Ford F-100 Tires
Ford F-100 pickups from 1971 through 1979 sit in an interesting place in truck history, bridging the gap between purely work-focused postwar pickups and the more comfort-oriented light trucks that followed. The Ford F-100 could be equipped for everyday hauling, farm use, or more appearance-conscious personal-duty service, which helps explain why tire selection is not as simple as picking a single size for the whole run. Within these years, the tire listings include both 15-inch and 16-inch applications, along with multiple size choices in several years. Before choosing a tire for a Ford F-100, the first step is to confirm whether the truck is running 15-inch or 16-inch wheels.
Ford F-100 Tire Size Guide
Ford F-100 production changed between 15-inch and 16-inch wheel applications during the 1971 to 1979 span, with 15-inch and 16-inch rim diameters both appearing from 1973 onward. Across these nine model years, this model group uses 6 distinct tire sizes. The mix of numeric and alphanumeric bias-ply sizing reflects how pickup tire fitment could vary by wheel choice, load use, and configuration.
The 700-15 size appears across the full 1971 through 1979 Ford F-100 run and is one of the longest-serving 15-inch options in this model group. In numeric bias-ply sizing, the 700 indicates a nominal section width of about 7.00 inches and the 15 is the rim diameter, with most products fitting 15-inch wheels in the 5.00 to 5.50 inch rim-width range. Choose 700-15 when the truck is equipped with the narrower 15-inch wheel application and a period bias-ply truck tire is appropriate; some products in this size are tube type while others are listed as tubeless, so verify the wheel style before final selection.
G78-15 is listed for every 1971 through 1979 Ford F-100 and represents another 15-inch fitment used throughout the production span. In alphanumeric bias-ply sizing, the G identifies a width and load class, the 78 indicates the aspect-profile family, and the 15 is the rim diameter, with available products fitting 15-inch wheels and generally covering 5.00 to 7.00 inch rim widths. Choose G78-15 when the truck is equipped for that 15-inch alphanumeric bias-ply size and the goal is a period-style fitment; A tube is required.
H78-15 applies to 1973 through 1979 Ford F-100 pickups and adds a larger 15-inch bias-ply option during the later years of this run. In alphanumeric bias-ply sizing, the H identifies a larger width and load class than G, the 78 indicates the profile family, and the 15 is the rim diameter, with listed products fitting 15-inch wheels and 5.50 to 7.00 inch rim widths. Choose H78-15 when the truck carries the corresponding 15-inch wheel and needs the heavier-looking later bias-ply fitment rather than the smaller G78-15 or numeric 700-15; A tube is required.
L78-15 is listed for 1973 through 1979 Ford F-100 models and represents the largest 15-inch alphanumeric option shown in these years. In alphanumeric bias-ply sizing, the L denotes a broader and heavier-duty size class, the 78 marks the profile family, and the 15 is the rim diameter, with products built for 15-inch wheels and 5.50 to 8.00 inch rim widths. Choose L78-15 when the truck is set up for the wider 15-inch application or a fuller late-1970s truck stance, and note that blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and dual-white-stripe versions are offered; A tube is required.
The 650-16 size is used on 1973 through 1977 Ford F-100 pickups and is the only 16-inch fitment in this group. In numeric bias-ply sizing, the 650 indicates a nominal section width of about 6.50 inches and the 16 is the rim diameter, with most products fitting 16-inch wheels and commonly pairing with 4.50 to 5.00 inch rim widths. Choose 650-16 only when the truck is actually fitted with 16-inch wheels rather than the more common 15-inch applications, especially because these same model years also list several 15-inch alternatives; A tube is required.
F78-15 appears on 1978 and 1979 Ford F-100 listings as an additional 15-inch alphanumeric bias-ply size in the final two years of this range. In alphanumeric bias-ply sizing, the F identifies a narrower width and load class than G or H, the 78 indicates the profile family, and the 15 is the rim diameter. Choose F78-15 when the truck's wheel and original size marking call for that narrower late-production 15-inch option, since those same years also list several other 15-inch sizes and the exact configuration matters; A tube is required.
