1957 Ford Consul Tires

The 1957 Ford Consul uses two 13-inch tire sizes: 590-13 in bias-ply construction and 165R13 in radial construction. Both sizes are associated with the Consul Base, so the main fitment question is not sub-model difference but which construction format matches the car's current setup and intended use.

A 590-13 tire supports a more traditional vintage presentation, while 165R13 moves into a Euro-metric radial format. Confirm the actual wheel width on the car before selecting either path, especially if the Consul has been updated over the years or is no longer using its earlier wheel-and-tire combination.

The tire sizes used on a 1957 Ford Consul are built around a 13-inch rim diameter. Both the 590-13 bias-ply size and the 165R13 radial size use that same 13-inch wheel diameter, so the basic rim diameter stays consistent even when tire construction changes.

Rim diameter alone does not finish the fitment decision, because wheel width also matters. The available 590-13 bias-ply product suits a narrower wheel than the radial options, so a Consul that has been converted to different wheels should have both diameter and width checked before any replacement tire is chosen.

590-13 is a vintage numeric bias-ply tire size. The 5.90 portion refers to the tire's nominal width class, and the 13 identifies the rim diameter in inches. On a 1957 Ford Consul, it represents the older-style bias-ply fitment rather than a modern metric radial size.

That matters because a 590-13 tire brings a different look and construction style than a 165R13 radial. A buyer considering this size should think in terms of restoration character, wheel-width compatibility, and whether the car is being kept in a period-style setup instead of assuming any 13-inch tire will serve the same role.

590-13 is a bias-ply tire size on the 1957 Ford Consul. It is the traditional vintage format used with a 13-inch rim, and it differs from the 165R13 option, which uses radial construction and a Euro-metric sizing convention.

Choosing between them affects more than the sidewall markings. A bias-ply setup usually appeals to owners preserving a period-style look, while a radial-format setup often reflects a different driving and replacement strategy. The wheel width on the car should be checked carefully before moving from one construction type to the other.

Radial equivalents for 590-13 include 165R13, P165/75R13, and P175/70R13. Those cover three different radial approaches: an 80-series metric radial, a 75-series P-metric radial, and a 70-series P-metric radial, all tied to the original 590-13 size as modern comparison options.

Each equivalent should be treated as an alternative rather than an automatic swap. A 4- to 5-inch recommended rim-width range is associated with these equivalents, so the next step is to confirm wheel width along with overall tire clearance at the fenders and steering components before converting from the original bias-ply size.

Start by confirming the wheel diameter and actual wheel width on the car, because the 1957 Ford Consul keeps a 13-inch rim diameter but the available bias-ply and radial products suit different width ranges. The radial alternatives tied to 590-13 include 165R13, P165/75R13, and P175/70R13.

It also helps to inspect fender clearance, steering clearance, and suspension condition before making the change. A Consul that has been altered with replacement wheels, suspension updates, or bodywork may respond differently than a stock-layout car, so the conversion should be evaluated as a full wheel-and-tire setup rather than by size label alone.

The first decision is whether the 1957 Ford Consul should stay with the 590-13 bias-ply fitment or move to the 165R13 radial format. That choice shapes the car's visual character, the type of sidewall available, and the wheel-width requirements tied to the tire you select.

After construction, compare the details that actually affect use: rim-width compatibility, sidewall style, tire series, and load information where it is available. A restoration-minded Consul may lean toward the wide whitewall bias-ply option, while a road-driven car may be better served by evaluating the blackwall radial choices in the correct 13-inch size.

The available sidewall styles for the 1957 Ford Consul are blackwall and wide whitewall. Blackwall options appear in the 165R13 radial offerings, while the 590-13 bias-ply option is available with a 2.375-inch wide whitewall, giving the car a much more traditional late-1950s presentation.

That sidewall choice can influence the finished look of the car as much as the tire size itself. A buyer choosing between them should think about whether the Consul is being restored with a vintage visual emphasis or driven with a later radial-style presentation, then match the sidewall treatment to that broader direction.

Michelin, Dunlop, and BFGoodrich all offer tires for the 1957 Ford Consul within its covered sizes. Michelin and Dunlop appear in the 165R13 radial category, while BFGoodrich covers the 590-13 bias-ply side with a wide whitewall offering in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series.

Brand choice should be considered alongside construction and appearance, not by name alone. The practical comparison is whether the tire matches the Consul's current wheel width, whether the owner wants a radial or bias-ply setup, and whether a blackwall or wide whitewall sidewall better suits the car's intended presentation.

For a period-style 1957 Ford Consul, the 590-13 bias-ply fitment is the natural starting point because it preserves the vintage sizing format used on the car. In the currently available choices, that size is paired with a BFGoodrich wide whitewall in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series.

A restoration-oriented decision should balance appearance with how the car will actually be driven. Owners seeking exact historical detail may still want to compare surviving photos, marque-club guidance, or other vehicle-specific references, while buyers focused more on a faithful overall look can use the proper size and construction as the main guide.

Tire construction changes the look of a restored 1957 Ford Consul in noticeable ways. A 590-13 bias-ply keeps the vintage size format and, in the available product mix, pairs with a wide whitewall presentation, while 165R13 radial choices use a later metric format and blackwall sidewalls.

That means construction is part of the restoration decision, not just a driving decision. Buyers aiming for a traditional visual impression usually start with the bias-ply path, while those willing to accept a later-style appearance in exchange for a radial-format tire should still check wheel width and overall proportions before making the change.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1957 Ford Consul even when the car still uses a 13-inch rim diameter. Wheel-width changes, aftermarket wheels, altered ride height, replacement suspension parts, or bodywork around the wheel openings can all influence whether a bias-ply or radial setup still suits the car properly.

That is especially important here because the available 590-13 bias-ply and 165R13 radial products do not share the same wheel-width needs. A modified Consul should be measured as it sits now, with attention to steering lock and fender clearance, before choosing a replacement tire simply by size name.

Before driving a 1957 Ford Consul on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and width, make sure the tires are properly seated and inflated, and check that nothing rubs at full steering lock. A quick review of suspension condition, wheel hardware, and visible brake or bearing issues is also worthwhile on a collector-era car.

The first miles should be treated as a settling-in period rather than a long highway run. Recheck pressure after the tires have had time to seat, listen for any rubbing or vibration, and confirm that the car tracks cleanly so any wheel-fit or clearance issue can be corrected before regular use.

Tires on a collector 1957 Ford Consul should be checked regularly for pressure loss, sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, and uneven wear, even if the car is driven only occasionally. Low-use vintage cars can show age-related tire problems long before tread depth becomes the real concern.

Storage conditions also matter. Keeping the Consul away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone-producing equipment helps preserve the tires, and moving the car periodically can reduce flat spotting during long storage periods. Any tire that shows structural deterioration should be evaluated before the car returns to normal road use.