The 1962 Volvo 122 sits in the middle of Volvo’s durable, upright sedan and wagon era, a period when these cars earned a reputation for solid road manners and long service life. That practicality makes tire selection especially important today, because many surviving cars are still driven rather than simply displayed. Tire fitment on the 1962 Volvo 122 spans both radial and bias-ply choices, with all primary sizes built around a 15-inch rim. That opens the door to blackwall and whitewall presentations, traditional bias-ply series, and select radial-equivalent paths for certain sizes. The right choice depends on the exact sub-model, the look you want, and whether the car remains close to its original wheel setup.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1962 Volvo 122
The 1962 Volvo 122 uses four primary tire sizes, and the correct one depends first on the exact sub-model. All of them fit a 15-inch rim, but construction varies between radial and bias-ply, so the real decision starts with confirming whether the car is an S Series or S Wagon and then choosing the tire style, appearance, and construction that match how the car will be used.
165R15 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 165 represents nominal section width in millimeters, R indicates radial construction, and 15 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1962 Volvo 122, this size brings a more modern radial sizing convention while staying within the vehicle’s 15-inch wheel format. Available choices include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall tires from brands such as Coker Classic, American Classic, Firestone, BFGoodrich, Michelin, and Vredestein across several radial series. This size is the one to evaluate when the car uses the radial fitment and the goal is a traditional look with radial construction.
590-15 is a numeric bias-ply size, with the leading number expressing nominal section width in inches with the decimal omitted, or about 5.90 inches, and 15 identifying the rim diameter. For a 1962 Volvo 122 using this fitment, the size reflects an earlier bias-ply convention that matters to owners preserving a distinctly vintage driving feel and tire profile. Product choices include blackwall and wide whitewall versions, with BFGoodrich offerings in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series and an Avon Turbospeed Mk4 option. This size is worth retaining when period-style presentation and original-type construction are central to the car’s character.
640-15 is another numeric bias-ply size, indicating roughly 6.40 inches of nominal section width and a 15-inch wheel diameter. On the 1962 Volvo 122, it serves as a wider vintage bias-ply fitment and brings a different visual and dimensional starting point than the smaller 590-15. Available tires span blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles from BFGoodrich, Firestone, Avon, and Excelsior, with several classic bias-ply series represented. This size deserves close attention when selecting for a wagon or any car that currently carries the wider 15-inch bias-ply setup.
7.35-15 is a numeric bias-ply size using the same basic vintage convention, with the first number expressing nominal width and the final number identifying a 15-inch rim. For the 1962 Volvo 122, this is one of the wagon-associated bias-ply sizes and should be treated as a distinct fitment rather than assumed to match the sedan-oriented choices. Because tire selection starts with the exact sub-model and wheel setup, this size should be confirmed carefully before moving on to appearance or construction preferences. It is the right size to investigate only when the car’s wagon configuration and wheel combination call for it.
Tire fitment for the 1962 Volvo 122 is not the same across every covered sub-model. Checking whether the car is an S Series or S Wagon matters first, because the available sizes and construction choices change with the sub-model.
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1962 Volvo 122 S Series
The 1962 Volvo 122 S Series uses either a 165R15 radial or a 590-15 bias-ply fitment on a 15-inch rim. That gives the owner a clear choice between a radial-style setup and a more traditional bias-ply presentation, making construction and appearance just as important as size.
The 1962 Volvo 122 S Wagon uses bias-ply sizing, with 640-15 and 7.35-15 associated with this sub-model. Tire selection here starts with confirming the wagon’s current wheel and size setup, then choosing among the available bias-ply sidewall treatments and series.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1962 Volvo 122
Radial equivalents are available for two primary 1962 Volvo 122 bias-ply sizes. For 590-15, the alternatives are 165R15 as an 80-series metric radial, P165/75R15 as a 75-series P-metric radial, and P175/70R15 as a 70-series P-metric radial, with a recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches. For 640-15, the equivalents are 175R15, P175/75R15, and P185/70R15, with a 5 to 6 inch rim-width range. These options follow different sizing conventions and profiles, so wheel width, overall dimensions, and clearance should be checked before changing construction.