Ford F-100 buyers looking at 1973 through 1979 trucks need to identify the specific configuration before choosing a size, because those years include multiple 15-inch sizes and, from 1973 through 1977, a separate 16-inch wheel application as well.
Ford F-100 Tires by Year
Ford F-100 production uses both 15-inch and 16-inch wheel applications in this 1971 to 1979 range, so the year listing helps narrow the correct size before you compare products. In 1973 through 1979, more than two sizes are listed, which points to differences in wheel diameter and configuration rather than a single universal fitment. The year-by-year list is the quickest way to match a specific truck to the right size family.
1971 Ford F-100
- 700-15
- G78-15
1972 Ford F-100
- 700-15
- G78-15
1973 Ford F-100
- G78-15
- H78-15
- L78-15
- 700-15
- 650-16
1974 Ford F-100
- G78-15
- H78-15
- L78-15
- 700-15
- 650-16
1975 Ford F-100
- G78-15
- H78-15
- L78-15
- 700-15
- 650-16
1976 Ford F-100
- G78-15
- H78-15
- L78-15
- 700-15
- 650-16
1977 Ford F-100
- G78-15
- H78-15
- L78-15
- 700-15
- 650-16
1978 Ford F-100
- F78-15
- G78-15
- H78-15
- L78-15
- 700-15
1979 Ford F-100
- F78-15
- G78-15
- H78-15
- L78-15
- 700-15
Best Ford F-100 Tires for Sale
Available Ford F-100 tires span 8 brands and 41 products across 700-15, G78-15, H78-15, L78-15, 650-16, and F78-15 sizes. Sidewall choices include blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and dual-white-stripe, so confirm the correct size and rim diameter before selecting.
700-15 Products
These are the available products for 700-15.
G78-15 Products
These are the available products for G78-15.
H78-15 Products
These are the available products for H78-15.
L78-15 Products
These are the available products for L78-15.
650-16 Products
These are the available products for 650-16.
Frequently Asked Questions
The FAQ below focuses on the real decision points for Ford F-100 tires, including how to sort out multiple sizes in the same year, when 15-inch and 16-inch wheel applications overlap, and what made-to-order, tube-type, and sidewall choices mean for a vintage truck.
Size Basics & Fitment
Ford F-100 tire sizes in this range are 700-15 and G78-15 for 1971 and 1972; 700-15, G78-15, H78-15, L78-15, and 650-16 for 1973 through 1977; and 700-15, F78-15, G78-15, H78-15, and L78-15 for 1978 and 1979. The 700-15, G78-15, H78-15, L78-15, and F78-15 sizes all use 15-inch rims, while 650-16 uses a 16-inch rim.
That range means there is no single Ford F-100 tire size for every truck from these years. The best approach is to start with the truck’s actual wheel diameter, then compare the size stamped on the existing tire or listed on factory paperwork, because several years carry multiple 15-inch choices alongside a separate 16-inch application.
A 700-15 on a Ford F-100 is a numeric bias-ply size. The 700 indicates a nominal section width of about 7.00 inches, and the 15 identifies a 15-inch rim diameter. Available products in this size are bias-ply designs, with many built for 15-inch rims in the 5.00 to 5.50 inch width range.
That sizing system is older than modern metric radial notation, so it helps to think of 700-15 as a period truck tire size rather than a direct modern passenger-car equivalent. If the truck still uses stock-style wheels and bias-ply construction is part of the goal, this size is a strong candidate, but wheel width and whether the wheel is intended for tube-type or tubeless use still need to match.
A 1973 Ford F-100 has five tire sizes listed because that model year includes both 15-inch and 16-inch wheel applications. The 15-inch choices are 700-15, G78-15, H78-15, and L78-15, while 650-16 is the separate 16-inch option. That is a wheel-diameter split first, with additional variation inside the 15-inch group.
