Vauxhall FS & FD Tires

Vauxhall FS & FD uses two listed tire sizes for 1958: 155R13 and 560-13. The 155R13 options are radial tires for 13-inch rims, with one listed fitment range of 4.00 to 5.50 inches in rim width. The 560-13 options are bias-ply tires for 13-inch rims, with listed rim-width ranges from 3.50 to 4.50 inches depending on the tire.

The important point is that both sizes share the same nominal wheel diameter but do not represent the same construction or fitment philosophy. A Vauxhall FS & FD owner should confirm not only that the wheel is 13 inches, but also whether the car is intended to remain on period-style bias-ply tires or has been set up for radial tires, and whether the wheel width falls within the listed range for the specific tire.

On Vauxhall FS & FD, 560-13 is an older numeric bias-ply size. The 560 refers to the nominal section width in the traditional system, roughly equivalent to a 5.60-inch section designation, while the 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. The available 560-13 products are bias-ply tires, and the listed rim-width ranges run from 3.50 to 4.50 inches depending on the brand and sidewall style.

That sizing format matters because it belongs to a period construction style, not just a different label for the same modern tire. If a Vauxhall FS & FD is being restored for original appearance, judged presentation, or traditional bias-ply driving character, 560-13 is the size family to examine first. Check the actual wheel width before deciding among the available options, because some 560-13 tires are intended for narrower rims than others.

A 1958 Vauxhall FS & FD has two tire sizes listed because the fitment split is by construction type rather than by wheel diameter. The 155R13 size is a radial format, while 560-13 is a period numeric bias-ply format. Both use 13-inch rims, but they suit different wheel-width ranges and deliver different period character.

That means the year alone does not settle the choice. A buyer should identify whether the car still carries narrow wheels intended for bias-ply tires or has wheels and driving expectations better matched to a radial setup. Looking at the current wheel width, the car's restoration goal, and any original handbook or marque-club guidance will usually clarify which of the two listed paths makes sense for a specific Vauxhall FS & FD.

Vauxhall FS & FD requires a tube when using the listed 560-13 bias-ply tires. Those products are traditional bias-ply construction in an older numeric size format, and a tube is required with that fitment style. The 155R13 radial products are listed separately and do not carry that same tube requirement statement.

This matters because tube-type and radial fitments should not be treated as interchangeable simply because both mount on 13-inch rims. If a Vauxhall FS & FD is staying with 560-13 tires for period correctness, plan the tire choice around proper tube-type installation and compatible rim width. If the car is using 155R13 radials instead, verify that the wheel and overall setup are appropriate for radial service.

Vauxhall FS & FD has both choices listed for 1958: 560-13 bias-ply tires and 155R13 radial tires. The bias-ply option preserves the traditional period-correct construction and appearance, especially where whitewall presentation matters. The radial option uses a later-style metric format and is the more modern construction approach within the listed fitments.

The right choice depends on what you want from the car. A restoration focused on original character, steering feel, and show presentation will usually point toward 560-13 bias-ply tires, while a driver-oriented setup may favor 155R13 radials if the wheels support that fitment range. Decide first whether authenticity or updated road behavior is the priority, then verify the actual rim width before choosing.

A Vauxhall FS & FD fitted with 155R13 radial tires will generally feel different from one on 560-13 bias-ply tires because the two constructions flex and respond differently. The listed radial products are modern radial designs in a 13-inch metric size, while the bias-ply products are classic numeric tires intended to preserve an earlier driving character. Even though both fit 13-inch rims, they are not the same experience on the road.

For the owner, that means tire choice affects more than appearance. Steering response, ride character, and the car's overall feel can shift when moving from bias-ply to radial construction. If your Vauxhall FS & FD is used mainly for show, touring at modest speeds, or period-authentic presentation, keep that in mind before changing construction type. If it is driven regularly, radial tires may align better with that use case if the wheel width is suitable.

A Vauxhall FS & FD should not be treated casually when it comes to mixing 560-13 bias-ply tires with 155R13 radial tires. The listed options differ not only in size format but in construction, rim-width range, and driving behavior. That makes a mixed setup much less desirable than choosing one construction type for the full car.

The practical approach is to keep all four tires matched in construction and in the intended fitment family. A full set of 560-13 bias-ply tires supports a period-correct setup, while a full set of 155R13 radials supports a more modernized approach within the listed sizes. If a Vauxhall FS & FD currently has a mixed set from past ownership, use that as a reason to inspect the wheels closely and standardize the car properly.

