What size tires are on a 1955 Chevy Belair?
Commonly, 1955 Bel Air models used 6.50-15 bias-ply tires on 15x5-inch wheels, with 7.50-15 appearing on some optional configurations.
In this explainer, we detail the original equipment sizes, how they varied by trim and production date, and practical guidance for modern restorations or daily driving when choosing tires for a 1955 Bel Air.
Original equipment tire sizes
How sizes varied by model and date
Chevrolet produced the 1955 Bel Air in several body styles and trim levels. While 15-inch wheels were standard, the tire width could differ based on equipment and production timing. The most commonly documented OE sizes are:
- 6.50-15 bias-ply tires on 15x5-inch wheels (standard configuration on many Bel Air models).
- 7.50-15 bias-ply tires on 15x5- or 15x6-inch wheels for certain higher-trim or optional configurations.
The exact size can vary by body style and production date. If you have access to the car’s data tag, owner's manual, or original build sheet, those sources will confirm the correct OE size for your specific vehicle.
Modern replacement guidance
Radial versus bias-ply and fit considerations
Today, most restorations replace the original bias-ply tires with modern radial tires for improved safety and ride quality, while aiming to maintain a period-appropriate appearance. When selecting a modern tire for a 15-inch Bel Air wheel, common choices include:
- 205/75R15 on 15x5 to 15x6-inch wheels (a widely used size that preserves the classic stance).
- 215/75R15 on 15x6-inch wheels (slightly wider, may improve grip while staying close to original diameter).
- 225/75R15 on appropriate wheel widths (larger diameter and width; may require checking clearance and fender/suspension interaction).
Keep in mind that changing the overall tire diameter affects speedometer and odometer readings. If you choose a larger diameter, you may need to recalibrate the speedometer or rely on GPS for speed accuracy. Always verify clearance around the fenders and suspension, and consider consulting a restoration shop or a club with experience in mid-1950s Chevrolets.
Summary
In short, the 1955 Chevy Bel Air commonly used 6.50-15 bias-ply tires on 15-inch wheels, with 7.50-15 appearing in some configurations. For modern restorations, many owners opt for 205/75R15 or 215/75R15 radial tires on 15-inch wheels to balance an authentic look with improved safety and reliability, while paying attention to clearance and instrument calibration.
What is my factory tire size?
The original tire size for your car can be found on a sticker located on the driver's side door jamb. You can also check the owner's manual, the fuel filler door, the glove box, or the sidewall of your current tire to find this information.
- Driver's side door jamb: This is the most common location for the vehicle's tire information placard, which lists the correct original equipment (OE) tire size and recommended inflation pressure.
- Owner's manual: The owner's manual contains details about your car's specifications, including the original tire size.
- Other locations: Less common but still possible places to find the information include the inside of the gas tank hatch, the glove box, or the center console door.
- Tire sidewall: The sidewall of the tire itself also has the size printed on it. However, if the previous owner changed the tires, the current ones may not be the original size, so the door jamb or owner's manual is a more reliable source for the OE size.
How much is a 55 Bel Air worth?
The value of a 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $35,775 for a 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air in good condition with average spec.
What is the most desirable 55 Chevy?
Perhaps their most sought-after vehicle is the 1955 Chevy Bel-Air. The Bel-Air offers classic car enthusiasts a number of features worth writing home about.
What bolt pattern is a 55 Chevy Bel Air?
The 1955 Chevy Bel Air has a 5x120.65mm bolt pattern, which is also commonly expressed as 5x4.75 inches. This pattern is standard for this generation of Chevrolet vehicles and many aftermarket wheels are available in this fitment.
This video explains the bolt pattern of a 1955 and 1956 Chevy: 56sHAFF RODS YouTube · Feb 6, 2021
- Metric and Imperial: The two common ways to express the pattern are 5x120.65mm5 x 120.65 m m5𝑥120.65𝑚𝑚 (metric) and 5x4.755 x 4.755𝑥4.75 inches (imperial).
- Availability: You can find a wide variety of aftermarket wheels that will fit the 1955 Bel Air, including classic styles and modern options.
- Compatibility: The 5x4.755 x 4.755𝑥4.75 pattern is compatible with various Chevrolet models from that era.