For a 1973 truck, year alone is not enough to choose a tire. Check the actual wheel diameter on the truck first, then use the existing tire size, wheel width, and the intended use of the pickup to narrow the correct fitment, because a 16-inch setup and a 15-inch setup are not interchangeable simply by choosing a similar-looking tread.
Ford F-100 trucks in this 1971 to 1979 range use both 15-inch and 16-inch rim diameters. The 15-inch rim is used with 700-15, F78-15, G78-15, H78-15, and L78-15 sizes, while the 16-inch rim is used with 650-16. The 16-inch application appears from 1973 through 1977 alongside several 15-inch options.
That makes rim diameter the first physical check to make on the truck in your garage. A Ford F-100 with 16-inch wheels should stay with the 650-16 family, while trucks on 15-inch wheels need one of the listed 15-inch sizes matched to the wheel width and the truck’s original configuration.
Buying the Right Tire
A 1978 Ford F-100 can use F78-15, G78-15, H78-15, L78-15, or 700-15, all on 15-inch rims. Those choices are not interchangeable by year alone, because they represent different bias-ply size families and width classes within the same model year.
Start by checking the size marking on the existing tire if it is known to be correct, then verify the wheel width and compare the truck’s trim, stance, and intended use. If the truck is being restored, original paperwork or marque-specific references are the right tie-breaker; if it is being kept as a driver, matching the existing correct wheel and size family is the safest route.
Ford F-100 tires in these listed sizes are available in blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and dual-white-stripe sidewall styles. The widest variety appears in sizes such as L78-15 and 650-16, while some truck-oriented sizes and tread patterns are offered only as blackwalls.
Sidewall style changes the visual character of a Ford F-100 more than many owners expect. Blackwalls are the most work-truck-oriented choice, while whitewall and dual-stripe options lean more toward a personalized or period custom look, so it helps to choose a sidewall style that matches the truck’s intended restoration theme rather than treating appearance as an afterthought.
Ford F-100 tires in these listings come from Firestone, BFGoodrich, STA, Coker Classic, Garfield, Excelsior, Lester, Goodyear, and Tornel. Brand availability varies by size, with some sizes carrying only a few choices and 650-16 offering the widest spread across passenger-style and truck-style bias-ply lines.
Brand choice is usually secondary to getting the correct size, rim diameter, and overall tire type first. Once those basics are settled, buyers can narrow the selection by sidewall appearance, tread style, and whether the truck needs a more passenger-style period look or a more utility-oriented truck tire.
Ford F-100 tires here are offered in several series, including Firestone Classic Bias Ply, Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, Coker Classic Bias Ply, Garfield Classic Bias Ply, Lester Classic Bias Ply, Deluxe All-Weather, Traxion, Super Traxion, Transport, Transport Highway, Firestone Classic Military, STA Classic Military, Firestone Classic Truck, Tornel Classic Truck, and Excelsior Bias Ply. Those series separate into more appearance-oriented classic passenger bias-ply lines, military-style and traction-focused truck tread lines, and highway-oriented truck tires.
The practical difference is how the truck will look and what role it is meant to play. A restored pickup aimed at period passenger styling may suit a classic bias-ply line with a whitewall, while a more workmanlike or utility-focused Ford F-100 may call for a blackwall truck, traction, military, or highway series that better matches its intended personality.
Maintenance & Longevity
A Ford F-100 stored on its tires should be kept in a cool, dry, dark space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, welders, or other ozone-producing equipment. Keep the tires clean, maintain proper inflation for the fitted size, and avoid long-term parking on oil-soaked, wet, or uneven surfaces that can stress the casing.
Collector trucks benefit from occasional movement rather than sitting in one position for long periods. If the Ford F-100 will be parked for an extended season, rolling it periodically or supporting it in a way that reduces flat-spotting can help preserve ride quality and sidewall shape, especially with bias-ply tires.
Tires on a Ford F-100 should be inspected before regular driving and again after any long storage period. Look for sidewall cracking, tread separation, punctures, irregular wear, low inflation, and signs that the tire is no longer seated or wearing evenly on the wheel.
