1976 International Tire Fitment Guide

1976 International fitment centers on the Scout II, which uses three sizes: 225/75R15, H78-15, and HR78-15. All three mount on 15-inch wheels. The 225/75R15 radial fits rims from 6.00 to 8.00 inches wide depending on the tire, while H78-15 bias-ply products fit rims from 5.50 to 7.00 inches wide.

That means a 1976 International buyer first needs to decide whether the goal is a modern metric radial, a vintage alphanumeric radial, or a classic bias-ply. Even when wheel diameter is the same, wheel width still needs to match the tire you choose. Checking the actual wheel before ordering is especially worthwhile on Scout II trucks that may have seen wheel swaps over the years.

H78-15 is an older alphanumeric tire size used during the transition from pure numeric sizing toward later radial and metric systems. The H identifies the tire’s size class, the 78 is part of that sizing convention, and the 15 means the tire fits a 15-inch wheel. Because there is no R in the code, H78-15 is a bias-ply size.

For a 1976 International Scout II, H78-15 appeals to owners who want a more traditional look and driving character that matches the period. It is also the size to examine closely if sidewall appearance matters, since this size is available in both wide whitewall and blackwall form. Confirm the wheel width before choosing, since H78-15 products are intended for 5.50- to 7.00-inch rims.

225/75R15 is a modern metric radial size. The 225 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 75 is the aspect ratio, the R means radial construction, and 15 means the tire fits a 15-inch wheel. On a 1976 International Scout II, this size is offered with both narrow and wide whitewall treatments from several brands.

This is the easiest size for many modern buyers to understand because the format is still common today. It also offers the broadest product spread within 1976 International fitment, including several rim-width ranges from 6.00 to 8.00 inches or 6 to 7.5 inches depending on brand. If your Scout II is driven regularly on paved roads, this format often becomes the simplest starting point for comparison.

The choice between H78-15 and 225/75R15 on a 1976 International Scout II comes down primarily to construction and presentation. H78-15 is a bias-ply alphanumeric size with wide whitewall and blackwall choices, while 225/75R15 is a metric radial available in narrow or wide whitewall form from multiple brands. Both fit 15-inch wheels, but their intended character is different.

A Scout II being restored toward a distinctly period look will often lean toward H78-15, especially if the owner wants the stance and appearance associated with older bias-ply sizing. A truck that sees more routine road miles may push the decision toward 225/75R15 because it keeps radial construction while offering the broadest range of whitewall options. Wheel width is the final checkpoint before making either choice.

1976 International Scout II tires are available in several sidewall styles depending on size. The 225/75R15 radial comes in both wide whitewall and narrow whitewall versions. H78-15 bias-ply options include wide whitewall and blackwall versions, giving Scout II owners both more formal restored looks and more utilitarian truck-style appearances.

Sidewall style changes the visual character of a Scout II more than many owners expect, especially on a vehicle with upright body lines and prominent wheel openings. A whitewall tends to push the truck toward a more period-restored presentation, while a blackwall better suits a functional or off-road-oriented look. Matching the sidewall to the rest of the build is often just as important as choosing between bias-ply and radial construction.

1976 International fitment is covered by BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, American Classic, and STA. The 225/75R15 radial is available from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, and American Classic, while H78-15 bias-ply options come from Coker Classic and STA. That gives the Scout II a useful spread of vintage-style replacement choices across both construction types.

Brand choice matters less as a badge and more for the combination of size format, sidewall treatment, and intended use. Some owners begin with the look they want, such as narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, or blackwall, and then narrow the field by construction. Others start with bias-ply versus radial and compare brands inside that lane. Either approach works as long as the exact size and wheel-width range are confirmed first.

Rim width varies by size on a 1976 International Scout II. The 225/75R15 radial fits rims from 6.00 to 8.00 inches wide on some products and 6 to 7.5 inches wide on others. H78-15 bias-ply products fit rims from 5.50 to 7.00 inches wide, so that size is intended for a slightly narrower wheel range.

That makes wheel measurement a smart step before choosing between sizes, even though all of them share a 15-inch diameter. A Scout II with original wheels may still need to be checked because trucks often receive replacement or aftermarket wheels during their lives. Staying within the tire maker’s approved width range helps preserve intended shape, load support, and overall road manners.

All three 1976 International Scout II tire sizes use a 15-inch wheel, so they share the same wheel diameter requirement. That means original 15-inch Scout II wheels may work with 225/75R15, H78-15, or HR78-15 from a diameter standpoint. The remaining question is wheel width, since the approved ranges are not identical across the sizes.

A wheel that suits H78-15 may not automatically be the best match for every 225/75R15 product, and the reverse can also be true. Measuring the wheel and comparing it against the chosen tire’s approved width range is the cleanest way to avoid fitment surprises. That matters most when a truck has been modified, restored in stages, or fitted with wheels from another application.

A 1976 International should be stored away from direct sunlight, standing moisture, and ozone sources such as electric motors, compressors, or welders. Clean, dry indoor storage is ideal, with the tires kept at proper pressure and the truck moved periodically if possible. Bias-ply tires such as H78-15 are more prone to temporary flat-spotting during long static storage than radial designs.

