1968 Chevrolet Impala Tires

The 1968 Chevrolet Impala arrived at the height of full-size American car design, when big-body Chevrolets balanced highway comfort, V8 power, and unmistakable late-sixties presence. For many owners, tire choice is part appearance, part drivability, and part staying true to the car’s period character. This Impala fitment centers on 15-inch bias-ply tires, with 8.25-15 and G70-15 both appearing on covered applications. G70-15 also opens the door to classic muscle-era sidewall treatments such as redline, raised white letter, and pin white stripe, along with several radial-equivalent paths. The right selection starts with confirming the exact application, then matching construction, look, and wheel setup to the way the car is used.

Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1968 Chevrolet Impala

The 1968 Chevrolet Impala uses two primary tire sizes, and both are bias-ply fitments on 15-inch rims. Because more than one size applies, the first step is confirming the exact application on the car before choosing a tire. Once that is settled, the decision shifts to overall look, available sidewall styles, and whether to stay with a traditional bias-ply construction or consider a radial equivalent where one exists.

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8.25-15Numeric bias-ply
Fit(s): Coupe & Conv. w/427 V8 Eng.
Construction: Bias PlyRim: 15 in

An 8.25-15 size uses the older numeric bias-ply system, where the 8.25 figure refers to the tire’s nominal section width in inches and the 15 identifies the wheel diameter. On a 1968 Chevrolet Impala, that points to a traditional full-size bias-ply fitment and the period driving character that goes with it. This format appeals to owners who want an earlier sizing convention on a 15-inch wheel. It is worth confirming the exact wheel and application before selecting it, especially on a car that may have been changed over time.

Explore 8.25-15 Tires
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G70-15Vintage alphanumeric bias-ply
Fit(s): Coupe & Conv. w/427 V8 Eng.
Construction: Bias PlyRim: 15 in

G70-15 uses the vintage alphanumeric bias-ply system, where the letter marks the tire’s size class, the 70 identifies its profile family, and the 15 is the wheel diameter in inches. For the 1968 Chevrolet Impala, this is a classic late-sixties bias-ply size with strong period styling relevance. Available choices include Firestone and Goodyear offerings in series such as Wide Oval and Custom Wide Tread, with redline, raised white letter, and pin white stripe sidewall treatments. It is the size to examine closely when appearance matters as much as fitment.

Explore G70-15 Tires

1968 Chevrolet Impala Sub-Model Tires

Sub-model fitment matters on the 1968 Chevrolet Impala because the covered application carries more than one primary tire size. Identifying the exact Coupe or Convertible with 427 V8 setup helps narrow the choice between traditional numeric and alphanumeric bias-ply sizing on the same 15-inch rim diameter.

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1968 Chevrolet Impala Coupe & Conv. w/427 V8 Eng.

The 1968 Chevrolet Impala Coupe & Conv. w/427 V8 Eng. uses 15-inch bias-ply fitment with both 8.25-15 and G70-15 associated with the application. That makes tire selection less about wheel diameter and more about confirming the size convention, desired period-style appearance, and whether a G70-15 radial-equivalent path is part of the plan.

Associated Tire Sizes

Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1968 Chevrolet Impala

For the original G70-15 size, four radial-equivalent options are available. They include 205R15 as an 80-series metric radial, P215/75R15 as a P-metric 75-series radial, P225/70R15 as a P-metric 70-series radial, and 710R15 as a bias-look radial equivalent. Together, these choices range from traditional metric radial sizing to a lower-profile P-metric alternative and a radial that preserves a more vintage visual theme. A 6-8 inch rim-width range is associated with these equivalents, and wheel fit, overall dimensions, and clearance should be checked before changing from the original size.

Modern Radial Equivalents
  • 205R15

    Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (G70-15)

  • P215/75R15

    Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (G70-15)

  • P225/70R15

    Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (G70-15)

  • 710R15

    Bias-look Radial Equivalent (G70-15)

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:

  • Wheel modifications (wider rims, offset changes, aftermarket wheels)
  • 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 1968 Chevrolet Impala Tires for Sale

Available G70-15 products give the 1968 Chevrolet Impala buyer a meaningful choice between Firestone and Goodyear bias-ply lines, including Wide Oval and Custom Wide Tread series. Sidewall treatments include redline, raised white letter, and pin white stripe, with slight variation in rim-width specifications.

