1958 Opel Caravan & Wagon Tires

The 1958 Opel Caravan & Wagon uses two applicable tire sizes: 640-13 in a bias-ply construction and 175R13 in a radial construction. Both are associated with 13-inch rims, so the main distinction is not wheel diameter but the tire format and construction style you want to run on the car.

That means the first decision is whether the Opel will keep a traditional bias-ply look and feel or move to a radial-format tire. A car with original-style wheels may favor one path visually, while a car driven more regularly may lead the owner to compare the radial-size alternative more closely before final selection.

The applicable tire sizes for the 1958 Opel Caravan & Wagon are built around a 13-inch rim diameter. Both the 640-13 bias-ply size and the 175R13 radial size share that same 13-inch wheel diameter, which keeps rim diameter confirmation fairly straightforward on this model.

Wheel diameter is only one part of the fitment picture, so it still helps to verify the actual wheel on the car before choosing a tire. Older vehicles are often fitted with replacement wheels over time, and width differences can matter when comparing a vintage bias-ply size with a radial or radial-equivalent alternative.

Yes. The 1958 Opel Caravan & Wagon Base uses the same two tire-size paths covered here: 640-13 as the bias-ply fitment and 175R13 as the radial fitment. There is no separate tire-size split within the covered Base model that changes the basic 13-inch wheel diameter requirement.

That keeps sub-model identification simple, but it does not remove the need to inspect the actual car. The important follow-up is checking whether the wheels, ride height, or suspension have been changed over the years, because those details can influence which construction and profile make the most sense in day-to-day use.

640-13 is the bias-ply tire size used on the 1958 Opel Caravan & Wagon. It uses the older numeric sizing system, where the first number reflects nominal section width and the final number identifies the 13-inch rim diameter, making it distinct from the later metric-style radial sizing found in 175R13.

Choosing 640-13 usually means preserving a more traditional presentation and construction type on the car. It also means comparing available products by sidewall treatment, brand, and wheel compatibility rather than assuming every 13-inch tire will behave or appear the same once mounted on an original-style collector vehicle.

Radial equivalents for 640-13 include 175R13, P175/75R13, P185/70R13, and 650R13. In that group, 175R13 is the 80-series metric radial equivalent, P175/75R13 is the 75-series P-metric option, P185/70R13 is the 70-series P-metric option, and 650R13 is the bias-look radial equivalent.

Those equivalents give the 1958 Opel Caravan & Wagon several different radial-format directions without changing away from a 13-inch rim. A 4-6 inch rim-width range is associated with the equivalent group, and the final choice should still be checked against wheel width, tire dimensions, and fender or steering clearance on the car.

Start by confirming the actual wheel diameter and width on the car, then compare the radial size being considered against the existing bias-ply setup. For a 640-13 starting point, the available radial-equivalent paths include 175R13, P175/75R13, P185/70R13, and 650R13, each representing a different sizing convention or profile approach.

A conversion is not just a matter of matching the rim diameter. Steering clearance, fender space, suspension condition, and the car's intended use all deserve a close look, especially on an older wagon that may have seen wheel changes or service replacements over time. Checking those details first helps avoid unwanted surprises after installation.

The main considerations are keeping the correct 640-13 size, staying with bias-ply construction, and deciding what appearance best suits the car. In this size, the available product path centers on BFGoodrich's Silvertown Classic Bias Ply with a 2.25-inch whitewall, which gives the Opel a distinctly traditional sidewall presentation.

Beyond style, it helps to compare rim-width compatibility and the way the tire supports the overall purpose of the vehicle. A restoration-oriented wagon may call for the older bias-ply look, while an Opel driven more regularly may lead its owner to also compare radial-equivalent alternatives before settling on the final setup.

The visible sidewall style available in the 640-13 product selection is a wide whitewall. That style has a strong effect on the appearance of a 1958 Opel Caravan & Wagon because the tire sidewall is a prominent visual element on a compact collector-era wagon with relatively small 13-inch wheels.

Sidewall choice is often less about mechanical fitment than about the character you want the car to project once it is on the road or show field. A wide whitewall supports a more period-style presentation, while buyers considering a radial-size path should remember that construction and sizing format can alter the visual balance even when rim diameter stays the same.

BFGoodrich is the brand represented in the available 640-13 product selection for the 1958 Opel Caravan & Wagon. That option appears in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series, giving buyers a traditional bias-ply route in the vintage numeric size associated with this vehicle.

Brand is only one part of the decision, especially on a collector vehicle with a narrow fitment window and a strong visual identity. It still makes sense to compare the brand offering alongside sidewall style, tire series, and wheel compatibility so the final selection supports both the appearance of the Opel and the way it will actually be used.

For a period-style presentation, the 640-13 bias-ply size is the natural starting point for a 1958 Opel Caravan & Wagon. It keeps the vintage numeric sizing format and the traditional construction associated with the car's era, which can matter as much visually as the wheel itself on a compact late-1950s wagon.

Appearance goals still vary from one restoration to another, so the final choice should reflect how original or interpretive the build is meant to be. When exact historical accuracy matters, it helps to compare the tire against period photos, marque-club guidance, and other vehicle-specific references rather than assuming any vintage-style tire automatically matches the car's original delivery look.

Tire construction can change the visual character of a restored 1958 Opel Caravan & Wagon even when the wheel diameter remains 13 inches. A 640-13 bias-ply keeps the older size format and a more traditional presentation, while a 175R13 radial introduces a later metric-style sidewall designation and a different overall visual impression.

That difference matters because collectors often notice stance, sidewall shape, and how the tire fills the wheel opening before they notice smaller restoration details. A buyer focused on road use may accept that tradeoff, but someone chasing a stronger period-style appearance will usually want to weigh construction choice just as carefully as paint, trim, or wheel finish.

Yes. Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1958 Opel Caravan & Wagon even though the covered tire sizes share a 13-inch rim diameter. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension changes, ride-height adjustments, and body repairs can all influence how a 640-13 or 175R13 sits in the wheel opening.

A car that has been lowered or fitted with replacement wheels may need closer clearance checks at the fenders and during full steering travel. That is especially important when comparing a vintage bias-ply size with a radial or radial-equivalent option, since the construction and profile can change how the tire occupies space around the car.

Start with the wheels, valve stems, and overall mounting condition, then inspect the suspension and steering for looseness or wear that could affect how the new tires behave. It also helps to verify that the chosen size is the one intended for the car, whether that is the 640-13 bias-ply path or the 175R13 radial path.

Collector vehicles often spend long stretches parked, so the road-use check should continue beyond installation day. Tire pressure, visible rubbing marks, uneven contact, and any signs of interference during low-speed steering should be reviewed early, giving the owner a chance to correct fitment or chassis issues before putting the Opel into regular use.

640-13 tires on a collector 1958 Opel Caravan & Wagon should be kept properly inflated, inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, and uneven wear, and checked for air loss before the car goes back on the road. A low-use collector car can have aging tires that look acceptable at a glance but still deserve careful hands-on inspection.

Storage conditions matter almost as much as mileage on a vintage vehicle. Keeping the Opel away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone-producing equipment helps protect the sidewalls, while periodic movement of the car can reduce long-term flat spotting. Any sign of deterioration is a good reason to have the tires evaluated before further driving.