1961 Ford Falcon Tires

A 1961 Ford Falcon uses 600-13, 650-13, or 700-13 tires, all in bias-ply construction on 13-inch rims. The Base model uses 600-13 or 650-13, while the Station Wagon uses 650-13 or 700-13. That means there is not one universal tire size for every Falcon configuration.

The practical step is to confirm the exact sub-model first, then verify what wheel and tire size the car is actually wearing today. Many collector cars have seen wheel changes over the years, so checking the sidewall markings and wheel dimensions helps narrow the right replacement before comparing brands, whitewall styles, or radial-equivalent alternatives.

The 1961 Ford Falcon uses a 13-inch rim with its primary tire sizes. All three original-style sizes in this fitment range—600-13, 650-13, and 700-13—are built around a 13-inch wheel diameter, even though the section width changes from one size to another.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so the wheel’s actual width still matters when choosing a replacement tire. A Falcon that still has stock-type wheels may be straightforward, but any wheel swap should be measured carefully so the selected tire matches the wheel properly and has the clearance needed for normal steering and suspension movement.

The 1961 Ford Falcon has more than one tire size because fitment varies by sub-model and configuration. The Base model uses 600-13 or 650-13, while the Station Wagon uses 650-13 or 700-13. All of these are 13-inch bias-ply sizes, but they represent different width classes within the Falcon range.

That variation makes sub-model identification important before ordering a tire simply because it is labeled for a 1961 Falcon. Looking at the current tires, checking wheel width, and confirming whether the car is a Base model or Station Wagon will usually settle the question and prevent choosing a size that changes the car’s stance or clearance unexpectedly.

For the 1961 Ford Falcon, 650-13 is a primary bias-ply tire size. In vintage numeric sizing, the 650 refers to an approximate 6.50-inch nominal section width and the 13 refers to the rim diameter. The original-style fitment in this size is not a modern radial unless you intentionally move to an equivalent.

That distinction matters because a bias-ply 650-13 preserves the car’s period presentation and sizing system, while a radial alternative changes the construction even if the overall size is comparable. Owners considering a switch should confirm wheel width and vehicle clearance, especially on older cars that may no longer wear their original wheels or suspension components.

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 the broadest radial-equivalent range among the 1961 Ford Falcon’s primary fitments.

Those options differ by sizing convention and profile, so the choice is not only about construction but also about how modern or traditional the tire appears. A recommended rim-width range of 4-6 inches applies to these equivalents, and the final decision should still include a check of wheel width, fender clearance, and the car’s actual setup.

Before converting a 1961 Ford Falcon from bias-ply to radial tires, start by matching the radial equivalent to the correct original tire size. Then verify the wheel diameter, confirm the wheel width falls within the recommended range for that equivalent, and inspect clearance at the fenders, steering, and suspension through the full range of movement.

Construction changes can also affect how the car feels on the road, so it helps to consider whether the goal is period-style appearance, regular road use, or a mix of both. A Falcon with aftermarket wheels, altered ride height, or suspension wear deserves extra attention before any conversion, even when the equivalent size looks appropriate on paper.

Start with the correct primary size for the car: 600-13, 650-13, or 700-13, depending on the sub-model and wheel setup. From there, the main factors are keeping a traditional bias-ply construction or exploring a radial equivalent, selecting the right whitewall presentation, and confirming the tire’s rim-width compatibility with the wheels on the car.

It also helps to think about how the Falcon will be used. A restoration-oriented car may prioritize period-style sizing and sidewall appearance, while a driver may place more weight on radial-equivalent options. Checking load figures, wheel measurements, and general clearance before choosing can prevent a good-looking tire from being the wrong fit in practice.

1961 Ford Falcon tires are available with several whitewall presentations, including wide whitewall and narrow whitewall styles. In the available bias-ply offerings, 600-13 comes in both wide and narrow whitewall versions, 650-13 also includes both wide and narrow whitewall choices, and 700-13 is offered with a whitewall treatment as well.

Sidewall style is often one of the most visible decisions on an early-1960s compact Ford, especially when the car has a restoration-oriented look. The best choice depends on how traditional you want the car to appear and which correct size it uses, since sidewall availability changes from one Falcon tire size to another.

Available brands for 1961 Ford Falcon tires include BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, US Royal, and Firestone. Brand availability depends on size: BFGoodrich appears in 600-13, Coker Classic and US Royal appear in 650-13, and Firestone appears in 700-13. Each brand is tied to a classic bias-ply series rather than a modern mainstream radial line.

That means the brand question is closely tied to the tire size your Falcon actually needs. Once the size is confirmed, compare the available series, sidewall treatments, and wheel-width specifications within that size instead of trying to choose a brand first and forcing the fitment afterward.

A period-style 1961 Ford Falcon usually starts with the correct bias-ply size for the specific car: 600-13, 650-13, or 700-13 on a 13-inch rim. Staying with bias-ply construction preserves the vintage sizing format and the traditional look that suits an early Falcon better than a purely modern tire presentation.

After the size is confirmed, the appearance decision often comes down to whitewall width and the tire series available in that size. For owners chasing exact historical originality, period-style fitment is a strong starting point, but final details should still be cross-checked against marque references, photos, or restoration documentation for the individual car.

Tire construction changes more than road feel on a restored 1961 Ford Falcon; it also changes the visual character of the car. A bias-ply tire keeps the traditional vintage size format and sidewall profile associated with early-1960s compact-car presentation, while a radial equivalent can give the car a more modern look even when the fitment is comparable.

That difference becomes especially noticeable when whitewall styling is part of the restoration plan. A bias-ply tire generally aligns more closely with a period-style presentation, while a radial equivalent is often chosen as a practical alternative. The right answer depends on whether the car is being finished for display, regular road use, or a balance of both.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1961 Ford Falcon even when the tire size is correct for the model range. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, altered ride height, suspension work, or body modifications can all influence how a 600-13, 650-13, 700-13, or radial-equivalent tire sits and clears the car.

A Falcon that has been lowered or fitted with non-stock wheels deserves careful measurement before replacing tires by size alone. Checking wheel diameter, wheel width, steering travel, and fender clearance helps confirm whether the intended tire is still appropriate for the vehicle as it sits now rather than as it left the factory.

Before driving a 1961 Ford Falcon on new tires, inspect the wheels for the correct diameter and condition, confirm lug hardware is appropriate, and make sure the tires are properly seated and inflated for their intended use. It is also wise to look over suspension and steering components so the new tires are not being asked to compensate for worn mechanical parts.

A short, careful initial drive can reveal rubbing, pull, vibration, or clearance issues that are easier to correct early. Older collector cars sometimes have alignment drift, aging bushings, or wheel damage that only becomes obvious after fresh tires are installed, so a full walk-around and follow-up inspection are worth the time.

650-13 tires on a collector 1961 Ford Falcon should be maintained with regular pressure checks, periodic visual inspections, and routine attention to tread and sidewall condition. On a low-mileage collector car, age and storage conditions matter just as much as miles, so cracks, bulges, cuts, and repeated air loss deserve prompt attention even if the tread still looks good.

Storage habits make a real difference on older specialty tires. Keeping the Falcon away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone-producing equipment can help preserve the tires between drives. It also helps to inspect them before every road outing, especially if the car sits for long periods between uses.