1959 Ford Escort, Squire & Thames Tires

The 1959 Ford Escort, Squire & Thames uses two tire sizes: 145R13 in radial construction and 520-13 in bias-ply construction. Both fitment paths use a 13-inch rim, but they represent different tire-sizing systems and different construction types.

The practical question is not just diameter, but which setup is already on the vehicle and whether the wheels suit that choice. A car restored around traditional bias-ply proportions may stay with 520-13, while a vehicle already running radial-compatible wheels may point you toward 145R13 or a radial equivalent worth comparing carefully.

Both primary tire sizes used on the 1959 Ford Escort, Squire & Thames fit a 13-inch rim. That includes the 520-13 bias-ply size and the 145R13 radial size, so rim diameter stays consistent even though tire construction changes.

Rim diameter alone does not settle the whole fitment question. Wheel width should still be checked, especially if the car has replacement wheels or if you are moving from bias-ply to radial construction. Confirming the actual wheel on the car helps avoid choosing a tire that matches the diameter but creates issues with width, profile, or clearance.

520-13 is a vintage numeric bias-ply tire size. The 5.20 indicates the nominal section width in inches, and the 13 refers to the wheel diameter. On the 1959 Ford Escort, Squire & Thames, that size represents the traditional bias-ply fitment option.

This older sizing format does not read like a modern metric radial, so it helps to think of it as part of a period-style tire system rather than a direct modern measurement standard. Buyers comparing 520-13 against radial alternatives should focus on wheel width, overall fit on the car, and the visual character they want from the finished vehicle.

520-13 is a bias-ply tire size for the 1959 Ford Escort, Squire & Thames. It uses the older numeric sizing format and is offered in traditional bias-ply product lines, including blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles.

That matters because bias-ply construction affects both appearance and setup decisions. Owners often choose it to maintain a more traditional visual presentation, especially on a restoration-oriented car. Before staying with or returning to 520-13, it is worth confirming that the wheels, suspension condition, and intended road use still match a bias-ply-style tire choice.

Radial equivalents for 520-13 include 155R13 as an 80-series metric radial, P155/75R13 as a 75-series P-metric radial, and P155/70R13 as a 70-series P-metric radial. These are equivalent-size alternatives tied to the 520-13 fitment family rather than additional primary tire sizes.

Each option uses the same 13-inch rim diameter, but the sizing convention and profile family change from one equivalent to the next. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches applies, and the final choice should still be checked against the actual wheel, vehicle clearance, and the stance you want before moving away from the original bias-ply format.

Start by confirming the wheel diameter and width, then compare the radial size you are considering with the current 520-13 setup. For this vehicle, the relevant radial-equivalent choices are 155R13, P155/75R13, and P155/70R13, and the recommended rim-width range is 4 to 5 inches.

Clearance at the fenders and steering components should be inspected before making the change, especially if the car has replacement wheels or suspension changes. It also helps to look at overall tire age, wheel condition, and how the car will be used. A conversion can be worthwhile, but it should be treated as a fitment decision, not an automatic interchange.

Begin with the correct fitment path: 520-13 if the car is staying with a traditional bias-ply setup, or 145R13 if it is using the radial fitment. Both use a 13-inch rim, but construction, sizing format, and available sidewall presentations differ in meaningful ways.

After size and construction, compare the wheel width, the look you want, and how the car is driven. A restoration-minded owner may prefer the visual character of a bias-ply whitewall, while another buyer may prioritize a blackwall radial presentation. Brand, tire series, and load specifications can also help separate otherwise similar-looking options.

The available sidewall styles for the 1959 Ford Escort, Squire & Thames include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall. Blackwall appears in both radial and bias-ply offerings, while the whitewall choices are associated with the 520-13 bias-ply products.

That gives the owner some real appearance flexibility without leaving the correct fitment family. A blackwall tire creates a simpler, more understated presentation, while narrow and wide whitewalls move the car toward a stronger late-1950s visual character. The best choice depends on whether the goal is subtle road use, custom flavor, or restoration-oriented style.

Michelin, Firestone, and Premium Sport all offer tires within the fitment range for the 1959 Ford Escort, Squire & Thames. Michelin and Firestone cover the 145R13 radial side, while Firestone and Premium Sport appear in the 520-13 bias-ply selection.

Brand alone should not decide the purchase. It helps to compare each tire's construction, sidewall treatment, tire series, and any rim-width or load details that matter to your setup. On this vehicle, the stronger buying distinction usually comes from choosing the right size and visual style first, then narrowing the field by brand and product line.

A period-style 1959 Ford Escort, Squire & Thames usually starts with the 520-13 bias-ply size. That keeps the car in the traditional numeric fitment family and opens the door to blackwall, narrow whitewall, or wide whitewall presentations that suit a late-1950s look.

The exact visual choice depends on how strictly the vehicle is being restored and what presentation you want on the finished car. For a historically sensitive project, the best next step is to compare surviving photos, marque references, or restoration records for your specific car. That approach is safer than assuming any one sidewall treatment was universal.

Tire construction changes the visual character of a restored 1959 Ford Escort, Squire & Thames more than many buyers expect. A 520-13 bias-ply tire delivers the older-style presentation associated with vintage fitment, while a 145R13 radial introduces a more modern tire form within the same 13-inch wheel diameter.

That difference becomes especially noticeable when the car is viewed from the side, where sidewall shape and whitewall treatment help define the era feel. A restoration-oriented owner may lean toward bias-ply for presentation, while a driver-focused owner may accept a more modern radial look. The right answer depends on whether authenticity of appearance or road-use preference leads the project.

Yes. Even though the 1959 Ford Escort, Squire & Thames uses 13-inch tire fitments, modifications can still change what works on the car. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension changes, lowering, or bodywork differences can all affect how a 145R13, 520-13, or radial equivalent sits and clears.

A modified vehicle should be measured rather than treated like a stock example. Check wheel width, turning clearance, and the space at the fender openings before choosing a tire. That is especially important when moving from a bias-ply setup to a radial one, since construction changes can alter how the tire presents on the wheel and inside the wheelwell.

Before road use, inspect the wheels for condition and correct diameter, verify that the tires are seated properly, and confirm inflation against the tire's own requirements where applicable. It also helps to look over the valve stems, check for any visible rubbing, and make sure all four tires match the intended size and construction choice.

A short, careful test drive is a smart follow-up step on an older vehicle. Listen for rubbing at full steering lock, watch for vibration, and recheck air pressure afterward. Collector cars that sit for long periods also deserve a quick review of steering, suspension, and brake condition so the new tires are not being asked to compensate for unrelated mechanical issues.

Tires on a collector 1959 Ford Escort, Squire & Thames should be inspected regularly for air loss, tread wear, sidewall cracking, cuts, and bulges, even if the car is driven only occasionally. Both bias-ply and radial tires benefit from proper inflation and from being kept clean and protected during long storage periods.

Storage conditions matter almost as much as mileage on an older hobby vehicle. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, standing moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires over time. It is also wise to review the tires before every meaningful drive, since low annual mileage can hide age-related deterioration that is easy to miss.