Ford-Taunus 20M Tires

Ford-Taunus 20M uses two listed tire sizes across the 1965 to 1968 model span: 175R13 and 640-13. Both sizes are associated with 13-inch rims, but they belong to different sizing systems. The 175R13 is a radial format, while 640-13 is an older numeric bias-ply size. The available listed product for 640-13 is a BFGoodrich bias-ply tire with a 13-inch rim diameter and a recommended rim width range of 4.00 to 4.50 inches.

That means year alone is not enough to choose a tire for a Ford-Taunus 20M. You need to confirm whether the car is being kept in a period-style bias-ply setup or fitted around radial sizing. Checking the sidewall on the current tire, measuring the wheel, and comparing against period service information are the most useful first steps before settling on one of the two size formats.

640-13 is an older numeric bias-ply size used on Ford-Taunus 20M from 1965 through 1968. In this format, 640 is the nominal section-width designation from an earlier sizing system, and 13 is the rim diameter in inches. The listed 640-13 product for Ford-Taunus 20M is a bias-ply tire built for a 13-inch rim, not a modern metric radial equivalent.

For an owner or restorer, 640-13 usually points toward a more period-correct appearance and driving character than a radial conversion. Because it is bias-ply construction and no tubeless indication is present, a tube is required. That matters when planning a complete installation, since the correct tire, tube, and wheel width all need to work together on a Ford-Taunus 20M.

A 1965 Ford-Taunus 20M has two tire sizes listed because the model is associated with both 175R13 and 640-13 during the same production years. This is not a wheel-diameter split, since both sizes use 13-inch rims. It is a construction and sizing-system split, with one size expressed in radial format and the other in older numeric bias-ply format.

The practical takeaway is that the correct choice depends on how the specific Ford-Taunus 20M is equipped today and what kind of driving or restoration goal the owner has in mind. A car preserved to look and feel more period-correct may stay with the bias-ply format, while a car already aligned around radial sizing should be matched to that approach consistently.

Ford-Taunus 20M fitment can require inner tubes when using the 640-13 bias-ply size. The available 640-13 product is a bias-ply tire, and no tubeless indication is present, so a tube is required with that size. The 175R13 listing is a radial-format size, but tube use for a Ford-Taunus 20M on radial tires depends on the wheel and tire combination actually being used.

Owners should treat tube use as part of the complete fitment decision rather than an afterthought. On a Ford-Taunus 20M running bias-ply tires, the tube, rim condition, and wheel width all matter to reliable service. If the car has older wheels or has been changed from one tire type to another over the years, inspect the wheels carefully before mounting new tires.

A 1967 Ford-Taunus 20M is associated with both 175R13 and 640-13, so the correct size is confirmed by the car's actual setup rather than the year alone. Start by reading the size on the current tires, then verify that the wheels are 13-inch rims. If the car currently carries a numeric bias-ply size, that points toward 640-13; if it carries radial sizing, 175R13 is the relevant format.

The best approach is to compare the existing wheels and tires with any restoration paperwork, service records, or marque references that follow the specific car. That is especially helpful on a Ford-Taunus 20M that may have been updated over the years. Matching the new tire to the wheel, construction type, and intended use will prevent confusion between two valid but different fitment paths.

The listed Ford-Taunus 20M product information includes a wide whitewall sidewall style in the 640-13 size. That tire is the BFGoodrich 2.25 Inch Whitewall in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series. No other sidewall style appears in the available Ford-Taunus 20M product listing tied to the supplied fitments.

Sidewall style matters most when the goal is a period-focused presentation. A wide whitewall can give a Ford-Taunus 20M a distinctly mid-century replacement-tire look, but owners restoring to a very specific market or presentation standard should compare the tire's appearance with period photos and marque references. The visual choice should complement the car's era without overlooking the underlying size and construction requirements.

The available Ford-Taunus 20M product listing includes 1 brand: BFGoodrich. That brand appears in the 640-13 size with a bias-ply tire in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series. No other brand is represented in the current Ford-Taunus 20M product set tied to these sizes.

Brand matters, but it should come after basic fitment decisions on a Ford-Taunus 20M. First confirm whether the car needs the older 640-13 bias-ply route or the 175R13 radial route. Once the size and construction path are settled, brand, sidewall style, and visual presentation become much easier to evaluate in a way that fits the car's restoration goals.

A stored Ford-Taunus 20M should be kept in a cool, dry, dark environment with the tires protected from sunlight, ozone sources, solvents, and standing moisture. Clean concrete is acceptable, but long-term storage is kinder to the tires if the car is moved occasionally or supported in a way that reduces constant flat-spotting. Bias-ply tires such as a 640-13 installation are especially prone to temporary shape changes when they sit for long periods.

Collector cars last longer when storage habits are gentle and consistent. Keep the Ford-Taunus 20M at appropriate inflation, avoid parking with heavy loads inside, and inspect the tires after long storage before driving. If the car is used only seasonally, a brief rolling exercise every few weeks can help preserve ride quality and reduce stress on the casing.

