1980 International Trucks Scout II Tires

The 1980 International Trucks Scout II uses three primary 15-inch tire sizes: 225/75R15 radial, H78-15 bias-ply, and HR78-15 radial. Those sizes cover modern metric radial fitment, vintage alphanumeric bias-ply fitment, and vintage alphanumeric radial fitment within the same model range.

The right choice depends on what is actually on the truck now and how the vehicle is meant to look and drive. A Scout II that still carries an older-style wheel and period presentation may point you toward H78-15 or HR78-15, while a truck already running metric radials may be better matched to 225/75R15.

Each primary tire size used on the 1980 International Trucks Scout II fits a 15-inch rim. That includes 225/75R15, H78-15, and HR78-15, so wheel diameter stays consistent even though the sizing systems and constructions differ.

Wheel diameter is only the first check, though. Rim width still matters, especially when comparing different radial and bias-ply products, so it helps to confirm the actual wheel on the truck before choosing a tire. That is especially important if the Scout II has replacement wheels or has changed hands several times.

Yes. The Base, Terra, and Traveler versions of the 1980 International Trucks Scout II all share the same three primary tire sizes: 225/75R15, H78-15, and HR78-15. Fitment is consistent across those covered sub-models at the size level.

That consistency makes sub-model selection less about finding a unique size and more about choosing the right tire style and construction. A Terra may look right with a more truck-oriented blackwall, while a Traveler or Base restoration may lean toward whitewall radials or a traditional bias-ply appearance on the same 15-inch wheel diameter.

H78-15 is a bias-ply tire size on the 1980 International Trucks Scout II. It uses the vintage alphanumeric sizing system, and in this application it represents the traditional bias-ply construction option rather than a radial tire.

That matters because H78-15 should not be confused with HR78-15, which is also a primary Scout II size but uses radial construction. Owners trying to preserve a more traditional feel and look often focus on H78-15, while anyone considering a construction change should compare wheel width, clearance, and the truck’s current setup before making the switch.

Radial equivalents for H78-15 include 215R15 as the 80-series metric radial option, P225/75R15 as the P-metric 75-series radial option, P235/70R15 as the P-metric 70-series radial option, and 760R15 as the bias-look radial equivalent. Each gives a different path away from the original bias-ply format.

Those equivalents share the same general role, but they are not all the same type of tire. The recommended rim-width range for the H78-15 equivalent family is 6 to 8 inches, and it is smart to confirm wheel width, overall tire dimensions, and body or steering clearance before treating any one of them as the right alternative for a particular Scout II.

A 1980 International Trucks Scout II can be matched with either bias-ply or radial construction, depending on which primary size you choose. H78-15 is the bias-ply option, while 225/75R15 and HR78-15 are radial choices that keep the Scout on the same 15-inch wheel diameter.

The better direction depends on the truck’s purpose. Bias-ply construction supports a more traditional period-style presentation, while radial choices may better suit regular road use and a later-service replacement look. Matching the tire to the vehicle’s existing wheel width, suspension condition, and intended use is more important than assuming one construction is right for every Scout II.

Start by confirming which of the Scout II’s three primary sizes matches the truck: 225/75R15, H78-15, or HR78-15. From there, compare construction type, sidewall appearance, rim-width compatibility, and whether the truck is being kept closer to a traditional bias-ply look or a later radial-style setup.

Product details help narrow the decision once size is settled. Some tires are available with wide whitewall styling, others with narrow whitewall or blackwall treatment, and the available product lines also differ in load figures, tire series, and wheel-width range. Those differences matter more than simply picking the first tire that shares the correct diameter.

Available sidewall styles for 1980 International Trucks Scout II tires include wide whitewall, narrow whitewall, and blackwall. The 225/75R15 radial choices offer both wide and narrow whitewall presentations, while H78-15 bias-ply products include wide whitewall and a blackwall truck-style option.

That gives the Scout II owner several visual directions without changing the vehicle itself. A whitewall can lean more toward a restoration-oriented or dressier period look, while a blackwall can make the truck feel more utilitarian. The best match depends on the truck’s finish, trim, and whether the goal is vintage style, work-truck flavor, or regular-use road presence.

1980 International Trucks Scout II tire options include products from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, American Classic, Maxxis, Travelstar, and STA. Those brands cover the Scout’s radial and bias-ply fitments across several product lines and sidewall treatments.

Brand choice should be considered alongside the size and style of tire you actually need. Some brands appear in the modern 225/75R15 radial category, while others serve the H78-15 bias-ply side of the fitment. Comparing construction, series, whitewall treatment, blackwall availability, and rim-width range will usually tell you more than the brand name alone.

For a period-style 1980 International Trucks Scout II, the most natural starting points are H78-15 bias-ply or HR78-15 radial, since both use vintage alphanumeric sizing. H78-15 keeps the traditional bias-ply construction, while HR78-15 retains older-style size language with radial construction.

The better match depends on how strictly the truck is being presented and how it will be driven. A restoration-minded Scout may favor the traditional look of H78-15, while a truck intended for more road use may lead you toward radial construction. If exact originality matters, compare your truck against marque-specific historical references before deciding on brand or sidewall treatment.

Tire construction changes more than the way the truck drives; it also changes the visual impression of the 1980 International Trucks Scout II. A bias-ply H78-15 gives the Scout a more traditional vintage-truck presentation, while radial choices such as 225/75R15 or HR78-15 can make the fitment look later-service or more modern.

Sidewall treatment plays a big role too. Wide whitewall, narrow whitewall, and blackwall options can shift the Scout’s character from dressed-up utility vehicle to more work-oriented 4x4. For a restoration, the most convincing tire is usually the one that matches the truck’s era, trim theme, and wheel style rather than simply sharing the right rim diameter.

Yes. Modifications can absolutely affect tire fitment on a 1980 International Trucks Scout II, even when the tire size itself is correct. Aftermarket wheels, changes in rim width, altered suspension height, steering components, or body and fender changes can all influence how a 15-inch tire actually sits and clears.

That is why a Scout II should be checked as it exists today, not only as it left the factory decades ago. A truck with replacement wheels may need closer attention to width compatibility, and any change in ride height can affect clearance during turns or suspension movement. Small setup differences matter on old 4x4s with mixed-use histories.

Before driving a 1980 International Trucks Scout II on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, verify lug hardware, and make sure the chosen tire matches the truck’s actual wheel setup. It is also wise to check steering movement, suspension condition, and visible clearance around the fenders and inner wheel openings.

A vintage utility vehicle can hide problems that only show up once it is back on the road. Tire pressure should be set correctly for the tire being used, and the first miles should be watched for rubbing, vibration, or unusual pull. Looking over the brake system and wheel bearings is also sensible on a Scout that has seen long storage.

Tires on a collector 1980 International Trucks Scout II should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and attention to age-related condition as much as tread depth. Vintage-use trucks often accumulate limited mileage, so cracking, weathering, flat spotting, and slow air loss can become more important than wear from everyday driving.

Storage conditions matter as well. Keeping the Scout away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires, and moving the truck periodically can reduce set-in-place stress. A closer inspection before longer trips is always worthwhile, especially if the vehicle has been parked for extended periods or sees only seasonal road use.