1962 Ford Fairlane Tires

A 1962 Ford Fairlane can use 6.50-14, 650-13, or 700-13, depending on the exact sub-model and wheel setup. All three are primary bias-ply fitments, but they are not interchangeable by default because the Fairlane used both 13-inch and 14-inch rim diameters across the covered configurations.

The first thing to confirm is the actual wheel diameter on the car, followed by the specific Fairlane sub-model. A 14-inch factory-option wheel points to 6.50-14, while the 6-cylinder and 8-cylinder 13-inch applications use 650-13 or 700-13. If the car has been modified or has replacement wheels, checking the mounted wheel and available clearance is more reliable than assuming the original setup is still present.

The 1962 Ford Fairlane uses either a 13-inch or 14-inch rim, depending on the specific application. The 6.50-14 tire pairs with a 14-inch wheel, while both 650-13 and 700-13 are 13-inch tire sizes. That split is one of the most important fitment details on this car.

Because two rim diameters are involved, tire selection should start at the wheel rather than the sidewall style or brand. A 13-inch bias-ply tire cannot be mounted on a 14-inch wheel, and the reverse is just as true. If the Fairlane has had wheel changes over the years, measure the rim directly and compare the wheel width as well before choosing a replacement tire.

The 1962 Ford Fairlane has more than one tire size because fitment varies by sub-model and wheel option. The 14 Inch Factory Opt. version uses 6.50-14, the 8 Cyl. uses 700-13, and the 6 Cyl. (Use Opt. w/Air) application can use either 650-13 or 700-13.

That means the tire decision is not just about the year and model name. The buyer should confirm the exact sub-model, then verify what wheel is actually on the car today. On a Fairlane that has been restored, serviced, or modified over decades, wheels may not match the original configuration, so matching the replacement tire to the car as-equipped is the safer approach.

For the 1962 Ford Fairlane, 650-13 is a primary bias-ply tire size. In this numeric format, the size reflects a traditional inch-based bias-ply designation used on 13-inch wheels. It is available in classic bias-ply product lines from Coker Classic and US Royal, with both wide whitewall and narrow whitewall versions.

That matters if the goal is to keep the Fairlane's original-style stance and sidewall look. A buyer can also consider radial equivalents for this size, but those alternatives should be evaluated separately rather than treated as the same tire. Wheel width, overall dimensions, and clearance at the fender and steering components are worth checking before switching construction.

For 650-13, radial equivalents 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. For 700-13, the equivalent radial sizes are 185R13, P185/75R13, and P205/70R13.

These options give the Fairlane owner several sizing conventions to compare, from more traditional tall-profile radial formats to lower-profile P-metric alternatives. The 13-inch applications also reference a 4-6 inch rim-width range, which is useful when checking wheel suitability. Even when the rim diameter matches, section width, tire profile, and vehicle clearance should still be reviewed before making a change.

Start by confirming the Fairlane's actual tire size and wheel diameter, since this car uses both 13-inch and 14-inch fitments depending on configuration. For the 13-inch bias-ply sizes, radial equivalents are available, but they should be matched carefully to the wheel and to the size family the car uses now.

A careful conversion check includes wheel width, tire-to-fender clearance, steering clearance, and the condition of suspension and steering parts. It also helps to compare the visual outcome, since a radial can change the tire's overall presentation even when the size is considered equivalent. On a restoration-oriented Fairlane, appearance may matter just as much as road manners.

Begin with the exact size the car uses, because 650-13 and 700-13 are different primary fitments on the 1962 Ford Fairlane. Both are bias-ply 13-inch tires, but they represent different width classes and do not serve the same Fairlane configurations. The correct choice starts with the actual wheel and sub-model.

After size is confirmed, compare sidewall style, brand, tire series, rim-width specification, and load capacity at the stated inflation pressure. A 650-13 buyer may also want to decide between wide whitewall and narrow whitewall treatments, while a 700-13 buyer may be more focused on matching the Firestone classic look. Modified cars deserve an extra wheel and clearance check before final selection.

