1961 Ford Escort, Squire & Thames Tires

The 1961 Ford Escort, Squire & Thames uses two primary tire sizes: 520-13 in bias-ply construction and 145R13 in radial construction. Both sizes are associated with a 13-inch rim, so the main difference is not wheel diameter but the tire sizing system and construction type chosen for the vehicle.

That means the real fitment decision is whether the car is being kept in a vintage bias-ply setup or run on a radial size. A car that has been changed over in the past may not still match its earlier tire type, so it helps to confirm the wheel width, current tire size, and clearance before selecting a replacement.

The tire sizes used on the 1961 Ford Escort, Squire & Thames are built around a 13-inch rim diameter. Both the 520-13 bias-ply size and the 145R13 radial size share that same wheel diameter, which keeps the first fitment question fairly simple compared with vehicles that use multiple wheel sizes.

Rim diameter is only part of the picture, though. Width still matters, especially if the car has been fitted with replacement wheels over the years or is being converted from bias-ply to radial construction. Verifying the actual wheel width on the vehicle helps narrow the tire choices and reduces the chance of selecting a tire that is mismatched to the wheel.

The covered 1961 Ford Escort, Squire & Thames Base fitment includes both 520-13 bias-ply and 145R13 radial tire sizes. In practical terms, the sub-model fitment is straightforward because the same two size paths appear within the covered range rather than separate wheel diameters or multiple unrelated sizing families.

That still leaves an important choice for the owner. One path keeps a vintage-style numeric bias-ply tire, while the other uses a metric radial format on the same 13-inch rim. Looking at the actual wheels and the vehicle's intended use is the best next step before settling on one size or the other.

520-13 is the bias-ply tire size used on the 1961 Ford Escort, Squire & Thames. It is a vintage numeric bias-ply format, with the first number representing the nominal section width family and the final number identifying the 13-inch rim diameter used by the vehicle.

Choosing 520-13 keeps the car in its traditional construction style, which also opens up blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall options. Owners considering a move away from this setup should remember that a radial equivalent is a separate sizing path, so the wheel width and overall vehicle clearance deserve a fresh check rather than an automatic assumption.

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 alternative radial sizing formats associated with the original 520-13 bias-ply fitment rather than additional primary factory-style sizes.

The differences among those options come down mainly to sizing convention and profile family. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches is associated with the equivalents, so it is smart to confirm wheel width, compare dimensions carefully, and check steering and fender clearance before using one of these radial alternatives on the vehicle.

Start by confirming the wheel diameter and actual wheel width, since the 1961 Ford Escort, Squire & Thames uses 13-inch rims but radial equivalents for the 520-13 bias-ply size are tied to a recommended 4 to 5 inch rim-width range. The current condition of the wheels, suspension, and alignment also deserves attention before changing construction.

A conversion should also be checked for tire-to-fender and tire-to-steering clearance, especially on a lightly modified or long-stored car. Radial choices such as 155R13, P155/75R13, or P155/70R13 can be considered, but matching the tire to the wheel and the vehicle's actual setup matters more than treating any one equivalent as automatic.

Start with the correct size and construction. The 1961 Ford Escort, Squire & Thames uses either a 520-13 bias-ply tire or a 145R13 radial, both on 13-inch rims, so the first decision is whether the goal is a traditional bias-ply presentation or a radial setup in a metric size.

After that, compare the details that actually affect the purchase: sidewall style, brand, tire series, rim-width compatibility where stated, and any load figures shown for the product. A restoration-minded car may lean toward the visual character of the bias-ply offerings, while a regular-driver setup may point more naturally toward the radial choices.

The available sidewall styles for this application include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall. Blackwall options appear in both the 145R13 radial and 520-13 bias-ply sizes, while narrow whitewall and wide whitewall treatments are offered within the 520-13 bias-ply range.

That gives the owner room to match the tire's appearance to the vehicle's finish and intended character. A blackwall keeps the presentation simple and understated, while narrow and wide whitewalls move the look in a more styled, period-oriented direction. Sidewall style should still be chosen after the correct size and construction have been settled.

Michelin, Firestone, and Premium Sport all offer applicable tires for the 1961 Ford Escort, Squire & Thames. Michelin and Firestone appear in the 145R13 radial size, while Firestone and Premium Sport cover the 520-13 bias-ply size with several different sidewall treatments and tire series.

Brand choice should be considered alongside construction, appearance, and wheel compatibility rather than by name alone. A buyer comparing products in this application may also want to look at the series attached to each brand, such as Michelin XAS-FF, F560 Radial, Firestone Classic Bias Ply, or Premium Sport Lowrider, because those details better explain the tire's character.

For a period-style presentation, the 520-13 bias-ply size is the natural starting point on a 1961 Ford Escort, Squire & Thames. It keeps the vintage numeric sizing format and opens up traditional bias-ply offerings, including blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions that suit a restoration-oriented or classic visual theme.

The best appearance choice within that size depends on how the vehicle is being finished and what kind of period impression is desired. If exact originality matters, it is worth checking marque-specific historical references or restoration documentation before choosing a sidewall treatment, since an available style is not automatically the one originally delivered on the car.

Tire construction changes the visual character of a restored 1961 Ford Escort, Squire & Thames more than many owners expect. A 520-13 bias-ply keeps the narrow vintage sizing format and traditional sidewall presentation, while a 145R13 radial introduces a later metric-size convention and a more modern tire profile in blackwall form.

That difference can influence how authentic or contemporary the car looks, even when the rim diameter stays the same. Owners aiming for a stronger period-style impression often begin with the bias-ply path, while those prioritizing road use may accept the visual shift that comes with a radial. The right answer depends on the balance between appearance and use.

Yes. A 1961 Ford Escort, Squire & Thames may use either 520-13 bias-ply or 145R13 radial tires, but aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, ride-height changes, or body modifications can alter how either size sits in the car. Even when the rim diameter remains 13 inches, wheel width and clearance can change the outcome.

A modified car should be checked at full steering lock and through normal suspension travel before new tires are selected. Looking closely at fender clearance, wheel width, and any signs of rubbing helps avoid surprises. That is especially important if the car has been converted from bias-ply to radial construction or fitted with replacement wheels years ago.

Before road use, inspect the wheels, valve stems, wheel hardware, and overall tire condition after installation. On a 1961 Ford Escort, Squire & Thames, it also makes sense to confirm that the chosen size, either 520-13 or 145R13, clears the body and steering components cleanly and is seated properly on the 13-inch rim.

A short test drive should be followed by another look at tire pressure, sidewall condition, and any signs of rubbing or uneven contact. Older collector vehicles can hide suspension, brake, or alignment issues that become more noticeable once fresh tires are fitted, so a cautious post-installation check is part of putting the car back into regular use.

Collector-car tires on a 1961 Ford Escort, Squire & Thames should be checked regularly for air loss, sidewall cracking, bulges, cuts, and uneven wear, even if the car is driven only occasionally. Low-use vehicles often age their tires through time and storage conditions rather than mileage, so visual inspection matters just as much as tread depth.

Proper inflation, clean storage, and protection from long exposure to heat, sunlight, and ozone sources help preserve both bias-ply and radial tires. Moving the vehicle periodically and watching for flat-spotting can also help. Any tire that shows age-related deterioration or damage deserves professional evaluation before the car is taken out on the road.