The 1962 Ford Falcon came from Detroit’s compact-car shift of the early 1960s, built for buyers who wanted simple dimensions, light weight, and everyday usability. Today, that same character makes the Falcon especially sensitive to getting the tire size and look right. Tire fitment for the 1962 Ford Falcon centers on 13-inch bias-ply sizes, with 600-13, 650-13, and 700-13 appearing across the model range. Available choices include different whitewall treatments and period-style bias-ply series, while modern radial equivalents exist for each primary size. The key is matching the exact sub-model and wheel setup before deciding between restoration-minded appearance and a radial alternative.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1962 Ford Falcon
The 1962 Ford Falcon uses three primary tire sizes, all in bias-ply construction on 13-inch rims. The first step is identifying the exact sub-model, because Base and Station Wagon applications do not use the same size range. Once that is confirmed, the decision shifts to the right period-style size, the whitewall presentation you want, and whether to stay with the original-style bias-ply fitment or evaluate one of the available radial equivalents.
In the 600-13 size, the 600 designation refers to an approximate 6.00-inch nominal section width, while 13 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. This is a bias-ply tire, giving the Falcon a distinctly early-1960s fitment style and traditional sidewall profile. Available choices in this size come from BFGoodrich in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series, with both wide whitewall and narrow whitewall treatments. It is a useful size for buyers focused on preserving a compact, period-style presentation while still checking actual wheel width and sub-model application before selecting a tire.
A 650-13 bias-ply tire uses the same vintage numeric sizing system, with 6.50 indicating nominal section width and 13 indicating the rim diameter. On a 1962 Ford Falcon, this size sits in the middle of the fitment range and appears across more than one covered sub-model. Product choices include Coker Classic and US Royal offerings in their classic bias-ply series, available with both wide whitewall and narrow whitewall sidewalls. This size is worth close attention if you want a broad mix of period-style brand and appearance options without moving away from the original-style construction.
The 700-13 size follows the same bias-ply numeric format, with 7.00 representing a wider nominal section width and 13 representing the wheel diameter. This is still a bias-ply fitment, but it serves a different role than the smaller Falcon sizes and should not be assumed across every configuration. In available product choices, this size appears in a Firestone Classic Bias Ply with a wide whitewall sidewall treatment. It is the size to evaluate carefully when the vehicle’s exact sub-model, wheel width, and overall clearance need to support the larger 13-inch bias-ply fitment.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1962 Ford Falcon because tire size is not uniform across the covered range. The Base and Station Wagon overlap at 650-13, but the smaller 600-13 and larger 700-13 applications are tied to specific sub-model use, so confirming the exact Falcon configuration comes first.
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1962 Ford Falcon Base
The 1962 Ford Falcon Base uses 600-13 and 650-13 bias-ply tire sizes on 13-inch rims. That makes the selection process less about switching rim diameter and more about confirming which of the two period-style sizes belongs on the car, then choosing the whitewall treatment or radial-equivalent path that matches your goals.
The 1962 Ford Falcon Station Wagon uses 650-13 and 700-13 bias-ply sizes, both built around 13-inch wheels. For wagon owners, the important step is confirming which of those two sizes matches the vehicle before comparing available whitewall styles, staying with bias-ply construction, or reviewing the radial equivalents tied to that primary size.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1962 Ford Falcon
The 1962 Ford Falcon’s three primary bias-ply sizes each have radial-equivalent options. For 600-13, the equivalents are 165R13 as an 80-series metric radial, P165/75R13 as a 75-series P-metric radial, and P175/70R13 as a 70-series P-metric radial. For 650-13, the equivalents are 175R13, P175/75R13, P185/70R13, and 650R13 as a bias-look radial; for 700-13, they are 185R13, P185/75R13, and P205/70R13. Recommended rim-width ranges run from 4-5 inches or 4-6 inches depending on size, so wheel width and clearance should be checked before changing formats.
Modern Radial Equivalents
165R13
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (600-13)
P165/75R13
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (600-13)
P175/70R13
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (600-13)
175R13
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (650-13)
P175/75R13
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (650-13)
P185/70R13
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (650-13)
650R13
Bias-look Radial Equivalent (650-13)
185R13
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (700-13)
P185/75R13
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (700-13)
P205/70R13
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (700-13)
Important Considerations When Replacing Bias Ply With Radial
Compare overall diameter and section width carefully to ensure proper fit.
Verify recommended rim range (4-6 in) and load needs match your vehicle specifications.