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Bias Ply

Firestone Wide Oval Redline | G70-15

Firestone - Wide Oval

SIDEWALLRedline
RIM DIAMETER15 in
RIM WIDTH5.50 - 8.00 in
WEIGHT28 lb
MAX LOAD1620@32 psi
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Bias Ply

Firestone Wide Oval | RWL | G70-15

Firestone - Wide Oval

SIDEWALLRWL
RIM DIAMETER15 in
RIM WIDTH5.50 - 8.00 in
WEIGHT27 lb
MAX LOAD1620@32 psi
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Bias Ply

Firestone Wide Oval Pin White Stripe | G70-15

Firestone - Wide Oval

SIDEWALLPin-White-Stripe
RIM DIAMETER15 in
RIM WIDTH5.50 - 8.00 in
WEIGHT28 lb
MAX LOAD1620@32 psi
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Goodyear Tires

Goodyear Custom Wide Tread Redline | G70-15

Goodyear - Custom Wide Tread

SIDEWALLRedline
RIM DIAMETER15 in
RIM WIDTH6.0 - 8.0 in
WEIGHT25 lb
MAX LOAD1620 lbs. @ 32 psi
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Goodyear Tires

Goodyear Custom Wide Tread RWL E/S| G70-15

Goodyear - Custom Wide Tread

SIDEWALLRWL
RIM DIAMETER15 in
RIM WIDTH6.0 - 8.0 in
WEIGHT30 lb
MAX LOAD1620 lbs. @ 32 psi
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Frequently Asked Questions

Owners of a 1968 Chevrolet Impala usually want clarity on correct tire size, 15-inch rim fitment, bias-ply versus radial choices, and the sidewall styles available in G70-15. These FAQs also cover restoration-minded selection, modified-car checks, and pre-drive inspection points.

Tire Size & Fitment

What tire size fits a 1968 Chevrolet Impala?

A 1968 Chevrolet Impala uses two primary bias-ply tire sizes: 8.25-15 and G70-15. Both are 15-inch fitments, but they represent different vintage sizing systems. The covered 427 V8 Coupe and Convertible application is associated with both of these sizes rather than a single universal choice.

That means the first job is confirming which size convention belongs on the wheels and setup currently on the car. A car that has been restored, re-wheeled, or changed over the years may not still match its earlier tire selection, so wheel width, clearance, and the appearance goal should all be checked before settling on one size.

What size rim does a 1968 Chevrolet Impala use?

The 1968 Chevrolet Impala fitments covered here use a 15-inch rim diameter. That applies to both 8.25-15 and G70-15, so the wheel diameter stays consistent even though the tire size format changes from numeric to alphanumeric bias-ply sizing.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, especially on a car that may have had wheel changes over time. It still helps to confirm the actual wheel width before choosing a tire, because available G70-15 products carry rim-width ranges and radial-equivalent options should also be matched carefully to the wheel and vehicle setup.

Why does the 1968 Chevrolet Impala have more than one tire size?

The 1968 Chevrolet Impala can show more than one primary tire size because vintage applications were not always represented by a single modern-style size code. In this case, 8.25-15 and G70-15 are both bias-ply sizes on 15-inch rims, but they come from different sizing conventions used during the period.

For an owner, that means the choice is not random and should not be treated as automatic interchange. The best next step is to confirm the exact application, inspect the wheels actually on the car, and decide whether the goal is a traditional numeric look, a later muscle-era alphanumeric look, or a radial-equivalent path tied specifically to G70-15.

Bias-Ply & Radial Options

Is G70-15 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1968 Chevrolet Impala?

For the 1968 Chevrolet Impala, G70-15 is a primary bias-ply tire size. The available products in this fitment use bias-ply construction, which keeps the vintage size format and traditional sidewall presentation associated with late-sixties full-size and performance-era tire styling.

That distinction matters because a G70-15 bias-ply should not be confused with a radial simply because radial alternatives exist in related sizes. Owners deciding between authenticity-minded appearance and a different construction approach should compare wheel width, clearance, and the car’s intended use before moving away from the original bias-ply fitment.

What radial tire sizes are equivalent to G70-15?

Radial equivalents for G70-15 include 205R15, P215/75R15, P225/70R15, and 710R15. Those options cover an 80-series metric radial, a 75-series P-metric radial, a 70-series P-metric radial, and a bias-look radial that keeps a more traditional visual profile than a typical modern radial.

These sizes give owners several ways to compare radial alternatives without treating them as automatic substitutions. A 6-8 inch rim-width range is associated with the equivalent path, and it remains important to check the actual wheel width, tire clearance, and overall fit on the car before changing from the original G70-15 bias-ply setup.

What should I check before converting my 1968 Chevrolet Impala from bias-ply to radial tires?

Start by confirming which original size is on the car, because the radial-equivalent path is tied to G70-15 rather than 8.25-15 in this fitment. Then compare the actual wheel diameter and width, and make sure the radial size being considered matches the car’s clearance needs and the way the Impala is used.

A conversion also changes the character of the tire, so appearance may matter just as much as construction. The 710R15 bias-look radial can help preserve a more vintage presentation, while 205R15, P215/75R15, and P225/70R15 use modern radial sizing formats that should be checked carefully against wheel compatibility and vehicle space.

