1960 Holden FB Tires

The 1960 Holden FB uses two primary tire sizes: 640-13 in bias-ply construction and 175R13 in radial construction. Both sizes are associated with the same 13-inch wheel diameter, so the real distinction is not rim diameter but tire construction and sizing format.

That means the right choice depends on how the car is set up and what you want from it. A 640-13 keeps the traditional numeric bias-ply format, while 175R13 moves to a radial size. Before choosing either one, confirm the actual wheel width on the car and check for any suspension or wheel changes that may have altered fitment over time.

The 1960 Holden FB uses a 13-inch rim with both of its primary tire sizes. That applies to the 640-13 bias-ply size and the 175R13 radial size, so wheel diameter remains consistent even though the tire constructions differ.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, especially on an older vehicle. It is still important to verify the actual wheel width before choosing a tire, because a narrow bias-ply setup and a radial alternative may not want the same wheel dimensions. If the car has replacement wheels, measure them rather than relying on age or appearance alone.

The 1960 Holden FB Base uses the same two fitment paths found on this model: 640-13 in bias-ply construction and 175R13 in radial construction. There is no separate Base-only size that changes the basic 13-inch tire decision.

That makes the Base model easier to sort out than a vehicle with several trim-specific tire sizes. The practical question is whether the car is being kept in a traditional bias-ply configuration or has been fitted for radial use. Looking at the wheels already on the car and deciding how original the finished stance should appear will usually narrow the choice quickly.

640-13 is a bias-ply tire size for the 1960 Holden FB. It uses the older numeric sizing system and represents the traditional construction choice for owners who want the car to retain an earlier tire profile and sidewall presentation.

That matters because bias-ply and radial tires are not simply different labels for the same thing. A move from 640-13 to a radial equivalent changes both construction and size format, so the wheel setup deserves a fresh look before conversion. Owners preserving a restoration-oriented appearance often start with 640-13, while drivers considering radial options should also verify rim width and clearance.

Radial equivalents for 640-13 include 175R13 as an 80-series metric radial, P175/75R13 as a 75-series P-metric radial, P185/70R13 as a 70-series P-metric radial, and 650R13 as a bias-look radial. These give the 1960 Holden FB several radial-format alternatives to the original numeric bias-ply size.

Each option uses a different sizing convention, so the choice is about more than finding another 13-inch tire. The recommended rim-width range for the equivalent group is 4 to 6 inches, and clearance should still be checked at the wheel opening and steering range. A radial equivalent is a useful alternative, but it should be evaluated against the car’s actual wheel and suspension setup.

Start by confirming that the car still has 13-inch wheels with suitable width for the radial size under consideration. For the 640-13 equivalent group, the recommended rim-width range is 4 to 6 inches, so wheel width matters just as much as diameter when moving to 175R13, P175/75R13, P185/70R13, or 650R13.

The rest of the inspection should focus on practical fitment. Check tire-to-fender and tire-to-suspension clearance, especially if the Holden has aftermarket wheels, ride-height changes, or front-end wear. It also helps to inspect steering components and alignment before the swap, since an older car that has spent years on bias-ply tires may benefit from a full chassis review before road use.

The first decision is whether the car should run 640-13 bias-ply tires or 175R13 radial tires. That choice shapes the tire’s overall character, the way the sidewall looks on the car, and the wheel requirements you need to satisfy before selecting a specific product.

After construction, focus on wheel compatibility and how you plan to use the car. A restoration-oriented Holden often points toward the numeric bias-ply format, while a driver looking at radial alternatives may place more value on modern sizing conventions. It also helps to review sidewall treatment, rim-width suitability, and load capacity so the final choice matches both the car and its intended road use.

A wide whitewall sidewall style is available for the 1960 Holden FB in the 640-13 bias-ply size. The current product assortment in that size includes a 2.25 inch whitewall, which gives the car a distinctly traditional appearance suited to a period-style presentation.

Sidewall choice matters because it changes the car’s visual balance even when the wheel diameter stays the same. A whitewall can make the Holden look more formal and era-specific, while a different construction choice such as a radial may create a more understated presentation. If appearance is a priority, decide on the look first, then confirm that the wheel width and tire construction support it.

The available product assortment for the 1960 Holden FB includes the BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series in 640-13. That places the emphasis on a traditional bias-ply tire with a restoration-oriented visual character rather than a broad spread of series within the same primary size.

When comparing series on an older car like this, the useful question is what each one contributes to the overall goal. In this case, the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply approach supports a vintage presentation and a narrower wheel range. Buyers considering a radial path should shift the comparison toward equivalent sizing, wheel suitability, and whether the car is being built more for authenticity, touring use, or a mix of both.

For a period-style 1960 Holden FB, the 640-13 bias-ply size is the natural starting point because it preserves the older numeric format and traditional construction associated with the car’s era. That makes it the more restoration-oriented choice when visual authenticity and original-style stance are part of the goal.

Appearance still depends on how exact the restoration needs to be. A wide whitewall version can create a strong early-1960s presentation, but exact originality should be checked against marque references, period photos, or other vehicle-specific documentation if that level of detail matters. The final decision should also account for the wheel size and whether the car will be displayed, driven occasionally, or used more regularly.

Tire construction changes the way a restored 1960 Holden FB presents itself, even before the car moves. A 640-13 bias-ply tire gives the car a more traditional visual character, while a radial such as 175R13 usually shifts the look toward a more modern tire profile on the same 13-inch wheel diameter.

That difference is especially noticeable on a compact early-1960s car where tire shape and sidewall treatment stand out. Owners aiming for a stronger vintage impression often stay with bias-ply construction, while those wanting a radial alternative may consider a bias-look radial to retain more traditional styling cues. Matching construction to the restoration goal usually produces a more cohesive result than choosing by size alone.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1960 Holden FB even when the tire size appears correct on paper. Replacement wheels, altered wheel width, suspension changes, lowered ride height, or brake updates can all change the available room around a 13-inch tire.

That is especially important when comparing the 640-13 bias-ply size with radial alternatives, since construction changes can alter the way the tire sits on the wheel and within the wheel opening. A Holden that has been modified should be checked at full steering lock and through suspension travel. Measuring the actual wheels on the car is often more useful than assuming they are still original.

Before driving a 1960 Holden FB on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and width, make sure the bead seats are clean, and verify that the tires clear the body and suspension. It is also smart to check steering and suspension condition so the new tires are not asked to compensate for worn chassis parts.

Road readiness on a collector car also means looking beyond the new rubber itself. Check for proper inflation, secure lug hardware, and any signs of interference during a short low-speed test. An older car that has spent time parked should also have its brakes, wheel bearings, and alignment reviewed, since tire replacement often reveals issues that were masked by aged or mismatched tires.

Tires on a collector 1960 Holden FB should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and periodic movement of the car so one area of the tire is not left carrying the load for long periods. Sidewall cracking, tread separation, bulges, cuts, and slow air loss all deserve attention before road use.

Storage conditions matter as much as mileage on a lightly used Holden. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps protect the tires over time. It also helps to recheck clearance and pressure before longer drives, since an older vehicle may sit for weeks or months between outings and can develop issues that are easy to miss in casual use.