1962 Willys Tire Fitment Guide

1962 Willys vehicles use two tire sizes: 670-15 and 710-15. The 670-15 fits both the 1962 Willys Universal and the 1962 Willys Wagoneer, while the 710-15 is used on the 1962 Willys Wagoneer only. Both sizes mount on 15-inch rims. Rim width guidance varies by size and product, with 670-15 examples covering 4.50-5.00 inches and 5.00-6.00 inches, while 710-15 examples cover 5.00-5.50 inches.

That means a 1962 Willys owner should begin with model identification and then check the wheel and the tire already on the vehicle. A Universal points you directly to 670-15, while a Wagoneer requires a closer look because either size may be correct. If the vehicle is a restoration, compare the current tire size to factory literature, old photos, or marque-club guidance before changing sizes.

On a 1962 Willys, 670-15 is an older numeric bias-ply size. The 670 refers to the tire's nominal section width in the period numeric system, and the 15 refers to the wheel diameter in inches. It is not a modern metric size, and it does not read the same way as a later radial code such as 205/75R15. On 1962 Willys vehicles, 670-15 appears on both the Universal and the Wagoneer.

That decoding matters because a buyer searching by modern tire language can easily misread a vintage numeric size. When you see 670-15 on a 1962 Willys, you should think in terms of a traditional bias-ply fitment and 15-inch wheel compatibility first. Then compare sidewall style, rim-width suitability, and the look you want, especially if the vehicle is being restored to an early 1960s appearance.

No. The 1962 Willys Universal uses 670-15, while the 1962 Willys Wagoneer appears with either 670-15 or 710-15 depending on the application. Both are bias-ply 15-inch sizes, but they are not interchangeable by assumption simply because the wheel diameter matches. The model matters, and on the Wagoneer the existing wheel and tire combination matters too.

That is why a year-and-make search alone is only the starting point for 1962 Willys vehicles. Universal owners usually have a simpler path, while Wagoneer owners should inspect the tire sidewall, measure the wheel if needed, and compare against period references before choosing. Taking that extra step helps avoid ending up with the wrong section width for the vehicle's current setup.

Choose the size that matches your specific 1962 Willys model and wheel setup. The 670-15 is the shared size across the Universal and some Wagoneer applications, while the 710-15 is a Wagoneer-only fitment. Both are bias-ply 15-inch tires, so this is not a bias-versus-radial decision; it is a matter of selecting the correct vintage size for the vehicle.

For a 1962 Willys Universal, the decision is straightforward because 670-15 is the applicable size. For a 1962 Willys Wagoneer, verify the tire currently on the vehicle, confirm the wheel width, and decide whether your goal is to preserve an established setup or return the vehicle to a known original-style fitment. Staying with the existing correct size is usually the safest route unless a restoration plan says otherwise.

1962 Willys tires are available in both blackwall and wide whitewall styles. The 670-15 comes in blackwall and wide whitewall versions, and the 710-15 also comes in both blackwall and wide whitewall versions. For a utility-focused Willys such as the Universal, blackwalls usually align more naturally with the vehicle's work-oriented character, while a Wagoneer can make visual sense with either blackwall or whitewall depending on the restoration direction.

Sidewall style is mostly a question of appearance and authenticity rather than basic fit. Owners aiming for a tougher, more utilitarian presentation often lean toward blackwalls, while a more upscale early-1960s wagon look can support whitewalls on a 1962 Willys Wagoneer. If the vehicle will be judged, check event standards and period photos before settling on whitewall width or blackwall presentation.

1962 Willys tires are available from several established vintage-tire brands. In 670-15, the choices include Firestone, US Royal, Coker Classic, and Universal Vintage Tire. In 710-15, the available brands include BFGoodrich and Firestone. All of those offerings stay within the bias-ply construction family used on 1962 Willys applications here.

Brand choice on a 1962 Willys often comes down to the sidewall look you want, the wheel-width range that matches your wheels, and whether a particular brand presentation fits the vehicle's restoration personality. A plain blackwall Universal may point one way, while a more styled Wagoneer may point another. Once the correct size is settled, compare each brand's sidewall treatment and wheel-width suitability before making the final pick.

