820-15 Dragster Cheater Blackwall Tire
These Blackwall Firestone Dragster tires are cheater slicks, designed for nostalgia drag cars, hot rods and rat rods. These tires are available in a few sizes for 15 and 16 inch wheels and look fantastic in a big-n-little combination on a hot rod. Authentic pie crust slicks have 'just enough' tread to be DOT approved, yet still have the vintage drag race styling. These tires are an excellent combo when paired with our other Firestone Deluxe Champion bias ply tires on the front and are also available with genuine whitewalls. Firestone Cheater Slicks are bias ply tires, and they feature a compound that is great for the street or strip. The four ply polyester construction makes for a sturdy tire for any hot rod application. Coker Tire Company produces these Firestone cheater slicks in brand new molds built from the original Firestone drawings, so they are as authentic as you can get! Proudly Made in the USA!
Genuine Wide Whitewall Tire
Typically wide whitewalls run all the way to the bead. Narrow whitewalls will stop somewhere before the bead, resulting in a narrower band of exposed white rubber. Bright white rubber is added directly to the tire sidewall during initial construction of the carcass, resulting in a truly integrated, high-quality product after vulcanization. This style was popular into the early sixties, eventually being replaced by narrow whitewalls altogether.Bias Ply Construction
Bias ply tire construction is a method that was used from the 1900's through the 1970's on passenger cars and light trucks. Bias ply tires feature ply cords that run at a 45 degree angle to the bead, and overlap in a crisscross pattern, depending on how many ply layers are used. This creates a strong tire, but bias ply tires have a tendency to follow breaks or ruts in the pavement. Bias ply tires are the most authentic choice for classic car restorations and traditional hot rod builds. Coker Tire offers a huge variety of bias ply tires for many applications.
Firestone Dragster Cheater Tires
Firestone Dragster tires are bias ply cheater slicks that have just enough tread to be DOT approved. These retro styled cheater slicks are available in black sidewall and wide whitewall, and available in four sizes to fit 15 or 16 inch wheels.
Firestone Tires for Collector Vehicles
The vintage line of Firestone tires fits a wide range of cars, trucks and motorcycles built from the 1900's through the 1970's. Firestone Non Skid tires, Firestone Deluxe Champion tires, Firestone Wide Oval tires and many more famous styles and sizes are available to fit military vehicles, motorcycles and classic commercial trucks. With whitewalls, redlines, raised white letters and other classic sidewall styles, this product line is one of the most extensive and popular brands for classic cars.
Please Note
- Tire mounted on wheel for demonstration purposes only. Wheel and other accessories are not included. Please note that dimensions listed (tread width, section width and overall diameter) are non-scientific and based on an inflated tire, mounted to a wheel. Dimensions may vary due to rim width and inflation pressure.
| SKU | 613095 |
|---|---|
| Weight | 40.000000 |
| Construction Ply | 4 PLY POLY |
| Brand | Firestone |
| Drag Tire Type | Street | DOT |
| Tube Type or Tubeless | Tubeless |
| Tire Series | Dragster Cheater |
| Tire Construction | Bias Ply |
| Rim Diameter | 15 inch |
| DOT Approved | Yes |
| Sidewall Style | Blackwall |
| Width Bias Ply | 8.20 |
| Product Size | 820-15 |
| GTIN | 00842199103106 |
| Max Load Capacity (LBS) | 1920@32 psi |
| Section Width (IN) | 10.7 |
| Rim Width (in) | 7.00 - 8.00 |
| Overall Diameter (IN) | 30.5 |
| Availability Date | 2027-03-31T00:00:00Z |
This Firestone Dragster Cheater Slick comes in the 820-15 size, suitable for the classic and collector vehicles listed below.
About the 820-15 Tire Size
The 820-15 is a vintage tire size associated with a wide span of full-size luxury and premium vehicle applications from 1948 through 1969. This Firestone Dragster Cheater Slick is offered in that 820-15 sizing and, as identified in the product name, uses bias ply construction. For more detailed information on this tire size, explore the 820-15 tire on Coker Tire Fitment Guide.
