1960 Willys Tire Fitment Guide

1960 Willys vehicles use two tire sizes: 670-15 and 710-15. The 670-15 fits both the 1960 Willys Universal and 1960 Willys Wagoneer, while the 710-15 is used on the 1960 Willys Wagoneer only. Both sizes are bias-ply designs that mount on 15-inch rims. Rim width range depends on the exact tire: 670-15 products span 4.50 to 6.00 inches where stated, and 710-15 products use 5.00 to 5.50 inches.

That means year and make alone are not enough for every 1960 Willys purchase. A Universal owner can focus on 670-15, but a Wagoneer owner should confirm which wheel and tire setup is already on the vehicle before moving forward. If the vehicle has been restored or modified over the years, checking the actual wheel width and the sidewall marking on the existing tire is the safest way to avoid choosing the wrong size.

On a 1960 Willys, 670-15 is a numeric bias-ply tire size. The 6.70 portion is the nominal section width in inches, written in period numeric format, and the 15 is the wheel diameter in inches. It is not a modern metric radial size, so it does not communicate the same kind of detailed aspect ratio information that a later P-metric tire would.

That matters because a 670-15 should be compared to other vintage numeric sizes, not to a modern tire by appearance alone. On 1960 Willys vehicles, this size is the shared fitment across Universal and some Wagoneer applications, so it is often the first place to look for a traditional stock-style setup. The next check is sidewall preference, since blackwall and wide whitewall versions are both available in this size.

No, not all 1960 Willys models use the same tire size. The 1960 Willys Universal uses 670-15, while the 1960 Willys Wagoneer can use either 670-15 or 710-15 depending on its application. Both are 15-inch bias-ply sizes, but the larger 710-15 is not a Universal fitment for this year.

That difference is important because a buyer who knows only the year and make could still end up choosing the wrong tire. Wagoneer owners especially should verify what is currently on the vehicle and whether the wheels match the intended size range. A quick check of the wheel width and the existing tire code usually answers the question before any deeper restoration research is needed.

The first factor is not driving style but model fitment. A 1960 Willys Universal uses 670-15, while a 1960 Willys Wagoneer may use either 670-15 or 710-15. Both sizes are bias-ply, both fit 15-inch rims, and both keep the period-correct construction expected for a 1960 Willys. The difference is mainly which model and wheel setup the tire belongs to rather than a bias-versus-radial decision.

Universal owners can narrow the search quickly to 670-15. Wagoneer owners should confirm whether the vehicle is set up for the shared 670-15 fitment or the larger 710-15 before choosing between blackwall and wide whitewall styling. If the goal is authenticity, staying with the size already correct for the vehicle's wheels and trim presentation will matter more than treating the two sizes as interchangeable.

1960 Willys tires are available in both blackwall and wide whitewall styles. The 670-15 size comes in blackwall and wide whitewall versions from multiple brands, and the 710-15 size also appears in both blackwall and wide whitewall form. Since both sizes are bias-ply, the sidewall choice affects appearance more than basic construction.

Blackwalls usually suit the work-focused, utility-minded image most buyers associate with a Willys Universal, while a wide whitewall can make sense on a restored Wagoneer with a more passenger-oriented presentation. For a judged restoration, sidewall style should match the vehicle's market character and the owner's authenticity goals. For a driver-quality vehicle, the choice often comes down to whether you want a more understated look or a more dressed-up period finish.

1960 Willys tires are available from Firestone, US Royal, Coker Classic, Universal Vintage Tire, and BFGoodrich, depending on size. The 670-15 size is available from Firestone, US Royal, Coker Classic, and Universal Vintage Tire, while the 710-15 size is available from BFGoodrich and Firestone. All of these fitments stay within the bias-ply construction used on 1960 Willys applications here.

Brand choice on a 1960 Willys often comes down to the exact size you need and the sidewall style you want to present on the vehicle. A Universal owner shopping 670-15 has the broadest brand spread, while a Wagoneer owner in 710-15 has a narrower but still authentic-looking set of choices. Once the size is settled, compare blackwall versus whitewall presentation and check the wheel width range for the specific tire.

Rim width depends on the exact tire size and product. For 1960 Willys applications in 670-15, stated rim width ranges run from 4.50-5.00 inches on some products to 5.00-6.00 inches on others. For 710-15, the rim width range is 5.00-5.50 inches. Both sizes use a 15-inch rim diameter, but width compatibility is still product-specific.

That is why wheel measurement matters before choosing a tire, especially on a vehicle that may have had wheels swapped over many decades. A 15-inch wheel alone does not confirm that every 670-15 or 710-15 product is equally suitable. Measure the wheel, compare it to the tire's approved width range, and keep that check separate from the vehicle's model fitment so both factors are covered.

Original 1960 Willys wheels can only be shared across both tire sizes if the wheel diameter and width fall within the tire's approved range. Both 670-15 and 710-15 use a 15-inch rim diameter, so there is no diameter conflict between those sizes. The width requirement is where the real distinction appears, since 670-15 spans a broader range and 710-15 stays in a tighter 5.00-5.50 inch window.

For a 1960 Willys Wagoneer, that means a wheel originally used with 670-15 may or may not be ideal for a 710-15 depending on its actual width. For a 1960 Willys Universal, the question is simpler because the fitment stays with 670-15. Measure the wheel before assuming a 15-inch rim automatically supports both sizes in the same way.

A 1960 Willys should be stored in a cool, dry, dark space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, welders, battery chargers, and other ozone-producing equipment that can age rubber prematurely. Since the tires used here are bias-ply, long static storage can also encourage temporary flat-spotting. Keeping the tires clean and properly inflated helps the casing hold its shape during extended rest periods.