Check fender clearance, steering clearance, and stance before installation.
Consider suspension condition and intended road use when choosing equivalents.
Important Fitment Notes
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 1962 Ford Falcon Tires for Sale
Available 1962 Ford Falcon tire choices stay within period-style 13-inch bias-ply fitment, with BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, US Royal, and Firestone offerings. The main differences across the product grid are tire size, bias-ply series, whitewall treatment, and rim-width specifications.
These FAQs focus on the 1962 Ford Falcon’s three 13-inch tire sizes, how they vary by sub-model, what the available radial equivalents mean, and what to check when choosing tires for restoration, road use, or a modified wheel setup.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1962 Ford Falcon?
The 1962 Ford Falcon uses three primary bias-ply tire sizes: 600-13, 650-13, and 700-13. All three sizes are built for 13-inch rims, but they do not apply universally across every covered Falcon configuration. The Base uses 600-13 and 650-13, while the Station Wagon uses 650-13 and 700-13.
That means the first step is confirming the exact sub-model before selecting a tire. Once the right primary size is established, the next decisions are usually sidewall appearance, brand or tire series, and whether to stay with a period-style bias-ply tire or compare one of the radial equivalents tied to that same original size.
What size rim does a 1962 Ford Falcon use?
The covered tire fitments for a 1962 Ford Falcon are all built around a 13-inch rim diameter. That applies to 600-13, 650-13, and 700-13 bias-ply sizes. Even though the tire widths vary, the wheel diameter stays the same across these listed Falcon fitments.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so wheel width still needs attention before choosing a tire or considering a radial equivalent. A Falcon that has had wheels replaced over the years may no longer have its original setup, and that can affect which size works properly from a clearance and tire-profile standpoint.
Do all 1962 Ford Falcon sub-models use the same tire size?
No. The 1962 Ford Falcon Base and 1962 Ford Falcon Station Wagon share 650-13, but they do not use the same full size range. The Base is associated with 600-13 and 650-13, while the Station Wagon uses 650-13 and 700-13, all in bias-ply construction.
That overlap can cause confusion if the car has changed hands or if old wheels and tires are already on the vehicle. Checking the exact sub-model first keeps the search focused, and it also helps when comparing whitewall styles, selecting among available bias-ply products, or reviewing the correct radial alternatives for that specific primary size.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 650-13 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1962 Ford Falcon?
For the 1962 Ford Falcon, 650-13 is a primary bias-ply tire size. It uses a vintage numeric bias-ply sizing format, with the first number indicating nominal section width and the final number indicating the 13-inch rim diameter. A radial alternative exists for buyers considering a different construction, but the original primary fitment itself is bias-ply.
That distinction matters because a bias-ply selection keeps the car in its original-style sizing language and overall presentation. A switch to a radial equivalent should be treated as a separate fitment decision, with attention given to wheel width, tire dimensions, and the way the car is used, especially if restoration appearance is part of the goal.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 650-13?
Radial equivalents for 650-13 include 175R13 as an 80-series metric radial, P175/75R13 as a 75-series P-metric radial, and P185/70R13 as a 70-series P-metric radial. A 650R13 bias-look radial is also available as an equivalent, giving buyers an option that keeps a more traditional visual character than a standard modern radial format.
The practical difference between those options is mostly in sizing convention and profile style rather than in the original Falcon fitment itself. The recommended rim-width range for the 650-13 equivalents is 4-6 inches, so the actual wheel width, suspension condition, and available clearance should be confirmed before treating any radial equivalent as a usable alternative.
What should I check before converting my 1962 Ford Falcon from bias-ply to radial tires?
Start by matching the Falcon’s original bias-ply size to the correct radial equivalent for that specific application. The listed equivalents differ by size, so a 600-13 car does not use the same radial choices as a 650-13 or 700-13 application. Rim diameter remains 13 inches, but the equivalent-size family and recommended wheel-width range still need to match.
After that, inspect the actual wheels on the car, confirm their width, and compare the new tire against available clearance at the fenders and steering components. A Falcon that has aftermarket wheels, altered ride height, or worn suspension parts may respond differently than a stock setup, so conversion should be approached as a fitment check, not an automatic swap.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 650-13 tire for a 1962 Ford Falcon?
The first consideration is whether 650-13 is the correct primary size for your exact 1962 Ford Falcon sub-model, since both the Base and Station Wagon can use it but not every Falcon application is centered on that size. After size confirmation, compare the available bias-ply products by brand, tire series, and sidewall treatment.
