The 1964 Buick Riviera arrived at the height of the personal luxury car era, blending crisp GM styling with the long, low presence buyers still associate with early Rivieras. That character matters when tire choice comes into the picture, because this car uses 15-inch bias-ply fitments in either 710-15 or 760-15, depending on the setup being matched. Within those sizes, there is meaningful variety in whitewall treatment, blackwall appearance, and classic tire series from names such as BFGoodrich, Firestone, Goodyear, Coker Classic, Universal Vintage Tire, and US Royal. The right selection comes down to confirming size first, then balancing period-style appearance, construction preference, and road-use expectations.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1964 Buick Riviera
The 1964 Buick Riviera uses two primary tire sizes, both in bias-ply construction on 15-inch rims. Since the Riviera Base can be associated with either 710-15 or 760-15, the key step is confirming which size is on the car now and checking the wheel width before choosing among whitewall, blackwall, or radial-equivalent alternatives.
In a numeric bias-ply size like 710-15, the 710 refers to a nominal section width of about 7.10 inches, while 15 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. For a 1964 Buick Riviera, this is a traditional bias-ply fitment that preserves the driving character and visual stance associated with the period. Available choices include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall designs across Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, Firestone Classic Bias Ply, Universal Classic Bias Ply, US Royal Classic Bias Ply, and Goodyear Super Cushion series. It is a useful size to evaluate when matching an existing wheel setup or pursuing a more specific restoration-oriented appearance.
The 760-15 code follows the same vintage numeric bias-ply system, with 760 indicating a nominal section width of about 7.60 inches and 15 indicating a 15-inch rim. On the 1964 Buick Riviera, this remains a bias-ply fitment and should be matched carefully to the wheel and overall setup already on the car. Product choices lean heavily toward wide whitewall styles, with additional narrow whitewall options in series such as Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, Coker Classic Bias Ply, Universal Classic Bias Ply, and Goodyear Super Cushion Deluxe. This size deserves close attention when the goal is a fuller period-style look or when replacing an existing 760-15 installation.
Sub-model fitment is straightforward here, because the 1964 Buick Riviera Base is the covered configuration, but tire choice still requires attention since two primary sizes appear within that model line. Checking the size already fitted to the car and confirming wheel width will help narrow the correct replacement path.
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1964 Buick Riviera Base
The 1964 Buick Riviera Base is associated with both 710-15 and 760-15 bias-ply tires on 15-inch rims. That makes the selection process less about trim level and more about confirming the actual wheel-and-tire setup on the car before choosing a period-style bias-ply tire or considering a radial equivalent.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1964 Buick Riviera
For the 1964 Buick Riviera, both primary bias-ply sizes have four radial-equivalent options. For 710-15, the choices are 205R15 as an 80-series metric radial, P215/75R15 as a 75-series P-metric radial, P225/70R15 as a 70-series P-metric radial, and 710R15 as a bias-look radial. For 760-15, the equivalents are 215R15, P225/75R15, P235/70R15, and 760R15 in the same sequence. The mix gives you traditional metric, P-metric, and bias-look presentations, with a 6-8 inch recommended rim-width range, but wheel compatibility and clearance should still be checked before changing sizes or construction.
Modern Radial Equivalents
205R15
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (710-15)
P215/75R15
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (710-15)
P225/70R15
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (710-15)
710R15
Bias-look Radial Equivalent (710-15)
215R15
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (760-15)
P225/75R15
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (760-15)
P235/70R15
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (760-15)
760R15
Bias-look Radial Equivalent (760-15)
Important Considerations When Replacing Bias Ply With Radial
Compare overall diameter and section width carefully to ensure proper fit.
Verify recommended rim range (6-8 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 1964 Buick Riviera Tires for Sale
Available 1964 Buick Riviera tire choices center on 710-15 and 760-15 bias-ply sizes from BFGoodrich, Firestone, Goodyear, Coker Classic, Universal Vintage Tire, and US Royal. The strongest differences in the product grid are sidewall style, tire series, load specification, and rim-width fitment.
These FAQs focus on the actual tire decisions for a 1964 Buick Riviera, including 710-15 versus 760-15 sizing, 15-inch rim fitment, bias-ply and radial-equivalent choices, period-style appearance, and the checks that matter before road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1964 Buick Riviera?
