Nissan 720 Pickup Tires
Nissan 720 Pickup sits at the point where compact Japanese trucks became a familiar part of American daily work, bringing practical utility and simple rear-wheel-drive durability into the late 1970s. Built in 1978 and 1979 in the range covered here, Nissan 720 Pickup can be surprisingly nuanced when it comes to tire selection because the same model years appear with both 14-inch and 15-inch wheel fitments, along with both bias-ply and radial tire types. That means the right choice is not just about the year on the title. The first thing to confirm on any Nissan 720 Pickup is the actual rim diameter on the truck before narrowing down the correct tire size.
Nissan 720 Pickup Tire Size Guide
Nissan 720 Pickup used 4 distinct tire sizes from 1978 to 1979, and the most important fitment fact is that wheel diameter varies within that short production span. The sizes here span both 14-inch and 15-inch rims, so matching the tire to the wheel already on the truck matters before anything else. Buyers will also notice a mix of modern-style metric radials, numeric bias-ply sizing, and alphanumeric bias-ply sizing, which is why two trucks from the same year may not use the same tire.
185R14 fits Nissan 720 Pickup applications in 1978 and 1979 on 14-inch wheels. The 185 identifies section width in millimeters, the R indicates radial construction, and the 14 is the rim diameter in inches. Choose this size for a 14-inch wheel when you want a radial tire with either blackwall or narrow whitewall styling.
700-14 fits Nissan 720 Pickup applications in 1978 and 1979 on 14-inch wheels. The 700 indicates a nominal section width of about 7.00 inches, and the 14 is the rim diameter in inches. Choose this size when your truck is set up for a period-style bias-ply tire on a 14-inch wheel; A tube is required.
G78-15 fits Nissan 720 Pickup applications in 1978 and 1979 on 15-inch wheels. The G identifies the width and load class, the 78 is the aspect-series designation, and the lack of an R means this is a bias-ply size for a 15-inch rim. Choose this size only if the truck carries 15-inch wheels and you want a period-style bias-ply look; A tube is required.
195R14 fits Nissan 720 Pickup applications in 1978 and 1979 on 14-inch wheels. The 195 identifies section width in millimeters, the R indicates radial construction, and the 14 is the rim diameter in inches. Choose this size for a 14-inch wheel when the truck calls for the slightly wider of the listed metric radial options.
Because 1978 and 1979 each show more than two tire sizes, buyers need to identify the specific configuration rather than rely on the model year alone, especially where 14-inch and 15-inch wheel fitments are both present.
Nissan 720 Pickup Tires by Year
Nissan 720 Pickup production in this range includes both 14-inch and 15-inch wheel fitments, so the year listing should be used together with a check of the actual wheel on the truck. In 1978 and 1979, more than two sizes are listed, and that split includes different rim diameters as well as different construction types. Work from the year first, then match the tire size to the wheel diameter and the style of restoration or road use you want.
1978 Nissan 720 Pickup
- 185R14
- 700-14
- G78-15
- 195R14
1979 Nissan 720 Pickup
- 185R14
- 700-14
- G78-15
- 195R14
Best Nissan 720 Pickup Tires for Sale
Available Nissan 720 Pickup tires span 4 brands and 9 products across 185R14, 700-14, and G78-15 sizes. One or more products are listed as new-old-stock original period production, and NOS tires of significant age require specialist evaluation before use regardless of appearance.
185R14 Products
These are the available products for 185R14.
700-14 Products
These are the available products for 700-14.
G78-15 Products
These are the available products for G78-15.
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions below focus on the real decision points for Nissan 720 Pickup owners, including how to sort out 14-inch versus 15-inch wheels, when bias-ply or radial construction makes sense, and what sidewall and brand choices are available.
Size Basics & Fitment
Nissan 720 Pickup uses four sizes in the 1978-1979 range covered here: 185R14, 700-14, G78-15, and 195R14. The 185R14, 700-14, and 195R14 sizes fit 14-inch wheels, while G78-15 fits 15-inch wheels. That means the truck does not have one universal tire size for both years, even though the year range is short.
Start by reading the size stamped on the current tire and then verify the wheel diameter itself before choosing a replacement. A 14-inch radial, a 14-inch bias-ply, and a 15-inch bias-ply can all appear under the same model-year umbrella, so the actual wheel on the truck is the deciding factor. If the truck has been restored or modified over the years, the wheel size on the vehicle matters more than assumptions about what another 720 Pickup used.