In 650-13, choices include Coker Classic and US Royal products in classic bias-ply series with both wide whitewall and narrow whitewall styles. Wheel-width compatibility also matters, so the tire should be matched to the actual rim on the car rather than the assumed factory wheel, especially on vehicles that may have been changed over time.
What sidewall styles are available for 1962 Ford Falcon tires?
The available 1962 Ford Falcon tire options center on whitewall styling, with both wide whitewall and narrow whitewall treatments appearing in the covered 13-inch bias-ply sizes. The exact sidewall choice depends on the tire size. In the current assortment, 600-13 and 650-13 include both wide and narrow whitewall options, while 700-13 appears in a wide whitewall configuration.
That gives Falcon owners a useful appearance decision even after the correct size has been confirmed. A wider whitewall tends to emphasize a stronger early-1960s visual theme, while a narrower whitewall offers a cleaner, more restrained period-style look. The sidewall style should follow the correct fitment first, then the restoration or presentation goal.
What brands offer tires for the 1962 Ford Falcon?
Tires for the 1962 Ford Falcon are available from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, US Royal, and Firestone across the listed 13-inch bias-ply sizes. Brand availability depends on the size itself rather than the Falcon name alone. For example, 600-13 is represented by BFGoodrich, 650-13 by Coker Classic and US Royal, and 700-13 by Firestone.
That means the best way to compare brands is after the correct Falcon tire size has been established. Once size is settled, the brand decision becomes part of a broader comparison that may include tire series, whitewall style, rim-width compatibility, and whether the goal is a restoration-oriented look or simply the right period-style presentation on the car.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1962 Ford Falcon?
A period-style 1962 Ford Falcon starts with the correct primary bias-ply size for the exact sub-model: 600-13 or 650-13 for the Base, and 650-13 or 700-13 for the Station Wagon. Staying within those bias-ply sizes preserves the Falcon’s original-style sizing format and keeps the tire selection aligned with the car’s early-1960s character.
From there, appearance choices such as wide whitewall or narrow whitewall become the main visual decision. If exact originality matters beyond general period style, the safest approach is to compare the vehicle against marque references, surviving examples, or restoration documentation so the selected size and sidewall treatment reflect the specific presentation you want to achieve.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1962 Ford Falcon?
Tire construction changes the way a restored 1962 Ford Falcon presents, even when the overall size category remains close. A bias-ply tire keeps the Falcon in its original-style construction family and supports a more traditional visual character. A modern radial equivalent can alter the look through its sizing language and sidewall profile, even before the car is driven.
That is why construction choice should follow the restoration goal, not just the tire size chart. Buyers aiming for a traditional early-1960s presentation usually begin with the correct bias-ply fitment, while those considering a radial should compare the equivalent carefully and decide whether modern construction or period-style appearance is the higher priority for the finished car.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1962 Ford Falcon?
Yes. Even though the 1962 Ford Falcon’s covered fitments use 13-inch tires, modifications can change how a given size works on the car. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension changes, ride-height adjustments, or body modifications can all affect clearance and the way a 600-13, 650-13, or 700-13 tire sits in service.
That is especially important when moving between the Falcon’s different original sizes or when considering a radial equivalent. The safest approach is to inspect the actual wheel dimensions on the car and check clearance through steering travel and suspension movement, rather than assuming a listed size will behave the same on a modified setup as it would on a stock vehicle.
What should I inspect before driving a 1962 Ford Falcon on new tires?
Before driving a 1962 Ford Falcon on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and usable width, then verify that the chosen tire size matches the car’s sub-model application. The tires themselves should be checked for proper inflation, secure mounting, and adequate clearance around the fenders and steering components once installed.
A broader road-use inspection is equally important on a collector car that may sit for long periods. Look over suspension wear, steering play, brake condition, and any signs of rubbing after the car is rolled and turned lock to lock. A short, careful test drive and reinspection can catch issues before regular use or a longer trip.
How should 650-13 tires on a collector 1962 Ford Falcon be maintained?
650-13 tires on a collector 1962 Ford Falcon should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and attention to storage conditions. Even on a lightly used car, the tires should be examined for cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven tread wear, and slow air loss. Low annual mileage does not prevent age-related tire deterioration.
Good storage habits help preserve both appearance and service condition. Keeping the Falcon away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, standing moisture, and ozone-producing equipment can reduce avoidable tire aging. It also helps to inspect the tires before each road outing and again after longer drives, especially if the car has been parked for extended periods.