1974 International Scout Tires

The 1974 International Scout uses F78-15, G78-15, or H78-15 tires, all in bias-ply construction on 15-inch rims. The exact size depends on the Scout II configuration, with the 6 & 8 Cyl. (GVWR 5400) version using all three sizes and the 6 & 8 Cyl. (GVWR 5500) version using H78-15.

That means the first job is confirming which Scout II sub-model and wheel setup the truck actually has before choosing a tire. Many Scouts have lived through wheel, suspension, or appearance changes over the years, so matching the vehicle's current configuration matters just as much as knowing the nominal year and model.

The covered 1974 International Scout tire sizes all use a 15-inch rim diameter. F78-15, G78-15, and H78-15 are all built around that same wheel diameter, so the size difference is in the tire's section and profile family rather than a change in wheel size.

Rim diameter is only one part of the fitment picture, especially on an older utility vehicle. Wheel width still needs to be checked against the tire being considered, and any aftermarket wheel change, altered stance, or non-stock offset can affect how comfortably a given Scout tire size works on the truck.

The 1974 International Scout has more than one tire size because the Scout II range was offered in more than one covered configuration. The 6 & 8 Cyl. (GVWR 5400) version can use F78-15, G78-15, or H78-15, while the 6 & 8 Cyl. (GVWR 5500) version uses H78-15.

That variation means tire selection is tied to the exact sub-model rather than the model name alone. Once the right size is confirmed, the next decision becomes whether the truck is being kept in a more restoration-oriented style, equipped with a more utilitarian blackwall tire, or evaluated for a radial alternative.

F78-15 is a bias-ply primary tire size for the 1974 International Scout. It belongs to the older alphanumeric sizing system commonly used on period trucks and utility vehicles, and on this Scout application it represents one of the original-style 15-inch fitments rather than a modern radial size.

That matters because a bias-ply tire carries a different construction and visual character than a radial alternative, even when both are intended to serve the same vehicle. Anyone considering a change should confirm the actual wheel width, compare the intended tire profile, and make sure steering and body clearance remain appropriate for the truck's present setup.

F78-15 corresponds to 195R15, P205/75R15, P215/70R15, and 670R15. G78-15 corresponds to 205R15, P215/75R15, P225/70R15, and 710R15. H78-15 corresponds to 215R15, P225/75R15, P235/70R15, and 760R15, covering 80-series metric, 75-series P-metric, 70-series P-metric, and bias-look radial formats.

Those are useful radial-equivalent choices, but they should still be treated as alternatives rather than automatic substitutes. Wheel width, overall tire dimensions, and available clearance at the fenders and steering points all deserve a close check before moving from the original-style bias-ply fitment to any radial format.

A bias-look radial can be considered for a 1974 International Scout where an equivalent exists for the primary size. The available bias-look radial equivalents are 670R15 for F78-15, 710R15 for G78-15, and 760R15 for H78-15, giving the truck a radial construction option that aims to retain a more traditional visual presentation.

That approach can appeal to owners who want a period-style appearance without staying strictly with a bias-ply tire. The same fitment checks still apply, including wheel width, tire dimensions, and clearance through the steering range, because a bias-look radial is still a radial alternative rather than the original primary construction.

Start with the correct primary size for the Scout II configuration, then compare the tire's intended character. On this 1974 International Scout application, G78-15 and H78-15 choices include restoration-oriented wide whitewall designs from Coker Classic and truck-style blackwall options from STA, all in bias-ply construction.

After the correct size is pinned down, the practical differences are visual presentation, tire series, and wheel compatibility. Some products also include load and pressure figures or rim-width guidance that can help narrow the choice, especially on a heavier utility vehicle where the truck's use matters as much as its appearance.

The available sidewall styles for the 1974 International Scout include wide whitewall and blackwall, depending on size and tire series. G78-15 and H78-15 both have wide whitewall offerings in the Coker Classic Bias Ply line, while STA provides blackwall truck-style options in Super Traxion or Traxion form.

That choice can change the truck's personality dramatically even when the size stays the same. A wide whitewall leans toward a more dressed, restoration-oriented look, while a blackwall utility tread suits a more rugged presentation, so sidewall style should be chosen in step with how the Scout is being restored or driven.

Coker Classic and STA both offer tires for the 1974 International Scout in the available product range. Coker Classic covers wide whitewall bias-ply choices in G78-15 and H78-15, while STA supplies blackwall truck-oriented bias-ply options in matching 15-inch sizes.

The useful comparison is not which brand is better in the abstract, but which product character matches the truck. Some owners will want a more polished period-style look, while others will prefer a more utilitarian tire series, so brand choice usually follows the Scout's intended appearance and road use.

A period-style 1974 International Scout starts with the correct primary bias-ply size for the exact Scout II configuration: F78-15, G78-15, or H78-15. From there, the available product character matters, with wide whitewall Coker Classic options presenting a more dressed look and STA blackwalls leaning toward a more utilitarian truck appearance.

The right choice depends on how the Scout is being interpreted rather than on one universal restoration answer. When exact historical originality matters, marque-specific references and vehicle history should guide the final appearance decision, because a correct size alone does not prove a specific sidewall treatment was used on every truck.

Tire construction changes the restored truck's visual stance as well as its fitment character. The 1974 International Scout's primary fitments are bias-ply sizes, so staying with bias-ply construction preserves the older sidewall and overall presentation associated with the vehicle's period, while a radial equivalent moves the truck toward a more modern look.

That difference is especially noticeable when sidewall styling is part of the restoration plan, whether the truck is headed toward wide whitewalls or a blackwall utility appearance. A bias-look radial can narrow the visual gap, but it should still be judged as an alternative construction rather than the same thing as a true bias-ply tire.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1974 International Scout even when the tire size itself is correct for the model. Aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, changed offsets, suspension lifts, lowering, spring changes, or body alterations can all influence how an F78-15, G78-15, or H78-15 tire sits and clears.

Older Scouts are especially worth checking carefully because many have been changed over time for off-road use, stance, or appearance. Measuring the actual wheel, checking clearance through the full steering range, and inspecting fender and suspension space can prevent a nominally correct vintage size from becoming a practical fitment problem.

Before driving a 1974 International Scout on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, verify the tires are seated properly, and confirm inflation matches the tire being used. It also makes sense to check steering movement, visible clearance at the fenders and suspension, and the general condition of the truck's front-end components.

A short, careful road test is a good next step on any collector-era utility vehicle. That drive should be used to watch for vibration, rubbing, pull, or unusual handling, since issues with alignment, suspension wear, or wheel condition can show up only after the truck is back on the road.

Collector tires on a 1974 International Scout should be checked regularly for pressure loss, tread wear, cuts, bulges, and sidewall cracking, even if the truck is driven only occasionally. Long storage periods can be harder on old vehicles than regular use, so tire condition should be reviewed before each outing rather than only by mileage.

Storage conditions matter as much as inspection habits. Keeping the Scout away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve tire condition, and moving the truck periodically can help avoid flat spotting on low-use bias-ply tires. Any sign of age-related deterioration deserves attention before road use resumes.