1961 Pontiac Tempest Tires

A 1961 Pontiac Tempest uses 15-inch bias-ply tires, with primary sizes of 6.50-15, 600-15, and 670-15. The exact size depends on the Tempest configuration rather than one universal fitment across every sub-model. Base models are associated with 6.50-15 and 600-15, while Wagon and w/Air configurations are associated with 6.50-15 and 670-15.

That means the first step is confirming the exact sub-model and the wheel setup currently on the car. If the Tempest has been changed over the years, verify the actual 15-inch wheel diameter and compare the installed tire size before choosing between a narrower 600-15 path, a broader 670-15 path, or the shared 6.50-15 fitment.

The 1961 Pontiac Tempest uses 15-inch rims with its primary tire fitments. All three listed sizes for this model year and model family—6.50-15, 600-15, and 670-15—are built around a 15-inch wheel diameter. That shared rim diameter simplifies one part of the selection process, even though the tire sizes themselves still vary by sub-model.

Rim diameter alone does not settle the whole fitment question, because wheel width still matters when choosing among available tires or considering a radial equivalent. A car that still carries its original-style wheels may differ from one with later replacements, so it is worth measuring the wheel and confirming the current setup before selecting a tire.

No. The 1961 Pontiac Tempest does not use a single tire size across all covered sub-models. The shared size is 6.50-15, but the Tempest Base is also associated with 600-15, while the Tempest Wagon and Tempest w/Air are associated with 670-15. All of those are bias-ply sizes for 15-inch rims.

That distinction matters because product selection and radial-equivalent choices differ between 600-15 and 670-15. A buyer shopping for a Base model may end up comparing a different group of tires than someone restoring or driving a Wagon or w/Air car. Checking the exact sub-model first keeps the search focused on the right size family.

For the 1961 Pontiac Tempest, 670-15 is a primary bias-ply tire size. It appears in traditional bias-ply product lines from several brands and is used on 15-inch rims. A separate 670R15 bias-look radial equivalent is also available, but that radial option is an alternative size format rather than the primary original-style construction.

That difference matters for both appearance and setup. Staying with 670-15 keeps the car in a conventional bias-ply presentation, while moving to a radial equivalent calls for a closer look at wheel width, overall dimensions, and body or steering clearance. The choice often comes down to whether the goal is period-style restoration character or a different road-use preference.

Radial equivalents for 670-15 include 195R15 as an 80-series metric radial, P205/75R15 as a 75-series P-metric radial, P215/70R15 as a 70-series P-metric radial, and 670R15 as a bias-look radial equivalent. These options give the 1961 Pontiac Tempest owner several ways to compare a modern radial format against the original 670-15 bias-ply sizing convention.

Each equivalent should be treated as a fitment option to evaluate rather than an automatic interchange. The recommended rim-width range tied to these 670-15 radial equivalents is 5-7 inches, so wheel width is a key checkpoint. Clearance at the fender, suspension, and steering should also be confirmed before changing from the original bias-ply construction.

Start by confirming which primary bias-ply size the car uses, because the radial-equivalent choices differ between 600-15 and 670-15. For 600-15, the available radial equivalents are 165R15, P165/75R15, and P175/70R15. For 670-15, they are 195R15, P205/75R15, P215/70R15, and 670R15.

After the size is confirmed, check the actual wheel diameter and wheel width on the car, then compare those dimensions with the recommended rim-width range for the equivalent being considered. It is also smart to inspect steering clearance, fender clearance, suspension condition, and any past wheel or ride-height changes, since an older Tempest may no longer match its original setup.

The main considerations are confirming that 670-15 is the correct size for the specific Tempest sub-model, then deciding what kind of appearance and product character suits the car. In this size, choices span several brands and multiple series, along with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall sidewall treatments in bias-ply construction.

Selection gets more precise once the intended use is clear. A restoration-oriented car may call for a traditional sidewall presentation, while a regularly driven car may push the buyer to compare available radial equivalents separately. Wheel width is worth checking too, because 670-15 products are offered with different rim-width recommendations depending on the tire.