To confirm the correct tire size for a 1958 Vauxhall FS & FD, start by checking the actual wheel diameter and width on the car, then compare that to the listed fitment ranges. Both 155R13 radial and 560-13 bias-ply tires use 13-inch rims, but the radial options fit wider rims overall, while the bias-ply options are listed for narrower ranges depending on the product. Construction type is the key difference as much as the size code itself.

That means a correct choice comes from looking at the whole setup, not only the year badge. Original literature, old service records, and marque-club guidance can help determine whether a specific Vauxhall FS & FD was intended to remain on a traditional bias-ply configuration or whether a radial conversion has already been made. Once the wheel width and construction direction are clear, the correct listed size usually becomes obvious.

Vauxhall FS & FD tire options include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall sidewall styles. The 155R13 radial products are offered as blackwall tires, while the 560-13 bias-ply products include a 1.00-inch whitewall and 2.25-inch whitewall choices. That gives the owner a clear split between more understated radial presentation and more overtly period-styled bias-ply whitewall looks.

Sidewall style should be chosen to match the car's restoration intent and visual era. A blackwall 155R13 setup suits a cleaner, later-looking radial presentation, while the whitewall 560-13 options better support a traditional late-1950s appearance. On a Vauxhall FS & FD being restored for authenticity, sidewall choice can change the whole stance and character of the car, so compare the look of the wheel and body trim before deciding.

Vauxhall FS & FD tire options are available from Michelin, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, and Firestone. Michelin and Dunlop cover the 155R13 radial fitment, while BFGoodrich and Firestone cover the 560-13 bias-ply fitment. Those brands also align with distinct presentation choices, since the radial offerings are blackwall and the bias-ply offerings include whitewall variations.

For a buyer, the brand decision comes after the fitment decision. Once you know whether the car needs 155R13 radial or 560-13 bias-ply tires, the remaining choice is about sidewall appearance, rim-width compatibility, and the period character you want the Vauxhall FS & FD to carry. Compare the brand options within the correct size family rather than comparing across the two construction types.

Vauxhall FS & FD tire choices span several distinct series: Michelin XAS-FF, SP Sport Aquajet, Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, and Firestone Classic Bias Ply. The Michelin and Dunlop series are radial constructions in the 155R13 fitment, while the Silvertown and Firestone series are bias-ply constructions in 560-13. That means the series names here reflect a meaningful split in technology as well as brand identity.

The practical difference is that a series choice should follow the car's intended setup. A Vauxhall FS & FD meant to retain traditional 1950s tire character belongs in the classic bias-ply series choices, especially if whitewalls are part of the look. A car intended for a more modern radial configuration belongs in the Michelin or Dunlop radial series. Pick the series that matches the wheel width, construction type, and restoration goal first, then fine-tune the appearance.

A Vauxhall FS & FD should be stored on a clean, dry surface away from direct sunlight, ozone sources, and large temperature swings. Tire pressures should be maintained during storage, and the car should not be left for long periods with excessive weight concentrated on one contact patch. Collector vehicles on either radial or bias-ply tires benefit from periodic movement to change the tire's resting position.

That care matters even more when the car sees infrequent use, because long static periods can harden rubber and encourage flat-spotting. If your Vauxhall FS & FD wears 560-13 bias-ply tires, careful storage becomes especially important because vintage-style constructions are less forgiving of neglect. Using tire cradles or slightly increasing support under the chassis during long layups can help preserve shape without distorting the suspension.

Tires on a Vauxhall FS & FD should be inspected before every meaningful drive and again during regular seasonal maintenance, even if the car covers very few miles. Check pressure, visible cracking, tread condition, sidewall condition, valve stems, and any signs of uneven wear or rubbing. A collector car can age its tires more through time, storage, and heat cycles than through mileage alone.

Frequent inspection is particularly important because the Vauxhall FS & FD can be running either bias-ply or radial tires, and each construction can reveal age and wear in slightly different ways. If the car sits for weeks at a time, a quick visual check is not enough; look closely at the sidewalls and bead area. Catching small issues early is the best way to avoid damage to the tire, wheel, and car during limited-use driving.

Tires on a Vauxhall FS & FD should be replaced when age, cracking, hardening, sidewall damage, vibration, or structural concerns appear, even if the tread still looks usable. Collector tires often age out before they wear out, especially on cars that spend more time stored than driven. Bias-ply whitewall tires deserve especially close attention because appearance alone can hide internal aging.

