1952-59 Ford 1955 Customline OEM tire size

I recently bought a 1955 Customline that has been sitting in a field for over 30 years. I just needed tires on it to get it rolling, so I bought some cheap 195 65 15's at Walmart and when they tried mounting them, they would not seat. The manager told me he believes the rim is a 15.5 and that is why it is not working. Does this sound correct? The tires that were on there were labeled G78. Thanks for any advice/help!

 

The original tire was a 6.70 x 15 mounted on a 15" wheel. You need to find another tire store. A 205/75x15 would be close the the original.

 

I dont think there ever was a 15.5 rim.

 

I agree about finding some one else to mount them.

 

G78-what? 15? The rims were usually stamped “Ford” and their size. Example 5J15
5=width
J=rim style
15=diameter

 

The old 670 X 15 was actually an 85 series the 215 X 15 is closer in height see this chart: http://twitire.tireweb.com/webedit/adverts/tire size conversion table.pdf

 

Ford did offer 16” rims and tires that year as I recall but they are not that common

 

if as they say they would not seat I would look at rim for size.if they would not seat to me that means they mounted on rim but not sealing I would suspect they may be 14'' rims as 15.5 or 16 you would never get the tire to mount on rim if you know someone who knows how to measure a rim ask them to measure if you do not find size stamped on rim..

 

Tubeless tires on rims with no safety bead?? Maybe that is a factor.... You can buy a can of bead sealer. Kinda like rubber in a can. I have a can that I use if aluminum rims are so pitted that won't hold air around rim

 

I deliver auto parts as a job in my retirement.YOU WOULD NOT BELIEVE the amount of wheel studs and lug nuts we sell because of the GORILLAS at quik lube auto places rotating tires!!!!

 

Thanks for all the advice. I ended up going to a local tire shop and put on 205 70 15's and they mounted up fine with no problems, now I can atleast roll it around the garage and start working on it.