Tires on a Ford-Taunus 20M should be inspected before each drive and more thoroughly several times a year, even if the car covers very little mileage. Look for sidewall cracking, tread separation, uneven wear, cuts, embedded objects, valve issues, and signs of tube-related problems on bias-ply fitments. A collector car can age its tires out long before it wears them out.

Regular inspection is especially important when a Ford-Taunus 20M spends long stretches parked, because deterioration often develops quietly. Watch for changes in ride feel, steering pull, or repeated pressure loss, all of which can point to tire or wheel problems. Catching those issues early is far easier than discovering them once the car is already on the road.

Tires on a Ford-Taunus 20M should be replaced when age, cracking, casing distortion, vibration, repeated air loss, or visible damage suggest that the structure is no longer trustworthy, even if the tread still looks deep. Collector cars often preserve tread because they are driven sparingly, but rubber hardens and internal materials age with time. Tread depth alone is not a reliable measure of serviceability on a vintage-car tire.

The right habit is to judge a Ford-Taunus 20M tire by condition, age, and intended road use together. Any tire that has sat for years, shows sidewall deterioration, or has an uncertain service history deserves close evaluation before further use. Replacing aged tires proactively is often the safer choice for a collector car that may otherwise appear ready to drive.

Ford-Taunus 20M is associated here with both 175R13 and 640-13 during the 1965 to 1968 production years, which points to more than one valid tire format within the model's span. The available product tied to these fitments is a BFGoodrich 640-13 bias-ply tire in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series. That gives restorers a period-style option, but it does not by itself establish a single original assembly-line specification for every Ford-Taunus 20M.

For restoration work, the best reference is the specific car's market, wheel setup, and period literature. A Ford-Taunus 20M preserved for authenticity should have its tire choice checked against original manuals, marque archives, or trusted model specialists. That helps separate a correct period replacement look from a later radial conversion that may still be mechanically workable.

Correct tire fitment can absolutely affect how a Ford-Taunus 20M is judged and perceived, especially when the car is restored to a period standard. Size, construction type, sidewall style, and overall stance all influence whether the car looks mechanically and historically coherent. A bias-ply 640-13 with an era-appropriate sidewall presentation can create a very different impression from a radial-format fitment, even when both share the same 13-inch wheel diameter.

For resale and show presentation, consistency matters more than simply picking a tire that fits the wheel. A Ford-Taunus 20M restored with attention to tire style often looks more finished and better aligned with its era. Owners aiming at formal judging should compare their selection with marque-club standards and period photographs rather than relying on broad assumptions about what 'looks right.'

The available Ford-Taunus 20M listing includes a wide whitewall option in the 640-13 bias-ply size. That makes wide whitewall a viable restoration-style choice within the available fitment range for this model. Whether it is the most correct appearance for a particular Ford-Taunus 20M depends on the car's market presentation, trim character, and the owner's restoration target rather than the size alone.

Sidewall style should be chosen as part of the car's overall visual story. On a Ford-Taunus 20M, the wrong sidewall treatment can change the personality of the car almost as much as the wrong wheel cover or ride height. Matching the tire's appearance to period photos and to the intended restoration standard will usually produce a more convincing result than choosing by style preference alone.

A Ford-Taunus 20M can be driven on public roads only if the tires are in sound condition, correctly fitted to the wheels, and appropriate to the car's setup. The key distinction here is between 175R13 radial sizing and 640-13 bias-ply sizing, because each gives the car a different feel and may call for different supporting hardware. Safe road use begins with matching the tire type to the wheel and confirming there are no age-related or structural concerns.

For practical road driving, the owner should think beyond tread and look at the whole system: wheels, inflation, age, balancing, alignment, and suspension condition. A Ford-Taunus 20M that has sat unused for years can look presentable and still need tire replacement. Any collector car returning to service should be driven conservatively until the entire chassis and tire package has been evaluated.

Before driving a Ford-Taunus 20M, check inflation pressure, visible condition of the sidewalls and tread, wheel security, valve stems, and any signs of rubbing or clearance problems. If the car is on 640-13 bias-ply tires, include the condition of the tubes and watch for evidence of shifting, pinching, or chronic pressure loss. The wheel should also match the tire's required 13-inch diameter and suitable width.

A brief pre-drive inspection is especially important on a collector car because many problems appear after storage rather than mileage. On a Ford-Taunus 20M, also pay attention to steering feel during the first few miles, since wandering, vibration, or pull can indicate tire or chassis issues. Catching those signs early is one of the simplest ways to prevent minor concerns from becoming roadside failures.

A Ford-Taunus 20M on period-style tires should be driven at moderate speeds that respect the age, construction type, and overall condition of the tire package. Bias-ply fitments such as 640-13 generally deliver a different feel from radial tires, with more sensitivity to road crown, grooves, and steering input. The safe speed for any Ford-Taunus 20M depends as much on tire age and condition as on the nominal size stamped on the sidewall.

The sensible rule is to build speed gradually and let the car tell you how settled it feels. If a Ford-Taunus 20M shows vibration, wandering, heat buildup, or instability, slow down and inspect the tire and chassis package before continuing. Collector cars reward restraint, and preserving the car matters more than trying to drive it as if it were on modern everyday-driver tires.