All three are bias-ply sizes for 15-inch rims, but they do not apply uniformly across the full Lark range. Some six-cylinder models use 600-15 or 6.50-15, while several wagon, convertible, and V8 configurations use 6.50-15 or 670-15.

The most important step is identifying the exact sub-model before choosing a tire. A Lark sedan, wagon, or convertible may not share the same fitment, and many cars have had wheels changed over the years. Confirm the current wheel diameter and the size already on the car, then compare available bias-ply products or size-specific radial equivalents where they exist.

The tire sizes used on the 1962 Studebaker Lark are all built around a 15-inch rim diameter. That applies to 600-15, 6.50-15, and 670-15, so the wheel diameter stays consistent even though the tire widths vary by sub-model and application.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, especially on a collector car that may no longer have its original wheels. Rim width also matters when comparing tires within these vintage sizes, and it becomes even more important when considering a radial equivalent. Measuring the actual wheel on the car is the safest way to avoid choosing a tire that mismatches the wheel or the vehicle's clearance.

The 1962 Studebaker Lark was offered in several body styles and engine configurations, so tire fitment is not limited to one size across the entire model line. The covered range includes six-cylinder cars, wagons, convertibles, and V8 versions, and those configurations use combinations of 600-15, 6.50-15, and 670-15 bias-ply tires.

That means the model name alone is not enough to choose a tire. Owners should match the tire to the exact sub-model first, then verify the wheel that is actually on the car today. Once the correct size family is established, the decision becomes more straightforward: blackwall or whitewall styling, tire series, and whether a radial equivalent is available for that specific size.

On the 1962 Studebaker Lark, 670-15 is a primary bias-ply tire size. It is part of the original-style fitment pattern used on several larger-fitment Lark sub-models, and the available products in this size are bias-ply tires across a wide range of brands, sidewall styles, and vintage tire series.

A radial option enters the picture only when you move from the primary fitment to an equivalent size. That distinction matters, because a radial equivalent is an alternative to evaluate rather than the original construction format for this size. Wheel width, overall dimensions, and steering or fender clearance should all be checked before changing from a 670-15 bias-ply to any radial alternative.

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 options give the 1962 Studebaker Lark owner several ways to compare a radial alternative while staying within the same 15-inch wheel diameter family.

Each of those sizes represents a slightly different sizing convention and profile approach, so they should be treated as alternatives to compare rather than automatic substitutes. The recommended rim-width range associated with the 670-15 radial-equivalent group is 5-7 inches. Checking the actual wheel width, the vehicle's current stance, and available clearance around suspension and bodywork is the right next step before converting.

Start by confirming the exact primary size on the car and then matching it to one of the actual radial equivalents available for that size. On this Lark, equivalents are present for 600-15 and 670-15, not for every listed primary size. The wheel's 15-inch diameter is only the starting point, since the wheel width must also suit the radial size being considered.

Beyond the wheel itself, compare the tire's dimensions against the car's real-world clearance at the fenders, steering, and suspension. A collector car may also have replacement wheels, sagging springs, or stance changes that affect the result. The conversion decision should balance appearance goals, intended road use, and the vehicle's actual setup rather than relying on size code alone.

Choosing a 670-15 tire for a 1962 Studebaker Lark starts with confirming that 670-15 is the correct size for the exact sub-model and wheel currently on the car. From there, the main variables are bias-ply construction, sidewall style, brand, tire series, rim-width compatibility, and product details such as load capacity and weight.

This size has one of the broadest assortments in the Lark range, so the decision often comes down to how the car will be presented and driven. A blackwall can create a plainer, more understated look, while narrow or wide whitewalls push the car in a more restoration-oriented direction. Owners considering a radial equivalent should keep that separate from the primary 670-15 bias-ply choice.

Available sidewall styles for 1962 Studebaker Lark tires include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall, depending on the size. In 600-15, the main choices are blackwall and wide whitewall. In 670-15, the assortment expands to blackwall, narrow whitewall, and several wide whitewall treatments across multiple vintage brands and tire series.

Sidewall style changes the car's appearance more than the size code alone, so it helps to decide whether the goal is a cleaner driver look or a stronger period-style presentation. The right visual choice still has to be made within the correct tire size for the sub-model. Once the fitment is confirmed, the sidewall becomes a styling decision rather than a guessing game.

Tires for the 1962 Studebaker Lark are available from BFGoodrich, Firestone, US Royal, Goodyear, Universal Vintage Tire, Coker Classic, Excelsior, Avon, and STA, depending on size. The 600-15 offerings are more limited, while 670-15 has a much broader mix of brands and vintage-style series.

Brand choice is best treated as one part of the decision rather than the whole decision. Size, wheel compatibility, sidewall treatment, and the overall character of the tire series matter just as much on a collector-era car. Once the correct fitment is established, comparing brands becomes more useful because the choices are being judged within the right size and intended appearance.

A period-style 1962 Studebaker Lark tire choice starts with the correct primary bias-ply size for the exact sub-model: 600-15, 6.50-15, or 670-15. From there, the most restoration-oriented selections are usually bias-ply tires with the sidewall treatment that matches the car's intended presentation, whether that means blackwall, narrow whitewall, or wide whitewall.

The right visual result depends on both the body style and the owner's restoration goals, not just the size code. A broad whitewall can give the car a more distinctly early-1960s look, while blackwall remains more restrained. When exact originality matters, the final decision should be checked against marque-specific historical references, surviving examples, or restoration documentation for that configuration.

Tire construction has a visible effect on a restored 1962 Studebaker Lark because the car's primary fitments are bias-ply sizes. A bias-ply tire usually preserves the traditional shape and presentation associated with early-1960s American compact cars, especially when paired with an appropriate blackwall or whitewall sidewall treatment.

A radial equivalent can change the visual impression even when it stays within the same general size family. That does not make it wrong, but it does move the car away from a strictly traditional tire presentation. Owners restoring for driving comfort and regular road use may weigh that differently than owners chasing a more period-style look tied closely to vintage construction.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1962 Studebaker Lark even when the car is being fitted with one of its correct 15-inch size families. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel widths, suspension changes, lowering, or bodywork repairs can all change the available room for a 600-15, 6.50-15, 670-15, or any radial equivalent being considered.

That matters because collector cars often differ from their original configuration after decades of use and repair. A tire that is correct by size code may still create clearance or appearance issues on a modified car. Measuring the actual wheel, checking steering travel, and inspecting fender and suspension clearance are sensible steps before mounting new tires or changing construction type.

Before driving a 1962 Studebaker Lark on new tires, inspect the wheel condition, confirm the wheel diameter and width, and make sure the tires are mounted in the correct size for the exact sub-model. It also helps to check inflation, valve stems, and whether the tires clear the fenders and suspension through steering travel and normal ride height.

A newly mounted tire can still reveal other problems the first time the car is driven, especially on an older vehicle. Worn steering components, weak springs, poor alignment, or mismatched wheels can affect how the car behaves and whether the tire sits properly in the wheel opening. A careful short test drive and a follow-up visual inspection are worthwhile before any longer trip.

670-15 tires on a collector 1962 Studebaker Lark should be maintained with regular pressure checks, periodic visual inspections, and close attention to aging even if the car is driven sparingly. Sidewall cracking, tread separation signs, bulges, cuts, and unexplained air loss all deserve attention, because low-use collector vehicles can age tires out long before tread wears out.

Storage conditions matter almost as much as mileage on a vintage car. Keeping the Lark away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps protect the tire over time. It is also smart to inspect the tires before every meaningful drive, since a car that sits for long periods can develop flat spotting, pressure loss, or other condition issues between outings.