1972 Ford Police Wagon Tires

The 1972 Ford Police Wagon uses an 855-15 tire size as its primary fitment. This is a vintage numeric bias-ply size mounted on a 15-inch rim, and the covered Base sub-model uses that same tire size.

That means the main choice is not between multiple original sizes, but between available 855-15 tire styles and whether a radial equivalent is worth considering. It is still smart to confirm the wagon’s actual wheel diameter and width before ordering, especially if the vehicle has been changed from its original wheel and tire setup over the years.

The primary tire fitment for the 1972 Ford Police Wagon uses a 15-inch rim. The original 855-15 tire size is built around that wheel diameter, so confirming a 15-inch wheel is the first step before selecting either a bias-ply tire or a radial equivalent.

Rim diameter alone is not the only check, because wheel width also affects compatibility. The available 855-15 bias-ply products suit a 6.00- to 6.50-inch rim width, while the radial-equivalent guide references a 6- to 8-inch range, so the actual wheel dimensions should be matched to the tire being considered.

An 855-15 is a vintage numeric bias-ply tire size. The 8.55 portion refers to the tire’s nominal section width in inches, while the 15 identifies the wheel diameter the tire is built to fit.

This older sizing system reads differently than modern metric radial sizes, so it helps to treat it as a period tire designation rather than trying to compare the numbers directly. Anyone moving from 855-15 to a radial equivalent should compare the actual wheel setup, tire dimensions, and available clearance instead of assuming the modern-size label tells the whole story.

For the 1972 Ford Police Wagon, 855-15 is the primary bias-ply tire fitment. The available products in that original size are bias-ply tires, which preserve the vintage construction style associated with the wagon’s period.

That makes construction an intentional choice rather than a technical detail. Staying with bias-ply keeps the original sizing format and a traditional look, while moving to a radial means choosing an equivalent size and checking wheel width, overall dimensions, and clearance before making the change.

Radial equivalents for 855-15 include 215R15, P225/75R15, P235/70R15, and 760R15. 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 for owners who want a more traditional appearance with radial construction.

Each of those sizes should be treated as an alternative rather than an automatic substitute. A 6- to 8-inch rim-width range is the useful reference for the equivalent group, but wheel width, tire dimensions, suspension condition, and body clearance should all be confirmed before changing from the original 855-15 setup.

A 760R15 bias-look radial is available as a radial equivalent for the 1972 Ford Police Wagon’s original 855-15 size. Its role is to provide a radial construction option while keeping a more vintage visual presentation than a typical later-style radial size.

That can be appealing on a full-size wagon where appearance matters as much as road manners, but it still requires the same fitment checks as any other conversion. Wheel width, actual tire dimensions, clearance around the fenders and suspension, and the wagon’s intended use should all be reviewed before making the switch.

Start with the correct primary size, which is 855-15, and decide whether the wagon should remain on bias-ply construction or move to a radial equivalent. In the original 855-15 fitment, the available choices stay within the BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply family and differ mainly in whitewall presentation.

That makes the buying decision more about appearance, wheel compatibility, and how the wagon will be used than about sorting through unrelated sizes. Matching the tire to the actual rim width, checking load capacity information such as 1710 at 32 psi, and thinking through restoration goals will lead to a more confident choice.

The available 855-15 products for the 1972 Ford Police Wagon use narrow whitewall styling. They are offered with different whitewall widths, including a 1.00-inch whitewall and a 5/8-inch whitewall, both within the same vintage BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series.

That means sidewall choice is mostly an appearance decision rather than a fitment change. A wider or narrower stripe can shift the wagon’s visual tone from more understated to more decorative, so it helps to compare the tire to the vehicle’s trim, restoration direction, and the period look you want the car to project.

The available 855-15 options are closely related, so the biggest difference is the whitewall treatment rather than a change in basic construction or size. Both choices are BFGoodrich bias-ply tires in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series, with the same 15-inch rim diameter and similar core specifications.

That narrows the selection to visual preference and how the wagon is being presented. One owner may want the subtler look of the 5/8-inch stripe, while another may prefer the stronger period accent of the 1.00-inch whitewall, but the wheel width and overall fitment still need to be confirmed before final selection.

For a period-style 1972 Ford Police Wagon, the 855-15 bias-ply fitment is the natural starting point because it preserves the original vintage size format and construction type. The available BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply options also keep the wagon’s tire presentation aligned with the look of the era.

The finer decision is usually sidewall appearance rather than size, especially when comparing the two narrow whitewall versions. Anyone aiming for exact historical authenticity should compare the tire choice against marque references, old photos, or restoration records, since a period-style fitment is not automatically the same as a fully documented original presentation.

Tire construction changes more than road feel on a restored 1972 Ford Police Wagon; it also changes the visual character of the vehicle. An 855-15 bias-ply keeps the older sizing language and traditional stance, while a modern radial equivalent usually gives the wagon a later visual impression even when the rim diameter stays the same.

That difference matters on a long-roof Ford because the tires play a big role in how the body sits and reads from the side. Owners balancing appearance with drivability often compare standard metric radials, P-metric radials, and the 760R15 bias-look radial to see which presentation best suits the restoration’s goals.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1972 Ford Police Wagon even when the tire size appears close to the original 855-15 specification. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width or offset, lowered suspension, replacement springs, and body repairs can all alter the space available for the tire.

That matters even more when considering a radial equivalent, because a different tire profile or width can interact with the wheel opening and steering travel differently than the original bias-ply. Checking wheel dimensions, front-end clearance, rear fender space, and suspension condition before installation helps avoid surprises once the wagon is back on the road.

Before driving a 1972 Ford Police Wagon on new tires, inspect the wheels for the correct 15-inch diameter, check that the rim width matches the tire being used, and make sure the lug hardware and wheel condition are sound. It also helps to verify proper inflation and look over the suspension and steering for looseness or wear.

A collector-era wagon may have spent long periods parked, so road-readiness goes beyond the tires themselves. Looking for brake pull, worn bushings, alignment issues, and any interference at full steering lock gives a better picture of how the vehicle will behave once fresh tires are installed and driven at normal speeds.

855-15 tires on a collector 1972 Ford Police Wagon should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and careful storage habits. Watch for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven tread wear, and slow air loss, especially on a vehicle that sees seasonal use or spends long periods parked indoors.

Collector vehicles benefit from being stored away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, standing moisture, and ozone sources such as electric motors or battery chargers. Moving the wagon periodically, keeping the tires properly inflated, and inspecting them before every meaningful drive helps preserve both appearance and roadworthiness over time.