1959 Lloyd LT Tires

The 1959 Lloyd LT uses two primary 13-inch tire sizes: 560-13 in bias-ply construction and 155R13 in radial construction. Both sizes are associated with the covered LT 600 sub-model, so the car can fall into either a traditional bias-ply setup or a radial-based setup depending on the wheel and tire configuration being used.

The important next step is confirming which construction is actually on the car now and whether the wheels match the intended tire choice. A bias-ply 560-13 and a radial 155R13 create different selection paths, including sidewall appearance, brand options, and rim-width compatibility, so the decision is more about setup and intended use than model year alone.

The 1959 Lloyd LT uses a 13-inch rim diameter with both of its associated tire sizes. That applies whether the car is running the 560-13 bias-ply size or the 155R13 radial size, so wheel diameter stays consistent even though the tire construction changes.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, because wheel width also matters when comparing available tires. Before choosing between bias-ply and radial options, check the actual wheel width on the car and compare it to the intended tire's approved range, especially if the wheels have been changed during restoration or previous maintenance.

560-13 is a vintage numeric bias-ply tire size. The 560 identifies the tire's nominal width class in the older sizing system, and the 13 refers to the wheel diameter in inches. On a 1959 Lloyd LT, that size represents the bias-ply fitment path and is available in traditional whitewall styles.

This older size format does not read like a modern metric radial, so it helps to think of it as a period-style tire designation rather than a current passenger-car code. Anyone moving away from 560-13 should compare the radial alternatives carefully, since equivalent sizes can be useful reference points without being automatic one-for-one replacements on every wheel setup.

On the 1959 Lloyd LT, 560-13 is a bias-ply tire size. It uses the older numeric sizing format and is represented here by period-style bias-ply products from BFGoodrich and Firestone, including narrow whitewall and wide whitewall versions that suit traditional restoration-oriented presentation.

That matters because a 560-13 selection points toward a different driving feel, sidewall appearance, and wheel-width range than the radial alternatives tied to this car. Anyone considering a change in construction should confirm wheel dimensions and vehicle clearance first, since keeping a bias-ply setup and converting to radial are two distinct fitment decisions.

Radial equivalents for 560-13 include 155R13, P155/75R13, and P155/70R13. In that group, 155R13 is the 80-series metric radial option, P155/75R13 is the P-metric 75-series alternative, and P155/70R13 is the lower-profile P-metric 70-series alternative.

Those sizes give a buyer several ways to move from a vintage bias-ply code into modern radial sizing, but they should be treated as alternatives to evaluate rather than automatic substitutions. The equivalent range is associated with a 4- to 5-inch rim width, and the final choice should still be checked against the wheel, the car's stance, and available fender and steering clearance.

Start by confirming the current wheel diameter and width, then compare them to the radial size being considered. On a 1959 Lloyd LT, the common conversion path starts from 560-13 bias-ply and moves to radial alternatives such as 155R13, P155/75R13, or P155/70R13, depending on the intended setup.

Construction changes should also prompt a close look at suspension condition, steering clearance, and any wheel changes made over the years. A collector car that has been lowered, fitted with non-original wheels, or sitting on aging components can react differently than a stock-height example, so the smart approach is verifying compatibility before the new tires ever go into service.

The first decision is whether the car should remain on a 560-13 bias-ply tire or use the 155R13 radial fitment path. That choice affects construction, sidewall appearance, brand selection, and wheel-width compatibility, so it has a bigger impact than simply picking between product names.

After size and construction are settled, compare the available tires by intended appearance and how the car will actually be driven. A whitewall bias-ply tire may suit a more traditional presentation, while a blackwall radial may make more sense for regular road use, provided the wheel dimensions and overall setup support that direction.

The 1959 Lloyd LT has both blackwall and whitewall sidewall choices, depending on the tire size and construction. The 155R13 radial options are blackwall tires, while the 560-13 bias-ply options include narrow whitewall and wide whitewall versions that create a much more traditional visual effect.

That means sidewall style is closely tied to the kind of car you want to present. A blackwall radial keeps the look simpler and more functional, while a whitewall bias-ply tire can shift the car toward a distinctly period-style appearance. Matching sidewall treatment to the overall restoration theme usually produces a more coherent result than treating it as an afterthought.

Tire choices for the 1959 Lloyd LT include Michelin and Dunlop in the 155R13 radial size, along with BFGoodrich and Firestone in the 560-13 bias-ply size. Those brands also reflect different product families, with radial touring-style offerings on one side and classic bias-ply whitewall choices on the other.

The useful comparison is not which brand name sounds best, but which tire matches the car's intended use and wheel setup. Looking at the brand together with construction, sidewall style, tire series, and rim-width specification usually gives a clearer answer than choosing by brand alone.

For a period-style 1959 Lloyd LT, the 560-13 bias-ply size is the most natural starting point because it keeps the car in a vintage sizing and construction format. That size is available in classic bias-ply series from BFGoodrich and Firestone, with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall treatments that can strongly influence the final look.

The best appearance choice depends on how traditional the finished car needs to be. A buyer focused on authenticity of presentation should compare sidewall width, brand style, and the overall visual balance of the car, then confirm details with marque references or period photography if exact restoration standards matter.

Tire construction changes more than road feel on a restored 1959 Lloyd LT; it also changes the car's visual character. A 560-13 bias-ply tire presents the car in a more traditional small-car format, especially when paired with whitewalls, while a 155R13 radial gives it a more modern blackwall presentation.

That difference becomes noticeable even before the car moves, because sidewall shape and styling help define the era the vehicle seems to belong to. Anyone restoring for show, club events, or a distinctly period-inspired look should decide early whether the goal is visual authenticity of style or a more practical radial-based road setup.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1959 Lloyd LT even when the intended tire size is otherwise appropriate. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension work, lowering, or body repairs can all influence how a 560-13 or 155R13 tire sits in the wheel opening and how much clearance remains.

A car that has been changed from its original wheel setup should be measured rather than assumed to match stock fitment. Checking wheel width, steering clearance, and fender space before final selection is especially important on a small collector car, where even modest changes can have a noticeable effect on usable tire options.

Before driving a 1959 Lloyd LT on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, make sure the tires are properly mounted, and confirm there is no contact at the fenders or steering components. It also helps to verify inflation, look for valve-stem issues, and check that the suspension and steering are in roadworthy condition.

A brief low-speed test drive is a smart final step, especially on a car that has spent long periods parked. Listen for rubbing, feel for pull or vibration, and recheck pressure after the first outing. Catching small setup issues early is easier than discovering them once the car is out on a longer drive.

Collector-car tires on a 1959 Lloyd LT should be inspected regularly for cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven wear, and slow air loss, even if the car sees limited mileage. That applies to both 560-13 bias-ply tires and 155R13 radials, because age and storage conditions can matter as much as tread depth on a lightly used car.

Storage habits have a big effect on long-term condition. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires, and periodic pressure checks are important during downtime. A pre-drive inspection before tours or seasonal use is especially worthwhile on a compact vintage vehicle that may sit for extended periods.