Choosing the Right Tire

What should I consider when choosing a G70-15 tire for a 1968 Chevrolet Impala?

Choosing a G70-15 tire for a 1968 Chevrolet Impala starts with confirming that G70-15 is the size you want rather than 8.25-15. After size is settled, the meaningful differences are bias-ply construction, available tire series such as Firestone Wide Oval and Goodyear Custom Wide Tread, and sidewall style.

That makes the decision largely about how the car should look and how closely the tire should reflect a late-sixties presentation. Redline, raised white letter, and pin white stripe choices create very different visual results, and the wheel width should still be checked against the chosen tire’s rim-width specification before installation.

What sidewall styles are available for 1968 Chevrolet Impala tires?

In G70-15, sidewall styles for the 1968 Chevrolet Impala include redline, raised white letter, and pin white stripe. These are all bias-ply offerings, and they can dramatically change the visual character of the car even when the tire size itself stays the same.

That choice usually comes down to the kind of presentation the owner wants from the Impala. A redline leans sporty and era-specific, raised white letters push a stronger muscle-era look, and a pin white stripe gives a more understated traditional appearance, so the sidewall can be as important as the brand when refining the car’s overall stance.

What brands offer tires for the 1968 Chevrolet Impala?

G70-15 tires for the 1968 Chevrolet Impala are available from Firestone and Goodyear. Within that size, Firestone appears in the Wide Oval series, while Goodyear is represented by the Custom Wide Tread line, giving owners a choice between two established period-style brand presentations.

Brand alone should not decide the purchase, since the more useful comparison is how each tire combines size, sidewall treatment, series character, and wheel compatibility. Looking at redline versus raised white letter, and reviewing the rim-width range tied to the product, usually tells more about whether a tire suits the car than the brand name by itself.

Restoration & Appearance

Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1968 Chevrolet Impala?

A period-style 1968 Chevrolet Impala usually starts with one of its primary 15-inch bias-ply sizes, either 8.25-15 or G70-15, depending on the application and the look being pursued. G70-15 offers the broadest visible styling choices here, including Firestone Wide Oval and Goodyear Custom Wide Tread options with distinct sidewall treatments.

The right answer depends on whether the goal is a cleaner traditional full-size presentation or a stronger late-sixties performance look. Owners seeking exact historical originality should verify period references for their particular car, while many restoration-oriented buyers choose the tire that best matches the wheel setup and overall character they want the Impala to show.

How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1968 Chevrolet Impala?

Tire construction changes more than ride feel on a restored 1968 Chevrolet Impala; it also changes the car’s visual language. A bias-ply tire keeps the vintage size format and the traditional profile associated with the era, while a radial alternative can give a more modern look depending on the sizing convention and sidewall design.

That is especially important if the car is being restored with appearance as a priority. A G70-15 bias-ply with redline, raised white letter, or pin white stripe keeps the car firmly in its period, while a 710R15 bias-look radial may appeal to owners who want a radial format without giving up a more traditional visual impression.

Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use

Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1968 Chevrolet Impala?

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1968 Chevrolet Impala even when the tire size itself is correct on paper. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, altered ride height, suspension work, or body modifications can all change how an 8.25-15, G70-15, or a G70-15 radial equivalent sits in the car.

That is why a modified Impala should be checked at the wheel rather than judged only by the original size callout. Steering clearance, fender space, and actual rim dimensions matter, and they become even more important when moving to a radial equivalent such as 205R15, P215/75R15, P225/70R15, or 710R15.

What should I inspect before driving a 1968 Chevrolet Impala on new tires?

Before driving a 1968 Chevrolet Impala on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and sound condition, confirm the tires are seated properly, and make sure there is no contact at the fenders, suspension, or steering components. It is also smart to verify air pressure and look over valve stems, lug hardware, and general installation quality.

A collector car can hide problems that do not show up until the car is moving, especially after long storage. A short low-speed test with reinspection afterward helps catch rubbing, unusual wear patterns, or air loss early, and it gives the owner a chance to confirm that the chosen tire behaves properly on the Impala’s actual setup.

How should G70-15 tires on a collector 1968 Chevrolet Impala be maintained?

G70-15 tires on a collector 1968 Chevrolet Impala should be maintained with regular pressure checks, periodic visual inspection, and careful storage habits. Even on low-mileage cars, owners should watch for sidewall cracking, tread separation signs, cuts, bulges, or slow air loss, because age and storage conditions matter as much as miles.

Long periods of inactivity can be hard on vintage-style tires, so keeping the car away from excessive heat, direct sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve condition. Routine inspection before each driving season, and before any longer trip, gives a much clearer picture of whether the tires are still suitable for road use.