If a 1960 Willys will sit for months, roll it periodically or place it on stands according to your restoration and suspension preferences so the same section of each tire does not carry the load continuously. Bias-ply tires often take a little time to smooth out after storage, so a short warm-up drive can help. Spare tires deserve the same storage care as the tires on the ground.

On a 1960 Willys, tire life is usually judged more by age and condition than by mileage. Collector vehicles often cover so few miles that tread depth can look healthy long after the rubber has begun to age. A good rule is to evaluate tires closely once they are five to seven years old and to treat around ten years as a serious replacement point, regardless of how little the vehicle has been driven.

The DOT date code and the tire's visible condition matter more than the odometer on a low-use Willys. Sidewall cracking, hardening, bulges, vibration, or loss of air are stronger warning signs than tread wear alone. If the vehicle's service history is unclear, an age check is one of the smartest first steps before putting any miles on a newly acquired 1960 Willys.

Tires on a 1960 Willys should be inspected before every drive and again before any extended outing. Look for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, irregular tread wear, embedded debris, and signs that the tire is not holding pressure. Because these are vintage-style bias-ply applications, it is also wise to pay attention to steering feel and vibration changes that can hint at casing or balance issues.

A more thorough seasonal inspection is worth doing even if the 1960 Willys is rarely used. Check the spare, inspect valve stems, and make sure the tires have not developed weathering while the vehicle sat. Frequent visual checks are especially important on collector vehicles because aging problems often appear long before tread wear would suggest replacement.

A 1960 Willys Universal belongs to an era when bias-ply construction was still the expected original-type fitment, and the size used here is 670-15. That makes a 670-15 bias-ply the natural starting point for an authentic restoration. Sidewall style can vary depending on how the vehicle was delivered and how the owner wants to present it, but the construction type should stay true to the period if originality is the goal.

For most restorations, the key questions are size, construction, and the visual character of the sidewall rather than chasing an assumed original brand. If your 1960 Willys Universal is being restored for judging, it is worth checking factory literature, marque clubs, and long-time Willys specialists for model-specific and market-specific preferences. That extra step can settle details like blackwall versus whitewall more confidently.

Correct tire fitment does matter when showing a 1960 Willys, especially in classes that value factory-correct appearance. Judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts will often notice whether the vehicle carries the right size family, period-appropriate bias-ply construction, and a sidewall style that matches the vehicle's intended presentation. A visibly modern construction or a size that does not belong on the model can distract from an otherwise strong restoration.

For a 1960 Willys Universal, staying with 670-15 bias-ply is the clearest authenticity path. For a 1960 Willys Wagoneer, the first step is to confirm whether 670-15 or 710-15 is correct for the vehicle's setup before worrying about blackwall or whitewall appearance. Show standards vary, so marque clubs and event rule books are the right place to confirm how strict a particular judging field will be.

On a 1960 Willys, the main difference between blackwall and whitewall tires is visual presentation rather than fitment. Both 670-15 and 710-15 are available in blackwall and wide whitewall forms within the vintage bias-ply style used here. Blackwalls emphasize the utilitarian side of the Willys identity, while wide whitewalls create a more dressed, passenger-vehicle appearance.

That choice can change how the whole vehicle reads at a glance. A workmanlike Universal often looks most natural on blackwalls, while a carefully restored Wagoneer can make a stronger period statement with whitewalls if that suits the build. Owners pursuing authenticity should compare the tire style to period photos and consult Willys enthusiasts familiar with the exact model and presentation they want to recreate.

1960 Willys tires in these fitments can be appropriate for highway use when they are in good condition, correctly fitted, and inflated for the application, but they are bias-ply tires and should be driven with the manners of a vintage vehicle in mind. No speed ratings are shown in these size offerings, so the right approach is to treat them as period-style tires rather than modern high-speed radials. On a 1960 Willys, steering, braking, suspension condition, and overall vehicle setup usually influence safe highway behavior just as much as the tire itself.

A well-sorted 1960 Willys can be enjoyable on secondary roads and moderate highway stretches, but age, condition, and mechanical readiness matter more than chasing top-speed capability. Bias-ply tires tend to follow road grooves more than radials and generally reward smoother inputs. Before regular road use, make sure the tires are fresh enough, the wheels are correct, and the rest of the chassis is up to the same standard.

Pressure should be set according to the exact tire size, the vehicle application, and the manufacturer's guidance for the tire you are using. For 1960 Willys fitments here, 670-15 products carry load figures of 1450 pounds at 32 psi and up to 1550 pounds at 32 psi, while 710-15 products show 1550 pounds at 32 psi. Those figures describe the tire's rated load capacity at that pressure, not automatically the ideal running pressure for every Willys application.

The best practice is to start with the factory vehicle recommendation when available, then compare it to the reproduction tire maker's rated pressure and load information for the exact product. Do not borrow a pressure from one size and assume it applies to the other, even though both use 15-inch rims. A lighter-use Universal and a differently equipped Wagoneer may not want identical settings in real service.

Before a longer drive in a 1960 Willys, inspect each tire for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and proper inflation, then check that the spare is usable and accessible. Look closely at the valve stems and make sure the wheels are in sound condition for the tire size being used. Since these are vintage-style bias-ply fitments, any fresh vibration, pull, or wandering sensation deserves attention before the trip continues.

Tires are only one part of the pre-drive routine on a vehicle of this age. A 1960 Willys should also have its brakes, steering, suspension, wheel bearings, and fluids checked before extended road use. If the vehicle has been sitting, take it on a short local test drive first so the tires and the rest of the chassis can reveal any issues close to home.