1976 International Scout II Tires

The 1976 International Scout II uses three primary 15-inch tire sizes: 225/75R15 radial, H78-15 bias-ply, and HR78-15 radial. Those sizes appear across the covered Scout II sub-models, so the fitment question is less about body style and more about which construction and sizing system matches the truck's current setup.

A Scout II that still wears period-style wheels and traditional tires may point toward H78-15, while a truck already running radial-friendly wheels may be better matched to HR78-15 or 225/75R15. Checking the actual wheel width, the tire currently on the truck, and any suspension or wheel changes will help narrow the correct choice.

The 1976 International Scout II uses a 15-inch rim with its primary tire fitments. That applies across 225/75R15, H78-15, and HR78-15, so the rim diameter stays consistent even though the size formats and constructions differ.

Rim diameter is only the first step, because wheel width still matters when choosing among these tires. The available products show different rim-width ranges depending on the exact tire, so it is worth measuring the wheels on the truck before moving from a bias-ply size to a radial or from one radial format to another.

The covered 1976 International Scout II sub-models share the same three primary tire sizes: 225/75R15, H78-15, and HR78-15. Terra, Traveler, SSII, and Traveltop all fall within that same 15-inch fitment family rather than splitting into separate sub-model-specific tire sizes.

That consistency simplifies shopping, but it does not make every tire choice identical from truck to truck. A restored Scout aimed at a traditional look may lead toward the H78-15 bias-ply size, while a driver-focused truck may be set up around one of the radial sizes, so wheel width and present configuration still deserve a careful look.

H78-15 is the bias-ply tire size used on the 1976 International Scout II. It is part of the vintage alphanumeric bias-ply sizing system and differs from HR78-15, which uses a similar alphanumeric format but is a radial because the size code includes an R.

That distinction matters because a bias-ply tire affects both the truck's period look and the type of wheel setup you need to confirm. Anyone replacing an older H78-15 tire should verify the wheel width and decide whether the goal is to retain a traditional presentation or move into one of the available radial alternatives.

Radial equivalents for H78-15 include 215R15 as an 80-series metric radial, P225/75R15 as a 75-series P-metric radial, P235/70R15 as a 70-series P-metric radial, and 760R15 as a bias-look radial equivalent. Each one keeps the 15-inch rim diameter while offering a different radial sizing convention or visual approach.

Those equivalents are useful comparison points, not automatic substitutes. The recommended rim-width range attached to the H78-15 radial-equivalent group is 6 to 8 inches, and the final choice should still account for the wheel on the truck, the tire's overall proportions, and steering and body clearance.

Start by confirming the wheel diameter and actual wheel width on the 1976 International Scout II, then compare the radial size you are considering against the truck's present tire and intended use. For an H78-15 setup, the available radial-equivalent path includes 215R15, P225/75R15, P235/70R15, and 760R15.

A conversion should also include a close look at fender and steering clearance, suspension condition, and any changes to ride height or wheel offset. Radials can be a sensible alternative, but the truck needs to be checked as it sits today rather than treated as though every Scout II still carries its original wheels and stance.

The first decision is choosing the correct primary size and construction for the truck: 225/75R15 radial, H78-15 bias-ply, or HR78-15 radial. From there, the meaningful comparisons are wheel-width compatibility, sidewall style, tire series, load capacity figures, and whether the truck is meant to look more traditional or more modern.

A Scout II restored for period character may point toward the H78-15 bias-ply route, while a driver on radial-type wheels may be better served by one of the radial sizes. It also helps to compare the actual specifications among products, since some 15-inch choices allow different rim-width ranges and carry different visual treatments.

1976 International Scout II tires are available with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall sidewall styles. The 225/75R15 radial selection leans heavily toward whitewall choices in different widths, while H78-15 includes both wide whitewall and blackwall offerings.

That sidewall decision changes the truck's appearance as much as the tire construction does. Wide whitewalls create a more pronounced vintage look, narrow whitewalls are a subtler styling cue, and blackwalls suit a more utilitarian presentation, so the right choice depends on whether the Scout is being restored, customized, or simply driven.

Tires for the 1976 International Scout II are available from BFGoodrich, American Classic, Coker Classic, Maxxis, Travelstar, and STA. Those brands cover the main fitment paths on this truck, including modern metric radial choices in 225/75R15 and bias-ply options in H78-15.

Brand alone should not drive the decision. It makes more sense to compare which size each brand supports, whether the tire is radial or bias-ply, what sidewall treatment it uses, and how its rim-width and load specifications align with the wheels and intended use of the individual Scout II.

A period-style 1976 International Scout II usually starts with the H78-15 bias-ply size, because it preserves the vintage alphanumeric format and a more traditional construction. Within that size, the available choices include wide whitewall versions and a blackwall option, which lets the truck lean more toward dressy restoration style or utilitarian presentation.

The best visual match depends on how the Scout is being finished and what reference point the owner is following. When exact historical accuracy matters, compare the intended tire style against vehicle-specific photos, marque-club guidance, or other restoration references instead of assuming that any tire sold in H78-15 automatically matches the truck's original look.

Tire construction changes the restored look of a 1976 International Scout II more than many owners expect. An H78-15 bias-ply keeps the visual language of the period, while HR78-15 and 225/75R15 move the truck into radial territory, with either a vintage-style alphanumeric radial code or a more modern metric sidewall presentation.

That means construction is partly an appearance decision as well as a driving decision. A restoration that aims for a more traditional stance and sidewall character may favor bias-ply, while a truck meant for frequent road use may point toward a radial, provided the wheel width and overall fitment are checked carefully.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1976 International Scout II even when the tire size itself is one of the correct primary options. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, offset differences, suspension lifts or lowering, and body or steering changes can all influence how a 15-inch tire sits and clears.

That is especially important when moving between H78-15, HR78-15, and 225/75R15, or when considering a radial equivalent for an H78-15 setup. A quick check of wheel dimensions, sidewall clearance, steering sweep, and front and rear fender space helps prevent choosing a tire that matches the size designation but not the truck's current configuration.

Before driving a 1976 International Scout II on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, confirm lug hardware and wheel seating, and make sure the tires are inflated properly for the application. It also makes sense to look over steering, suspension, and brake components on a vehicle that may have spent long periods in storage.

A short low-speed test drive is a smart next step, followed by another look for rubbing, uneven stance, or any sign of air loss. Older utility vehicles can hide worn bushings, loose steering parts, or clearance issues that only show up once fresh tires are mounted and the truck is back under load.

Tires on a collector 1976 International Scout II should be checked regularly for pressure, visible cracking, tread condition, bulges, cuts, and any signs of slow air loss. That applies whether the truck wears H78-15 bias-ply tires or one of the radial fitments, because age and storage conditions can affect all of them.

Collector vehicles benefit from careful storage away from prolonged sun, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources such as electric motors or welders. Even a Scout that sees limited mileage deserves periodic inspection and occasional movement, since long stationary periods can hide developing tire issues until road use begins again.