1959 Ford Consul Tires

A 1959 Ford Consul uses either a 590-13 bias-ply tire or a 165R13 radial tire. Both sizes are associated with the same 13-inch rim diameter, so the main difference is not wheel diameter but tire construction and sizing format.

That means the decision usually comes down to how the car is equipped and how it will be used. A Consul kept in a more period-style presentation may lean toward 590-13, while a car set up for regular road driving may be evaluated around 165R13. Wheel width should be checked before moving from one construction type to the other.

The tire fitments associated with the 1959 Ford Consul use a 13-inch rim. Both the 590-13 bias-ply size and the 165R13 radial size share that same rim diameter, which keeps wheel diameter consistent even though the tire formats differ.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, especially when comparing a narrow bias-ply tire to a radial alternative. Wheel width matters as well, since the available 590-13 and 165R13 products are intended for different width ranges. Measuring the wheel already on the car is a smart step before choosing between the two sizes.

The 1959 Ford Consul Base can be fitted with the same two tire-size paths used for the model range: 590-13 in bias-ply form or 165R13 in radial form. That keeps Base-model fitment simple because the choice is centered on construction rather than a separate trim-specific tire size.

Even with shared fitment, the final choice still affects the car’s look and wheel requirements. A 590-13 wide whitewall gives the Consul a more traditional presentation, while a 165R13 radial moves it toward a later-style road setup. Confirming the wheel width on the Base model helps prevent selecting a tire that suits the size but not the wheel.

For the 1959 Ford Consul, 590-13 is a bias-ply tire size. It is the older numeric format, and the available product in that size is a BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply with a wide whitewall, which gives the car a distinctly traditional appearance.

Bias-ply and radial tires are not just different labels; they can call for different wheel-width considerations and they present the car differently. A Consul wearing 590-13 tires will have a more period-style look than one on 165R13 radials. Anyone moving away from 590-13 should compare wheel width, overall dimensions, and clearance before making the change.

Radial equivalents for 590-13 include 165R13 as an 80-series metric radial, P165/75R13 as a 75-series P-metric radial, and P175/70R13 as a 70-series P-metric radial. These are radial alternatives associated with the original bias-ply size, not additional primary factory-style sizes.

The useful distinction is that each equivalent follows a different sizing convention and profile family. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches is tied to the radial-equivalent comparison, so wheel width should be part of the decision. Overall tire dimensions and fender or steering clearance also deserve a close check before settling on one of those radial alternatives.

Start by confirming the wheel itself, not just the nominal tire size. The 1959 Ford Consul uses a 13-inch rim with either 590-13 bias-ply or 165R13 radial fitment, but the available products show different wheel-width expectations between those construction types.

After wheel width is confirmed, compare the radial option against the car’s actual setup. Steering clearance, fender clearance, suspension condition, and the way the car sits all matter, especially on an older vehicle that may have had wheel or suspension changes over the years. That step is more important than assuming any radial equivalent will behave exactly like the original bias-ply size.

The first choice is whether the car should stay with a 590-13 bias-ply tire or move to a 165R13 radial setup. Both use a 13-inch rim, but they differ in construction, appearance, and the wheel-width ranges associated with the available products.

After size path and construction are settled, compare the car’s intended use with the tire’s character. A wide-whitewall bias-ply tire suits a more traditional presentation, while the blackwall radial options from Michelin and Dunlop point toward a later-style road setup. Wheel width, visual style, and how closely the tire should match the car’s period character usually decide the final direction.

The available sidewall styles for the 1959 Ford Consul are blackwall and wide whitewall. The 165R13 radial options from Michelin and Dunlop are blackwall tires, while the 590-13 bias-ply option is offered with a 2.375-inch wide whitewall.

That makes sidewall style one of the clearest visual choices on this car. A blackwall radial keeps the look understated and more road-oriented, while the wide whitewall bias-ply leans heavily into 1950s presentation. Choosing between them is less about right or wrong and more about whether the Consul is being preserved for period-style appearance, casual driving, or a mix of both.

Tires for the 1959 Ford Consul are available from Michelin, Dunlop, and BFGoodrich. Michelin and Dunlop cover the 165R13 radial side of the fitment, while BFGoodrich is represented in the 590-13 bias-ply size with a wide-whitewall offering.

Brand choice only makes sense after the tire size and construction path are settled. Someone staying with 590-13 for a traditional look is choosing within a different part of the market than an owner selecting a 165R13 radial for road use. It also helps to compare tire series, sidewall treatment, and wheel-width compatibility rather than focusing on the brand name alone.

For a period-style 1959 Ford Consul, the 590-13 bias-ply tire is the most natural starting point because it keeps the car in a vintage numeric size and is available with a 2.375-inch wide whitewall. That combination gives the car a distinctly late-1950s visual character.

Appearance goals still need to be balanced against how the car will actually be driven. A restoration-oriented Consul used mainly for shows or occasional cruising may suit the bias-ply approach well, while a car expected to cover more road miles may lead some owners to evaluate the 165R13 radial alternative. Exact originality questions are best checked against marque-specific historical references.

Tire construction changes the look of a restored 1959 Ford Consul more than many buyers expect. A 590-13 bias-ply tire with a wide whitewall gives the car a traditional visual stance, while a 165R13 radial in blackwall form creates a more modern presentation even though the rim diameter remains 13 inches.

That difference matters because the tire is one of the most visible finishing details on a small 1950s sedan. A buyer aiming for a more era-conscious appearance will usually pay close attention to sidewall treatment and tire profile, not just the nominal size. Construction choice should therefore support the restoration’s visual goal rather than being treated as a purely technical decision.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1959 Ford Consul even when the nominal size still seems correct. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension work, or body-height changes can influence how either a 590-13 bias-ply tire or a 165R13 radial sits on the car.

That matters most when the car no longer carries its original-style wheel setup. A radial conversion can be especially sensitive to wheel width and clearance, while any change in ride height can alter steering or fender room. Measuring the actual wheel and checking clearance at full steering lock is a better safeguard than assuming a familiar size code tells the whole story.

Before driving a 1959 Ford Consul on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, and overall mounting condition, then confirm proper inflation for the tires being used. It also helps to look over the suspension and steering components so the new tires are not being asked to compensate for worn hardware.

A short initial drive should be followed by another check for air loss, rubbing, or any signs that the tire is not sitting correctly on the wheel. Older collector cars can reveal clearance issues only when turning, braking, or compressing the suspension. Catching those issues early is especially important when switching between bias-ply and radial construction.

Tires on a collector 1959 Ford Consul should be checked regularly for inflation, tread condition, sidewall cracking, bulges, cuts, and signs of air loss. Cars that spend long periods parked deserve extra attention because age and storage conditions can affect tires even when mileage stays very low.

Storage habits matter almost as much as driving habits on a lightly used classic. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve tire condition over time. It is also wise to inspect the tires before any longer drive, since a Consul that appears road-ready may still be riding on rubber that has aged more than expected.