The 1962 Nissan L520 comes from an era when compact pickups were built for simple utility, light commercial work, and straightforward mechanical service. That makes tire selection less about chasing modern trends and more about matching the truck’s original character and wheel setup. For this model, the primary fitments are 560-14 and 6.00-14, both bias-ply sizes for 14-inch rims. In 560-14, period-style choices include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions within the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply line. The key is confirming which size suits the truck’s current wheel and stance before choosing the appearance and construction style that best fits a restoration-minded or road-use goal.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1962 Nissan L520
The 1962 Nissan L520 uses two primary tire sizes, and both are bias-ply sizes on 14-inch rims. Because the L520 Base is associated with both 560-14 and 6.00-14, the first step is confirming which size matches the wheels and overall setup on the truck today. Once that is settled, the decision becomes choosing the right period-style presentation and product details within the correct size.
A 560-14 is a vintage numeric bias-ply size in which the 5.60 designation refers to the tire’s nominal section width in inches, and the 14 identifies the wheel diameter. On the 1962 Nissan L520, it represents a traditional narrow bias-ply fitment suited to the truck’s compact early-1960s proportions. Available choices in this size include BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply tires in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall form. It is the size to evaluate when preserving a distinctly vintage look while also confirming that the wheel width and current truck setup match the intended tire.
A 6.00-14 is also a vintage numeric bias-ply size, with the 6.00 indicating a nominal section width and the 14 identifying the rim diameter in inches. For a 1962 Nissan L520, this size points to another correct-era bias-ply option on the same 14-inch wheel diameter, but with a different overall fitment profile than 560-14. That makes it important to verify the truck’s actual wheel width, current stance, and clearance before settling on it. Buyers comparing the two sizes are really deciding which existing wheel-and-tire setup the truck is meant to retain.
Sub-model fitment is straightforward here because the covered 1962 Nissan L520 Base is associated with the same two primary tire sizes. What matters most is identifying which wheel-and-tire setup is on the truck now, since both sizes use 14-inch rims but can lead to different replacement decisions.
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1962 Nissan L520 Base
The 1962 Nissan L520 Base is associated with both 560-14 and 6.00-14 bias-ply tire sizes on 14-inch rims. That means tire selection starts with confirming which size matches the truck’s present wheels, then choosing the period-style look and product details that suit its restoration or road-use plan.
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 Nissan L520 Tires for Sale
Available 560-14 choices center on BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply tires, with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall sidewall treatments. That gives the 1962 Nissan L520 buyer a clear appearance-based comparison within the correct vintage bias-ply size.
These FAQs focus on the 1962 Nissan L520’s two bias-ply tire sizes, 14-inch rim fitment, period-style sidewall choices, and the practical checks that matter before putting a restored or lightly used vintage pickup back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1962 Nissan L520?
The 1962 Nissan L520 uses two primary tire sizes: 560-14 and 6.00-14. Both are vintage numeric bias-ply sizes designed for 14-inch rims, and the L520 Base is associated with both fitments rather than a single universal size.
That makes the main job identifying which size belongs on the truck’s current wheel setup before ordering tires. On an older pickup, wheel changes, prior replacements, or restoration work can affect what is on the vehicle now, so checking the installed wheel diameter and width is just as important as knowing the year and model.
What size rim does a 1962 Nissan L520 use?
The tire sizes associated with the 1962 Nissan L520 both use a 14-inch rim diameter. That applies to 560-14 and 6.00-14, so the wheel diameter remains consistent even though there are two primary bias-ply tire sizes for the truck.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture on a vintage truck. Before choosing between the two sizes, it also helps to confirm the wheel width and compare the truck’s actual wheel-and-tire setup to the intended replacement, especially if the vehicle has been restored, modified, or fitted with non-original wheels at some point.
What does 560-14 mean on a 1962 Nissan L520?
On a 1962 Nissan L520, 560-14 is a numeric bias-ply tire size. The 5.60 refers to the tire’s nominal section width in inches, while the 14 indicates that it mounts on a 14-inch wheel.
That older sizing format is different from modern metric radial sizes, so it helps to read it as a period tire designation rather than a direct modern measurement formula. For this truck, understanding the size code makes it easier to choose the right replacement and to separate the questions of fitment, construction, and appearance when comparing available tires.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 560-14 tire for a 1962 Nissan L520?