A 1964 Buick Riviera uses one of two primary bias-ply tire sizes: 710-15 or 760-15. Both are 15-inch fitments, and the Riviera Base can be associated with either size, so the car should not be assumed to use only one of them without a closer look at the current setup.
The practical step is to confirm the size already on the car, then check that against the wheel width before ordering a replacement. Since both sizes are correct-type fitments for this Riviera, the real decision usually becomes matching the car’s existing wheel-and-tire combination, preferred sidewall style, and whether a traditional bias-ply or radial-equivalent path makes more sense.
What size rim does a 1964 Buick Riviera use?
The 1964 Buick Riviera uses a 15-inch rim with both of its primary tire sizes, 710-15 and 760-15. Rim diameter is the shared constant between those fitments, even though the two tire sizes represent different nominal section widths within the vintage numeric bias-ply sizing system.
That 15-inch diameter is only part of the fitment picture, because wheel width also matters when choosing among available tires or considering a radial equivalent. A Riviera that has been changed to different wheels over the years may still wear a 15-inch rim, but not necessarily the same width, so measuring the actual wheel before making a final selection is worthwhile.
Why does the 1964 Buick Riviera have more than one tire size?
The 1964 Buick Riviera appears with two primary bias-ply sizes, 710-15 and 760-15, rather than a single universal size. Both belong to the same vintage 15-inch fitment family, but they represent different nominal widths, which is why both need to be considered when matching tires to an individual car.
For an owner, that means the first job is identifying which size the car is set up for now instead of choosing by model name alone. Looking at the existing tires, checking wheel width, and considering whether the car remains stock or has had wheel changes will usually answer the question more effectively than relying on appearance alone.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 710-15 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1964 Buick Riviera?
On a 1964 Buick Riviera, 710-15 is a primary bias-ply tire size. It uses the vintage numeric bias-ply sizing system, where the number reflects nominal section width and the final number indicates the 15-inch rim diameter rather than a modern metric radial format.
That matters because a buyer choosing 710-15 can stay with a traditional bias-ply construction or compare it to radial-equivalent options separately. Remaining with bias-ply usually suits a more period-style presentation, while moving to a radial alternative calls for extra attention to wheel width, overall dimensions, and clearance around suspension and body components.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 710-15 and 760-15?
For 710-15, radial equivalents include 205R15 as an 80-series metric radial, P215/75R15 as a 75-series P-metric radial, P225/70R15 as a 70-series P-metric radial, and 710R15 as a bias-look radial. For 760-15, the corresponding equivalents are 215R15, P225/75R15, P235/70R15, and 760R15.
Those alternatives give the Riviera owner several ways to stay close to the original fitment theme while using radial construction. The equivalent options share a recommended 6-8 inch rim-width range, but a radial equivalent should still be checked against the actual wheel, tire-to-body clearance, and the car’s current suspension and steering setup before making a change.
What should I check before converting my 1964 Buick Riviera from bias-ply to radial tires?
Start by confirming the Riviera’s existing primary size, whether that is 710-15 or 760-15, then compare the radial-equivalent options that correspond to that size. Wheel diameter, wheel width, and the equivalent’s sizing format all need to line up with the car before treating any radial as a serious replacement candidate.
A conversion also deserves a close look at front-end clearance, rear fender clearance, and the overall condition of suspension and steering components. Radial choices for this Riviera include standard metric, P-metric, and bias-look radial formats, so the best outcome comes from matching the tire to the actual wheel and vehicle setup rather than assuming every equivalent behaves the same way.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 710-15 or 760-15 tire for a 1964 Buick Riviera?
Begin with the correct primary size for the car, since the 1964 Buick Riviera can use either 710-15 or 760-15, both in bias-ply construction on 15-inch rims. After size is confirmed, compare sidewall style, tire series, rim-width suitability, and any load specification that matches the way the car will be driven and presented.
The strongest differences among available tires are visual and fitment-related rather than model-name alone. A wide whitewall can change the Riviera’s whole appearance, while blackwall or narrow whitewall options create a different look, so the best choice usually comes from balancing authenticity goals, wheel compatibility, and whether the car is intended for restoration display or regular road use.