Rim-width requirements for 1962 Willys tires depend on the size and the specific tire version. The 670-15 appears with wheel-width ranges of 4.50-5.00 inches and 5.00-6.00 inches, depending on the tire. The 710-15 appears with a 5.00-5.50 inch wheel-width range. Both sizes use 15-inch rims, but the acceptable wheel width is not identical across all products.

That matters because a 15-inch rim can still be wrong if its width falls outside the approved range for the tire you choose. Before ordering for a 1962 Willys, verify the actual wheel width rather than assuming every 15-inch wheel is suitable for every 15-inch tire. This is especially important on vehicles that may have had wheels changed during decades of service or restoration.

Inner-tube status is not something to guess on a 1962 Willys simply from the size alone. These 670-15 and 710-15 offerings are vintage-style bias-ply tires, but tube use should be confirmed against the specific tire's sidewall marking and the wheel design itself. Older wheels, especially wheels not intended for modern tubeless service, often influence whether a tube is appropriate.

The practical step for a 1962 Willys owner is to inspect the wheel construction and match that to the exact tire being considered. If the wheel is original, restored, or of uncertain age, treat tube fitment as a setup decision rather than an assumption. Verifying that point before mounting helps avoid leaks, compatibility problems, and repeated dismounting later.

A 1962 Willys 670-15 and 710-15 both mount on 15-inch wheels, so the basic wheel diameter is shared. That means original 15-inch Willys wheels may be compatible in diameter with either size. Wheel width is the deciding detail, though, because 670-15 and 710-15 do not carry the same approved width ranges across every version.

For a 1962 Willys Universal, that question is less complicated because 670-15 is the applicable path. For a 1962 Willys Wagoneer, moving between 670-15 and 710-15 should only be done after confirming the wheel width against the tire you intend to use. Shared diameter does not automatically mean shared wheel suitability, especially on vintage steel wheels that may have been swapped over time.

A 1962 Willys stores best in a cool, dry, dark space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, furnaces, welders, and other ozone-producing equipment. Keeping the tires clean and properly inflated helps them hold shape during long periods of non-use. Because both 670-15 and 710-15 are bias-ply tires, they are more prone to temporary flat-spotting during storage than modern radials, especially if the vehicle sits in one position for months.

Move a 1962 Willys periodically, or place it on stands if it will be parked for a very long interval and you want to reduce stress on the tires. If the vehicle remains on the ground, rolling it occasionally changes the footprint and can help minimize flat-spotting. A storage routine like that preserves ride quality and reduces the chance of discovering tire issues just before the next drive.

Tires on a 1962 Willys should be evaluated by age as much as by tread depth. Collector vehicles often accumulate little mileage, so a tire can appear usable while the rubber has already aged beyond its best years. A practical rule is to inspect closely once tires are around five to seven years old and to give serious replacement consideration as they approach ten years, using the DOT date code and overall condition as your guide.

That age-based approach matters more on a lightly used 1962 Willys than a mileage-based rule borrowed from modern daily drivers. Sidewall cracking, hardening, vibration, or persistent air loss can all justify replacement sooner. If the vehicle's service history is unclear, treating tire age as a maintenance item helps protect the investment and supports safer, more predictable road manners.

Tires on a 1962 Willys should be inspected before every drive and again before any longer trip. Look for sidewall cracking, tread separation, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and signs that the tire is losing pressure between uses. On a vintage vehicle, that quick inspection should include the spare as well, since an old spare is often forgotten until it is needed.

A 1962 Willys that is driven only occasionally can still develop tire problems while parked, so regular visual checks are essential. Add pressure verification to the routine, and pay close attention to valve stems and bead areas on older wheels. Catching a small problem in the garage is far easier than discovering it after the vehicle is loaded for a tour or trail outing.

A 1962 Willys Universal used bias-ply tires, and the applicable size here is 670-15. That aligns with the period, since bias-ply construction remained standard on American utility vehicles in the early 1960s. Original-equipment branding could vary by market and delivery history, so the safest originality baseline is to match the correct size, the correct bias-ply construction, and an era-appropriate sidewall style rather than chasing a brand name without supporting evidence.