820-15 Tire Size Alternatives
| Alternative Type | Tire Size | More Information | Products |
|---|---|---|---|
| Modern Radial Equivalent | 235R15 | 235R15 Tire Fitment Guide | 235R15 Products for Sale |
| Modern Radial Equivalent | P235/75R15 | P235/75R15 Tire Fitment Guide | P235/75R15 Products for Sale |
| Modern Radial Equivalent | P255/70R15 | P255/70R15 Tire Fitment Guide | P255/70R15 Products for Sale |
| Modern Radial Equivalent | 820R15 | 820R15 Tire Fitment Guide | 820R15 Products for Sale |
Vehicle Fitment for the Firestone Dragster Cheater Slick | 820-15
The Firestone Dragster Cheater Slick | 820-15 is available in a tire size associated with a range of classic and collector vehicles. The vehicle applications below are organized by year, make, and model to help identify vehicles associated with the 820-15 size. Explore the linked Make & Model and Year Make & Model pages for more detailed fitment information.
Fitment information should be verified for the specific vehicle before purchase. Confirm tire size, wheel fit, load requirements, overall diameter, and available clearance.
1948–19508 makes · 26 fitments
The 1948–1950 period includes a broad mix of 820-15 applications across Buick, Cadillac, Chrysler, Oldsmobile, Dodge, Lincoln, Packard, and De Soto. These applications reflect early postwar vehicles associated with the 820-15 size.
Buick
Buick applications in this period include the 70 Roadmaster and 79 Series.
Cadillac
Cadillac applications in this period include the 60 Series, 61 Series, 62 Series, and 75 Series.
Chrysler
Chrysler applications in this period include the New Yorker & Saratoga C39, Royal & Windsor C38, New Yorker & Saratoga C46, and New Yorker & Saratoga C49.
Oldsmobile
Oldsmobile applications in this period include the Deluxe 98 and 98 Series.
Dodge
Dodge applications in this period include the 7 Passenger, Deluxe 6, and D 34.
Lincoln
Lincoln applications in this period include the EH and EL.
Packard
Packard applications in this period include the Convertible & Custom, Super, Custom, and Super 8.
De Soto
De Soto fitment in this period is represented by the S 14.
1951–195510 makes · 40 fitments
The 1951–1955 period covers an especially broad range of 820-15 applications, including domestic luxury cars and imported premium models. Makes represented in this range include Cadillac, Chrysler, De Soto, Lincoln, Dodge, Imperial, Packard, Volvo, Bentley, and Rolls Royce.
Cadillac
Cadillac applications in this period include the 75 Series, 7500 Series, 60 Series, 62 Series, and 60S Series.
Chrysler
Chrysler applications in this period include the Imperial, New Yorker, New Yorker C52 & Imperial C54, Saratoga, Windsor, Custom Imperial, and Chrysler Imperial.
De Soto
De Soto applications in this period include the S 15, S 15-6, S 17-8, and S 18-8.
Lincoln
Lincoln applications in this period include the EH, Convertible, Capri, and Cosmo.
Dodge
Dodge fitment in this period is represented by the D 42.
Imperial
Imperial applications in this period include the C56, C64, and C69.
Packard
Packard applications in this period include the 2626 Series and 5426 Series.
Volvo
Volvo fitment in this period is represented by the PV 831.
Bentley
Bentley fitment in this period is represented by the S-Type.
Rolls Royce
Rolls Royce fitment in this period is represented by the Silver Cloud.
1956–19605 makes · 38 fitments
The 1956–1960 period shows extensive 820-15 coverage across American luxury cars and British premium marques. Bentley, Cadillac, Chrysler, Imperial, Lincoln, and Rolls Royce all appear in this range.
Bentley
Bentley applications in this period include the S-Type, S2, and S3.
Cadillac
Cadillac applications in this period include the 60 Series, 62 Series, 75 Series, 60S Series, Eldorado, and 86 Series.
Chrysler
Chrysler applications in this period include the Crown Imperial and Imperial.
Imperial
Imperial applications in this period include the C70, C73, Crown, Custom, and Le Baron.
Lincoln
Lincoln applications in this period include the Capri and Premiere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fitment & Compatibility â–¼
The Firestone Dragster Cheater Slick 2.25 Inch Whitewall 820-15 is designed for hot rods, rat rods, and nostalgia drag-style builds that require a vintage appearance with performance-inspired styling. The tire uses a 15-inch wheel diameter and is commonly selected for custom vehicles rather than standard passenger applications.
Fitment depends on wheel width, suspension design, and available clearance. With a 10.7-inch section width and recommended 7 to 8-inch rim width, owners should verify fender space, axle clearance, and suspension travel before installation.
The Firestone Dragster Cheater Slick 820-15 is designed for a 7 to 8-inch rim width range. Matching the recommended wheel width helps maintain the intended sidewall shape, tread contact, and vintage drag appearance.