Bias-ply tires on an older pickup deserve more frequent visual checks than modern daily-driver tires because the truck itself may also have age-related wheel, suspension, and brake issues. A short inspection routine before use can catch problems early and is especially worthwhile if the Ford F-100 is driven only occasionally.
Tires on a Ford F-100 should be replaced when age, cracking, hardening, bulges, impact damage, or casing deterioration appear, even if the tread still looks deep. Collector vehicles often age out tires long before they wear them out, and appearance alone is not a reliable measure of serviceability.
That matters on a Ford F-100 because many vintage trucks accumulate limited mileage but spend long periods parked. A tire that still looks presentable at a glance can still be unsuitable for road use, so replacement decisions should be driven by condition, age, and inspection findings rather than tread depth alone.
Restoration & Authenticity
Ford F-100 trucks in this 1971 to 1979 range use several period-style bias-ply sizes rather than a single universal fitment. The listed size families include numeric 700-15 and 650-16 as well as alphanumeric F78-15, G78-15, H78-15, and L78-15, with products available in classic passenger bias-ply, truck, military, highway, and traction-oriented series.
That means originality depends on the specific truck, wheel diameter, and configuration rather than the model name alone. For restoration work, use the truck’s build information, original paperwork, and marque references to determine which of the listed sizes and sidewall styles best match the way that particular Ford F-100 was originally equipped.
Correct tire fitment can affect both the visual credibility and judged authenticity of a Ford F-100. Size family, rim diameter, sidewall style, and overall tire character all influence whether the truck looks properly restored for its year and intended trim level, even before a judge looks at finer details.
A Ford F-100 restored with the right tire type usually presents as more coherent and historically believable than one wearing an obviously mismatched size or style. Owners aiming for show points or strong resale presentation should compare their truck against marque-club standards and period photos before settling on whitewall width, blackwall appearance, or truck-tread styling.
Ford F-100 restoration choices in these sizes include blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and dual-white-stripe sidewalls. Blackwalls are the most work-truck-oriented option in the group, while whitewall and stripe treatments appear in several passenger-style bias-ply offerings for owners pursuing a more personalized period appearance.
The right answer depends on the individual Ford F-100 rather than the year by itself. A factory-plain pickup generally looks more at home on blackwalls, while a truck restored to a more upscale or custom-era presentation may suit a whitewall style better, so period photographs and marque references are the best final check.
Safety & Road Use
A properly sized, properly mounted, and properly maintained tire from these listed Ford F-100 sizes can be suitable for public-road use when the rest of the truck is equally roadworthy. These are bias-ply fitments, including both passenger-style and truck-style offerings, so their road manners will differ from modern radial truck tires.
The practical point is to view the tire as one part of the system. Before road use, the Ford F-100 should also have sound wheels, brakes, steering, suspension, and correct inflation, and the driver should expect older bias-ply behavior such as different tracking and response than a modern pickup on radial tires.
Before driving a Ford F-100, check inflation pressure, visible sidewall condition, tread condition, valve stems, wheel fasteners, and any signs of rubbing or uneven wear. On a truck with bias-ply tires, it is also wise to confirm that the tires are seated correctly and that any tube-type setup is holding air consistently.
A short walk-around matters because many vintage trucks are driven intermittently rather than daily. If the Ford F-100 has been parked for a while, add a quick check of brake operation and steering feel during the first low-speed movement, since even a tire that looks fine can reveal a problem once the truck starts rolling.
A Ford F-100 on period-style bias-ply tires should be driven at moderate speeds that respect both the age of the truck and the handling character of bias-ply construction. Even when the tires are new production, these sizes are intended to preserve vintage driving feel rather than mimic the high-speed stability of modern radial light-truck tires.
In practice, the right speed is the one at which the Ford F-100 feels settled, tracks cleanly, and can stop confidently under current conditions. Owners should build speed gradually after installation, keep expectations realistic, and remember that an older pickup on bias-ply tires is happiest when driven with a margin of mechanical sympathy.