If your Scout II sits for extended periods, rolling it occasionally or supporting it in a way that reduces long-term load concentration can help preserve tire shape. Tire covers are useful where light exposure is hard to avoid. Storage habits matter because collector vehicles often age their tires by time and environment rather than by wearing out tread in normal service.

Tires on a 1976 International should be judged more by age and condition than by mileage alone. Many collector-vehicle owners begin evaluating tires closely once they reach the five- to seven-year range and consider replacement as they approach about ten years, even if tread remains. The DOT date code on the tire sidewall is the best starting point for establishing age.

A Scout II that sees light use can still age its tires through heat cycles, storage conditions, and sidewall exposure. Cracking, hardening, vibration, or persistent air loss are all stronger replacement signals than tread depth by itself on a low-mileage classic. Treat age as a maintenance item, not just a background detail, especially before highway use or longer seasonal drives.

Tires on a 1976 International should be inspected before every drive and given a closer once-over before any longer outing. Check for sidewall cracking, tread damage, uneven wear, bulges, embedded debris, and pressure loss. The valve stems deserve attention as well, especially on an older truck where rubber components may have aged along with the tires.

That habit matters because Scout II trucks are often used intermittently, and problems can develop while the vehicle is parked rather than while it is being driven. A quick inspection takes very little time and can catch issues early enough to prevent roadside trouble. Looking at the spare during the same check is wise, since an aged spare is often overlooked until it is urgently needed.

A 1976 International Scout II was from an era when both traditional sizing language and radial adoption overlapped, but bias-ply construction still represented the older established standard in the market. For restoration purposes, H78-15 reflects that period sizing vocabulary, while radial alternatives such as HR78-15 and 225/75R15 fit owners seeking a later-style or more road-oriented choice.

Original-equipment details could vary by market, wheel package, and how a specific truck was delivered, so marque references and factory literature remain the best final authority for a particular Scout II. For most restorers, the key authenticity questions are construction type, sidewall appearance, and whether the size looks appropriate under the truck. Those choices affect judging impressions and visual credibility more than brand name alone.

Correct tire fitment absolutely matters when showing a 1976 International, especially if the event values factory-style presentation. Judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts notice size format, construction type, and sidewall style because those elements strongly influence the truck’s overall stance and era accuracy. A radial in a modern metric format gives a different impression than a bias-ply H78-15, even when both fit the same 15-inch wheel.

For a local driver-quality show, those differences may be less critical than they are in marque-specific judging or a more authenticity-focused class. Owners chasing a period look should also pay attention to whitewall width versus blackwall appearance, since that visual detail can move the truck toward a restored, upscale, or utilitarian personality. Event rules and International marque clubs are the best tie-breakers when authenticity standards get specific.

The H78-15 choices for a 1976 International Scout II differ in both appearance and load specification. Coker Classic offers wide whitewall versions at 1,770 pounds at 32 psi on 5.50- to 7.00-inch rims, while the STA Traxion is a blackwall bias-ply tire rated at 1,830 pounds at 45 psi on the same rim-width range. The STA also carries a heavier overall tire weight.

That makes the decision fairly straightforward for most Scout II owners. If the goal is a restored vintage look with a prominent whitewall, the Coker Classic versions speak directly to that style. If the truck is being built with a more utilitarian blackwall appearance, the STA Traxion changes the visual character immediately while keeping the same basic H78-15 size class and wheel-diameter fitment.

1976 International Scout II tires can be highway-capable when they are the correct size, properly inflated, and in sound condition. The fitment here includes both radial and bias-ply choices, and radial construction is generally the more familiar choice for regular paved-road use. Safe road performance, however, depends just as much on tire age, condition, and correct wheel match as it does on the size code alone.

A Scout II is still a 1970s utility vehicle, so the truck’s own braking, suspension, steering condition, and alignment deserve as much attention as the tires before extended highway use. Any classic that has sat for long stretches should be evaluated carefully before returning to speed. Treat the tire as one part of the whole system rather than the only deciding factor in roadworthiness.

Inflation pressure on a 1976 International depends on the exact tire size and product you choose. Among current 225/75R15 products, load ratings include 1,874 pounds at 35 psi and 2,094 pounds at 32 psi. H78-15 products include 1,770 pounds at 32 psi and 1,830 pounds at 45 psi, so pressure should never be transferred casually from one size or brand to another.

Use the original owner’s manual or factory reference as the starting point for vehicle-side inflation guidance, then compare that against the reproduction tire’s own rated pressure information. The goal is to match the vehicle’s needs and the tire maker’s design limits without assuming one number fits every option. This matters especially on a Scout II because radial and bias-ply products are both in the mix.

Before a longer drive in a 1976 International, inspect all five tires for cracking, cuts, bulges, irregular wear, and proper inflation. Check that each tire is seated correctly on the wheel, the valve stems are in good condition, and the spare is usable. A short test drive around town before a bigger trip can also reveal vibration or pull that deserves attention.

That tire check should be part of a broader pre-drive routine on any vintage Scout II, including brakes, steering play, fluid levels, cooling, and lighting. Older trucks often fail from a collection of small age-related issues rather than from one dramatic problem. Giving the tires a serious look first is practical because they carry the load, influence braking stability, and often reveal storage-related neglect early.