What sidewall styles are available for 1964 Buick Riviera tires?
Sidewall choices for 1964 Buick Riviera tires include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall, depending on whether the car is using 710-15 or 760-15. The 710-15 offerings show the broadest variety, while 760-15 choices lean more heavily toward wide whitewall options with some narrow whitewall availability as well.
That range gives Riviera owners a real appearance decision even before brand or tire series enters the picture. A sidewall style will not change the car’s primary size requirement, but it can significantly affect how formal, sporty, or restoration-oriented the car looks, so it helps to compare the tire’s visual character with the way the vehicle is being finished.
What brands offer tires for the 1964 Buick Riviera?
Tires for the 1964 Buick Riviera are available from BFGoodrich, Firestone, Goodyear, Coker Classic, Universal Vintage Tire, and US Royal, depending on whether the car uses 710-15 or 760-15. Those brands appear across several classic bias-ply series and sidewall treatments rather than in one single uniform configuration.
The best way to use that brand variety is as a comparison tool, not a shortcut. After confirming size, look at which series are offered in the preferred sidewall style and whether the wheel-width and load details align with the car’s setup, because two tires in the same size can still present very different visual and fitment characteristics.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1964 Buick Riviera?
A period-style 1964 Buick Riviera usually starts with one of its primary bias-ply sizes, 710-15 or 760-15, rather than jumping straight to a modern radial. From there, the most noticeable decisions involve sidewall treatment and tire series, with available choices ranging from blackwall to narrow whitewall and wide whitewall designs.
The right look depends on how the Riviera is being restored and which tire size is already correct for the wheel setup. When exact originality matters, it helps to compare the intended tire against marque-specific historical references, but for many owners the main goal is selecting a bias-ply tire that preserves the car’s visual character without overstepping the actual fitment.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1964 Buick Riviera?
On a restored 1964 Buick Riviera, bias-ply construction generally preserves the more traditional shape and presentation associated with the car’s original era. That is especially true when paired with the appropriate 710-15 or 760-15 size and a sidewall style that suits the Riviera’s long, formal body lines.
Radial alternatives can still be considered, including bias-look radials, but the visual result may differ from a conventional bias-ply tire even when the size relationship is carefully chosen. An owner focused on appearance should weigh construction alongside sidewall design, because a whitewall or blackwall choice can complement the restoration just as strongly as the construction itself.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1964 Buick Riviera?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1964 Buick Riviera even when the car still uses a 15-inch wheel. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, suspension alterations, lowered stance, or bodywork adjustments can all influence whether a 710-15, 760-15, or radial-equivalent tire has proper clearance.
That is why the car’s current setup matters more than assumptions based on model name alone. A Riviera that has been changed from its original wheel-and-suspension configuration should be checked for steering sweep, fender clearance, and wheel width before ordering tires, especially when moving from bias-ply construction to one of the available radial-equivalent sizes.
What should I inspect before driving a 1964 Buick Riviera on new tires?
Before driving a 1964 Buick Riviera on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and width, confirm the tires are seated properly, and check inflation pressure. It is also smart to look over the car’s steering and suspension condition, because loose or worn components can affect how any new tire behaves on the road.
A collector car that sees limited use deserves extra attention after installation. Take a careful look at fender and suspension clearance, then make the first drive a short one so you can recheck pressure, inspect for rubbing, and confirm that the car tracks normally before committing to longer trips or higher sustained road speeds.
How should 710-15 or 760-15 tires on a collector 1964 Buick Riviera be maintained?
Collector-car tires in 710-15 or 760-15 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspections, and periodic review of tread and sidewall condition. Even when a 1964 Buick Riviera is driven only occasionally, tires can still age from time, storage conditions, and exposure to heat, sunlight, or ozone-producing equipment.
Good maintenance also means watching for cracks, bulges, cuts, uneven wear, or gradual air loss before each driving season and before longer outings. Storage habits matter on a Riviera that spends much of its life parked, so keeping the car in a clean, dry environment and checking the tires after long periods of inactivity helps preserve both safety and appearance.