The 1961 Nissan L320 comes from an early period in compact Japanese truck development, when simple utility, light-duty hauling, and straightforward mechanical design defined the class. For owners restoring or maintaining one today, tire choice plays a major role in keeping that honest early-1960s character intact. The 1961 Nissan L320 uses 560-14 and 6.00-14 bias-ply tire sizes on 14-inch rims, so the key decision is confirming which of those period-style numeric sizes best suits the truck’s wheel and setup. Available choices center on blackwall or whitewall presentation within BFGoodrich’s Silvertown Classic Bias Ply line. That makes appearance, wheel compatibility, and intended road use the main priorities.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1961 Nissan L320
The 1961 Nissan L320 uses two primary tire sizes, both in bias-ply construction on 14-inch rims. Because the L320 Base is associated with both 560-14 and 6.00-14, the first step is confirming the truck’s actual wheel setup and the size already in use, then choosing the tire style and profile that best matches your restoration goals and intended driving.
A 560-14 is a vintage numeric bias-ply size in which the 560 indicates an approximate 5.60-inch nominal section width and the 14 identifies the wheel diameter. On a 1961 Nissan L320, this size keeps the truck in a traditional early-1960s tire format rather than shifting to a later radial look. Available 560-14 choices come from BFGoodrich in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series, with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall sidewall treatments. It is a strong size to evaluate when maintaining a period-style presentation and confirming compatibility with the truck’s existing 14-inch wheels.
A 6.00-14 is also a vintage numeric bias-ply size, with the 6.00 designating a nominal 6.00-inch section width and the 14 referring to the rim diameter. For a 1961 Nissan L320, this size represents another traditional bias-ply fitment path and may suit trucks that are already set up around that slightly wider numeric size. The practical choice between 560-14 and 6.00-14 starts with verifying the actual wheel width and the truck’s present fitment rather than assuming both are interchangeable in every setup. That check becomes especially important on restored or modified vintage pickups.
Tire fitment is straightforward here because the covered 1961 Nissan L320 sub-model uses the same two primary bias-ply size options. Even so, checking the exact sub-model and actual wheel setup still matters before settling on one of the two numeric sizes.
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1961 Nissan L320 Base
The 1961 Nissan L320 Base is associated with both 560-14 and 6.00-14 bias-ply tires on 14-inch rims. That means tire selection is less about trim differences and more about confirming which size matches the truck’s current wheels, desired stance, and restoration-oriented appearance.
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 1961 Nissan L320 Tires for Sale
Available 560-14 options center on BFGoodrich’s Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series, with a choice of blackwall, narrow whitewall, or wide whitewall styling. That gives the 1961 Nissan L320 buyer room to compare appearance, rim-width compatibility, and period-style presentation within the same primary size.
These FAQs focus on the tire sizes used on the 1961 Nissan L320, how to sort out 14-inch rim fitment, and how to choose between period-style bias-ply options for restoration and road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1961 Nissan L320?
The 1961 Nissan L320 uses two primary tire sizes: 560-14 and 6.00-14. Both are vintage numeric bias-ply sizes designed for 14-inch rims, and the L320 Base is associated with both of them rather than a single exclusive size.
That makes the real fitment question less about trim level and more about the truck’s actual wheel setup. Check the current wheel width, confirm the rim diameter, and compare the size already mounted before choosing between the two. On an older pickup, past wheel changes or restoration work can affect which of these period-style sizes makes the most sense.
What size rim does a 1961 Nissan L320 use?
The tire fitments associated with the 1961 Nissan L320 use a 14-inch rim diameter. Both 560-14 and 6.00-14 are built around that same 14-inch wheel size, so rim diameter stays consistent even though two different tire sizes are associated with the truck.
Rim diameter is only part of the picture on a vintage truck. Wheel width also matters, especially when choosing among bias-ply tires in different numeric sizes. It is smart to inspect the wheels already on the L320, since older vehicles are often changed over time, and a replacement tire should match the wheel as well as the tire size used.
What does 560-14 mean on a 1961 Nissan L320?
A 560-14 is a numeric bias-ply tire size. The 560 refers to an approximate 5.60-inch nominal section width, and the 14 refers to the wheel diameter in inches. On a 1961 Nissan L320, it is one of the two traditional bias-ply sizes associated with the truck.
