The 1960 Ford Ford sits squarely in the full-size American car era, when ride quality, visual presence, and broad highway use shaped both the car and the tires beneath it. These cars are often restored with close attention to stance and sidewall appearance because tire choice changes the whole look of the vehicle. Fitment centers on 14-inch bias-ply sizes, with 750-14, 800-14, and 850-14 all appearing depending on configuration. That creates meaningful choice not just in size, but in whitewall width, blackwall or redline styling, and whether to stay with bias-ply construction or evaluate a radial equivalent. The right selection starts with the exact sub-model and the wheels actually on the car.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1960 Ford Ford
The 1960 Ford Ford uses three primary tire sizes: 750-14, 800-14, and 850-14. All three are bias-ply sizes for 14-inch rims, but they do not apply the same way across every covered configuration. The first step is confirming the exact sub-model and then checking which wheels are on the car, since the real decision may be between a narrower or wider period-style fitment and whether to remain with bias-ply construction or consider a radial equivalent.
An 800-14 is a vintage numeric bias-ply size, with the leading number indicating an approximate nominal section width of 8.00 inches and the final number identifying a 14-inch rim. On a 1960 Ford Ford, this is one of the core full-size bias-ply fitments and is especially relevant where a mid-range 14-inch size is needed. Available choices include BFGoodrich, Goodyear, and Universal Vintage Tire, with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall presentations across series such as Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, Custom Super Cushion, and Universal Classic Bias Ply. It is a useful size to evaluate when you want a traditional full-size Ford look without moving to the narrower 750-14 or the wider 850-14.
An 850-14 is a vintage numeric bias-ply tire size, with the 8.50 figure representing the nominal width class and the 14 indicating the wheel diameter in inches. Within the 1960 Ford Ford range, this size serves the wider end of the primary 14-inch fitment choices. The product selection here centers on BFGoodrich in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series, offered with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall sidewall treatments rather than blackwall or redline variations. This size deserves extra attention when the car calls for the broadest of the listed bias-ply fitments and you want the sidewall appearance to match the vehicle’s overall restoration style.
A 750-14 is a vintage numeric bias-ply size, where 7.50 identifies the nominal width class and 14 identifies the rim diameter. For the 1960 Ford Ford, it represents the narrower end of the primary 14-inch fitment range and appears on covered six- and eight-cylinder applications. This size has the broadest assortment of choices, including BFGoodrich, US Royal, Coker Classic, Firestone, Goodyear, and Universal Vintage Tire, with blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and even redline options across several classic tire series. It is worth careful consideration when maintaining a lighter-looking period stance or when appearance selection matters as much as the base size itself.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1960 Ford Ford because the covered configurations do not all use the same tire size range. Some applications overlap at 800-14, but others pair that shared size with either a narrower 750-14 or a wider 850-14, so the exact sub-model should be confirmed before choosing tires.
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1960 Ford Ford 352 Eng. w/Air
The 1960 Ford Ford 352 Eng. w/Air uses the larger side of the covered 14-inch bias-ply fitment range, with 800-14 and 850-14 associated with this configuration. That makes tire selection more about confirming which width-class setup the car actually carries and then choosing the sidewall treatment and period-style presentation that best suits the vehicle.
The 1960 Ford Ford 6 & 8 Cyl. uses 14-inch bias-ply fitments in the 750-14 and 800-14 range. This gives the owner a choice that can affect both visual stance and product variety, so it is smart to verify the current wheel and tire setup before selecting between the narrower and mid-range primary sizes.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1960 Ford Ford
The 1960 Ford Ford has radial-equivalent options for all three primary bias-ply sizes. For 800-14, the equivalents are 205R14 as an 80-series metric radial, P215/75R14 as a 75-series P-metric radial, P225/70R14 as a 70-series P-metric radial, and 800R14 as a bias-look radial. For 850-14, the equivalents are 215R14, P225/75R14, and P235/70R14. For 750-14, the equivalents are 195R14, P205/75R14, P215/70R14, and 750R14 as a bias-look radial. Recommended rim-width ranges are 5-7 inches for 800-14 and 850-14, and 4-6 inches for 750-14, so wheel width and vehicle clearance should still be checked carefully.
Modern Radial Equivalents
205R14
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (800-14)
P215/75R14
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (800-14)
P225/70R14
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (800-14)
800R14
Bias-look Radial Equivalent (800-14)
215R14
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (850-14)
P225/75R14
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (850-14)
P235/70R14
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (850-14)
195R14
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (750-14)
P205/75R14
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (750-14)
P215/70R14
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (750-14)
750R14
Bias-look Radial Equivalent (750-14)
Important Considerations When Replacing Bias Ply With Radial
Compare overall diameter and section width carefully to ensure proper fit.