Modern Radial Equivalents
165R15
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (590-15)
P165/75R15
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (590-15)
P175/70R15
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (590-15)
175R15
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (640-15)
P175/75R15
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (640-15)
P185/70R15
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (640-15)
Important Considerations When Replacing Bias Ply With Radial
Compare overall diameter and section width carefully to ensure proper fit.
Verify recommended rim range (5-6 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 1962 Volvo 122 Tires for Sale
Available 1962 Volvo 122 tire choices include radial and bias-ply options from Coker Classic, American Classic, Firestone, BFGoodrich, Michelin, Vredestein, Avon, and Excelsior. Buyers can compare blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall treatments across several classic tire series built for 15-inch fitment.
Common 1962 Volvo 122 tire questions usually come down to the exact sub-model, the correct 15-inch tire size, whether to stay with bias-ply or consider a radial equivalent, and how appearance, wheel fitment, and road-use checks affect the final choice.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1962 Volvo 122?
The 1962 Volvo 122 uses four primary tire sizes: 165R15, 590-15, 640-15, and 7.35-15. The correct fitment depends on the exact sub-model, with the S Series using 165R15 radial or 590-15 bias-ply, while the S Wagon uses 640-15 and 7.35-15 bias-ply sizes.
The first step is confirming whether the car is an S Series or an S Wagon, then checking the wheel setup currently on the car. Since these sizes all share a 15-inch rim diameter but differ in construction and width convention, the right tire is chosen by sub-model and wheel compatibility rather than by rim diameter alone.
What size rim does a 1962 Volvo 122 use?
Every primary tire size associated with the 1962 Volvo 122 uses a 15-inch rim. That includes the radial 165R15 fitment and the bias-ply sizes 590-15, 640-15, and 7.35-15, so wheel diameter remains consistent even though the tire sizing systems differ.
That common 15-inch diameter simplifies one part of the decision, but it does not make all four tire sizes interchangeable. Wheel width still matters, especially when comparing bias-ply sizes to radial alternatives, so it is smart to confirm the actual wheel dimensions on the car before selecting a replacement tire.
Why does the 1962 Volvo 122 have more than one tire size?
More than one tire size appears because the 1962 Volvo 122 includes different sub-model fitments and both radial and bias-ply tire conventions. The S Series carries either a 165R15 radial or a 590-15 bias-ply fitment, while the S Wagon is associated with larger bias-ply sizes such as 640-15 and 7.35-15.
That means the real question is not which size sounds closest, but which size belongs on the exact version of the car and matches its current wheels. Owners should verify the sub-model, inspect the wheels already installed, and avoid assuming that a different 15-inch tire size is automatically suitable just because it shares the same rim diameter.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 590-15 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1962 Volvo 122?
590-15 is a bias-ply tire size on the 1962 Volvo 122. It uses a vintage numeric sizing format, and available products in this size are offered in bias-ply construction rather than radial construction, making it part of the car’s traditional tire-fitment path.
That distinction matters because a bias-ply setup affects both appearance and the kind of replacement choices available. Anyone considering a change from 590-15 to a radial alternative should compare wheel width, tire dimensions, and clearance carefully rather than treating the radial option as an automatic substitute.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 590-15 on a 1962 Volvo 122?
Radial equivalents for 590-15 include 165R15 as an 80-series metric radial, P165/75R15 as a 75-series P-metric radial, and P175/70R15 as a 70-series P-metric radial. The recommended rim-width range associated with these equivalents is 4 to 5 inches.
Those options give the owner several ways to move from a vintage bias-ply size into radial sizing, but they are not all the same type of conversion. The best next step is to confirm actual wheel width on the car and compare the tire’s overall dimensions and clearance needs before choosing among the metric or P-metric alternatives.
What should I check before converting my 1962 Volvo 122 from bias-ply to radial tires?
Start by confirming the original bias-ply size on the car, then match it only to a radial equivalent that is actually associated with that size. On a 1962 Volvo 122, 590-15 and 640-15 both have radial-equivalent paths, while 165R15 is already a radial primary fitment.
Wheel width is one of the most important checks, especially because the equivalent recommendations include specific rim-width ranges. It is also wise to inspect front-end condition, steering clearance, fender clearance, and suspension height, since a car that has been modified or fitted with different wheels may respond differently than one with its original setup.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 1962 Volvo 122 tire?
