1958 Holden FE Tires

The 1958 Holden FE uses two recognized tire sizes: 640-13 in bias-ply construction and 175R13 in radial construction. Both sizes are tied to a 13-inch wheel, but they represent different tire formats and different ownership goals, with 640-13 serving the traditional bias-ply route and 175R13 covering the radial-format route.

Choosing between them starts with the car’s current wheel and tire setup. A restoration-oriented FE may stay with 640-13 for a more period-style presentation, while a road-driven car may be set up around 175R13. It is smart to confirm wheel width, current clearance, and whether the car has already been converted before selecting a tire.

The tire fitments associated with the 1958 Holden FE use a 13-inch rim diameter. That applies to both the 640-13 bias-ply size and the 175R13 radial size, so wheel diameter remains consistent even though the tire construction and sizing format change.

Rim diameter is only the first check, though. Wheel width still matters, especially when comparing a vintage bias-ply tire with a radial alternative or one of the radial-equivalent sizes tied to 640-13. If the FE has replacement wheels, confirm the actual width and inspect sidewall-to-body and steering clearance before making a change.

The 1958 Holden FE Base shares the same fitment pattern as the model core, using 640-13 as the bias-ply size and 175R13 as the radial size. There is no separate sub-model tire-size split here that changes the wheel diameter or introduces a different primary size family.

That makes selection simpler, but the construction choice still matters. An FE Base being restored for traditional presentation may lead naturally toward the bias-ply size, while a car already running a radial setup may point toward 175R13 or another carefully checked radial equivalent. The existing wheels and the car’s intended use should guide the final decision.

On the 1958 Holden FE, 640-13 is the bias-ply tire size. It uses the older numeric sizing format common to the period, and it is the traditional fitment path for owners who want to keep the car aligned with an earlier tire construction and appearance.

That distinction matters because a bias-ply tire does not represent the same construction as a radial, even when the wheel diameter stays at 13 inches. Owners considering a change should review wheel width, the car’s current setup, and how much importance they place on period-style appearance versus a radial-format alternative before choosing between the two.

Radial equivalents for 640-13 include 175R13 as the 80-series metric radial, P175/75R13 as the 75-series P-metric radial, P185/70R13 as the 70-series P-metric radial, and 650R13 as a bias-look radial equivalent. These sizes give a 1958 Holden FE owner several radial-format alternatives tied to the original bias-ply size.

Each of those options should still be treated as an alternative rather than an automatic substitute. The recommended rim-width range for the equivalents is 4 to 6 inches, and the final choice should be checked against the FE’s actual wheel width, tire clearance, and overall setup. That is especially important if the car has been modified or fitted with replacement wheels.

A 650R13 bias-look radial is available as a radial equivalent for the 1958 Holden FE’s 640-13 bias-ply size. That makes it a useful option for owners who want radial construction while still keeping a more traditional tire presentation than a modern-looking metric size might provide.

It still needs the same careful checks as any other conversion choice. Wheel width, overall tire dimensions, and available clearance all matter before moving from 640-13 bias-ply to 650R13 radial construction. For an FE that mixes restoration goals with actual road use, a bias-look radial can be appealing, but the car’s exact wheel setup should be verified first.

Start with the role the car will play. A 640-13 tire on a 1958 Holden FE is the bias-ply route, so the main considerations are whether the car is being kept close to a period-style appearance, whether a wide whitewall suits the build, and whether the wheel width matches the tire’s intended fitment.

The available 640-13 product uses bias-ply construction, a BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series, and a 2.25 inch wide whitewall, so appearance is a major part of the decision. It also helps to compare load capacity, rim-width specification, and how the car will actually be driven, especially if it spends more time on display than on the road.

Among the currently available products tied to the 1958 Holden FE, the visible sidewall treatment is a wide whitewall in the 640-13 bias-ply size. That gives the FE a distinctly traditional late-1950s presentation and makes the tire a styling choice as well as a fitment choice.

Sidewall style should be matched to the direction of the build rather than chosen in isolation. A wide whitewall can complement a restoration-oriented sedan, while a radial conversion may shift the focus toward construction and driving preference instead of traditional appearance. It is worth stepping back and deciding whether the goal is authenticity in look, regular road use, or a compromise between both.

The currently available product selection for the 1958 Holden FE includes BFGoodrich in the 640-13 bias-ply size. That tire is part of the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply line and pairs the vintage numeric size with a wide whitewall presentation aimed at traditional styling.

Brand is only one part of the decision, especially on a collector-era vehicle with both bias-ply and radial fitment paths. It still makes sense to confirm the exact tire size being used on the car, the wheel width, and whether the owner is prioritizing period-style appearance or a radial-format alternative. Those factors usually matter more than the badge on the sidewall alone.

For a period-style 1958 Holden FE, the 640-13 bias-ply size is the natural starting point because it keeps the car in its traditional numeric sizing and bias-ply construction family. A BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply with a 2.25 inch wide whitewall is available in that size, which reinforces the FE’s late-1950s visual character.

That does not automatically make one tire historically exact for every restoration. Owners pursuing very strict originality should compare their car against marque references, period photos, and restoration documentation. For many buyers, though, staying with 640-13 bias-ply construction is the clearest way to preserve a restoration-oriented stance and sidewall presentation.

Tire construction changes the look of a restored 1958 Holden FE more than many owners expect. A 640-13 bias-ply tire keeps the car in a vintage size format and supports a more traditional presentation, while a 175R13 or other radial equivalent introduces a more modern sizing convention even if the wheel diameter remains 13 inches.

That visual difference matters on a car with simple 1950s body lines, where sidewall treatment and tire proportions are easy to notice. A bias-look radial such as 650R13 can serve as a middle ground for some builds, but the final appearance still depends on wheel width, stance, and the overall restoration direction rather than construction alone.

Yes, modifications can change tire fitment on a 1958 Holden FE even when the tire size appears close to the original range. Replacement wheels, changes in wheel width, altered suspension height, brake upgrades, or bodywork changes can all affect how a 640-13, 175R13, or radial-equivalent size sits within the car.

A modified FE should be checked at full steering lock and through normal suspension movement before a new tire choice is finalized. Sidewall clearance, fender space, and wheel fit become especially important when moving from the original-style bias-ply format to a radial alternative. Looking at the actual car matters more than relying on size code alone.

Before road use, inspect the wheels for proper diameter and condition, make sure the tires seat correctly, and confirm there is no contact at the fenders, suspension, or steering components. It also helps to check valve stems, inflation pressure, lug security, and whether the tire construction matches the car’s intended setup.

A collector vehicle like a 1958 Holden FE deserves an extra walk-around after the first few miles. Look for uneven clearance marks, unusual vibration, and any sign of air loss. That is particularly important when the car has moved from 640-13 bias-ply to a radial-format tire, because wheel compatibility and real-world clearance need to be proven on the vehicle itself.

640-13 tires on a collector 1958 Holden FE should be kept clean, properly inflated, and inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, and abnormal wear. Because collector cars often spend long periods parked, tire age and storage conditions matter just as much as tread depth when judging whether a tire remains roadworthy.

Long-term care is easier when the car is stored away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone-producing equipment. Rolling the car occasionally and checking pressure before each drive can help prevent problems that only show up after storage. Even a lightly used FE benefits from routine inspection, since age-related deterioration can develop long before the tread appears worn out.