A wheel that is too narrow or too wide can alter the tire profile and may affect handling characteristics. Proper wheel selection also helps prevent clearance problems during acceleration, cornering, and suspension movement.
The Firestone Dragster Cheater Slick 820-15 has a large 10.7-inch section width, so clearance should be carefully checked before installation. Fender lips, inner wheel wells, shocks, and suspension components can affect fitment.
Vehicles with narrowed or modified rear ends may have more flexibility, but every custom build is different. Checking clearance through full suspension travel helps prevent rubbing during real-world driving conditions.
Before installing the Firestone Dragster Cheater Slick 820-15, verify wheel size, rim width, vehicle clearance, load capacity, and intended driving conditions. The tire is designed with nostalgia drag and custom vehicle applications in mind.
Owners should check rear axle clearance, suspension compression space, and tire positioning inside the wheel well. Proper measurement ensures the tire delivers the desired appearance without creating fitment concerns.
Tire Size Equivalents & Conversions â–¼
The Firestone Dragster Cheater Slick 820-15 uses an older bias ply sizing format rather than modern metric sizing. Its 8.20 designation refers to the approximate section width, while the 15 indicates compatibility with a 15-inch wheel.
Because this is a specialty cheater slick tire, direct radial equivalents are not always exact. Owners should compare overall diameter, section width, and intended use when considering alternative tire sizes for a custom build.
The Firestone Dragster Cheater Slick 820-15 has an overall diameter of approximately 30.5 inches. Tire diameter affects how many revolutions the tire makes per mile, which can change speedometer and odometer accuracy.
If the replacement tire is taller than the original setup, the vehicle may travel faster than the speedometer indicates. Owners using the tire on street-driven vehicles should consider the impact on gearing and speed readings.
The 820-15 designation on the Firestone Dragster Cheater Slick identifies an older bias ply tire sizing format. The 820 refers to the approximate tire width measurement, while 15 represents the required wheel diameter.
This sizing system differs from modern metric sizing, so fitment should be based on actual measurements. The tire’s 30.5-inch diameter and 10.7-inch section width are important factors when planning installation.
The Firestone Dragster Cheater Slick 820-15 is commonly used as a rear tire on hot rods and drag-inspired vehicles where different front and rear tire sizes are intentional. Staggered setups can influence stance, handling, and vehicle balance.
Owners should consider overall diameter differences, steering behavior, and braking characteristics when mixing tire sizes. Matching the setup to the vehicle’s purpose helps maintain predictable driving behavior.
Performance & Use Case â–¼
The Firestone Dragster Cheater Slick 820-15 is designed for enthusiasts who want a vintage drag racing appearance with limited street capability. As a DOT street tire with a cheater slick design, it provides a balance between nostalgic styling and occasional street use.
Because it uses bias ply construction and a performance-oriented tread design, its driving feel differs from modern radial tires. Owners should expect a more traditional ride and handling experience suited to hot rods and custom builds.
The Firestone Dragster Cheater Slick 820-15 is suitable for certain street-driven hot rods, rat rods, and nostalgia-style builds where appearance and occasional performance use are priorities. It is not designed as a modern touring tire.
Owners should consider their driving habits before choosing this tire. Vehicles used for frequent highway travel may benefit from tires designed specifically for long-distance comfort and modern handling characteristics.
Construction, Durability & Load Capacity â–¼
The Firestone Dragster Cheater Slick 820-15 uses bias ply construction with a four-ply polyester design. This construction matches the traditional tire technology used on vintage performance vehicles and helps maintain the classic appearance expected on hot rods and nostalgia drag builds.
Bias ply tires use overlapping cord layers that create a strong, period-correct structure. This design provides the traditional sidewall profile and stance that many collectors prefer, while delivering the styling associated with vintage drag racing applications.
The bias ply construction of the Firestone Dragster Cheater Slick 820-15 creates a different driving experience compared with modern radial tires. The sidewall and tread characteristics are designed to support a vintage look and traditional performance feel.
Bias ply tires can follow road grooves or pavement changes more noticeably than radials. Proper inflation pressure, alignment, and suspension condition help the tire perform as intended while maintaining the classic behavior expected from this style of tire.
Installation & Maintenance â–¼
Wheel width affects the sidewall shape, contact patch, and overall fit of the Firestone Dragster Cheater Slick 820-15. The tire is designed for a 7 to 8-inch rim width range to maintain proper proportions.
Using the correct wheel width helps the tire perform as intended and preserves its classic drag racing appearance. Incorrect wheel sizing may change handling behavior and can create clearance issues depending on the vehicle.