A 700-14 size on Nissan 720 Pickup is a traditional numeric bias-ply size. The 700 indicates a nominal section width of about 7.00 inches, and the 14 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. In the products available for this size, 700-14 appears as a bias-ply tire for 14-inch rims.
That sizing format suits owners who want a more period-style driving character and appearance than a modern radial usually provides. It is important not to confuse 700-14 with the metric radial sizes, even though they share the same 14-inch wheel diameter. If your Nissan 720 Pickup currently wears numeric bias-ply tires and the wheel width is appropriate, staying with that format is often the cleanest route for maintaining the truck's vintage look.
A 1978 Nissan 720 Pickup has four sizes listed because the model-year coverage includes both 14-inch and 15-inch wheel fitments as well as both radial and bias-ply constructions. The 14-inch group includes 185R14, 195R14, and 700-14, while G78-15 is a separate 15-inch fitment. That is a wheel-diameter split first, with construction differences layered on top of it.
The practical takeaway is that year alone will not identify the right tire for your truck. Check the wheel diameter, then compare the current size and the type of tire already fitted. If your Nissan 720 Pickup has 15-inch wheels, the choice narrows quickly, while a 14-inch truck still needs you to decide whether you are matching an existing radial setup or preserving a bias-ply presentation.
Nissan 720 Pickup uses both 14-inch and 15-inch rim diameters in the 1978-1979 range shown here. The 185R14, 195R14, and 700-14 sizes are built for 14-inch wheels, while G78-15 is built for a 15-inch wheel. Rim diameter is therefore one of the most important checks on this model.
Measure or confirm the wheel before selecting a tire, especially on a truck that may have changed hands or been updated over the years. A tire with the wrong rim diameter simply will not mount correctly, even if the overall proportions seem close. On Nissan 720 Pickup, the presence of both 14-inch and 15-inch options makes wheel verification more important than relying on the calendar year alone.
Crossply vs Radial
Nissan 720 Pickup appears here with both radial and bias-ply choices. The radial options are the 185R14 and 195R14 sizes, while the bias-ply options are 700-14 and G78-15. That gives owners a real choice between a more modern road-oriented construction and a more period-correct bias-ply construction, depending on wheel diameter and the type of presentation they want.
Use radial tires if your priority is everyday drivability on a truck already set up for the radial sizes listed. Use bias-ply tires when the goal is a more vintage appearance or when the truck already carries one of the listed bias-ply sizes and matching wheel equipment. Nissan 720 Pickup owners restoring for period character often stay with the original type already associated with the wheel and stance of the truck.
Radial tires can change how Nissan 720 Pickup feels compared with bias-ply tires because the constructions are fundamentally different. In the sizes listed here, the radial choices are 185R14 and 195R14, while 700-14 and G78-15 are bias-ply alternatives. Even when fitted to the correct wheel diameter, the two constructions will not deliver the same steering feel or ride character.
A Nissan 720 Pickup used primarily on modern roads often benefits from the more contemporary manners of a radial tire if the truck is equipped for the listed radial sizes. A bias-ply tire tends to preserve a more period-correct look and response, which may matter more on a restoration or a show-focused truck. The best choice depends on whether the truck is being driven regularly, displayed, or restored to a specific historical style.
Mixing bias-ply and radial tires on Nissan 720 Pickup is not a good practice. The listed sizes already separate into different construction families, with 185R14 and 195R14 as radials and 700-14 and G78-15 as bias-ply tires. Those tire types behave differently under load, in steering response, and in how the tread meets the road.
Keep the construction type consistent across the truck rather than combining one style at one end and a different style at the other. That is especially important on a light pickup like Nissan 720 Pickup, where changes in steering feel and stability are noticeable. If you are converting from one construction to the other, treat it as a full set decision and make sure the wheel diameter and size family remain correct.
Buying the Right Tire
A 1979 Nissan 720 Pickup can use 185R14, 700-14, G78-15, or 195R14 within the range covered here, so confirmation starts with the truck itself rather than the year alone. First verify whether the wheel is 14 inches or 15 inches in diameter. Then compare the current tire size and construction type to the intended use of the truck.
