1962 Buick Special Tires

The primary tire size for a 1962 Buick Special is 650-13. That is a vintage numeric bias-ply size used on a 13-inch rim, and the covered Buick Special Base sub-model uses the same fitment rather than a separate tire size.

That makes the first step fairly simple: confirm that the car still has the correct 13-inch wheels and has not been changed to a different wheel package over the years. Once wheel diameter is confirmed, the real choice becomes sidewall style, brand, and whether to stay with the original bias-ply format or evaluate one of the radial equivalents.

The 1962 Buick Special uses a 13-inch rim with its primary 650-13 tire size. Available 650-13 bias-ply tires in this fitment are paired with rim-width specifications of 4.50 to 5.00 inches, which gives a useful reference point when checking the wheels on the car.

Wheel diameter matters first, because a 13-inch tire cannot be mounted on a different rim diameter. It is also smart to verify actual wheel width before choosing a tire, especially if the Buick has been restored, modified, or fitted with replacement wheels, since width can affect tire profile, clearance, and overall fitment behavior.

A 650-13 size is a numeric bias-ply designation. The 6.50 portion refers to the tire’s nominal section width in inches, while the 13 identifies the wheel diameter, so it is a period-style sizing format rather than a modern metric radial code.

Understanding that format helps keep a 1962 Buick Special in the right fitment family when comparing replacement tires. It also helps explain why radial alternatives appear in different-looking size codes such as 175R13 or P175/75R13, even though they are considered equivalents rather than additional primary factory-size designations.

For the 1962 Buick Special, 650-13 is the primary bias-ply tire size. The available products in that size are bias-ply tires, which matches the car’s original-era sizing convention and keeps the vehicle in a traditional early-1960s tire format.

That matters because staying with bias-ply construction influences both appearance and driving feel. Owners considering a change should separate two decisions: keeping the original-style 650-13 bias-ply fitment for period presentation, or comparing radial equivalents carefully after confirming wheel width, clearance, and the overall condition of the steering and suspension.

Radial equivalents for 650-13 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 equivalent. These options give several modern sizing formats to compare against the original bias-ply size.

The useful distinction is that the equivalents are not all presented in the same sizing system or profile style. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 6 inches is associated with these radial alternatives, and the final choice should still be checked against the car’s actual wheels, available clearance, and the owner’s restoration or road-use priorities.

Start by confirming the actual wheel diameter and wheel width on the car, since the 1962 Buick Special’s primary fitment is a 650-13 bias-ply tire and its radial equivalents carry their own wheel-width expectations. The recommended rim-width range tied to the equivalents is 4 to 6 inches.

A conversion also deserves a close look at clearance around the fenders and steering components, especially on a low-use collector car that may have worn suspension parts or non-original wheels. Choosing between 175R13, P175/75R13, P185/70R13, or 650R13 is best done after checking the full vehicle setup rather than treating every equivalent as automatically interchangeable.

The most important starting point is staying with the correct 650-13 size on a 13-inch wheel if the car still uses its primary fitment. From there, the main comparisons are bias-ply construction, whitewall style, brand, tire series, and whether the wheel width matches the tire’s intended mounting range.

A narrow whitewall and a wide whitewall can give the same Buick a noticeably different personality, so appearance matters as much as fitment. It is also worth checking maximum load capacity and rim-width specifications when comparing products, especially if the car has replacement wheels or is being prepared for regular road use rather than occasional display.

The available 650-13 tires for a 1962 Buick Special come in narrow whitewall and wide whitewall styles. Both sidewall treatments are offered within the correct bias-ply size, giving owners a clear appearance choice without moving away from the car’s primary fitment.

That choice has a strong visual effect because whitewall width changes how the wheel opening and body lines read on an early-1960s Buick. A wide whitewall leans more formal and traditionally styled, while a narrow whitewall gives a slightly cleaner, more restrained look, so the right pick usually depends on the restoration theme and the car’s overall presentation.

The 1962 Buick Special’s 650-13 bias-ply tire size is available from Coker Classic and US Royal. Those brands cover both narrow whitewall and wide whitewall versions, so the choice is not limited to a single appearance or a single tire series within the correct size.

Brand comparison is most useful when it is paired with the other visible differences in the tire itself, including sidewall treatment and series styling. Since the size remains the same, the smarter way to narrow the field is to decide how original-looking or formal the Buick should appear, then confirm rim-width compatibility before selecting a final tire.

A period-style starting point for a 1962 Buick Special is the primary 650-13 bias-ply size on a 13-inch rim. That keeps the car in the proper early-1960s sizing format and preserves the traditional visual relationship between the tire, wheel opening, and body proportions.

The finer decision is usually the sidewall treatment rather than the size itself, since both narrow whitewall and wide whitewall versions are available. If exact originality matters at a high level, the final whitewall width and brand choice should be checked against marque references, historical photography, or other vehicle-specific documentation tied to the individual car.

Tire construction affects more than road feel on a restored 1962 Buick Special; it also changes the way the car presents visually. A 650-13 bias-ply keeps the Buick in its original-era tire format, while a radial equivalent introduces a more modern construction even when the size remains close in intent.

That difference matters most on a clean restoration where wheel stance and sidewall character are easy to notice. A bias-look radial can be useful for owners who want a more traditional appearance while considering radial construction, but it still deserves the same checks for wheel compatibility and overall vehicle setup before making the change.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1962 Buick Special even when the intended tire size is still 650-13. Wheel changes, different wheel widths, suspension alterations, ride-height changes, and bodywork differences can all influence how much space the tire has during steering and suspension movement.

That is why a car should be checked as it actually sits today rather than by model name alone. A Buick that has replacement wheels or altered suspension may need closer attention to wheel width, clearance at full turn, and fender space, especially if a radial equivalent is being considered instead of the primary bias-ply fitment.

Before road use, inspect the wheels for the correct 13-inch diameter and suitable width, then confirm that the new tires are seated properly and inflated for their intended use. It is also wise to look over the valve stems, wheel condition, and general tire surfaces for any cuts, bulges, or visible mounting concerns.

A 1962 Buick Special may also have age-related issues outside the tire itself, so a quick check of steering response, suspension condition, and brake operation is worthwhile before regular driving. Clearance should be verified with the wheels turned and the car at normal ride height, particularly if the vehicle has been sitting for long periods.

Collector-car tires in 650-13 size should be maintained with regular pressure checks, periodic visual inspection, and clean storage conditions. Even when tread wear is minimal, a low-mileage 1962 Buick Special can still develop age-related issues such as cracking, flat spotting from long storage, or gradual air loss.

The car benefits from being stored away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone-producing equipment such as electric motors. It also helps to move the vehicle occasionally and inspect both sidewalls and tread before each outing, since collector cars often spend more time parked than driven and tire condition can change quietly over time.