What size tires fit a 1956 Ford Fairlane?
Most 1956 Ford Fairlanes originally used 15-inch wheels with a 6.50-15 tire size, while some cars built with 14-inch wheels used 6.50-14 or 7.00-14. For today’s replacements, practical options include 205/75R15 or 215/75R15 on 15-inch wheels, or 195/75R14 on 14-inch wheels, with careful attention to clearance and mounting.
Original tire sizing and wheel options
The following sizes reflect common factory specifications for the 1956 Fairlane, noting wheel diameter and typical construction. Exact fit can vary by model year, trim level, and wheel choice, so always verify with your data tag or owner's manual.
- 15-inch wheels: 6.50-15
- 14-inch wheels: 6.50-14 or 7.00-14 (depending on trim and wheel availability)
Exact fitment can vary by body style and production date; check the door jamb data tag and the factory literature for your specific car.
Modern replacement options
If you’re replacing tires today while aiming to preserve the car’s original feel and diameter, the following sizes are commonly used with minimal alteration to gearing and speedometer readings.
- 15-inch wheels: 205/75R15 or 215/75R15
- 14-inch wheels: 195/75R14 or 205/70R14
Always verify clearance with fenders, suspension components, and exhaust, and have tires mounted and balanced by a professional. If you’re unsure about wheel width or offset, consult a shop experienced with classic Ford restorations.
Additional considerations
Radial tires, modern rubber compounds, and changes in wheel width can affect ride quality and steering response. For authenticity, many enthusiasts opt for bias-ply look-alike tires in the correct period size, while others modernize to Radial equivalents within the same overall diameter range. Whichever route you choose, keep the overall tire diameter within a few percent of the original to preserve the speedometer accuracy and gearing behavior.
Summary: The 1956 Ford Fairlane typically used 6.50-15 tires on 15-inch wheels and 6.50-14 or 7.00-14 on 14-inch wheels. Modern replacements commonly seen are 205/75R15 or 215/75R15 for 15-inch wheels and 195/75R14 or 205/70R14 for 14-inch wheels, with attention to clearance and alignment.
