Mercury LN7 Tires
Mercury LN7 was Mercury's short-lived early-1980s compact hatchback coupe, sold for 1982 and 1983 during a period when domestic small cars were mixing traditional inch-based wheel sizes with newer metric fitments. That matters because tire selection for Mercury LN7 is not as simple as picking a single modern replacement by model name alone. The available fitments span both 13-inch and 365mm rim applications, and 1983 adds a third size that can reflect configuration differences within the same model year. Before choosing a tire for a Mercury LN7, the first step is to confirm whether the car carries 13-inch wheels or the less common 365mm metric rims.
Mercury LN7 Tire Size Guide
Mercury LN7 production changed from 365mm to 13-inch wheel fitments within its 1982 to 1983 span, and both rim standards appear in the size range, with 1983 introducing an additional 13-inch size alongside the metric fitment. Mercury LN7 uses 3 distinct tire sizes in this group. These are modern radial size formats, so the section width, aspect ratio, construction, and rim diameter are all built into the code.
165/70R365 fits Mercury LN7 models in 1982 and 1983 where the car is equipped with the metric-rim application. The code identifies a tire with a 165mm section width, a 70-series aspect ratio, radial construction, and a 365mm rim diameter. Choose this size only if the car still carries its metric wheels, because it does not interchange with 13-inch rim fitments.
165/80R13 fits Mercury LN7 applications in 1982 and 1983 that use 13-inch wheels. The code identifies a tire with a 165mm section width, an 80-series aspect ratio, radial construction, and a 13-inch rim diameter. Choose this size when the car uses the narrower 13-inch fitment, and note that current products in this size are available with either narrow or wide whitewall styling.
175/80R13 applies to 1983 Mercury LN7 fitments that use the wider 13-inch option. The code identifies a tire with a 175mm section width, an 80-series aspect ratio, radial construction, and a 13-inch rim diameter. Choose this size only after confirming the specific 1983 configuration, especially if the car is wearing 13-inch wheels but needs a wider section than the 165/80R13 option.
Buyers with a 1983 Mercury LN7 need to identify the specific configuration before selecting a size, because that year includes both a rim-diameter split between 365mm and 13-inch wheels and multiple 13-inch size options.
Mercury LN7 Tires by Year
Mercury LN7 production changed from 365mm to 13-inch wheel fitments in 1982 and 1983, so confirm which rim diameter the specific car carries before selecting a tire. In 1983, more than two sizes are listed, reflecting both the metric-versus-13-inch wheel split and multiple 13-inch fitments within the same model year. The year listing is the quickest way to narrow the choices before matching the tire to the wheel actually on the car.
1982 Mercury LN7
- 165/70R365
- 165/80R13
1983 Mercury LN7
- 165/70R365
- 165/80R13
- 175/80R13
Best Mercury LN7 Tires for Sale
Available Mercury LN7 tires cover 2 brands and 4 products across 165/80R13 and 175/80R13 sizes. Whitewall options are available in different widths, and the key first check is confirming the correct size and whether the car uses 13-inch or 365mm rims.
165/80R13 Products
These are the available products for 165/80R13.
175/80R13 Products
These are the available products for 175/80R13.
Frequently Asked Questions
The FAQ below focuses on the details that matter most for Mercury LN7 owners: separating 365mm metric-rim fitments from 13-inch wheels, understanding why 1983 shows three sizes, and choosing among the available radial whitewall options.
Size Basics & Fitment
Mercury LN7 uses three sizes across 1982 and 1983: 165/70R365, 165/80R13, and 175/80R13. The 165/70R365 size appears in both 1982 and 1983 and fits a 365mm rim. The 165/80R13 size also appears in both 1982 and 1983 and fits a 13-inch rim, while 175/80R13 appears in 1983 only and also fits a 13-inch rim.
The practical issue is that 365mm and 13-inch wheels are not interchangeable, even though they may look close at a glance. Start with the exact year, then verify the wheel itself and compare the size molded on the tire sidewall before choosing between the two 13-inch options or the metric-rim fitment.