The practical rule is to judge the whole condition of the tire, not just tread depth. If a Vauxhall FS & FD has an older set whose service history is uncertain, a specialist inspection is wise before continued road use. Replacement should be considered part of preserving the car, not just a wear-item decision, because aged tires can compromise handling, ride, and the safety of a car that may otherwise be mechanically sound.

Vauxhall FS & FD has both 560-13 bias-ply and 155R13 radial tire options associated with 1958, which means more than one period-appropriate path exists within the listed fitments. The available series include classic bias-ply offerings and radial offerings rather than a single exclusive original-equipment pattern. That makes the exact original specification something to verify against factory literature, surviving examples, or marque-club references for the individual car.

For restoration work, the key is deciding whether the goal is factory-style presentation, later-period road use, or a sympathetic update. A Vauxhall FS & FD restored with 560-13 bias-ply tires will present differently from one on 155R13 radials, even though both are listed for 1958. Matching the tire choice to the car's trim, wheel width, and restoration story will usually produce a more convincing result than chasing a one-size-fits-all answer.

Correct tire fitment can absolutely affect the value, presentation, and judging results of a Vauxhall FS & FD. Judges and knowledgeable buyers often notice whether the construction type, sidewall style, and overall stance match the car's era and restoration intent. On a 1958 car with both radial and bias-ply options in circulation, that choice can significantly influence how authentic the finished car appears.

The practical takeaway is that tire selection should be made as part of the restoration plan, not as an afterthought. A Vauxhall FS & FD prepared for concours or marque-sensitive events will usually benefit from a tire style that aligns with period expectations, while a driver-focused car may reasonably prioritize road manners. Marque clubs and period photography are useful references when deciding what will look and score correctly.

Vauxhall FS & FD tire offerings include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles, so the correct look depends on the restoration direction. Blackwall appears with the listed 155R13 radial tires, while narrow and wide whitewall choices appear with the 560-13 bias-ply tires. That means sidewall style is tied closely to both appearance and construction type.

A Vauxhall FS & FD restored for strong late-1950s visual character may lean toward one of the whitewall bias-ply options, especially if the trim and wheel presentation support it. A more understated or later-in-service look may be better matched to a blackwall radial. The most convincing result comes from treating the sidewall as part of the whole design of the car rather than an isolated cosmetic detail.

A Vauxhall FS & FD can be driven on public roads when the tires are the correct size, suited to the wheel width, properly installed, and in sound condition. The listed choices include both radial and bias-ply constructions, and each can be appropriate when matched correctly to the car's setup. Safety depends less on the label alone than on age, condition, inflation, and whether the tire type suits the wheel and intended use.

For the owner, that means road use starts with inspection and setup discipline. A Vauxhall FS & FD on older-style 560-13 bias-ply tires should be driven with an understanding of period handling limits, while a car on 155R13 radials may feel more modern but still needs careful evaluation. Before regular public-road use, inspect the full tire and wheel package and make sure the car's suspension and steering are equally sound.

Before driving a Vauxhall FS & FD, check tire pressure, sidewall condition, tread condition, valve stems, wheel security, and signs of rubbing or uneven wear. If the car runs 560-13 bias-ply tires, include a careful look at tube-type service condition and any sidewall aging. If it runs 155R13 radials, confirm that the tires remain properly seated and that the wheel width is appropriate for the installed size.

That pre-drive routine is especially important on a collector car that may sit for long periods between outings. A Vauxhall FS & FD can look ready while still carrying underinflated tires, age cracks, or old repairs that deserve closer attention. Taking a few minutes to inspect the tires before each drive helps protect the wheels, improves drivability, and reduces the chances of being stranded by an avoidable problem.

A Vauxhall FS & FD on period-style original-type tires should be driven at sensible, moderate speeds that respect the car's age, tire construction, and overall mechanical condition. That is especially true if the car wears 560-13 bias-ply tires, because they preserve traditional driving character rather than delivering modern high-speed behavior. Even when radial 155R13 tires are fitted, the rest of the chassis still belongs to a 1958 car.

The practical approach is to let the car's condition and setup set the pace. A well-sorted Vauxhall FS & FD used for touring on properly matched tires can be enjoyable on secondary roads, but sustained high-speed driving is not the point of a collector car like this. Smooth steering inputs, conservative speeds, and regular checks of pressure and temperature will do more for safe enjoyment than pushing the car beyond its natural comfort zone.