If your Nissan 720 Pickup wears 14-inch wheels, the next choice is between metric radial sizing and numeric bias-ply sizing. If it wears 15-inch wheels, G78-15 is the listed fitment family and points toward a bias-ply setup. Original paperwork, restoration photos, and marque-specific knowledge can all help when you are trying to decide whether to preserve an existing setup or return the truck to a more era-correct configuration.
Nissan 720 Pickup tires in the listed sizes are available in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles. The 185R14 offerings include blackwall and narrow whitewall radial choices, 700-14 appears in blackwall and narrow whitewall bias-ply form, and G78-15 appears in blackwall and wide whitewall bias-ply form. That gives a useful spread from restrained stock-style presentation to a more customized visual look.
Most owners trying to keep a Nissan 720 Pickup close to a factory-style appearance will gravitate toward blackwall, while whitewall versions suit period customization or a more distinctive restoration direction. The key is to match the sidewall treatment to the overall build of the truck rather than choosing style in isolation. A work-truck look, a clean restored street pickup, and a more personalized late-1970s presentation can all point toward different sidewall choices.
Nissan 720 Pickup tires in the available sizes come from Michelin, Phoenix, Vredestein, BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, and STA. The radial 14-inch options are represented by Michelin, Phoenix, and Vredestein, while the bias-ply choices include BFGoodrich in 700-14 and Coker Classic or STA in G78-15. Brand choice therefore follows size and construction as much as personal preference.
Once you know the correct size and wheel diameter for your Nissan 720 Pickup, brand selection becomes a way to refine appearance and intended use. Some brands focus on metric radial touring-style fitments, while others are centered on classic bias-ply or truck-oriented patterns. It helps to decide first whether the truck is being restored for period correctness, driven regularly, or styled for a particular era-correct look.
Nissan 720 Pickup tires here appear in several series, including Michelin MXV, Sprint Classic, Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, Coker Classic Bias Ply, and Super Traxion. Michelin MXV and Sprint Classic are radial-oriented series in 14-inch metric sizing, while Silvertown Classic Bias Ply and Coker Classic Bias Ply are traditional bias-ply offerings. Super Traxion stands apart as a bias-ply truck-oriented series in G78-15.
Those series differences matter because they shape both the look and the driving character of the truck. A Nissan 720 Pickup aimed at comfortable road use will usually point toward the radial series, while a restoration or vintage-style build may be better served by one of the classic bias-ply series. Super Traxion is the more specialized choice for owners seeking a truck-style bias-ply presentation within the listed 15-inch fitment.
Maintenance & Longevity
A Nissan 720 Pickup should be stored on a clean, dry surface away from direct sunlight, electric motors, welders, furnaces, and other ozone-producing equipment that can age rubber. Tires should be kept at proper inflation, and the truck should not sit for long periods with one corner heavily loaded. Clean wheels and dry storage conditions matter just as much as the tire itself.
If the truck will sit for months, move the Nissan 720 Pickup periodically so the tires do not rest on the same contact patch all season. Owners with collector trucks often benefit from reducing long-term load or using storage practices that prevent flat spotting and sidewall stress. A vehicle cover helps the body, but tire life is influenced most by temperature stability, light control, and keeping the truck out of damp environments.
Tires on a Nissan 720 Pickup should be inspected before each drive and more thoroughly several times during the year, especially if the truck is used only occasionally. Look for cracking, tread separation, bulges, punctures, irregular wear, and signs of underinflation. On a collector or lightly driven pickup, age and storage conditions matter as much as mileage.
A careful walk-around catches many problems before they become failures on the road. Bias-ply-equipped Nissan 720 Pickup trucks deserve especially consistent visual checks because older-style constructions and low-use patterns can hide deterioration until the truck is driven. If the steering suddenly changes feel or the truck begins to track differently, inspect the tires immediately rather than assuming the issue is only suspension related.
Tires on a Nissan 720 Pickup should be replaced when age, cracking, internal deterioration, impact damage, or prolonged storage have compromised the casing, even if the tread still looks serviceable. Collector tires often age out before they wear out. Tread depth alone is not a reliable measure of whether an older tire remains fit for continued driving.
