1958 Ford Mark III Tires

The 1958 Ford Mark III uses two primary tire sizes: 640-13 and 650-13. Both are vintage numeric bias-ply sizes built for 13-inch rims, and the covered Mark III Zodiac is associated with both sizes rather than one single universal fitment.

That makes the first job confirming what is actually on the car today. A previous owner may have changed wheels or substituted a different size over the years, so checking the existing tire size, wheel width, and overall clearance is more useful than assuming every Mark III is set up exactly the same way.

The primary tire sizes for the 1958 Ford Mark III are built around a 13-inch rim diameter. Both 640-13 and 650-13 share that same rim diameter, so the size difference is not about switching to a larger or smaller wheel.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, though. Wheel width still needs to match the tire being considered, especially if the car has replacement wheels or an older set of rims with uncertain measurements. Verifying both diameter and width helps avoid choosing a tire that is correct in size code but mismatched to the wheel.

640-13 is a numeric bias-ply size. In that format, 640 refers to the tire’s approximate nominal section width, roughly 6.40 inches, and 13 identifies the rim diameter in inches.

This older sizing system can look unfamiliar if you are used to modern metric radials. On a 1958 Ford Mark III, reading the code correctly helps you separate the original-style bias-ply size from later radial alternatives and keeps the focus on selecting a tire that matches the car’s wheel setup and intended appearance.

640-13 is a bias-ply tire size on the 1958 Ford Mark III. It is part of the vintage numeric bias-ply sizing system and represents one of the car’s primary traditional fitments on a 13-inch rim.

That matters because a bias-ply tire affects both appearance and setup decisions. Owners who want to keep the original-style sizing format often stay with bias-ply construction, while those exploring a radial alternative should compare wheel width, overall dimensions, and vehicle clearance carefully instead of treating a radial equivalent as automatic interchangeability.

Radial equivalents for 640-13 include 175R13, P175/75R13, P185/70R13, and 650R13. Those cover an 80-series metric radial, a 75-series P-metric radial, a 70-series P-metric radial, and a bias-look radial alternative.

Each option approaches the original size a little differently in format and presentation. The 650R13 is the one to consider when traditional appearance matters most, while the metric and P-metric choices reflect more conventional radial sizing. A 4-6 inch rim-width range is associated with these equivalents, so wheel compatibility and clearance still need to be confirmed.

Start by confirming the current wheel diameter and wheel width, then compare the radial-equivalent size you are considering against the car’s actual setup. For the 1958 Ford Mark III, the relevant radial alternatives tied to the primary sizes include 175R13, P175/75R13, P185/70R13, and 650R13.

A radial conversion should also include a clearance check at the fenders, suspension, and steering range, especially on a collector car that may have seen wheel or suspension changes over time. Tire construction affects both appearance and road feel, so the best choice depends on whether the goal is vintage presentation, regular road use, or a balance of both.

Begin with the correct primary size for the car as it sits: 640-13 or 650-13, both on 13-inch rims. From there, compare construction, wheel-width compatibility, sidewall treatment, and the kind of use the car will see, whether that is restoration display, occasional touring, or more regular road driving.

The 640-13 and 650-13 choices also differ in product variety. The narrower size has a more limited selection, while 650-13 opens access to multiple brands and both wide and narrow whitewall looks. Choosing carefully helps the tire suit the vehicle visually and mechanically rather than simply filling the wheel opening.

The 1958 Ford Mark III tire options include both wide whitewall and narrow whitewall styles, depending on size. In 640-13, the available product uses a wide whitewall, while 650-13 is offered with both wide whitewall and narrow whitewall presentations.

That choice shapes the car’s visual character as much as the brand or tire series. A wide whitewall tends to emphasize a stronger late-1950s look, while a narrow whitewall gives a cleaner, slightly more restrained appearance. Matching the sidewall style to the car’s finish and restoration direction usually matters as much as the tire size itself.

Available tires for the 1958 Ford Mark III come from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, and US Royal. BFGoodrich appears in 640-13, while 650-13 includes Coker Classic and US Royal choices across different whitewall treatments and tire series.

Brand alone is not the only difference worth comparing. Tire series, sidewall style, rim-width specification, weight, and load capacity all help separate one option from another, especially in 650-13 where the selection is broader. A good comparison starts with the correct size, then narrows the field by the look and setup the car needs.

A period-style 1958 Ford Mark III usually starts with one of its primary bias-ply sizes, 640-13 or 650-13, rather than moving immediately to a modern radial format. Staying with the original-style numeric bias-ply sizing preserves the car’s traditional visual proportions and keeps the tire presentation closer to its era.

From there, the appearance choice often comes down to size confirmation and whitewall treatment. Wide whitewall and narrow whitewall options create noticeably different looks, especially on a late-1950s car. When exact originality matters, comparing against marque-specific historical references is still worthwhile before settling on a final sidewall style.

Tire construction changes the way a restored 1958 Ford Mark III looks even before the car moves. A bias-ply tire keeps the original-style size format and a more traditional presentation, while a radial alternative can alter the visual impression even when it serves as an equivalent size choice.

That is why many restoration-oriented owners decide on construction and sidewall style together rather than separately. A bias-look radial can bridge those goals for some builds, but it should still be treated as an alternative, not as an automatic match. The final decision depends on how closely the restoration leans toward period appearance versus road-use priorities.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1958 Ford Mark III even when the tire size itself is correct on paper. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, suspension work, ride-height changes, or body repairs can all influence how a 640-13, 650-13, or radial-equivalent tire sits in the car.

That is why a modified Mark III should be checked as an individual vehicle. Measure the wheel, inspect available clearance at full steering lock, and look for any signs of rubbing around the fender and suspension area. A fitment decision that works on one car may need a closer review on another with non-original hardware.

Before driving a 1958 Ford Mark III on new tires, inspect wheel condition, valve stems, tire pressure, and visible clearance around the fenders and suspension. It also helps to confirm that the tires are seated properly and that there are no signs of contact when the steering is turned through its full range.

A collector car deserves a broader check before road use, especially if it has been parked for long periods. Look over the brakes, steering response, suspension condition, and any uneven stance that could point to alignment or component issues. New tires perform best when the rest of the chassis is ready for the same trip.

Collector-car tires in 640-13 or 650-13 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and clean, dry storage conditions. Even when tread wear is low, sidewall cracking, flat spotting, cuts, bulges, or slow air loss deserve attention because collector vehicles often spend long periods parked.

Driving habits and storage environment both matter. Keeping the Mark III away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, and ozone sources can help preserve the tires, and periodic movement can reduce long-term flat spotting. Routine inspection before each outing is especially important on older vehicles that are used seasonally rather than daily.