Begin with the exact sub-model and correct primary tire size, because the 1962 Volvo 122 uses different fitments for the S Series and S Wagon. After that, the main considerations are construction type, sidewall style, brand, tire series, and whether the car is staying with a vintage bias-ply setup or using a radial fitment.
Appearance and wheel compatibility often decide the final choice. A blackwall tire gives a more understated look, while narrow or wide whitewalls shift the car’s visual character, and the wheel width should always be checked before narrowing the options, especially when choosing among different radial series or evaluating a bias-ply-to-radial change.
What sidewall styles are available for 1962 Volvo 122 tires?
1962 Volvo 122 tires are available in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles, depending on the tire size and series. Those sidewall treatments appear across both radial and bias-ply offerings, so the visual choice is broader than simply selecting between modern-looking and vintage-looking construction.
The right sidewall style depends on how the car is being finished and driven. A blackwall can suit a restrained factory-era appearance, while whitewalls create a more pronounced period-style presentation, but the sidewall treatment should still be chosen only after confirming the correct size and construction for the car’s sub-model and wheel setup.
What brands offer tires for the 1962 Volvo 122?
Brands available for the 1962 Volvo 122 include Coker Classic, American Classic, Firestone, BFGoodrich, Michelin, Vredestein, Avon, and Excelsior. The mix varies by size, with the 165R15 radial fitment showing the broadest brand spread and the bias-ply sizes concentrating more on traditional vintage-style series.
Brand choice is most useful after narrowing the tire by size and construction. Once that is settled, compare each option by sidewall treatment, tire series character, rim-width compatibility, and any load information that matters to the vehicle’s use, rather than choosing a tire by brand name alone.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1962 Volvo 122?
A period-style 1962 Volvo 122 usually starts with the correct primary size for the exact sub-model and then narrows to the construction that suits the car’s intended character. The bias-ply sizes 590-15, 640-15, and 7.35-15 preserve a distinctly vintage presentation, while 165R15 offers a radial fitment that still looks appropriate on many traditionally styled cars.
The final decision often comes down to how strictly the restoration follows period appearance versus how the car will be driven. When exact originality matters, period photography, marque references, and model-specific restoration guidance are worth checking so the chosen sidewall style and construction align with the car’s historical presentation.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1962 Volvo 122?
Tire construction changes more than ride feel on a restored 1962 Volvo 122; it also changes the car’s visual stance and overall presentation. A bias-ply tire tends to support a more traditional vintage look, while a radial such as 165R15 brings a later-style tire format that can still remain visually sympathetic depending on the sidewall chosen.
Sidewall treatment then becomes the finishing detail, with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall options shaping how formal or restrained the car appears. Construction should be chosen with the full restoration goal in mind, especially if the car is expected to balance authentic visual character with regular road use.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1962 Volvo 122?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1962 Volvo 122 even when the tire size itself is correct for the model. Aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, suspension changes, ride-height adjustments, or body and brake changes can all alter the space available for a 15-inch tire.
That is especially important when moving between bias-ply and radial constructions or when considering a radial equivalent for a bias-ply size. A modified car should be checked for steering lock clearance, inner-fender clearance, and wheel compatibility before a new set is installed, since the original fitment assumptions may no longer apply.
What should I inspect before driving a 1962 Volvo 122 on new tires?
Before driving a 1962 Volvo 122 on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and usable condition, confirm lug hardware and valve stems, and make sure the tires are inflated appropriately for the chosen tire and wheel setup. It also helps to check that the car sits evenly and steers freely without rubbing.
The rest of the car deserves attention too, particularly on a low-use collector vehicle. Look for worn steering parts, loose suspension components, brake drag, and any signs that the old tires may have masked alignment issues, because new tires can only perform properly when the supporting chassis is in sound condition.
How should 1962 Volvo 122 tires be maintained?
1962 Volvo 122 tires should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspection of tread and sidewalls, and periodic review of the car’s alignment and suspension condition. Collector cars often accumulate age before mileage, so cracking, flat spotting, bulges, and slow air loss matter just as much as tread depth.
Storage conditions make a real difference on a vintage Volvo. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the rubber, and it is wise to inspect the tires before each drive if the car is used only occasionally rather than as a daily driver.