That principle is especially important on a truck that sees occasional use, because long idle periods can harden rubber and weaken the structure without obvious mileage wear. If a Nissan 720 Pickup is fitted with an older specialty tire, replacement timing should be guided by condition and age history rather than appearance alone. Any long-stored tire deserves close inspection by a tire professional before the truck returns to regular road use.
Restoration & Authenticity
Nissan 720 Pickup appears here with both radial and bias-ply fitments, including 185R14, 195R14, 700-14, and G78-15. The available series include Michelin MXV, Sprint Classic, Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, Coker Classic Bias Ply, and Super Traxion. That spread shows that more than one period-appropriate direction exists within the listed year range rather than a single universal answer.
For a restoration, the right path is to match the specific truck's wheel diameter, surviving evidence, and the character of the build. A stock road-going Nissan 720 Pickup may point toward one of the radial 14-inch options, while a more specialized or period-styled truck may justify one of the bias-ply choices. Marque references, old photographs, and original paperwork remain the best tools for narrowing the truck to its most authentic presentation.
Correct tire fitment can absolutely affect the presentation, credibility, and in some settings the judged quality of a Nissan 720 Pickup. Wheel diameter, construction type, sidewall style, and overall stance all influence whether the truck looks coherent for its era. A truck wearing a visibly mismatched tire style can look less carefully restored even when the rest of the work is strong.
For owners concerned with show standards or collector value, tire choice should support the restoration story of the Nissan 720 Pickup rather than fight it. Blackwall radial options usually suit a restrained stock-style truck, while whitewall bias-ply choices create a more stylized period effect. Local judging standards, marque clubs, and period photography are useful references when deciding how strictly original or how intentionally customized the finished truck should appear.
Nissan 720 Pickup tires in the listed range are available with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall sidewalls. Blackwall appears in both radial and bias-ply offerings, narrow whitewall appears in 185R14 and 700-14, and wide whitewall appears in G78-15. The correct look depends on whether the truck is being restored as a stock-style pickup or interpreted through a more personalized late-1970s lens.
A straightforward restoration usually leans toward blackwall because it preserves a clean utility-truck appearance. Whitewall choices can still be entirely intentional on Nissan 720 Pickup, but they push the visual result toward custom style rather than plain work-truck authenticity. The best approach is to decide what version of the truck you are restoring first, then select the sidewall treatment that supports that exact period look.
Safety & Road Use
Nissan 720 Pickup can be driven on public roads with the correct tire size, correct rim diameter, sound wheel condition, and tires that are in healthy age and structural condition. The listed options include both radial and bias-ply constructions, and either can be appropriate when correctly matched to the truck and used within sensible limits. Safety depends on condition and fitment, not just on whether the tire physically mounts.
Before regular road use, make sure the Nissan 720 Pickup has a matched set, proper inflation, and no signs of cracking, separation, or impact damage. A truck fitted with older-style bias-ply tires may feel different from one on radial tires, so road manners should be assessed cautiously. The more original or seldom-driven the truck is, the more important a careful mechanical inspection becomes before extended driving.
Before driving a Nissan 720 Pickup, check inflation pressure, visible sidewall condition, tread condition, lug-nut security, and whether the tire size matches the wheel diameter on all four corners. Also look for weather checking, uneven wear, cuts, and anything that suggests the tire has shifted on the rim or been run underinflated. A quick pre-drive inspection is especially important on a collector truck that sits between outings.
That simple routine helps catch the age-related issues that often affect vintage-use tires more than daily-driver tires. If your Nissan 720 Pickup uses bias-ply tires, expect the truck to communicate road crown and steering input differently than it would on radials, and make your first miles gentle. Any vibration, pull, or unusual feel should send the truck back for inspection before a longer trip.
Appropriate speed for Nissan 720 Pickup depends on the exact tire construction, its condition, and how faithfully the truck has been maintained. A sound radial setup generally supports more relaxed modern road use than an older-style bias-ply setup, but neither should be treated casually on an aging collector vehicle. Tire age, storage history, balance, and the condition of the truck's suspension and brakes all matter.
The wise approach is to drive a Nissan 720 Pickup at moderate speeds that suit the tire type and the truck's overall condition rather than chasing the upper edge of what traffic allows. Freshly inspected radial tires may be the better choice for regular road miles, while bias-ply tires are often best enjoyed with a more conservative pace. Building speed gradually after inspection is smarter than assuming any vintage truck-and-tire combination is ready for sustained highway use.