A 1983 Mercury LN7 can show 165/70R365, 165/80R13, and 175/80R13 because that model year includes more than one wheel and tire configuration. One part of the split is rim diameter, with both 365mm and 13-inch applications listed. Within the 13-inch group, both 165/80R13 and 175/80R13 appear, indicating a second variation in section width.
That means year alone is not enough to choose the correct tire for every 1983 Mercury LN7. Check the wheel diameter first, then confirm whether the car calls for the narrower or wider 13-inch size by inspecting the existing tire, wheel stampings, or original vehicle paperwork.
Mercury LN7 uses two rim diameters in this fitment group: 365mm and 13 inches. The 165/70R365 size is the metric-rim application, while both 165/80R13 and 175/80R13 are 13-inch fitments. Both 1982 and 1983 can be associated with either 365mm or 13-inch applications depending on configuration.
That split is the first thing to verify before looking at tread or sidewall style. A 13-inch tire will not correctly mount on a 365mm wheel, and a 365mm tire will not correctly mount on a 13-inch wheel, so the wheel itself has to be identified before anything else.
Buying the Right Tire
A 1982 or 1983 Mercury LN7 should be matched first by wheel diameter, then by the exact tire size used on that configuration. The key distinction is whether the car has 365mm metric wheels for 165/70R365 or 13-inch wheels for either 165/80R13 or, in some 1983 applications, 175/80R13. The size molded on the current tire sidewall is often the quickest direct check if the car is already fitted with the correct wheels.
If the car is new to you, compare the wheel and tire markings against original paperwork or marque-specific references before replacing anything. That extra step matters most on 1983 cars, where two different 13-inch sizes appear alongside the metric-rim option.
Mercury LN7 tires in the available 13-inch sizes are offered with both narrow whitewall and wide whitewall styling. The narrow whitewall option appears in the Maxxis Classic Whitewall MA-1 line, while the wide whitewall option appears in BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial products. Both styles are offered in 165/80R13 and 175/80R13.
Choosing between them is mostly a visual decision once the correct size is established. Owners aiming for a subtle period look often prefer the narrower stripe, while the wider whitewall creates a more stylized presentation that can change the appearance of a compact early-1980s car quite noticeably.
Mercury LN7 tires in the available 13-inch fitments are offered by BFGoodrich and Maxxis. BFGoodrich appears in the Silvertown Radial series, and Maxxis appears in the Classic Whitewall MA-1 series. Both brands are represented in 165/80R13 and 175/80R13 sizes.
Brand choice comes after size and rim diameter are confirmed. Once the fitment is settled, compare the visual effect you want, since the available products differ in whitewall width and overall presentation rather than in basic construction type, which is radial across the listed products.
Mercury LN7 products in the listed 13-inch sizes appear in two series: BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial and Maxxis Classic Whitewall MA-1. Both are radial tires and both cover the same two 13-inch sizes, but they differ in sidewall treatment. The BFGoodrich products use a 2.25-inch wide whitewall, while the Maxxis products use a 0.625-inch narrow whitewall.
That makes the choice largely about appearance once the correct size is established. If the car already has a specific period style or restoration theme, matching the whitewall width to the overall presentation of the Mercury LN7 will usually matter more than chasing minor differences between two radial series serving the same rim size.
Maintenance & Longevity
A Mercury LN7 should be stored in a cool, dry, dark space with clean tires and stable air pressure. Sunlight, ozone from electric motors, and long periods on damp concrete all accelerate tire aging even when the car is not being driven much. If the car will sit for extended periods, moving it occasionally or supporting it properly helps reduce flat spotting.
Collector cars often age their tires by time rather than mileage, and an early-1980s car like Mercury LN7 is no exception. Keeping the tires covered, avoiding chemical dressings that can dry the rubber, and checking pressure regularly will do more for long-term preservation than simply letting the car sit untouched.
Tires on a Mercury LN7 should be inspected at regular intervals even if the car is driven only occasionally. Look for sidewall cracking, tread separation, impact damage, irregular wear, and air loss, and inspect before any longer drive after the car has been parked for a while. A collector car's low annual mileage can hide tire deterioration until it becomes serious.
