1971 Ford Van E-200 Econoline Van Tires

The 1971 Ford Van E-200 Econoline Van uses two primary tire sizes: 670-15 and G78-15. Both are bias-ply tires designed for 15-inch rims, and the covered Base sub-model is associated with both sizes rather than a separate trim-specific fitment.

That means the next step is not choosing by trim name, but by confirming the wheel and tire setup already on the van. Check the size stamped on the current tires, verify the wheel diameter, and compare the wheel width before selecting between the available period-style bias-ply options or considering a radial equivalent.

Both primary tire sizes for the 1971 Ford Van E-200 Econoline Van use a 15-inch rim diameter. Whether the van is fitted with 670-15 or G78-15, the wheel diameter remains the same at 15 inches.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so it helps to confirm wheel width as well before ordering tires. That matters even more if the van has replacement wheels, since different products within these sizes call for different rim-width ranges and the van may no longer be wearing its original-style wheel setup.

The 670-15 size is a numeric bias-ply designation. In that format, 670 refers to an approximate 6.70-inch nominal section width, while 15 identifies the wheel diameter the tire is built to fit.

For an Econoline Van owner, the important takeaway is that 670-15 is an older sizing system, not a modern metric radial size. If the van already uses 670-15, you can stay with that traditional format in several brands and sidewall styles, or compare it carefully with the radial-equivalent sizes available for the same 15-inch rim.

On the 1971 Ford Van E-200 Econoline Van, 670-15 is a primary bias-ply tire size. It is part of the van's original-style vintage sizing family and is not a modern radial designation.

Keeping a bias-ply tire maintains the traditional construction and the period-correct sizing format many owners want on an early-1970s van. If a radial alternative is being considered, compare the intended substitute against the wheel width, overall vehicle setup, and clearance rather than assuming every 15-inch alternative behaves the same.

For 670-15, radial equivalents include 195R15, P205/75R15, P215/70R15, and the bias-look radial 670R15. For G78-15, the equivalent choices are 205R15, P215/75R15, P225/70R15, and the bias-look radial 710R15.

Those options represent different sizing conventions and visual outcomes rather than one universal answer. The bias-look radial keeps a more traditional appearance, while the metric and P-metric options move into modern radial sizing, so wheel width, tire dimensions, and clearance at the steering and body should be checked before making the change.

Start by confirming which primary size the van uses now, then match it to the correct radial-equivalent family. A 670-15 setup compares with 195R15, P205/75R15, P215/70R15, or 670R15, while a G78-15 setup compares with 205R15, P215/75R15, P225/70R15, or 710R15.

Conversion also means checking the wheel width against the recommended range, along with front-end clearance, suspension condition, and any non-stock wheel changes. An older van that has been lowered, fitted with different wheels, or carrying different load demands deserves a closer fitment review before changing construction type.

A 670-15 buyer should start with the intended look and use of the van, because this size is offered in many forms. Available choices include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall tires across Firestone, US Royal, BFGoodrich, Goodyear, Universal Vintage Tire, Excelsior, Coker Classic, Avon, and STA lines.

After appearance, compare the product details that affect how the tire suits the wheel and vehicle. Rim-width specifications vary within the size, load figures differ among some products, and truck-oriented options such as STA can present a different character than a passenger-style whitewall tire on the same 15-inch wheel.

Sidewall choice is one of the biggest visual decisions for this Econoline Van. Across the available 670-15 and G78-15 products, the main styles are blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall.

A blackwall tire usually gives the van a more utilitarian or truck-oriented presentation, while whitewall options move it toward a more restoration-minded or passenger-style look. Since both primary sizes do not offer the same depth of sidewall variety, it helps to confirm the tire size first and then choose the sidewall treatment that best suits the van's finish and purpose.

Brand choices for the 1971 Ford Van E-200 Econoline Van include Firestone, US Royal, Coker Classic, Universal Vintage Tire, BFGoodrich, Excelsior, Avon, Goodyear, and STA. Most of that variety appears in 670-15, while G78-15 has a narrower selection centered on Coker Classic and STA.

That spread gives owners room to choose by tire series and sidewall style rather than by brand name alone. Once the correct size is confirmed, compare whether the product is aimed more at traditional passenger-car presentation, a vintage commercial look, or a specific rim-width range that better matches the wheels currently on the van.

A period-style 1971 Ford Van E-200 Econoline Van starts with one of its primary bias-ply sizes, either 670-15 or G78-15, depending on the wheel setup. Staying in a vintage bias-ply format preserves the look of the original sizing language and keeps the van visually aligned with its early-1970s character.

From there, the appearance decision shifts to brand, tire series, and sidewall treatment rather than size alone. A blackwall presentation can suit a more work-oriented van, while narrow or wide whitewalls create a more dressed look, but exact originality should be checked against vehicle-specific historical references if that level of detail matters.

Tire construction changes the visual impression of a restored 1971 Ford Van E-200 Econoline Van even when the rim diameter stays at 15 inches. A bias-ply tire keeps the vintage construction type tied to the van's primary fitments, while a radial equivalent can change the overall presentation through a more modern sizing convention.

That difference is why many restoration-minded owners decide on appearance first and driving goals second. A bias-look radial can help bridge those priorities by offering a radial alternative with a more traditional visual character, but it should still be evaluated as an alternative fitment rather than treated as an automatic stand-in.

Yes, modifications can change how either 670-15 or G78-15 fits on a 1971 Ford Van E-200 Econoline Van. Wheel replacements, altered wheel width, suspension changes, lowering, and body or brake modifications can all affect clearance and how a vintage-size tire sits on the van.

That matters even when the replacement tire uses the same 15-inch rim diameter. A van with aftermarket wheels or a changed stance should have the wheel dimensions and available clearance checked before choosing between bias-ply replacements or radial-equivalent sizes, especially at the front where steering movement can reveal problems first.

Before road use, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, confirm the lug hardware is appropriate, and make sure the tires are mounted in the intended size and construction. It also helps to look over the suspension and steering components so the new tires are not being asked to work around loose or worn parts.

Once the van is on the ground, check for proper inflation, visible sidewall damage, tread irregularity, and any contact at full steering lock. A short initial drive followed by another visual inspection can reveal rubbing, unusual wear patterns, or air loss early, which is especially worthwhile on an older van returning to regular road use.

Collector-vehicle tires in 670-15 or G78-15 should be inspected routinely even if the van is driven only occasionally. Check inflation, tread condition, sidewall cracking, bulges, cuts, and signs of air loss, because older vehicles often spend long periods parked between outings.

Storage conditions matter almost as much as mileage on a low-use Econoline. Keeping the van away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires, and regular inspections are especially important before highway use or longer trips where an aging tire may show issues that were easy to miss in garage storage.