1948 Willys Tire Fitment Guide

1948 Willys vehicles use three sizes across the model range: 670-15 for the 463 Wagon and 663SS, plus 600-16 and 700-15 for the Jeep CJ-2A. The 670-15 and 700-15 sizes mount on 15-inch rims, while 600-16 mounts on 16-inch rims. Rim width ranges are available within the product range at 4.50 to 5.00 inches and 5.00 to 6.00 inches for 670-15, 4.00 to 4.50 inches for 600-16, and 5.00 to 5.50 inches for 700-15.

That means year and make alone are not enough for a correct tire choice on 1948 Willys. Wagon and 663SS owners can focus on 670-15, while Jeep CJ-2A owners need to confirm whether the vehicle is using 15-inch or 16-inch wheels before moving forward. Once the model and wheel diameter are verified, you can narrow the choice by sidewall style and brand preference.

On a 1948 Willys tire, 670-15 is a numeric bias-ply size. The 670 portion is the nominal section width designation used in period sizing, and the 15 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. On 1948 Willys applications, this size belongs to the 463 Wagon and 663SS and is offered in traditional bias-ply construction.

Modern buyers sometimes expect a metric code or an aspect ratio, but older numeric sizes do not work that way. For a 1948 Willys wagon or 663SS, the important point is that 670-15 is tied to a 15-inch wheel and keeps the car in an era-correct sizing system. After confirming the wheel, the next choice becomes blackwall or whitewall and the brand character you want.

No, 1948 Willys models do not all use the same tire size. The 463 Wagon and 663SS share 670-15, while the Jeep CJ-2A uses either 600-16 or 700-15 depending on the wheel setup. All three sizes are bias-ply, but they do not interchange across the lineup without first matching the correct wheel diameter.

That split matters because a buyer searching only by year and make can easily land on a tire that fits a different Willys model. If you own a CJ-2A, verify whether it has 15-inch or 16-inch wheels before choosing a size. If you own a 463 Wagon or 663SS, your path is simpler because both point directly to 670-15.

1948 Willys tires are available in both blackwall and wide whitewall configurations, although the mix depends on size. The 670-15, 600-16, and 700-15 sizes each have blackwall choices, and all three sizes also have wide whitewall versions within the available product range. That gives wagon, sedan-based, and Jeep owners a wider appearance range than many buyers expect from a postwar fitment.

For a more utility-oriented or work-focused 1948 Willys, blackwall is usually the straightforward visual choice. Wide whitewalls tend to suit a more dressed-up restoration theme on passenger-oriented models, while some Jeep owners may prefer a blackwall to preserve a more functional look. The right answer depends on how original, formal, or utilitarian you want the finished vehicle to appear.

Several brands cover 1948 Willys fitments. In 670-15, available brands include Firestone, US Royal, Coker Classic, and Universal Vintage Tire. In 600-16, the range includes BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, Avon, and Firestone. In 700-15, the available brands include Firestone, BFGoodrich, and STA.

That brand spread gives buyers room to prioritize a certain look or product family while staying within the correct size. It also means brand options change depending on the model-specific fitment, especially for Jeep CJ-2A owners choosing between 15-inch and 16-inch wheels. Once you know the exact size, compare sidewall style, rim-width compatibility, and any load information that matters for your intended use.

For a 1948 Willys using 700-15, both Firestone and BFGoodrich offer classic bias-ply tires with the same listed maximum load figure of 1700 pounds at 32 psi and the same 15-inch rim diameter with a 5.00 to 5.50-inch rim-width range. Firestone appears in both blackwall and 4.125-inch whitewall form, while BFGoodrich is represented here with a 4.125-inch whitewall version. The listed weights are close, with Firestone at 26 pounds for blackwall and 29 pounds for whitewall, and BFGoodrich at 28 pounds for the whitewall.

The practical difference is less about fit and more about appearance and brand preference. If you want a blackwall in 700-15, Firestone gives you that path within this size, while both brands support a period-style whitewall presentation. Since rim fit and load rating align closely, the choice usually comes down to visual style and which classic brand character best matches the Jeep or restoration theme.

Rim width requirements for 1948 Willys tires vary by size. In 670-15, listed fitments span 4.50 to 5.00 inches on some products and 5.00 to 6.00 inches on others. In 600-16, the listed rim-width range is 4.00 to 4.50 inches. In 700-15, the listed rim-width range is 5.00 to 5.50 inches.

That spread is a reminder that size alone does not settle every fitment question. Two tires with the same nominal size can still favor different wheel widths depending on brand or product family. Before committing to a specific tire for a 1948 Willys, measure the actual wheel or confirm its width with a trusted source so the chosen product matches both the vehicle and the wheel.

Original 1948 Willys wheels cannot be treated as universal across all three listed tire sizes because the sizes do not all share the same rim diameter. The 670-15 and 700-15 sizes are for 15-inch wheels, while 600-16 is for a 16-inch wheel. A wheel must match the tire's rim diameter exactly before any other fitment question is considered.

That matters most on the Jeep CJ-2A, since it appears here with both 15-inch and 16-inch tire fitments. A CJ-2A owner should verify the wheels currently on the vehicle rather than relying on assumptions about what should be there. Even when the rim diameter is correct, it is still wise to confirm the wheel width against the chosen tire's acceptable range.

A stored 1948 Willys should be kept out of direct sunlight and away from electric motors, welders, battery chargers, and other ozone-producing equipment that can accelerate sidewall aging. Clean, dry floors and steady temperatures help as well. Because every listed fitment for 1948 Willys is bias-ply, long static storage can encourage flat-spotting more readily than many modern radials.