The available 1962 Ford Fairlane products include wide whitewall and narrow whitewall sidewall styles, depending on tire size and brand. In 650-13, both Coker Classic and US Royal offer wide whitewall and narrow whitewall choices. In 700-13, the available Firestone option uses a whitewall presentation.

Sidewall style affects the car's appearance more than the fitment itself, so it is usually a choice made after the correct size has been confirmed. A broader whitewall tends to lean toward a more formal early-sixties look, while a narrower whitewall gives a cleaner, slightly less ornate presentation. That makes sidewall selection especially important on a Fairlane built with restoration-minded visual priorities.

Tires for the 1962 Ford Fairlane are available from Coker Classic, US Royal, and Firestone in the applicable 13-inch bias-ply sizes. Coker Classic and US Royal appear in 650-13, while Firestone appears in 700-13. Each brand is tied to the specific size range it offers for this car.

Brand choice should come after the fitment is narrowed to the correct size and wheel diameter. Once that is done, compare the brand's available sidewall style, tire series, rim-width specification, and load figure at the stated pressure rather than choosing by name alone. On a Fairlane with a strong period-style focus, the brand can also influence the overall visual presentation of the finished car.

A period-style 1962 Ford Fairlane usually starts with the correct primary bias-ply size for the car's exact configuration: 6.50-14, 650-13, or 700-13. Staying with bias-ply construction preserves the traditional sidewall profile and visual character associated with an early-sixties domestic sedan or coupe.

From there, the appearance choice often comes down to the sidewall treatment that best suits the build. Whitewall width can change the Fairlane's personality noticeably, especially on a restoration-oriented car. If exact originality matters, it is worth checking marque references, period photos, or build documentation before settling on a brand or whitewall style.

Tire construction can change the visual impression of a restored 1962 Ford Fairlane even when the replacement stays close to the original size family. A bias-ply tire gives the car a more traditional early-sixties presentation, while a radial equivalent can shift the look depending on the sizing format and sidewall profile.

That is why many restoration-minded owners begin with the correct bias-ply fitment and then decide whether driving goals justify a radial alternative. A bias-look radial, where available, can help bridge that gap visually, but it is still a radial choice rather than a bias-ply tire. On a Fairlane built for show and historical appearance, construction can matter almost as much as size.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1962 Ford Fairlane. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, altered ride height, suspension work, or body repairs can all influence how a tire sits in the wheel opening. That matters even more on a car that already has more than one valid original size family.

A Fairlane with non-stock wheels should have its rim diameter and width checked before any tire is selected. Clearance at the fender edge, inside wheelhouse, and steering components should also be inspected, especially on the 13-inch applications where buyers may be comparing bias-ply and radial-equivalent options. Small setup changes can affect what works comfortably on the car.

Before driving a 1962 Ford Fairlane on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and sound condition, then confirm that each tire is mounted in the proper size for the car's configuration. It is also smart to check inflation, valve stems, and basic clearance with the wheels turned and the suspension settled normally.

A collector-era car deserves a broader pre-drive look at steering, suspension, and brake condition as well. Fresh tires cannot compensate for worn tie-rod ends, weak shocks, or rubbing caused by wheel changes. After the first short drive, recheck air pressure and look for any signs of contact or unusual wear so the Fairlane can be used with greater confidence.

Tires on a collector 1962 Ford Fairlane should be inspected regularly for pressure loss, sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and any signs of age-related deterioration. This matters whether the car runs a traditional bias-ply tire or one of the available radial-equivalent 13-inch alternatives.

Collector cars often spend long periods parked, so storage conditions matter almost as much as mileage. Keeping the Fairlane away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources can help protect the tires over time. It also helps to move the car occasionally or maintain it carefully in storage so the tires are not left carrying load in one position for too long.