1963 Studebaker Tire Fitment Guide

1963 Studebaker vehicles use three bias-ply tire sizes across the model range: 670-15, 6.50-15, and 600-15. The Avanti and Hawk use 670-15, while the Lark appears with 600-15, 6.50-15, or 670-15 depending on the application. All three sizes mount on 15-inch rims. Rim-width ranges are confirmed for 670-15 at 4.50 to 6.00 inches depending on the tire, and for 600-15 at 4.00 to 5.00 inches depending on the version.

The practical takeaway is that year and make alone are not enough for a 1963 Studebaker if you own a Lark. Avanti and Hawk owners can move directly to 670-15, but Lark owners should verify the exact model or compare against the tire already on the car and the wheel it uses. That step helps preserve the right proportions and keeps you from choosing a tire that changes the car's look unnecessarily.

On a 1963 Studebaker, 670-15 is a numeric bias-ply size. The 670 portion refers to the nominal section width in the older inch-based sizing system, and the 15 indicates the wheel diameter in inches. There is no radial designation in the code, which matches its bias-ply construction. This size is used across the Avanti, Hawk, and some Lark applications.

That makes 670-15 the most widely shared 1963 Studebaker size, but it is still worth confirming against the exact car before choosing a product. Once the size is correct, the next choice becomes appearance, since 670-15 comes in both blackwall and wide whitewall styles. Owners restoring a car to a specific factory-era presentation often use that sidewall choice to match the character of the vehicle.

No. The 1963 Studebaker Avanti and 1963 Studebaker Hawk use 670-15, while the 1963 Studebaker Lark appears with 600-15, 6.50-15, or 670-15 depending on the application. All of those sizes are 15-inch bias-ply fitments, so the wheel diameter remains consistent even though the tire size changes. The variation is concentrated in the Lark line rather than across the full Studebaker range.

That matters because a Studebaker owner who knows only the year and make can still end up with the wrong tire if the car is a Lark. Avanti and Hawk fitment is simpler, but Lark owners should identify the model carefully before ordering. If the car already has an older tire mounted, reading the sidewall size and comparing the wheel's dimensions is usually the fastest way to confirm the right starting point.

1963 Studebaker tires are available in both blackwall and wide whitewall styles within the sizes that have product coverage. The 670-15 offers blackwall and wide whitewall choices from several brands, and the 600-15 also comes in both blackwall and wide whitewall form. Those sidewall differences do not change the basic bias-ply construction, but they do change the visual character of the car significantly.

For a 1963 Studebaker, sidewall style often comes down to the personality of the model and the look you want the car to present. Wide whitewalls generally suit a more traditional early-1960s restoration theme, while blackwalls can look more understated and performance-oriented. Owners building for judging should check marque-specific standards and period photos, because sidewall appearance can matter nearly as much as the size itself.

1963 Studebaker vehicles are covered by Firestone, US Royal, Coker Classic, Universal Vintage Tire, and BFGoodrich across the available sizes. The broadest brand spread is in 670-15, where Firestone, US Royal, Coker Classic, and Universal Vintage Tire all offer bias-ply options. The 600-15 size is covered by BFGoodrich in both blackwall and wide whitewall form. Every product here stays within the bias-ply style expected for the period.

Brand choice on a 1963 Studebaker usually becomes a matter of visual preference, sidewall treatment, and how closely you want the tire's presentation to echo a period American look. Owners restoring a premium Avanti or Hawk may focus on sidewall profile and branding details, while Lark owners often narrow the field first by size. Comparing the exact sidewall style and wheel-width range for the tire you want is the best next step.

For a 1963 Studebaker in 670-15, the Firestone option is a blackwall bias-ply tire rated at 1450 pounds at 32 psi with a 4.50 to 5.00 inch rim-width range, while the Coker Classic option is a wide whitewall bias-ply tire rated at 1550 pounds at 32 psi with a 5.00 to 6.00 inch rim-width range. The two tires also differ in presentation and weight, with the Firestone at 23 pounds and the Coker Classic at 21 pounds.