If the vehicle will sit for extended periods, move it occasionally to change the tire contact patch or use stands when appropriate for the storage plan. Keep the tires properly inflated during storage rather than letting them sag under load. Those simple habits help preserve ride quality, reduce stress on the casing, and keep an infrequently driven Willys more ready for the next outing.

Tires on a 1948 Willys should be judged by age and condition more than mileage, since collector vehicles often accumulate very few miles each year. A good rule is to begin careful evaluation around the five- to seven-year mark and to treat about ten years as a serious replacement consideration regardless of tread depth. The DOT date code on the tire is the starting point for that timeline.

A lightly used Willys can still age out its tires long before it wears them out. Sidewall cracking, hardening rubber, vibration, or a tire that no longer holds pressure consistently all matter more than odometer readings on a hobby vehicle. If the age is approaching the outer end of that range, replacement becomes a preventive decision rather than a mileage-based one.

Tires on a 1948 Willys should be inspected before every drive and again before any longer trip. Look for cuts, bulges, uneven wear, exposed cords, sidewall cracking, and signs of air loss. Pressure should be checked regularly, especially on a vehicle that sits between drives, because a bias-ply tire can change behavior noticeably when underinflated.

A longer trip deserves a more deliberate walkaround that also includes the spare tire and valve stems. On an older vehicle, tires are only one part of the readiness picture, but they are one of the easiest checks to perform and one of the most important for drivability. Regular inspection helps catch age-related issues before they become a roadside problem.

A 1948 Willys 463 Wagon would have been fitted in bias-ply form, which was standard practice for the era, and the listed size for that model here is 670-15. Current offerings in that size remain true to the period construction type and are available in both blackwall and wide whitewall styles. That gives restorers a solid starting point for recreating a postwar Willys look without stepping outside the era's tire technology.

Original delivery appearance could still vary by market, trim presentation, and owner preference, so sidewall style should be chosen with the intended restoration goal in mind. A buyer aiming for highly exact authenticity should compare against factory literature, period photos, and marque-club guidance before finalizing a whitewall or blackwall selection. Construction type and size should come first, then sidewall presentation.

Correct tire fitment matters on a shown 1948 Willys because judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts often notice whether the size, construction type, and sidewall style suit the era and model. A wagon or 663SS wearing the wrong wheel-diameter fitment, or a CJ-2A wearing a size that does not match its wheel setup, can stand out immediately. On period vehicles like 1948 Willys, bias-ply construction is also part of the historical picture.

The degree of scrutiny depends on the event. Some shows reward overall presentation, while marque-focused judging can be much stricter about size, sidewall treatment, and era-correct appearance. If your 1948 Willys is being prepared for formal judging, use the correct model-specific size first, then confirm whether blackwall or whitewall best suits the standards of the event and the way the vehicle was originally presented.

For a 1948 Willys using 670-15, Firestone and US Royal share the same listed maximum load figure of 1450 pounds at 32 psi and the same 15-inch rim diameter with a 4.50 to 5.00-inch rim-width range. The Firestone example shown here is a blackwall at 23 pounds, while the US Royal version is a 2 11/16-inch whitewall at 22 pounds. Both remain bias-ply offerings suited to postwar fitment expectations.

That means the distinction is primarily visual and brand-specific rather than a major mechanical departure. A Firestone blackwall generally suits a more restrained or utility-flavored appearance, while the US Royal whitewall supports a more dressed-up postwar presentation. On a 1948 Willys 463 Wagon or 663SS, the right choice depends on whether you are recreating a plainworking look or a more formal passenger-car aesthetic.

1948 Willys tires can be suitable for highway driving when they are correctly sized, properly mounted, in sound condition, and used within the capabilities of the specific tire. One 600-16 offering carries an H speed rating, which corresponds to a 130 mph ceiling, while the other listed 1948 Willys fitments here are bias-ply products without a speed letter shown. In real use, the vehicle's own brakes, steering, suspension, and age usually become the limiting factors well before extreme tire speed capability matters.

For normal touring, the bigger issue is matching your expectations to a late-1940s vehicle on bias-ply tires. They can track and respond differently from modern radials, especially on crowned roads or grooves. If your Willys will see regular road miles, start with a careful mechanical inspection, maintain correct pressures, and drive at speeds that respect both the tire construction and the vehicle's original-era design.

Inflation pressure on a 1948 Willys should be matched to the specific tire size and product rather than borrowed from another size. Listed load-and-pressure figures include 1450 pounds at 32 psi for some 670-15 tires, 1400 pounds at 32 psi for some 600-16 tires, 1433 pounds on one 600H16 Avon application, and 1700 pounds at 32 psi for some 700-15 tires. Those are tire ratings, not blanket vehicle settings.

The practical approach is to use the vehicle's original handbook or trusted factory literature for the starting vehicle pressure, then compare that with the tire maker's published limits and recommendations for the exact tire you selected. Never transfer a 700-15 pressure assumption onto a 600-16 or 670-15 just because the make and year are the same. Size, casing, and intended load all matter.

Before a longer drive in a 1948 Willys, inspect each tire for cracking, cuts, bulges, irregular wear, and anything lodged in the tread. Verify cold inflation pressure, make sure the spare is serviceable, and look over the valve stems for age or damage. On a collector vehicle of this age, the tire check should be part of a broader review that includes brakes, wheel bearings, steering components, and fluid levels.

A longer outing places sustained heat and load into tires that may spend much of their life parked, so small issues are worth catching before departure. If the Willys has been sitting, take a short local drive first and recheck the tires afterward for pressure loss or unusual behavior. That extra step helps confirm that both the tires and the rest of the vehicle are ready for more miles.