1973 GMC Vandura Tires

The 1973 GMC Vandura uses several different tire sizes rather than one universal fitment. Primary sizes include 700-14, E78-14, F78-14, 670-15, G78-15, H78-15, HR78-15, 800-16.5, 875-16.5, and 950-16.5, depending on the specific G1500, G2500, or G3500 sub-model and GVWR.

That means the first step is identifying the exact sub-model and confirming the wheel diameter currently on the van. A G1500 stays in the 14-inch range, a G2500 uses 15-inch fitments, and G3500 models move into 16.5-inch heavy-duty sizes, so choosing by appearance alone can lead to the wrong tire category.

A 1973 GMC Vandura can use 14-inch, 15-inch, or 16.5-inch rims depending on the sub-model and tire size. The G1500 applications are tied to 14-inch tires, G2500 fitments use 15-inch rims, and the heavier G3500 models use 16.5-inch wheels with heavy-duty bias-ply tire sizes.

Rim diameter should be confirmed before anything else because the Vandura range spans three different wheel diameters. That is especially important on older vans that may have seen wheel changes over time, since a 16.5-inch truck wheel is not the same as a 16-inch wheel and should not be treated as interchangeable.

The 1973 GMC Vandura covers a broad range of configurations, from lighter-duty G1500 models to heavier G2500 and G3500 versions with different GVWR ratings. That spread leads to multiple primary tire sizes, different wheel diameters, and even a mix of bias-ply and radial primary fitments within the same model family.

For the buyer, that means tire selection is really a configuration question first. Matching the size to the van’s exact sub-model, GVWR, and wheel setup matters more than relying on the basic Vandura name, especially when neighboring versions can look similar but use very different 14-inch, 15-inch, or 16.5-inch tires.

HR78-15 is a radial tire size for the 1973 GMC Vandura. It appears as a primary fitment on the G2500 (GVWR 6000) application, while most other Vandura sizes in the core fitment range are bias-ply designs in numeric or alphanumeric vintage formats.

That makes HR78-15 an important exception within the overall Vandura lineup. A buyer looking at a 15-inch G2500 should confirm not only the sub-model and wheel diameter, but also whether the van is meant to stay with a radial primary fitment or is currently wearing one of the neighboring bias-ply size families.

Radial equivalents for 670-15 include 195R15 as an 80-series metric radial, P205/75R15 as a 75-series P-metric radial, P215/70R15 as a 70-series P-metric radial, and 670R15 as a bias-look radial. The recommended rim-width range for these 670-15 equivalents is 5 to 7 inches.

Those options give different sizing formats and visual approaches without making 670-15 itself disappear as the original bias-ply reference point. The next step is comparing the van’s actual wheel width, overall vehicle clearance, and intended use so the alternative size is evaluated as a conversion choice rather than assumed as an automatic substitute.

Start by confirming the exact original tire size on the van and then matching it only to a radial equivalent that belongs to that specific size family. Several Vandura bias-ply sizes have 80-series metric, 75-series P-metric, 70-series P-metric, and in some cases bias-look radial alternatives, but the equivalent depends on the original fitment.

After that, check wheel diameter, wheel width, and clearance at the fenders and steering components before changing construction. It also helps to inspect the suspension and note any aftermarket wheels or ride-height changes, since a conversion decision on an older van should be based on the actual setup rather than the model name alone.

A 670-15 tire for a 1973 GMC Vandura should first be matched to the correct G2500 application, since 670-15 is not a universal Vandura size. Once the size is confirmed, the main selection factors are bias-ply construction, brand, sidewall style, tire series, and whether the van is being kept in a traditional period-style presentation.

This size has unusually broad variety, including blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall choices from multiple brands and classic series. Comparing rim-width specifications and load figures where stated can help narrow the field, especially if the van sees more than occasional display use and needs a tire suited to its wheel setup.

Sidewall choices for 1973 GMC Vandura tires include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall, depending on the size. The 14-inch and 15-inch passenger-van style sizes show the most visual variety, while the 16.5-inch G3500 truck applications stay in blackwall form across the available heavy-duty products.

That makes sidewall style part of the decision only after the correct size has been established. A lighter-duty Vandura can lean toward a traditional whitewall look, while a heavier G3500 will naturally present more like a commercial or truck application, so appearance choices should stay secondary to confirmed sub-model and wheel fitment.

Brands available for 1973 GMC Vandura tire sizes include BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Firestone, US Royal, Universal Vintage Tire, Excelsior, Avon, Goodyear, and STA. Brand spread depends heavily on the tire size, with 670-15 offering the broadest mix and the larger 16.5-inch G3500 sizes concentrating more strongly around STA truck-oriented products.

Brand choice should be considered alongside tire size, construction, and visual style rather than treated as the first filter. On a Vandura, the right comparison usually starts with the exact sub-model and wheel diameter, then moves into which brand and series best match the van’s intended look and level of road use.

A period-style 1973 GMC Vandura tire starts with the correct original size family for the exact sub-model, then usually stays within the available bias-ply choices for that fitment. G1500 and many G2500 applications offer the strongest vintage-style presentation, especially where blackwall, narrow whitewall, or wide whitewall options are available in the proper size.

The best visual result comes from matching construction and sidewall treatment to the van’s actual personality, whether that is work-van plainness or a more dressed-up custom-era look. When exact originality matters, marque literature, build records, and period photos are useful references before settling on a particular sidewall treatment or brand style.

Tire construction changes more than just road feel on a restored 1973 GMC Vandura; it also changes the visual character of the van. Bias-ply tires preserve the vintage sizing language and sidewall stance associated with most primary Vandura fitments, while radial alternatives can shift the presentation even when chosen in an equivalent size family.

That difference matters most on vans being restored with a strong period theme. Owners who want a traditional look often begin with the proper bias-ply size and then compare whitewall or blackwall treatments, while owners prioritizing road manners may consider radial equivalents only after checking how the change aligns with the van’s visual goals.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1973 GMC Vandura. Aftermarket wheels, non-original wheel widths, suspension changes, ride-height adjustments, and body alterations can all change how a given tire size sits in the wheel opening, even if that size belongs to the correct family for the van’s original sub-model.

That is especially important on a Vandura because the platform already spans multiple wheel diameters and load classes. A modified van should be checked at the wheel, not just at the model name, so there is enough clearance for steering and suspension travel and so the tire matches the actual wheel dimensions now on the vehicle.

Before driving a 1973 GMC Vandura on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and sound condition, then make sure the tires are mounted in the proper size for the exact sub-model. It also helps to confirm inflation, valve-stem condition, and visible clearance around fenders, steering components, and suspension parts.

A careful first inspection matters on collector-age vans because wheel swaps and older chassis wear are common. Once the tires are on the van, recheck for rubbing during slow turns, watch for any uneven stance or air loss, and keep an eye on how the vehicle settles after the first few short drives.

Collector-use tires on a 1973 GMC Vandura should be inspected regularly for air loss, sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, and uneven tread wear, even if the van is driven only occasionally. Bias-ply and vintage-style tires on low-mileage vehicles can age out quietly, so visual condition and proper inflation deserve more attention than mileage alone.

Storage also plays a major role in tire life on an older van. Keeping the Vandura away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, heat, and ozone sources helps preserve the rubber, and periodic checks before longer drives can catch problems early before they become road-use issues on a heavier vintage vehicle.