That means the choice is not just about brand name. A Firestone blackwall leans toward a cleaner, less ornamental appearance and fits a narrower wheel range, while the Coker Classic wide whitewall brings a more formal early-1960s look and a slightly broader upper rim-width range. Before choosing between them, verify the wheel width on the car and decide whether the visual goal is restrained or more traditionally dressed.

Rim-width requirements for 1963 Studebaker tires vary by size and by the exact tire. In 670-15, some tires fit 4.50 to 5.00 inch rims, while others fit 5.00 to 6.00 inch rims. In 600-15, one version fits 4.00 to 4.50 inch rims and another fits 4.50 to 5.00 inch rims. Every size here uses a 15-inch wheel diameter, but width still needs to match the particular tire.

That is why wheel diameter alone is not enough when fitting a 1963 Studebaker. If the car still has its original wheels, measure the wheel width or confirm it through a trusted source before finalizing the tire. Matching the tire to the proper rim-width range helps preserve the intended sidewall shape and avoids forcing a reproduction tire onto a wheel that is too narrow or too wide.

The available 1963 Studebaker products are bias-ply tires, but the sidewall markings here do not separate every option into a single tube-type or tubeless category. That means tube requirements can vary by the exact tire and by the wheel being used. On an original steel wheel, the wheel's design and condition can be just as important as the tire itself in determining whether a tube is appropriate.

The safest approach is to confirm the tire's sidewall marking and the wheel's original intended use before assembly. If a 1963 Studebaker still wears older rims, have the bead seats and valve-hole area inspected closely, especially if the car has been sitting for years. Tubes, valve stems, and flap requirements should be decided as part of the complete wheel-and-tire package rather than assumed from size alone.

All of the 1963 Studebaker sizes here—600-15, 6.50-15, and 670-15—share the same 15-inch wheel diameter, so they all belong on 15-inch wheels. That means original 15-inch Studebaker wheels can be diameter-compatible across the range. Rim width is the limiting factor, though, because 600-15 and 670-15 tires each have specific wheel-width ranges that vary by the exact product.

For an Avanti or Hawk owner, this is mostly a matter of verifying that the original wheel width matches the chosen 670-15 tire. For a Lark owner, the question is a little more involved because the car may have used more than one tire size depending on the application. Measure the wheel, confirm the size intended for the car, and then match the tire to both dimensions instead of assuming any 15-inch Studebaker wheel is interchangeable.

A 1963 Studebaker should be stored in a cool, dry, dark space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, welders, and other ozone-producing equipment. Keeping the tires clean and properly inflated helps them hold their shape during long static periods. Because these are bias-ply applications, they are more prone to temporary flat-spotting after sitting than a modern radial would be, especially in colder temperatures.

If the car will remain parked for months, move it periodically or place it on stands so the tires are not carrying the full vehicle weight in one position indefinitely. Owners who prefer to keep the suspension loaded can at least roll the car forward and back occasionally to change the contact patch. That simple routine helps protect both sidewalls and tread shape on a collector Studebaker.

On a 1963 Studebaker, tire life is usually judged more by age and condition than by miles traveled. A collector-car tire should be inspected carefully once it reaches about five to seven years of age, and replacement becomes a serious consideration as it approaches ten years, even if the tread still looks good. The DOT date code on the tire is the best starting point for understanding age.

That guideline matters because many Studebakers cover very low annual mileage, which can make old tires look deceptively healthy. Sidewall cracking, hardening, vibration, and persistent air loss all matter more than tread depth alone. If a 1963 Studebaker has been stored for long periods or driven only to occasional shows, age-based evaluation is the right way to judge whether the tires still belong in active road service.

Tires on a 1963 Studebaker should be inspected before every drive and again before any longer outing. Look for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, irregular tread wear, and any sign that the tire is losing pressure between uses. On a collector car that sits often, those checks are especially important because deterioration can develop slowly and go unnoticed until the car is back on the road.

A more thorough inspection every few months is also wise, even if the car has not been driven much. Check the spare as well, since it may be the oldest tire on the car, and inspect valve stems and wheel condition during seasonal service. Catching age-related problems early is one of the easiest ways to make a 1963 Studebaker more dependable for local drives, tours, and event travel.