For a restoration, that means starting with 670-15 and then deciding whether the vehicle's history points more naturally to a blackwall working look or a whitewall presentation. Factory brochures, unrestored survivors, and marque-club resources are the best next step if you want to confirm a market-specific appearance. Judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts usually notice size and construction before they debate finer brand details.

Correct tire fitment matters a great deal when showing a 1962 Willys, especially at events that place a premium on period accuracy. Judges and experienced Willys enthusiasts often pay attention to tire size, bias-ply construction, and sidewall style because those details strongly affect the vehicle's stance and visual authenticity. A size that belongs to a different model, or a sidewall treatment that clashes with the vehicle's intended presentation, can stand out quickly.

For a 1962 Willys Universal, a simple blackwall bias-ply look often fits the vehicle's original character well. For a 1962 Willys Wagoneer, the decision may be more nuanced because both 670-15 and 710-15 appear in the year's fitment picture and whitewalls may suit some restoration themes. If the vehicle is headed for judged competition, confirm event rules and marque expectations before settling on the final tire appearance.

On a 1962 Willys, the difference between blackwall and wide whitewall tires is primarily visual rather than structural when the size and construction are otherwise the same. Both 670-15 and 710-15 are available in blackwall and wide whitewall forms, and both stay within the period bias-ply family. Blackwalls present a more utilitarian look, while whitewalls add a dressier, more passenger-car-oriented appearance that can change the personality of the vehicle.

That choice is especially meaningful on a 1962 Willys because the brand straddled pure utility and a more refined wagon direction in the same model year. A Universal often looks most at home on blackwalls, while a Wagoneer can support either depending on the restoration goal. If authenticity is the priority, use period photos and club guidance to decide not just on whitewall presence, but on whether the overall look matches the vehicle's intended presentation.

1962 Willys tires can be suitable for normal road use when they are the correct size, in good condition, properly inflated, and matched to a sound wheel. The sizes used here, 670-15 and 710-15, are traditional bias-ply tires, so their on-road feel differs from a later radial with more wandering, more sensitivity to road crown, and more flat-spotting after storage. On a vehicle of this era, overall mechanical condition often matters just as much as the tires themselves during sustained highway driving.

A 1962 Willys owner should think of highway safety as a whole-vehicle question, not just a tire question. Fresh rubber cannot compensate for worn steering parts, tired shocks, weak brakes, or poor alignment. If the vehicle will see frequent higher-speed use, begin with a careful tire inspection and then make sure the chassis is equally ready for the demands of longer road miles.

Inflation pressure on a 1962 Willys should follow the vehicle's factory recommendation first, with the tire manufacturer's rated pressure serving as the reference for the tire's maximum load figure. For 670-15, load markings include 1450 at 32 psi and 1550 at 32 psi depending on the tire. For 710-15, load markings include 1550 at 32 psi. Those figures describe rated load at that pressure, not a universal instruction to run every vehicle at the same setting.

The right approach is to compare the owner's manual recommendation with the tire's sidewall information and then use the pressure that suits the vehicle's weight, use, and handling needs. Do not transfer a pressure number from one 1962 Willys size to another just because both are 15-inch tires. If the vehicle feels vague, harsh, or unevenly worn, revisit pressure after confirming the basics of alignment and suspension condition.

Before a longer drive in a 1962 Willys, inspect each tire for cracks, bulges, cuts, irregular wear, and pressure loss, and make sure the spare is usable as well. Confirm that the tires are the correct 670-15 or 710-15 for the vehicle, depending on model and setup, and inspect the wheels and valve stems at the same time. A longer trip is also a good reason to look over the rest of the vehicle, including brakes, steering, cooling, and fluid condition.

That broader pre-trip check is important because a 1962 Willys may be mechanically sound around town yet reveal weaknesses after an hour or two on the road. Tires are the first point of contact, but they are only one part of trip readiness. Starting with a calm, methodical inspection helps you catch age-related issues before they become roadside problems, especially on a vehicle that may spend much of its life parked between drives.