1958 Ford-Taunus 12M Tires

The 1958 Ford-Taunus 12M uses 155R13, 560-13, or 590-13 depending on sub-model and construction. The Base model uses either 155R13 radial or 560-13 bias-ply, while the Wagon uses 590-13 bias-ply. All of these sizes are built around a 13-inch rim diameter.

The practical question is not just wheel diameter, but which exact vehicle configuration is being matched. A Base model with radial tires should be treated differently than one staying with bias-ply construction, and the Wagon has its own size. Checking the current wheel setup and the car's intended use helps narrow the right choice.

The tire sizes used on the 1958 Ford-Taunus 12M all mount on 13-inch rims. That applies to the 155R13 radial fitment as well as the 560-13 and 590-13 bias-ply sizes. Rim diameter is consistent across the covered fitments even though the tire constructions and section widths differ.

Diameter is only part of the fitment picture, especially on a small late-1950s car with narrow wheels. Rim width should also be checked before choosing among available tires or moving to a radial equivalent. A car that has been modified over time may no longer be running the wheel width or tire construction it started with.

No. The 1958 Ford-Taunus 12M Base can use either 155R13 radial or 560-13 bias-ply tires, while the Wagon uses 590-13 bias-ply. That means the covered sub-models do not share one universal tire size, even though they all use 13-inch rims.

This matters because two cars with the same year, make, and model name may still call for different tire choices. The buyer should confirm the sub-model first, then verify whether the car is staying with its current construction type or being compared against a radial alternative. That avoids treating the Wagon and Base as interchangeable.

560-13 is a bias-ply tire size on the 1958 Ford-Taunus 12M. It is used on the Base model as a vintage numeric bias-ply fitment and is distinct from the Base model's 155R13 radial option. The Wagon uses a different bias-ply size, 590-13.

That distinction affects both appearance and tire selection. A 560-13 setup points toward traditional narrow-wheel bias-ply products, including whitewall choices, while a radial setup changes the available tire styles and specifications. The buyer should confirm which construction the car is meant to run before comparing sidewall treatments or considering a radial equivalent.

For 560-13, radial equivalents include 155R13, P155/75R13, and P155/70R13. For 590-13, radial equivalents include 165R13, P165/75R13, and P175/70R13. These cover an 80-series metric radial option, a 75-series P-metric radial option, and a 70-series P-metric radial option for each primary bias-ply size.

Those equivalents are useful comparison points, but they should be checked against the car's wheel and body setup before conversion. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches applies to the bias-ply-to-radial equivalency paths shown here. Wheel width, overall tire dimensions, and clearance remain important on a compact vintage Ford.

Start by confirming the original bias-ply size on the car and then matching it to the appropriate radial equivalent. For the 1958 Ford-Taunus 12M, that means 560-13 compares to 155R13, P155/75R13, or P155/70R13, while 590-13 compares to 165R13, P165/75R13, or P175/70R13.

The next checks are wheel width, actual wheel diameter, and available clearance through steering and suspension travel. A 4 to 5 inch rim-width range is relevant to the published equivalency paths here. Cars that have seen wheel changes, ride-height changes, or long periods of storage deserve a closer inspection before the conversion is finalized.

The first choice is the correct primary size for the exact sub-model: 155R13 or 560-13 for the Base, and 590-13 for the Wagon. After that, the main considerations are construction type, wheel compatibility, and whether the car is being kept in a traditional bias-ply presentation or a radial-oriented setup.

Available products also differ in sidewall style, tire series, and brand. A blackwall radial gives a different look and selection path than a narrow or wide whitewall bias-ply tire. Choosing well means matching the car's intended appearance and road use without overlooking wheel width and basic clearance checks.

Sidewall choices for the 1958 Ford-Taunus 12M include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall, depending on tire size and construction. The 155R13 radial offerings are blackwall tires, while the 560-13 and 590-13 bias-ply options include whitewall treatments in different widths.

That makes sidewall style one of the biggest appearance decisions on this car. A blackwall radial leans toward a more understated functional look, while the whitewall bias-ply options bring a stronger late-1950s presentation. The right choice depends on the sub-model, the tire size being matched, and the overall restoration direction.

Tires for the 1958 Ford-Taunus 12M are available from Michelin, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, and Firestone. Michelin and Dunlop appear in the 155R13 radial fitment, while BFGoodrich and Firestone cover the bias-ply side in 560-13 and 590-13 with traditional styling options.

Brand matters mainly as part of the broader selection picture rather than as a stand-alone answer. The more useful comparison is how each option lines up with the correct size, construction, sidewall treatment, and wheel requirements. Once those fundamentals are settled, the brand and tire series help refine the final choice.

A period-style 1958 Ford-Taunus 12M usually starts with the primary size and construction intended for the specific sub-model. That points toward 560-13 bias-ply for a Base model kept in traditional form, or 590-13 bias-ply for the Wagon, rather than assuming every car should move to a radial format.

Within that approach, sidewall style becomes a major visual decision. Narrow and wide whitewall treatments can change the car's character noticeably even when the size remains correct. Buyers focused on exact historical presentation should compare their car against marque references, period photos, or restoration documentation before settling on the final look.

Tire construction changes the overall presentation of a restored 1958 Ford-Taunus 12M more than many buyers expect. Bias-ply tires in 560-13 or 590-13 preserve a distinctly vintage look, especially when paired with whitewall sidewalls, while the 155R13 radial fitment gives the Base model a more modern visual character.

That difference matters even before the car is driven. Sidewall shape, tread presentation, and the availability of blackwall versus whitewall styles all influence how authentic or updated the finished car appears. The best choice depends on whether the project is aimed at road use, preservation, or a restoration-minded period impression.

Yes. Modifications can change tire fitment on a 1958 Ford-Taunus 12M even when the car still uses a 13-inch wheel. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, altered ride height, suspension work, or body repairs can all affect how a 155R13, 560-13, or 590-13 tire sits and clears.

A modified car should be checked more carefully before assuming the original fitment path still applies. Steering clearance, fender clearance, and the actual wheel dimensions matter just as much as the size stamped on the sidewall. That is especially important when comparing a bias-ply setup to a radial alternative.

Before road use, inspect the wheels, valve stems, lug hardware, and the overall condition of the suspension and steering components. The tires themselves should be checked for proper inflation, bead seating, and any signs of shipping or mounting damage. On a collector car, wheel condition deserves as much attention as the tire.

A short, careful test drive is the right next step after installation. Listen for rubbing, watch for vibration, and recheck air pressure after the first miles. Cars that have been stored for long periods should also be examined for brake drag, worn bushings, and alignment issues that can affect how the new tires behave.

Tires on a 1958 Ford-Taunus 12M should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and attention to age-related condition. Look for sidewall cracking, tread separation signs, cuts, bulges, and slow air loss whether the car runs 155R13 radials or bias-ply 560-13 or 590-13 tires.

Collector vehicles often sit longer than daily drivers, so storage conditions matter. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps protect the tires between drives. Routine inspections before each outing are especially worthwhile on a small vintage car that may not see frequent road use.