A 1963 Studebaker Avanti in this year-and-make group uses 670-15, and the period-correct construction for the era is bias-ply. That aligns with the larger American-industry pattern of early-1960s original equipment practice, when bias-ply tires were still standard on domestic cars. Sidewall appearance could vary by market presentation and owner preference, so the exact blackwall or whitewall treatment should be verified against factory literature, period photography, or a Studebaker marque source.

For restoration work, the key is to get the size, construction type, and overall visual impression right before worrying about finer details. An Avanti restored for high-level authenticity should reflect the tire profile and sidewall style expected for a premium American car of 1963. If the car has a known delivery history or surviving original paperwork, use that evidence to refine the choice further.

Correct tire fitment matters on a 1963 Studebaker because judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts often notice tire size, construction, and sidewall style immediately. A car wearing the wrong numeric size or an inappropriate sidewall treatment can look out of scale even if the wheel diameter is correct. On a period American car like a 1963 Studebaker, bias-ply construction is usually the expected baseline for originality-focused presentation.

That does not mean every event uses the same standards, so owners should match their tire choice to the type of showing they plan to do. Club judging, marque-specific concours events, and preservation classes may be stricter than casual local shows. Checking event rules and consulting Studebaker club resources can help you decide whether a blackwall or wide whitewall presentation better supports the way your car is being restored.

A 1963 Studebaker Lark can use 600-15, 6.50-15, or 670-15 within this model line, and all are bias-ply fitments appropriate to the period. That spread reflects the Lark's broader role in the Studebaker range, where different applications could carry different tire sizes while remaining on 15-inch wheels. No single Lark tire size should be treated as universal without confirming the exact model or original specification.

For restoration purposes, Lark owners should start by identifying the exact car and then work toward the size that matches its original stance and character. The smaller 600-15 and 6.50-15 sizes can change the visual proportion of the car compared with 670-15, so the difference is not just technical. Marque clubs, original manuals, and surviving factory paperwork are the best ways to settle the final choice.

1963 Studebaker tires can be suitable for highway driving when they are the correct size, in good condition, and used within the limits of their construction and age. The sizes here are all bias-ply, which means they deliver a period driving feel rather than modern radial behavior. No speed-letter markings appear in these fitments, so the wiser guide is the overall condition of the tire and the mechanical condition of the car itself.

On a 1963 Studebaker, highway confidence depends as much on brakes, steering, suspension, alignment, and age-related wear as it does on the tire alone. A sound bias-ply tire can be entirely appropriate for normal touring, but it should be treated like part of a vintage system rather than as a modern high-speed upgrade. Before sustained highway use, make sure the tires are fresh, properly inflated, and free from age cracking or damage.

Inflation pressure on a 1963 Studebaker should begin with the factory vehicle recommendation and then be checked against the tire's own rated information. Among the available products, 670-15 tires carry ratings such as 1450 pounds at 32 psi and 1550 pounds at 32 psi, while 600-15 tires carry 1150 pounds at 32 psi. Those figures describe the tire's rated load at that pressure, not necessarily the exact cold pressure every Studebaker should run.

The best practice is to use the owner's manual or factory placard for the vehicle's intended operating pressure, then confirm that the chosen reproduction tire is appropriate for that application. Do not transfer a pressure figure from 670-15 to 600-15 just because both fit a 15-inch wheel. If the car's original guidance is unavailable, consult a Studebaker specialist and the tire manufacturer before settling on a final pressure.

Before a longer drive in a 1963 Studebaker, inspect each tire for cracking, cuts, bulges, tread separation, uneven wear, and signs of slow air loss. Check cold inflation pressure, examine the valve stems, and make sure the spare is usable and inflated as well. Because these are vintage-era bias-ply fitments, a car that has been sitting may also need a short gentle drive to work out temporary flat-spotting before you judge how it feels.

Tires are only one part of the pre-trip picture on a car of this age, so pair the tire check with a quick review of brakes, steering play, wheel bearings, and fluid levels. If the Studebaker has not been driven recently, take it on a short local run before committing to a long route. That shakedown often reveals vibration, pulling, or pressure loss while the car is still close to home.