1960 Ford Falcon Tires

The 1960 Ford Falcon is associated with two primary tire sizes: 600-13 and 650-13. Both are bias-ply sizes designed for 13-inch rims, and both are tied to the Falcon Base configuration. The difference between them is the vintage section-width designation, with 650-13 being the broader of the two numeric sizes.

Choosing between them starts with confirming what wheels are actually on the car today. A Falcon that still has stock-style wheels may suit either size differently depending on wheel width, appearance goals, and clearance, so it is smart to confirm the rim setup before selecting a tire.

The tire sizes associated with the 1960 Ford Falcon both use a 13-inch rim diameter. That applies to both 600-13 and 650-13, so the wheel diameter remains consistent even though the tire width designation changes. The main fitment difference is not diameter, but which tire size best matches the wheel width and desired look.

Rim diameter is only one part of the check. Wheel width matters too, especially because 600-13 and 650-13 have different product rim-width ranges, so a 13-inch wheel still needs to be measured and matched correctly before moving ahead with a tire choice.

A 600-13 is a vintage numeric bias-ply tire size. The 600 designation refers to an approximate 6.00-inch nominal section width, while the 13 indicates the wheel diameter in inches. On a 1960 Ford Falcon, it represents a traditional compact-car bias-ply format rather than a modern metric radial sizing system.

That older numbering style is important because it affects how replacement choices are evaluated. A modern radial alternative uses a different sizing language, so the buyer should compare the wheel setup, tire profile preference, and overall fitment carefully instead of assuming that modern numbers translate one-for-one.

On the 1960 Ford Falcon, 600-13 is a bias-ply primary fitment. It uses the vintage numeric sizing system and keeps the car in the traditional construction type associated with early compact American cars. That makes it the natural starting point for buyers who want a period-style driving and visual presentation.

A radial alternative can still be considered, but it should be treated as an equivalent path rather than the same construction. Wheel width, overall fit on the car, and the owner’s preference for traditional appearance versus updated road manners should all be checked before changing construction type.

Radial equivalents for 650-13 include 175R13 as an 80-series metric radial, P175/75R13 as a 75-series P-metric radial, and P185/70R13 as a 70-series P-metric radial. A 650R13 bias-look radial is also available, giving this size a radial option that keeps a more traditional visual character than many modern-looking alternatives.

Each of those sizes should be viewed as an alternative format, not an automatic substitute. The recommended rim-width range attached to the 650-13 equivalent path is 4 to 6 inches, so wheel compatibility, vehicle clearance, and the desired balance between period appearance and radial construction should be confirmed first.

Start by confirming the Falcon’s actual wheel diameter and width, then compare the intended radial equivalent to the original 600-13 or 650-13 fitment. Both primary sizes use 13-inch rims, but the radial alternatives follow different sizing conventions and should be matched to the wheel as well as the car’s available clearance.

The car’s condition matters just as much as the tire size. Steering components, suspension wear, alignment, and any aftermarket wheel or ride-height changes can influence how a radial setup behaves, so the conversion should be evaluated as a complete fitment decision rather than a simple change in tire construction.

A 600-13 choice for a 1960 Ford Falcon starts with the correct 13-inch wheel setup and a preference for bias-ply construction. In this size, the available options center on BFGoodrich tires in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series, with the main visual distinction being a wide whitewall or narrow whitewall sidewall treatment.

That makes 600-13 less about sorting through many constructions and more about matching the tire to the car’s appearance goal. A narrower or wider whitewall can change the Falcon’s overall presentation noticeably, so it helps to decide whether the car is being kept understated, restoration-oriented, or simply styled to personal taste.

The 1960 Ford Falcon tire options here include both wide whitewall and narrow whitewall sidewall styles. Those treatments appear across the two primary sizes, with 600-13 and 650-13 both offering whitewall choices that can shift the car’s visual character from more reserved to more distinctly early-1960s in appearance.

Sidewall style does not change the basic need to match the proper size and wheel, but it can strongly influence the finished look of the car. A buyer choosing between 600-13 and 650-13 should think about whitewall width at the same time, since size and sidewall treatment work together visually.

The available brands for 1960 Ford Falcon tire sizes include BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, and US Royal. BFGoodrich appears in 600-13, while Coker Classic and US Royal are offered in 650-13. Each brand is represented through a classic bias-ply series rather than a modern high-volume passenger-car tire line.

Brand selection should still begin with the correct size for the car’s wheel setup. Once the size is confirmed, the more meaningful comparisons usually become sidewall style, tire series presentation, and whether the car is staying with a traditional bias-ply look or being evaluated for a radial-equivalent alternative.

For a period-style 1960 Ford Falcon, the starting point is one of the original-format bias-ply sizes, 600-13 or 650-13, on a 13-inch rim. Both preserve the vintage sizing language and traditional construction that suit the Falcon’s early compact-car character. The decision then moves to how broad a look you want and which whitewall treatment best fits the build.

A restoration-oriented Falcon often benefits from matching tire size and sidewall style to the car’s intended presentation rather than selecting by size alone. If exact originality matters beyond general period style, marque literature, surviving factory documentation, and Falcon-specific restoration references are worth consulting before finalizing the tire choice.

Tire construction changes more than ride feel on a restored 1960 Ford Falcon; it also changes the visual impression of the car. A bias-ply tire keeps the Falcon in its traditional vintage format, while a radial alternative usually introduces a more modern sizing language and, depending on the tire chosen, a different overall presentation.

That difference matters most when the goal is to preserve an early-1960s look. A bias-look radial can soften the visual shift for a 650-13 application, but it should still be checked as an equivalent rather than assumed to mirror the original setup in every detail.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1960 Ford Falcon even when the tire size itself is correct on paper. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, suspension alterations, ride-height changes, or bodywork differences can all influence how a 600-13, 650-13, or radial equivalent sits and clears during normal driving.

That is why the car should be checked as it actually stands today, not only as it left the factory. Turning clearance, fender space, and wheel dimensions are especially important when moving from one primary size to another or considering a radial-equivalent setup.

Before driving a 1960 Ford Falcon on new tires, inspect the wheels for the correct 13-inch diameter and appropriate width, then check that the tires are seated properly and inflated correctly for their intended use. It also makes sense to inspect steering, suspension, and alignment condition so the new tires are not affected by underlying mechanical issues.

A visual walkaround matters just as much. Look for sidewall contact points, uneven stance, signs of rubbing at full steering lock, and anything unusual after the first short drive. Collector cars that sit for long periods benefit from repeated checks during the first few outings rather than one quick inspection.

Collector-car tires on a 1960 Ford Falcon should be maintained with regular pressure checks, periodic inspections for cracking, cuts, bulges, and uneven wear, and careful attention to age-related condition. That applies whether the car runs 600-13 or 650-13, because low annual mileage does not prevent rubber from aging over time.

Storage conditions also matter on a lightly used Falcon. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps protect the tire casing, and occasional movement can reduce flat-spotting concerns on bias-ply tires that spend long periods parked.