A practical routine is to inspect visually before every outing and give the tires a more thorough review several times each year. Early attention to cracking, age hardening, or unusual wear can also reveal suspension or alignment issues before they spoil a hard-to-find correct-size replacement.
Tires on a Mercury LN7 should be replaced when age, cracking, hardening, vibration, or structural deterioration appear, even if plenty of tread remains. Collector tires often look usable long after the rubber has aged beyond comfortable road service. Tread depth alone is not a reliable guide on a low-mileage car.
That matters especially on a Mercury LN7 that may spend long periods parked and then return to road use. If the tires are older, have uncertain history, or show any sign of sidewall or ride-quality change, replacement is the safer course than trying to use up the remaining tread.
Restoration & Authenticity
Mercury LN7 appears with three fitment sizes in this range: 165/70R365, 165/80R13, and 175/80R13, all tied to 1982-1983 production. The presence of both 365mm and 13-inch applications shows that Mercury LN7 did not rely on a single tire specification across the model group. The available replacement products shown here cover the 13-inch sizes and use radial construction.
For a restoration, the exact original fitment should be matched to the specific year and wheel package on the car rather than to the model name alone. Original owner literature, build information, and marque-specific references are the best way to confirm which of the listed sizes belongs on a particular Mercury LN7.
Correct tire fitment can affect both presentation and credibility on a Mercury LN7, especially because wheel diameter and tire size varied within the model group. A car wearing the wrong rim standard or an obviously incorrect section width can look off even to a casual observer. In judged settings, details such as size and sidewall treatment can matter as much as general tread style.
Owners pursuing show accuracy should match the tire to the car's actual wheel specification first, then decide whether a narrow or wide whitewall presentation suits the restoration goal. Marque clubs, period photos, and original literature are useful references when authenticity matters more than appearance alone.
Mercury LN7 replacement tires in the listed 13-inch sizes are available with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall sidewall styles. Narrow whitewall is offered in the Maxxis line, and wide whitewall is offered in the BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial line. Both styles are radial constructions and both cover the available 13-inch replacement sizes.
The right choice depends on the look you want from the finished car. A more restrained period appearance usually leans toward the narrow stripe, while the wider whitewall creates a more customized visual statement, so owners should match the sidewall style to the intended restoration theme rather than treat all whitewalls as equivalent.
Safety & Road Use
The listed Mercury LN7 replacement products for 165/80R13 and 175/80R13 are modern radial tires intended for road use when correctly matched to the proper wheel diameter and maintained in sound condition. Safety starts with correct fitment, because Mercury LN7 spans both 365mm and 13-inch wheel applications. A tire that matches the wrong rim standard is not a usable substitute.
Road use also depends on the condition of the rest of the car. Before regular driving, verify age, inflation, wheel condition, suspension health, and brake performance so the Mercury LN7 is operating as a complete system rather than relying on new tires to compensate for other problems.
Before driving a Mercury LN7, check that the tire size matches the wheel diameter, inspect inflation pressure, and look for cracking, bulges, punctures, or uneven wear. On this model, the wheel-diameter check is unusually important because both 365mm and 13-inch applications exist. Also inspect wheel condition and confirm that lug hardware is secure.
A short test drive after long storage should be approached carefully, with attention to vibration, pull, or steering feel that may indicate a tire or wheel issue. Any newly acquired Mercury LN7 deserves a full inspection before normal road use, even if the tires appear visually presentable.
A Mercury LN7 should always be driven at speeds appropriate to the actual tire fitted, the condition of that tire, and the overall mechanical condition of the car. Because this model group includes both metric-rim and 13-inch fitments, the first concern is correct matching rather than assuming one blanket speed standard. Age and condition matter as much as size on a collector-oriented car.
A sensible approach is to treat any older or newly sorted Mercury LN7 conservatively until the tires, wheels, alignment, and suspension have all been checked. Even with correct modern radial replacements, stable road manners depend on the whole chassis being right, not simply on fitting the correct size.