1975 International Pickup 150 Tires

The 1975 International Pickup 150 uses two primary tire sizes: H78-15 and L78-15. Both are vintage alphanumeric bias-ply sizes designed for 15-inch rims, and both appear on the covered versions of this truck rather than being limited to one stud-pattern variation.

That means the next step is confirming which size your truck is actually set up for today. Many older pickups have changed wheels over time, so the current wheel width, the tire already on the truck, and available clearance around the fenders and steering components all matter before settling on H78-15 or L78-15.

The primary tire fitments for a 1975 International Pickup 150 are built around a 15-inch rim diameter. Both H78-15 and L78-15 use that same 15-inch wheel diameter, so the rim diameter stays consistent even though there are two different tire sizes available.

Rim diameter is only one part of the fitment picture, so it should be verified along with wheel width before ordering tires. A truck that still has 15-inch wheels may still need one size rather than the other, and a truck with replacement wheels should be checked carefully before using any vintage-size tire or radial equivalent.

A 1975 International Pickup 150 can use either H78-15 or L78-15, both in bias-ply construction and both on 15-inch rims. The presence of two primary sizes usually reflects different wheel and tire setups within the covered vehicle range rather than a change from one covered sub-model to another.

That is why the first job is verifying the truck’s actual wheel and tire combination instead of choosing by year and model alone. Looking at the current tire size, checking wheel width, and comparing overall tire proportions on the truck will make the size decision much clearer, especially on a vehicle that may have been modified over the years.

H78-15 is a bias-ply tire size on the 1975 International Pickup 150. It uses the vintage alphanumeric bias-ply sizing system rather than a modern radial format, so it reflects the truck’s original-era tire construction style and appearance.

That matters because a bias-ply tire affects both presentation and setup. Anyone considering a move away from H78-15 bias-ply tires should check the wheel dimensions, compare the intended replacement’s overall size relationship, and make sure steering and fender clearance remain appropriate for the truck’s current suspension and wheel combination.

For H78-15, radial equivalents include 215R15, P225/75R15, P235/70R15, and the bias-look radial 760R15. For L78-15, radial equivalents include 235R15, P235/75R15, P255/70R15, and the bias-look radial 820R15. These options cover 80-series metric, 75-series P-metric, 70-series P-metric, and bias-look radial formats.

Each equivalent should be treated as an alternative to evaluate rather than an automatic substitute. A 6 to 8 inch rim-width range is associated with these radial-equivalent paths, but wheel width, actual wheel design, and truck clearance still need to be checked before changing from a bias-ply fitment to any radial size.

Start by confirming the truck’s current primary size, either H78-15 or L78-15, and then compare only the radial equivalents that correspond to that size. H78-15 maps to 215R15, P225/75R15, P235/70R15, and 760R15, while L78-15 maps to 235R15, P235/75R15, P255/70R15, and 820R15.

A conversion also calls for checking wheel width, since the equivalent range centers on 6 to 8 inch rims. It is also smart to inspect steering clearance, fender clearance, and the truck’s suspension condition, especially if it has aftermarket wheels or altered ride height, because a radial alternative should be matched to the actual vehicle setup.

Begin with the correct primary size, because the 1975 International Pickup 150 uses either H78-15 or L78-15 rather than one universal fitment. After that, the choice comes down to tire character: traditional bias-ply passenger-style options, truck-oriented blackwalls, or a radial-equivalent route if the truck’s wheel setup supports it.

It helps to think about how the truck will actually be used and how it should look. A restoration-minded pickup may lean toward a whitewall bias-ply presentation, while a work-truck appearance may favor blackwall truck series, and every choice should still be checked against wheel width, load needs, and available clearance.

Sidewall choices for the 1975 International Pickup 150 include blackwall, wide whitewall, narrow whitewall, and dual-white-stripe designs, depending on the tire size and product selected. H78-15 is offered in blackwall and wide whitewall, while L78-15 adds blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and dual-white-stripe options.

That range makes sidewall style a meaningful part of the buying decision rather than a minor detail. Blackwalls tend to suit a more utilitarian truck presentation, while whitewall and striped options create a more dressed, restoration-oriented look, so the best choice usually depends on the truck’s finish, trim treatment, and intended personality.

Available tires for the 1975 International Pickup 150 come from Coker Classic, BFGoodrich, and STA. Brand choice also overlaps with tire type, since the assortment includes classic-style bias-ply offerings as well as more truck-oriented blackwall designs in the STA lineup.

The most useful way to compare these brands is by looking at the specific size, sidewall style, and tire series attached to each option. Instead of choosing by brand name alone, compare whether the tire supports the appearance you want, the kind of road use the truck will see, and the wheel dimensions already on the vehicle.

A period-style 1975 International Pickup 150 usually starts with one of its primary bias-ply sizes, H78-15 or L78-15, because both preserve the truck’s original-era sizing language and overall presentation. From there, the choice depends on whether the truck should look more work-oriented with a blackwall tire or more dressed with a whitewall treatment.

That decision should follow the truck’s finish, trim level, and restoration goal rather than a generic rule. For buyers chasing exact historical accuracy, it is worth checking marque-specific references and period photographs, since a correct tire size alone does not automatically settle the most appropriate sidewall style or brand presentation.

Tire construction changes the look of a restored 1975 International Pickup 150 more than many buyers expect. A bias-ply tire keeps the truck in a distinctly vintage visual category, while a radial equivalent can alter the presentation even when it stays close to the original overall fitment and still uses a 15-inch rim.

That is why many restoration-minded owners decide on appearance before they decide on construction. A traditional bias-ply selection usually supports an earlier-style stance and sidewall impression, while a bias-look radial can be worth considering when a more vintage appearance is still important but radial construction is being evaluated.

Yes, modifications can change tire fitment on a 1975 International Pickup 150 even when the truck still uses a 15-inch wheel. H78-15 and L78-15 are the primary sizes, but aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension changes, or body modifications can all influence whether a particular tire size remains a sensible match.

That is especially important on an older pickup that may have been updated several times over its life. A quick check of wheel width, wheel position within the fender opening, and steering clearance at full lock can prevent choosing a tire that looks right on paper but does not suit the truck’s actual configuration.

Before road use, inspect the wheel condition, valve stems, lug hardware, and overall clearance around the fenders and steering components. It is also smart to confirm that the tires are seated properly, inflated appropriately for the application, and free of obvious issues such as shipping damage, cuts, or irregular mounting.

A 1975 International Pickup 150 is old enough that the rest of the chassis deserves attention too. Checking suspension wear, steering play, brake condition, and alignment can make a major difference in how new tires behave, especially when switching between bias-ply and radial-type fitments or returning a long-stored truck to the road.

Collector-truck tires should be inspected regularly for air loss, sidewall cracking, tread wear, cuts, and bulges, even if the 1975 International Pickup 150 is driven only occasionally. H78-15 and L78-15 tires may age out long before they wear out, so low mileage should never be treated as proof of tire health.

Storage conditions matter almost as much as mileage on a vehicle like this. Keeping the truck away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires, and occasional pressure checks and visual inspections are especially important before longer drives after the truck has been sitting for extended periods.