This older sizing format can look unfamiliar if you are used to modern metric radials, but it is normal for early-1960s light trucks. The key is not to compare it casually with modern sizing conventions. Confirm the wheel dimensions and make sure the truck’s current setup matches the size you plan to use before committing to a replacement.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 560-14 tire for a 1961 Nissan L320?
Start with the basics: make sure 560-14 is the size that matches the truck’s current wheel setup and intended presentation. For the 1961 Nissan L320, 560-14 is available as a bias-ply tire in BFGoodrich’s Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series, with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions.
Once the size is confirmed, compare appearance and wheel compatibility. The available 560-14 products share a 14-inch rim diameter and a 3.50 to 4.00-inch rim-width range, so the deciding factors often become visual style and how closely the truck is being restored to a period-style look. That approach keeps the choice practical instead of purely cosmetic.
What sidewall styles are available for 1961 Nissan L320 tires?
In 560-14, the 1961 Nissan L320 has blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall choices. Those options all stay within the same BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series, so the sidewall treatment becomes a meaningful appearance decision rather than a change in basic construction.
Sidewall style can noticeably change how a vintage truck presents, especially on a restoration-oriented vehicle. A blackwall usually gives a simpler utility look, while whitewalls create a more dressed appearance. The right choice depends on how the L320 is being finished and displayed, but the size and wheel compatibility still need to be confirmed before appearance becomes the deciding factor.
What tire series are available for the 1961 Nissan L320?
The available 560-14 products for the 1961 Nissan L320 are part of the BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series. That keeps the selection focused on a traditional bias-ply construction and a vintage-style appearance rather than spreading across multiple unrelated series.
With one main series represented, the buyer’s comparison shifts to sidewall treatment, wheel compatibility, and whether 560-14 is the right size for the truck in the first place. If the L320 is being restored, that narrow focus can actually help by keeping the visual character consistent while still allowing a choice between blackwall and whitewall presentations.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1961 Nissan L320?
A period-style 1961 Nissan L320 starts with one of its primary numeric bias-ply sizes, 560-14 or 6.00-14, on a 14-inch rim. Keeping the truck in a bias-ply construction preserves the vintage sizing format and overall visual character more closely than moving to a later-style radial presentation.
The final choice depends on the actual wheel setup and the look you want the truck to carry. On the available 560-14 options, blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall treatments create different visual impressions. If exact originality matters, compare your truck against marque-specific references and restoration documentation before deciding on a sidewall style.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1961 Nissan L320?
Tire construction has a visible effect on a restored 1961 Nissan L320 because bias-ply tires carry the older sizing format and traditional profile associated with the truck’s era. Since the L320’s primary fitments are bias-ply, staying with that construction supports a more period-oriented presentation.
Appearance is only one part of the decision, but it matters on a restoration-minded vintage pickup. Sidewall choice also plays a role, especially when blackwall and whitewall options are available in the same size. Before focusing on looks alone, make sure the selected tire still matches the truck’s wheel dimensions and the way the vehicle will actually be used.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1961 Nissan L320?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1961 Nissan L320 even when the truck uses one of its correct primary sizes. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension work, or body modifications can influence how a 560-14 or 6.00-14 tire sits and clears.
That is why an older truck should always be checked as it exists today, not only as it may have left the factory decades ago. Confirm the wheel diameter, inspect wheel width, and look at steering and fender clearance before replacing tires. Small changes in an early compact pickup can have a noticeable effect on usable fitment.
What should I inspect before driving a 1961 Nissan L320 on new tires?
Before driving a 1961 Nissan L320 on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, lug hardware, and overall tire seating. It also makes sense to check that the selected size matches the truck’s actual setup and that the tires have proper clearance at the fenders and steering components.
A road-ready inspection should also include basic mechanical and tire-condition checks. Look for suspension wear, uneven ride height, rubbing marks, and any signs of interference once the tires are mounted. After the first few miles, recheck inflation pressure and give the truck another visual inspection so any fitment issue is caught before regular use.
How should 560-14 tires on a collector 1961 Nissan L320 be maintained?
560-14 tires on a collector 1961 Nissan L320 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and careful storage habits. Bias-ply tires on low-use vintage vehicles still need routine attention for cracking, cuts, bulges, tread wear, and slow air loss even if the truck is only driven occasionally.
Collector vehicles often spend more time parked than driven, so storage conditions matter almost as much as mileage. Keep the truck away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources when possible, and inspect the tires before each outing rather than assuming they are fine because the tread looks fresh. Age and condition both matter on an older pickup.
