1958 Ford Escort, Squire & Thames Tires

The 1958 Ford Escort, Squire & Thames uses two primary tire sizes: 145R13 in radial construction and 520-13 in bias-ply construction. Both sizes are associated with 13-inch rims, so the main distinction is not wheel diameter but the tire sizing system and construction type used on the car.

Choosing between them starts with confirming what is actually on the vehicle now. A car that has been updated over time may no longer match its earlier setup, so it helps to verify the wheel size, the construction currently being used, and the appearance you want before selecting a replacement tire.

The tire fitments associated with the 1958 Ford Escort, Squire & Thames use a 13-inch rim diameter. That applies to both the 145R13 radial size and the 520-13 bias-ply size, so the wheel diameter remains consistent even though the tire constructions differ.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, especially on a smaller vintage car. It is still important to check actual wheel width before changing tire type, particularly if the car has replacement wheels or if you are considering a radial-equivalent size in place of the original-style bias-ply fitment.

520-13 is a numeric bias-ply tire size. The 5.20 refers to the nominal section width in inches, while 13 identifies the rim diameter. On the 1958 Ford Escort, Squire & Thames, this size represents the bias-ply fitment and carries a distinctly vintage sizing format compared with the metric-style radial alternative.

Understanding that format helps when comparing modern choices. A 520-13 tire keeps the period-style bias-ply approach, while radial alternatives use a different numbering system and may call for additional checks around wheel width, overall dimensions, and clearance before making a change from the original-style construction.

520-13 is a bias-ply tire size on the 1958 Ford Escort, Squire & Thames. It uses the older numeric sizing system common to many mid-century vehicles, and it differs from the 145R13 fitment, which is a radial size in a Euro-metric format.

That distinction matters because construction affects both appearance and setup considerations. Owners keeping a traditional presentation often stay with 520-13 bias-ply tires, while anyone thinking about a radial alternative should confirm wheel width and compare the full tire package carefully rather than assuming the two constructions behave the same on the car.

Radial equivalents for 520-13 include 155R13 as an 80-series metric radial, P155/75R13 as a 75-series P-metric radial, and P155/70R13 as a 70-series P-metric radial. These are alternative radial formats tied to the 520-13 bias-ply size rather than additional primary fitments for the vehicle.

Each option uses the same 13-inch rim diameter, but the sizing conventions and profile families differ. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches accompanies these radial equivalents, so the wheel itself, along with clearance and the car's current setup, should be checked before choosing one of these alternatives.

Start by confirming the wheel diameter and width, then compare the intended radial size against the current bias-ply fitment. For a 520-13 conversion, the recognized radial alternatives are 155R13, P155/75R13, and P155/70R13, and the associated rim-width range is 4 to 5 inches.

The next step is checking the car itself rather than the tire size alone. Look at fender and steering clearance, inspect suspension condition, and make sure the vehicle has not been altered with non-stock wheels or stance changes that could affect fitment once a different tire construction is introduced.

A 520-13 choice begins with keeping the car on its bias-ply fitment, then narrowing the selection by sidewall style, tire series, and wheel compatibility. This size is available in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall form, with options from Firestone and Premium Sport.

The best match depends on how the car is being presented and used. A restoration-oriented owner may focus on traditional appearance, while another buyer may care more about a specific whitewall look. Rim-width details matter too, especially when one product is tied to a 3.5-inch wheel and another spans a slightly broader range.

The available sidewall styles for this application include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall. Blackwall choices appear in both the 145R13 radial and 520-13 bias-ply fitments, while the whitewall options are associated with the 520-13 bias-ply size.

That gives the buyer a clear appearance choice without changing the basic 13-inch tire theme of the car. A blackwall tends to keep the presentation simple and understated, while narrow and wide whitewalls move the look in a more period-styled direction. The right choice depends on the vehicle's finish, wheel covers, and restoration goals.

Michelin, Firestone, and Premium Sport all have applicable tires for the 1958 Ford Escort, Squire & Thames. Michelin and Firestone appear in the 145R13 radial fitment, while Firestone and Premium Sport appear in the 520-13 bias-ply fitment.

Brand choice is only one part of the decision. It still helps to compare the actual tire series, sidewall treatment, construction type, and any stated rim-width or load details within the correct size. That approach keeps the focus on fitment and appearance instead of treating all same-size tires as interchangeable.

For a period-style presentation, the 520-13 bias-ply fitment is the most natural starting point because it retains the vintage numeric sizing format and the traditional bias-ply construction associated with the car's era. That size is also available with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall treatments.

The right version depends on how closely you want the finished car to reflect a specific historical look. When exact originality matters, it is wise to compare the tire choice against marque references, period photos, or other vehicle-specific documentation rather than assuming one whitewall treatment suits every restored example.

Tire construction changes the visual character of the car as much as the sidewall style does. A 520-13 bias-ply keeps the small British Ford on a more traditional mid-century footing, while a 145R13 radial gives the car a later-style tire format even though it stays on the same 13-inch wheel diameter.

That difference becomes noticeable once the car is viewed as a whole, especially with compact body proportions and smaller wheels. Restorers usually get the most cohesive result by choosing construction and sidewall style together, so the tire supports the wheel covers, ride height, and overall period impression they want to achieve.

Yes. Even though the recognized tire sizes for the 1958 Ford Escort, Squire & Thames are 145R13 and 520-13, fitment can change if the car has aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension changes, or body modifications. Those changes can affect how much room the tire has at the fender and steering points.

A small vintage car does not leave much margin for guessing. Checking the actual wheel dimensions and looking for clearance at full lock and full suspension movement is especially important before moving between bias-ply and radial constructions or before trying one of the radial-equivalent sizes for the 520-13 fitment.

Inspect the wheels, valve stems, lug hardware, and the surrounding suspension and steering components before putting the car back on the road. It also helps to confirm that all four tires match the intended size and construction and that there is no rubbing at the inner wheelhouse, outer fender, or steering linkage.

Collector vehicles often sit for long periods, so the first road test should be deliberate rather than rushed. Recheck air pressure, watch for any pull or vibration, and look again for fresh contact marks after a short drive. That simple process can catch setup issues before they become tire-wear or clearance problems.

Tires on a collector 1958 Ford Escort, Squire & Thames should be inspected regularly for cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven wear, and gradual air loss. Pressure checks matter even when the car is driven sparingly, because a low-use vehicle can still develop age-related tire issues long before the tread appears worn out.

Storage conditions matter almost as much as mileage on an older vehicle. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve the tires, and occasional movement helps avoid long-term flat spotting. Any tire with questionable condition deserves close evaluation before regular road use resumes.