Sidewall choices for 1961 Pontiac Tempest tires include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall, depending on the exact size and product selected. The 600-15 offerings include blackwall and wide whitewall options, while 670-15 adds a broader mix that includes blackwall, narrow whitewall, and several wide whitewall treatments across different tire series.

That makes sidewall style one of the most visible parts of the buying decision. A blackwall can give the Tempest a simpler, more understated look, while whitewall variations create a more distinctly early-1960s presentation. Since the same sub-model may not use every size, confirm the fitment first and then compare sidewall style within that correct size.

Brands available for 1961 Pontiac Tempest tire sizes include BFGoodrich, Firestone, US Royal, Coker Classic, Universal Vintage Tire, Excelsior, Avon, Goodyear, and STA. Brand coverage varies by size, with 600-15 centered on BFGoodrich and 670-15 offering the broadest spread of brand and series choices in bias-ply construction.

The practical value in those brand options is not ranking one over another, but identifying which size, sidewall style, and tire series align with the car’s needs. Once the correct Tempest sub-model and tire size are confirmed, compare the available brands by construction, sidewall presentation, and wheel-width compatibility rather than choosing by name alone.

A period-style 1961 Pontiac Tempest usually starts with the correct primary bias-ply size for the exact sub-model: 600-15, 6.50-15, or 670-15 on a 15-inch rim. From there, the most restoration-oriented choice is typically a bias-ply tire in a sidewall style that matches the look the car is meant to present rather than shifting immediately to a modern radial format.

The visible finish matters almost as much as the size, especially on an early-1960s compact where whitewall treatment can change the whole impression of the car. If exact originality is important, compare the chosen size and sidewall against period photos, marque-club guidance, or other vehicle-specific references instead of assuming that every available whitewall is historically identical.

Tire construction changes the visual character of a restored 1961 Pontiac Tempest as much as it changes the tire choice itself. A bias-ply tire keeps the car in its traditional construction format and usually supports the kind of early-1960s presentation many restoration-minded owners want. A radial alternative can still be appropriate, but it shifts the car away from that original-style construction approach.

That is why the decision often comes down to purpose. A car built around period-style details may look more cohesive on the correct bias-ply size and sidewall treatment, while a driver-focused Tempest may justify a radial equivalent if wheel width and clearance check out. Construction choice should support the car’s appearance goals, not work against them.

Yes. Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1961 Pontiac Tempest even when the tire size itself is one of the proper 15-inch options. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, altered ride height, suspension work, or body clearance changes can all influence how a 600-15, 6.50-15, 670-15, or radial equivalent sits and clears.

A Tempest that has been updated over the years should be checked as it exists now, not only by year and model. Measure the actual wheel diameter and width, inspect clearance at full steering lock, and look for signs of rubbing or uneven spacing in the wheel opening. Those checks become even more important when comparing a bias-ply tire with a radial alternative.

Before driving a 1961 Pontiac Tempest on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, verify that the chosen size matches the car’s sub-model, and check that the tires are mounted and inflated properly. It is also wise to look over the valve stems, lug hardware, and general wheel fit before the first meaningful road use.

The rest of the inspection should focus on the car as a running vehicle, not just the tire itself. Check for suspension wear, steering looseness, brake issues, and any signs that the tires could contact the fenders or chassis during turns or compression. A short, careful test drive followed by another visual check can catch issues before longer road use.

670-15 tires on a collector 1961 Pontiac Tempest should be maintained with regular pressure checks, periodic visual inspection, and careful storage habits during long periods of inactivity. Look for cracking, bulges, cuts, irregular tread wear, and slow air loss, especially on a car that spends more time parked than driven. Bias-ply collector tires deserve routine attention even when mileage stays low.

Storage conditions matter just as much as road miles. Keep the Tempest away from prolonged heat, direct sunlight, excess moisture, and ozone sources such as electric motors or generators. It also helps to move the car occasionally or relieve prolonged static loading when possible. Tires that appear sound should still be inspected before every season of regular driving.