Verify recommended rim range (4-6 in) and load needs match your vehicle specifications.
Check fender clearance, steering clearance, and stance before installation.
Consider suspension condition and intended road use when choosing equivalents.
Important Fitment Notes
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Best 1960 Ford Ford Tires for sale
Available 14-inch bias-ply choices for the 1960 Ford Ford span BFGoodrich, Goodyear, Firestone, US Royal, Coker Classic, and Universal Vintage Tire, with sidewall treatments that include blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and redline. The product grid is most useful for comparing tire series, appearance, and rim-width compatibility within the correct size.
Owners of a 1960 Ford Ford usually need to sort out three things first: which primary 14-inch bias-ply size applies, whether a radial equivalent is worth considering, and how sidewall style and wheel setup affect the final choice.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1960 Ford Ford?
The 1960 Ford Ford uses 14-inch bias-ply tire sizes, with 750-14, 800-14, and 850-14 all appearing across the covered configurations. The exact size depends on the sub-model, with some applications sharing 800-14 while others use either the narrower 750-14 or the wider 850-14.
That means the first step is not choosing a brand or sidewall style, but confirming which sub-model you have and checking the wheels currently on the car. Many collector cars have been changed over the years, so the safest path is to verify the actual wheel diameter and compare the existing tire setup before selecting a replacement in the correct primary size.
What size rim does a 1960 Ford Ford use?
The covered tire fitments for the 1960 Ford Ford all use a 14-inch rim diameter. That is consistent across the three primary sizes on this page, including 750-14, 800-14, and 850-14, even though the width class of the tire changes from one fitment to another.
Rim diameter is only part of the picture, so it is still important to look at wheel width before making a final tire choice. A car that has been fitted with different wheels over time may still carry a 14-inch rim, but not the same width that suits every listed size equally well, especially if you are also considering a radial alternative.
Do all 1960 Ford Ford sub-models use the same tire size?
No. The covered 1960 Ford Ford sub-models do not all use the same tire size range. The 352 Eng. w/Air application is associated with 800-14 and 850-14, while the 6 & 8 Cyl. application is associated with 750-14 and 800-14.
That overlap around 800-14 can make the car seem simpler than it is, but the secondary size changes by configuration. It is worth confirming the sub-model and then checking what is already mounted on the car, because the difference between 750-14 and 850-14 affects both the look of the vehicle and the range of available period-style tire choices.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 800-14 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1960 Ford Ford?
For the 1960 Ford Ford, 800-14 is a primary bias-ply tire size. It is part of the original-style fitment language for this vehicle, and the available products in that size are bias-ply tires offered in several classic series and sidewall styles.
Radial alternatives do exist for owners who want to compare modern sizing conventions, but they should be treated as equivalents rather than automatic substitutes. A change in construction can affect how the car sits and feels, so wheel width, overall dimensions, and body or steering clearance should be checked before moving away from the primary bias-ply setup.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 800-14?
Radial equivalents for 800-14 include 205R14 as an 80-series metric radial, P215/75R14 as a 75-series P-metric radial, P225/70R14 as a 70-series P-metric radial, and 800R14 as a bias-look radial. The recommended rim-width range for these equivalents is 5 to 7 inches.
Those options give different ways to approach a radial conversion, from a more traditional metric format to a lower-profile P-metric alternative and a bias-look radial that preserves a more vintage presentation. The next step is to confirm wheel width and compare the car’s actual clearance, because equivalent sizing still needs to be checked against the specific vehicle setup.
What should I check before converting my 1960 Ford Ford from bias-ply to radial tires?
Start with the primary bias-ply size that belongs on your 1960 Ford Ford, then compare it only to the radial equivalents tied to that size. Wheel diameter, wheel width, and the equivalent’s sizing format all matter, whether you are considering an 80-series metric radial, a P-metric radial, or a bias-look radial.
The car itself should also be inspected before the change. Steering clearance, fender clearance, suspension condition, and the actual wheels on the vehicle can all affect the result, especially on a car that may have had replacement wheels or suspension work over the years. A radial equivalent is best treated as a carefully checked alternative, not a guaranteed interchange.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 1960 Ford Ford tire?