A 560-14 tire for a 1962 Nissan L520 should first match the truck’s actual wheel setup, since this model is also associated with 6.00-14. In available 560-14 products, the main choices are bias-ply construction within the BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply line and sidewall presentation rather than major construction differences.
Once the size is confirmed, compare sidewall style, rim-width compatibility, and the overall look you want on the truck. A blackwall gives a plain utility appearance, while narrow and wide whitewalls create a more styled presentation, so the right choice depends on whether the pickup is being kept simple, restored for show, or used as a period-inspired driver.
What sidewall styles are available for 1962 Nissan L520 tires?
For the 1962 Nissan L520 in 560-14, available sidewall styles include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall. All of those choices are offered within a vintage bias-ply presentation, so the difference is primarily visual rather than a change in basic tire construction.
That makes sidewall selection an appearance decision tied to the truck’s finish and intended character. A blackwall usually suits a work-truck look, while whitewalls can move the truck toward a more restoration-oriented or custom presentation. The first step is still confirming that 560-14 is the size the truck actually uses before choosing the sidewall style.
What tire series are available for the 1962 Nissan L520?
The available 560-14 products for the 1962 Nissan L520 are part of the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series from BFGoodrich. That series keeps the truck in a traditional bias-ply format and offers different sidewall treatments within the same general vintage tire family.
For the buyer, that means the comparison is less about switching between multiple tire lines and more about choosing the right size and visual style within a consistent period-style series. It is still worth checking wheel width and overall vehicle setup, because even within the same series, the correct size remains the foundation of a proper replacement decision.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1962 Nissan L520?
A period-style approach for a 1962 Nissan L520 starts with one of its primary bias-ply sizes, 560-14 or 6.00-14, rather than trying to modernize the truck’s look with an unrelated tire format. In currently available products, 560-14 offers a traditional bias-ply presentation in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series.
After confirming which size belongs on the truck’s wheels, the appearance choice comes down to sidewall style and the character you want the pickup to project. Buyers aiming for exact historical accuracy should compare the tire choice against vehicle-specific reference material or marque knowledge, while a restoration-minded driver may focus more on a believable period-style look.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1962 Nissan L520?
Tire construction has a strong effect on how a restored 1962 Nissan L520 looks, especially on a compact early-1960s pickup with simple body lines and relatively small wheels. A bias-ply tire maintains the traditional visual character associated with the truck’s original era and supports a more authentic vintage stance.
Appearance is not only about the sidewall color; it is also shaped by the overall form and presentation of the tire itself. That is why keeping the correct size and period-style construction matters on a restoration-oriented build. Even a small change in tire type can shift the truck away from its intended visual character, so fitment and style should be evaluated together.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1962 Nissan L520?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1962 Nissan L520 even when the truck is associated with 560-14 or 6.00-14. Changes to wheels, wheel width, suspension height, or body clearance can alter what size works properly on the truck.
That is why an older pickup should be checked as it sits today rather than treated as completely unchanged after decades of use. Aftermarket wheels, altered ride height, or prior restoration work can all influence clearance and stance, so confirming wheel diameter, wheel width, and surrounding space is a smart step before selecting replacement tires.
What should I inspect before driving a 1962 Nissan L520 on new tires?
Before driving a 1962 Nissan L520 on new tires, inspect the wheels for the correct diameter and width, make sure the tires are properly seated and inflated, and check for adequate clearance at the fenders, suspension, and steering components. A short low-speed check drive is also useful.
On a vintage pickup, road readiness goes beyond the tires alone. It is wise to inspect wheel hardware, steering play, brake condition, and any signs of rubbing once the truck is loaded on its new tires. Catching those issues early helps prevent uneven wear and gives a clearer sense of whether the chosen size matches the truck’s actual setup.
How should 560-14 tires on a collector 1962 Nissan L520 be maintained?
560-14 tires on a collector 1962 Nissan L520 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspection for cracking, cuts, bulges, and uneven wear, and periodic attention even if the truck is driven only occasionally. Low-mileage vintage vehicles can still age their tires without wearing out the tread.
Storage conditions matter as much as mileage on a collector pickup. Keeping the truck away from long exposure to sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve tire condition over time. It also helps to inspect the tires before every meaningful drive, since long periods of sitting can reveal air loss or age-related problems that were not obvious earlier.
