1968 Chevrolet Chevy II Tires

The 1968 Chevrolet Chevy II uses two primary tire sizes: 735-14 and E70-14. Both are bias-ply tires designed for 14-inch rims, and the SS-related application is the reason more than one size appears for this model year.

Choosing between them starts with the exact setup on the car, not just the year and model name. The 735-14 and E70-14 also differ in their wheel-width ranges and the style of tire typically chosen with each size, so the actual wheels on the vehicle should be confirmed before selecting a replacement.

The tire fitments covered here for the 1968 Chevrolet Chevy II use a 14-inch rim diameter. That applies to both 735-14 and E70-14, even though the two sizes follow different vintage sizing conventions.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture. The 735-14 products are built around a narrower wheel range than the E70-14 products, so it is worth checking the wheel width as well as the 14-inch diameter, especially if the car has been changed from its original wheel setup over the years.

More than one tire size appears because the 1968 Chevrolet Chevy II includes an optional SS-related application alongside the standard-style fitment. That creates two valid 14-inch bias-ply choices: 735-14 and E70-14.

This does not mean every Chevy II used both sizes interchangeably. The practical step is to identify the car's exact wheel and trim-related setup, then match the tire accordingly. That matters for appearance, rim-width compatibility, and for deciding whether a traditional numeric tire or a more performance-oriented alphanumeric size better suits the vehicle.

On the 1968 Chevrolet Chevy II, 735-14 is a bias-ply tire size. It uses the older numeric sizing system, with the first number indicating nominal section width and the 14 referring to the rim diameter.

That matters because a bias-ply tire preserves the vintage construction and look many owners want on a late-1960s compact Chevrolet. A radial equivalent can still be considered, but the change should be evaluated around wheel width, vehicle stance, and clearance rather than assuming that any 14-inch radial alternative automatically suits the car.

Radial equivalents for 735-14 include 185R14, P195/75R14, and P205/70R14. Those represent an 80-series Euro-metric radial, a 75-series P-metric radial, and a 70-series P-metric radial, all built around the same 14-inch rim diameter.

Each option uses a different sizing convention and profile family, so the choice is not simply about finding any radial with a 14-inch bead seat. The recommended rim-width range tied to these equivalents is 4 to 6 inches, and the final check should include actual wheel width, tire dimensions, and available clearance on the specific Chevy II.

Start by matching the original bias-ply size to the correct radial equivalent, then confirm that the wheel diameter and wheel width suit that radial option. For this Chevy II, radial alternatives are available for both 735-14 and E70-14, but the change still needs to be checked on the actual car.

A careful conversion also means looking at steering clearance, fender clearance, suspension condition, and the overall stance of the vehicle. If the car has aftermarket wheels, lowered springs, or other changes, those details become even more important. The goal is to evaluate the radial as an alternative, not to assume automatic interchangeability.

A 735-14 choice starts with confirming that this is the correct primary size for the car, then narrowing the decision to the desired look and wheel compatibility. In this size, BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply options are available in blackwall and narrow whitewall form.

That makes 735-14 especially useful for owners aiming for a standard-style period presentation rather than a more aggressive muscle-era sidewall treatment. It is also important to compare the wheel width on the car with the tire's intended rim range, because this size is built around a narrower wheel than the E70-14 alternatives.

The available sidewall styles for 1968 Chevrolet Chevy II tires include blackwall, narrow whitewall, pin-white-stripe, redline, and RWL, which is raised white letter. The exact style depends on whether the car uses 735-14 or E70-14.

Sidewall choice has a major effect on the car's finished character. A blackwall or narrow whitewall tends to suit a more restrained presentation, while redline, pin-white-stripe, and raised white letter tires lean into a stronger late-1960s performance look. The best choice is usually the one that matches the wheel setup and the way the car is being restored or displayed.

BFGoodrich, Firestone, and Goodyear all offer tires for the 1968 Chevrolet Chevy II within the covered primary sizes. BFGoodrich appears in 735-14, while Firestone and Goodyear choices are available in E70-14 across several sidewall and series variations.

Brand choice should be considered alongside size, construction, series, and appearance rather than treated as the only decision. On this Chevy II, the more meaningful comparison is often between a standard-style Silvertown Classic Bias Ply presentation and the stronger visual statement of Wide Oval or Custom Wide Tread options in the SS-related size.

A period-style 1968 Chevrolet Chevy II tire choice begins with using the correct primary size for the car's setup: 735-14 for a more standard-style presentation or E70-14 for the SS-related application. Both are bias-ply sizes and both keep the car in a distinctly late-1960s visual language.

From there, the decision becomes one of character. Blackwall and narrow whitewall choices create a quieter, more traditional look, while redline, pin-white-stripe, and raised white letter sidewalls give the car a stronger muscle-era attitude. When exact originality matters, vehicle-specific historical references and marque expertise are worth consulting before settling on a final appearance.

Tire construction influences more than ride feel on a restored 1968 Chevrolet Chevy II; it also changes the car's overall visual impression. Staying with bias-ply construction keeps the vintage tire profile and presentation associated with the original era of the vehicle.

A radial equivalent can be a useful alternative for owners who want a modern construction, but it may not present the car in exactly the same way as a bias-ply tire. That is why many restoration-oriented buyers decide on construction only after considering sidewall style, wheel width, and the kind of stance they want the finished Chevy II to show.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1968 Chevrolet Chevy II even when the tire size itself is correct on paper. Aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, altered ride height, and body modifications can all change the space available around a 735-14 or E70-14 tire.

That is why a modified car should be checked at the wheel rather than judged only by the model year. Wheel width is especially important here because the two primary sizes use different ranges, and clearance should be verified at full steering lock and through normal suspension movement before regular road use.

Before driving a 1968 Chevrolet Chevy II on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and width, confirm proper mounting, and look over the suspension and steering components for obvious wear. Tire pressure should be set correctly, and each tire should be checked for any visible issue after installation.

A short shakedown drive is a smart next step. Pay attention to rubbing, uneven behavior, or anything that suggests clearance or setup problems, especially if the car has not worn the same size before. On a collector vehicle, it also helps to recheck pressure and visual condition after the first few drives rather than assuming everything has settled in properly.

Collector-car tires on a 1968 Chevrolet Chevy II should be inspected regularly for air loss, sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, and uneven tread condition. Even when the car is driven sparingly, age and storage conditions matter, so low mileage alone is not a sign that the tires are ready for road use.

Good maintenance also includes keeping the tires properly inflated and storing the vehicle away from prolonged heat, sunlight, moisture, and ozone-producing equipment. A Chevy II that sits for long periods benefits from routine visual checks before every outing, since collector cars often reveal tire-condition issues after storage rather than during frequent daily use.