Begin with the correct primary size for the car: 750-14, 800-14, or 850-14, depending on the sub-model and wheel setup. From there, the meaningful choices are construction retention, sidewall appearance, tire series, brand, and rim-width compatibility within that size.
A restoration-oriented car may call for one look, while a regularly driven collector car may lead you to compare radial equivalents as well. It also helps to think about the overall presentation you want from the vehicle, because a blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, or redline treatment can change the visual character of a full-size 1960 Ford quite a bit.
What sidewall styles are available for 1960 Ford Ford tires?
Sidewall choices for the 1960 Ford Ford include blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and redline, although the exact styles depend on the tire size. The broadest mix appears in 750-14, while 800-14 includes blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall, and 850-14 centers on whitewall options.
That makes sidewall style an appearance decision tied closely to the correct fitment size. A buyer restoring a car to a conservative full-size look may focus on blackwall or whitewall choices, while someone chasing a more custom or sport-oriented period impression may notice the redline availability in 750-14. The right choice starts after the proper size has been confirmed.
What brands offer tires for the 1960 Ford Ford?
Tires for the 1960 Ford Ford are available from BFGoodrich, Goodyear, Firestone, US Royal, Coker Classic, and Universal Vintage Tire, depending on the size selected. Brand availability is not identical across all three primary sizes, so the widest brand selection appears only after the exact fitment has been narrowed down.
Brand choice should come after size and wheel compatibility, not before them. Once the correct size is established, the better comparison points are sidewall treatment, tire series, rim-width specification, and the overall look you want on the car. That approach keeps the selection grounded in fitment first, which matters more than chasing a name alone.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1960 Ford Ford?
A period-style 1960 Ford Ford usually starts with the correct primary bias-ply size for the specific sub-model, whether that is 750-14, 800-14, or 850-14. From there, the decision shifts toward visual details such as blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, or redline, depending on which size you are using.
Because appearance can vary a lot with tire width and sidewall treatment, it helps to match the tire to the character of the car rather than choosing by size alone. Owners pursuing strict historical accuracy should compare their intended tire choice against marque references, period photos, or other vehicle-specific documentation before settling on a final restoration-oriented look.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1960 Ford Ford?
On a restored 1960 Ford Ford, tire construction changes more than ride behavior. A bias-ply tire preserves the traditional profile and presentation associated with full-size American cars of the period, while a radial alternative can give the car a different visual character even when it stays near the original sizing range.
That is why restoration-minded owners often decide on construction and sidewall style together. A bias-look radial can help bridge the gap for some combinations, but it should still be evaluated as an alternative rather than assumed to duplicate a bias-ply tire exactly. The final impression depends on size, stance, and how the tire fills the wheel opening.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1960 Ford Ford?
Yes. Modifications can absolutely affect tire fitment on a 1960 Ford Ford, even when the car still uses a 14-inch wheel. Aftermarket wheels, wheel-width changes, suspension work, ride-height changes, or body and brake updates can alter how a 750-14, 800-14, 850-14, or any radial equivalent sits on the car.
That matters because a tire that matches the right nominal size still needs room to clear steering components, fender edges, and suspension parts. A car that has been changed over the years should be measured and inspected before new tires are chosen, especially if the goal is to move between primary bias-ply sizing and a modern radial-equivalent format.
What should I inspect before driving a 1960 Ford Ford on new tires?
Before driving a 1960 Ford Ford on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, lug hardware, and overall mounting condition, then confirm that the tires are inflated appropriately for the setup being used. It is also wise to look over the steering and suspension so the car is not putting a fresh set of tires onto worn or unstable components.
A slow first road test helps reveal rubbing, pull, vibration, or clearance problems before a longer outing. Collector cars often sit for extended periods, so the brake system, wheel bearings, and alignment condition deserve attention as well. New tires can only perform as intended when the rest of the rolling chassis is ready for regular road use.
How should 750-14, 800-14, or 850-14 tires on a collector 1960 Ford Ford be maintained?
Collector-car tires on a 1960 Ford Ford should be kept clean, properly inflated, and inspected regularly for cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven wear, or persistent air loss. Even when tread looks good, age and long storage periods matter on low-use vehicles, especially with classic bias-ply tires that may spend much of their life parked.
Good storage habits help preserve both appearance and service life. Parking away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources can reduce unnecessary aging, and moving the car periodically helps avoid long-term flat spotting. Any tire that shows visible damage, unusual wear, or age-related deterioration deserves closer inspection before the car returns to regular road use.