1958 Ford-Taunus 15M Tires

The 1958 Ford-Taunus 15M uses two primary tire sizes: 155R13 in radial construction and 560-13 in bias-ply construction. Both sizes are associated with the model and both use a 13-inch rim, so the choice is not about changing wheel diameter as much as choosing the construction and sizing format that suits the car.

That makes the next step more practical than simply matching a size code. Owners should confirm the wheel width actually on the car, decide whether a period-style bias-ply look or a radial setup is the goal, and check for any prior wheel or suspension changes before selecting between the two fitment paths.

The 1958 Ford-Taunus 15M uses a 13-inch rim with both of its primary tire sizes, 155R13 and 560-13. Even though the two sizes use different sizing systems and different tire constructions, they share the same rim diameter, which simplifies the first stage of identifying the correct wheel size.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture on a vintage car. Wheel width still matters, especially when comparing the narrow bias-ply fitment to a radial alternative, so it is smart to measure the wheels on the car and confirm that they match the intended tire's width requirements before mounting anything new.

The 1958 Ford-Taunus 15M Base follows the same fitment pattern, with 155R13 available in radial construction and 560-13 available in bias-ply construction. That means the Base does not introduce a separate rim diameter or a completely different size family within this coverage.

Even with shared fitment, the real choice still depends on how the car is being used and presented. A restoration-oriented owner may lean toward the 560-13 bias-ply options, while someone seeking a radial setup may focus on 155R13 after confirming the existing wheels and making sure the tire dimensions suit the car's current setup.

On the 1958 Ford-Taunus 15M, 560-13 is a bias-ply tire size. It uses the older numeric bias-ply sizing format, and the available products in this fitment include traditional whitewall bias-ply choices rather than radial construction in the same primary size.

That matters because a bias-ply tire affects both appearance and selection. Owners choosing 560-13 should pay attention to whitewall style, the intended period-style presentation of the car, and the narrower wheel-width requirements common to this size, rather than assuming it should be treated the same way as a radial fitment.

Radial equivalents for 560-13 include 155R13 as an 80-series metric radial, P155/75R13 as a P-metric 75-series radial, and P155/70R13 as a P-metric 70-series radial. These are alternative radial sizing formats associated with the original 560-13 bias-ply fitment rather than additional primary bias-ply sizes.

A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches applies when evaluating those equivalents. The smart approach is to compare the actual wheel width on the car, then verify overall tire dimensions and clearance at the fenders and steering components before treating any one of these radial options as the right conversion for a particular Taunus.

Start by confirming the wheel diameter and wheel width on the car, then compare those measurements with the radial size being considered, such as 155R13 or another listed equivalent for 560-13. The 1958 Ford-Taunus 15M keeps the same 13-inch rim diameter, but width compatibility and overall tire dimensions still need to be checked carefully.

Construction changes can also affect how the car sits and how much space remains around the suspension and bodywork. A Taunus with replacement wheels, altered ride height, or worn steering and suspension parts deserves an especially careful look, because the right radial choice depends on the complete setup rather than the size code alone.

The first choice is construction. A 560-13 bias-ply tire suits a more traditional late-1950s look, while 155R13 moves the 1958 Ford-Taunus 15M into a radial sizing format that still fits a 13-inch rim. Both can be appropriate, but they serve different priorities in appearance and setup.

After deciding on construction, compare wheel-width requirements, sidewall style, brand, and tire series. A whitewall bias-ply may suit a restoration-oriented car, while a blackwall radial may better match a driver-focused setup. Confirm the actual wheels on the car before finalizing the choice, especially if anything has been changed over the years.

The available sidewall styles for the 1958 Ford-Taunus 15M include blackwall in 155R13 radial form, plus narrow whitewall and wide whitewall options in 560-13 bias-ply form. That gives the car distinctly different visual directions depending on whether the goal is a simpler radial appearance or a more vintage whitewall presentation.

Sidewall style should be chosen alongside the correct size and construction, not as a separate decision. A wide whitewall changes the car's visual character more than a blackwall radial, so it helps to consider the car's restoration style, wheel design, and overall stance before narrowing the product choices.

The 1958 Ford-Taunus 15M has tire options from Michelin, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, and Firestone. Michelin and Dunlop appear in the 155R13 radial fitment, while BFGoodrich and Firestone are available in the 560-13 bias-ply fitment, giving buyers a clear split between the radial and traditional bias-ply paths.

Brand choice should be weighed together with tire series, sidewall style, and wheel compatibility. Since the available brands are tied to different constructions and visual treatments, the practical question is not simply which name to choose, but which brand offers the size and appearance that align with the way the Taunus is being finished and driven.

For a period-style 1958 Ford-Taunus 15M, the 560-13 bias-ply size is the natural starting point because it preserves the older numeric sizing format and the traditional bias-ply construction associated with cars of this era. Available whitewall options also make it easier to shape the car's visual presentation around a vintage look.

The exact appearance choice still depends on how faithfully the car is being restored. Narrow whitewall and wide whitewall treatments create noticeably different impressions, so owners concerned with strict originality should compare the tire choice against marque-specific references and period photos rather than assuming any one whitewall style is automatically correct.

Tire construction changes the visual character of a restored 1958 Ford-Taunus 15M as much as it changes the fitment language. A 560-13 bias-ply keeps the car in a traditional vintage format, while a 155R13 radial gives it a more modern tire presentation even though it remains on a 13-inch rim.

Sidewall treatment adds another layer to that decision. Blackwall radials keep the look understated, while narrow or wide whitewall bias-ply tires make the car read more strongly as a late-1950s restoration. Owners should decide early whether the project is aiming for historical flavor, a cleaner driver-style finish, or a blend of both.

Yes. Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1958 Ford-Taunus 15M even when the size code appears correct. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension changes, and body or fender work can all change how much room is available for either a 560-13 bias-ply tire or a 155R13 radial.

The safest approach is to verify the actual wheel dimensions and inspect clearance at full steering lock and through suspension movement. A car that has been lowered, rebuilt, or fitted with non-original wheels should be checked especially carefully, because vintage fitment assumptions often stop being reliable once the original wheel and suspension setup has changed.

Before driving a 1958 Ford-Taunus 15M on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and width, make sure the beads seat properly, and check that each tire has adequate clearance to the fenders, suspension, and steering components. It also helps to confirm even ride height and to look for obvious suspension or steering wear.

A short test drive should be followed by another inspection for rubbing, unusual air loss, or shifting wheel hardware. Collector cars that have sat for long periods deserve extra attention, since fresh tires can reveal issues with alignment, worn bushings, or bent wheels that were less obvious when the old tires were still installed.

Tires on a collector 1958 Ford-Taunus 15M should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and careful storage habits. Whether the car runs 560-13 bias-ply tires or 155R13 radials, owners should watch for cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven tread wear, and slow air loss, especially if the car is driven only occasionally.

Storage conditions matter as much as mileage on an older collector car. Keeping the Taunus away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires, and periodic inspection remains important even when tread looks good, because age and long periods of inactivity can affect tire condition before obvious wear appears.