1962 Dodge Lancer Tires

The 1962 Dodge Lancer uses two primary tire sizes: 650-13 and 700-13. Both are vintage numeric bias-ply sizes built for 13-inch rims, and both are associated with the 1962 Dodge Lancer Base. That makes this a vehicle where more than one correct period-style fitment may be encountered.

The practical next step is to confirm what is actually on the car now, especially if the wheels have ever been changed or the car was restored years ago. Checking the current tire size, wheel width, and overall clearance will help determine whether to stay with the existing bias-ply size or compare one of the available radial equivalents.

The primary tire sizes for a 1962 Dodge Lancer are built around a 13-inch rim diameter. Both 650-13 and 700-13 use that same rim diameter, so the key wheel difference is not diameter between sizes but whether the wheel width and current setup suit the tire you plan to run.

That matters because a 13-inch wheel can still vary in width, and the available tires do not all share the same rim-width specification. Before ordering replacement tires, check the stamped or measured wheel size and compare it to the tire's approved rim-width range so the finished setup retains proper support and clearance.

On a 1962 Dodge Lancer, 650-13 is a numeric bias-ply tire size. The 6.50 designation refers to the tire's nominal section-width class in inches, and the 13 identifies the rim diameter. It is a traditional early-1960s sizing format rather than a modern metric radial size.

Understanding that format helps when comparing replacement choices, because a modern radial equivalent will look different on paper even when it serves the same role. Instead of assuming any 13-inch radial is comparable, use the specific radial equivalents tied to 650-13 and confirm wheel width, overall tire dimensions, and available space around the suspension and fenders.

For the 1962 Dodge Lancer, 650-13 is a bias-ply primary tire size. The available tires in that size are sold as bias-ply products, which suits owners trying to preserve the traditional construction, appearance, and period-style character associated with an early-1960s compact Mopar.

A radial alternative can still be considered, but it should be treated as an equivalent rather than the original primary construction. That distinction matters because switching construction can change the way the car feels on the road and may call for closer attention to wheel width, front-end condition, and the available clearance around the vehicle's existing setup.

Radial equivalents for 650-13 include 175R13 as an 80-series metric radial, P175/75R13 as a P-metric 75-series radial, P185/70R13 as a P-metric 70-series radial, and 650R13 as a bias-look radial. These options give a range of modern sizing conventions while still referencing the original 650-13 fitment.

Each of those sizes should be evaluated against the wheel and car rather than assumed to interchange automatically. The recommended rim-width range is 4-6 inches, and it is smart to compare wheel width, tire dimensions, and clearance at the fenders and steering components before moving from the original bias-ply size to any radial equivalent.

A bias-look radial is available as an equivalent for 650-13 in the form of 650R13. That type of tire is meant to give a more traditional visual presentation than a typical modern radial while still being identified as a radial alternative rather than a bias-ply primary fitment.

That makes it appealing for owners who want to soften the visual shift that often comes with a modern metric radial. Even so, the tire should still be checked against the wheel width, the car's current ride height and clearances, and the rest of the suspension setup before deciding that it is the right conversion path.

Start with the fundamentals: confirm that 650-13 is the size the car actually uses, verify the 13-inch wheel, and decide whether the goal is a traditional bias-ply setup or a radial-equivalent alternative. In bias-ply form, 650-13 is available in more than one brand and in both narrow whitewall and wide whitewall styles.

Once size and construction are settled, compare the details that shape the finished result. Rim-width specification, maximum load rating, tire series, and sidewall presentation all matter, especially on a compact vintage car where tire appearance is very visible. Choosing carefully helps the tire suit both the wheel and the overall restoration direction.

The available sidewall styles for 1962 Dodge Lancer tires include narrow whitewall and wide whitewall options. In 650-13, both Coker Classic and US Royal offer narrow whitewall and wide whitewall choices, while the 700-13 Firestone option is offered with a whitewall presentation.

That gives the buyer a meaningful appearance decision even before brand preference enters the picture. A narrower whitewall can create a subtler look, while a wider whitewall leans more heavily into early-1960s style. The right choice depends on how the car is being presented and whether the goal is understated restoration or a stronger period-style visual statement.

Tires for the 1962 Dodge Lancer are available from Coker Classic, US Royal, and Firestone. The 650-13 size includes Coker Classic and US Royal options in classic bias-ply series, while 700-13 is represented by a Firestone classic bias-ply offering. All of these choices stay within the vehicle's vintage 13-inch bias-ply context.

Brand is only one part of the decision, so it helps to compare what each brand offers in the exact size you need. Sidewall style, rim-width specification, load rating, and the visual character of the tire series can matter just as much, especially when the car's appearance is as important as simple replacement fitment.

For a period-style 1962 Dodge Lancer, the starting point is one of the original-style bias-ply sizes used on the car: 650-13 or 700-13, depending on the wheel and existing setup. Those sizes preserve the vintage numeric format and traditional construction that visually suit an early-1960s compact Mopar.

From there, the choice becomes more about presentation than simple fitment. Narrow whitewall and wide whitewall options create different looks, and exact originality can vary by how a specific car was delivered. When that level of precision matters, marque references and vehicle-specific historical documentation are worth consulting before finalizing the tire style.

Tire construction has a visible effect on a restored 1962 Dodge Lancer because a bias-ply tire presents the car in a more traditional way than a modern radial size marked in metric format. On a compact car with relatively small 13-inch wheels, those visual differences tend to stand out more than many owners expect.

That does not mean a radial cannot be used, especially if road manners are part of the goal, but it changes the visual language of the car. A bias-look radial can narrow that gap for 650-13 applications, while a standard metric radial will appear more modern. The right direction depends on restoration priorities and driving intentions.

Modifications can absolutely affect tire fitment on a 1962 Dodge Lancer. Even though the primary sizes are 650-13 and 700-13 on 13-inch rims, changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension work, lowering, or body repairs can change the space available for the tire and the way it sits on the car.

That is why an older car should be checked as it exists now, not only as it may have left the factory. Measuring the wheel, checking steering clearance lock to lock, and looking for interference at the fenders and suspension points will help prevent surprises when replacing tires or considering a radial-equivalent conversion.

Before driving a 1962 Dodge Lancer on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and width, make sure the tires are mounted in the correct size, and confirm inflation is set appropriately for the tire being used. It is also smart to check for rubbing at full steering travel and during normal suspension movement.

Collector cars often need a broader once-over before returning to the road. Look at tread seating, valve stems, wheel condition, brake function, steering play, and any signs of suspension wear that could affect tire behavior. A short, cautious test drive followed by a second visual inspection helps catch clearance or setup issues early.

Tires on a collector 1962 Dodge Lancer should be checked regularly for inflation, tread condition, sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, and signs of air loss. Because many collector cars are driven infrequently, age and storage conditions can matter as much as miles when evaluating 650-13 or 700-13 tires for continued road use.

Good storage habits help preserve both appearance and service life. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources can reduce premature aging, and moving the vehicle occasionally helps avoid long-term flat spotting. Regular inspections remain important even when the tires still look good at a casual glance.