1962 Nissan SPL Tires

The 1962 Nissan SPL does not use one universal tire size across every version. SPL 213 models use 145R14 as the radial size or 520-14 as the bias-ply size, while SPL 310 models use 155R13 as the radial size or 560-13 as the bias-ply size. That means both tire size and wheel diameter vary within the model line.

The practical first step is identifying the exact sub-model and confirming whether the car is on 14-inch or 13-inch wheels. After that, the choice becomes whether to stay with the period-style bias-ply construction or use the radial size tied to that setup. Cars with replacement wheels or past modifications should be checked carefully before any tire is selected.

A 1962 Nissan SPL can use either a 14-inch or 13-inch rim, depending on the sub-model. The SPL 213 is associated with 14-inch tire sizes, while the SPL 310 is associated with 13-inch tire sizes. That rim difference is central to fitment because the available primary tire sizes are split between those two wheel diameters.

A tire should never be chosen by appearance alone on this car, because a 13-inch and 14-inch setup are not interchangeable. Checking the wheel itself is especially important if the car has been restored, modified, or had wheels swapped over the years. Rim width matters too, particularly when comparing bias-ply tires with radial alternatives in the same general size family.

The 1962 Nissan SPL has more than one tire size because fitment changes by sub-model and by tire construction. The SPL 213 uses a 14-inch tire family, while the SPL 310 uses a 13-inch tire family. Within each of those setups, both a bias-ply size and a radial size are associated with the vehicle.

That means the real tire decision is not simply choosing among four sizes at random. The car's exact version and wheel diameter have to be established first, then the owner can decide whether the goal is a traditional bias-ply presentation or a radial setup. That distinction affects appearance, wheel compatibility, and the range of products worth comparing.

A 1962 Nissan SPL can be set up with either bias-ply or radial tires, but the correct choice depends on the sub-model and wheel diameter already on the car. SPL 213 fitment centers on 520-14 bias-ply or 145R14 radial, while SPL 310 fitment centers on 560-13 bias-ply or 155R13 radial.

Bias-ply tires usually make the most sense when the goal is a more traditional visual presentation, especially with whitewall styling. Radials are often the path owners consider for road use, but they should still be matched to the proper wheel diameter and suitable rim width. On a car this old, checking clearance and the actual wheel setup matters before making a construction change.

Radial equivalents for 560-13 include 155R13 as an 80-series metric radial, P155/75R13 as a P-metric 75-series radial, and P155/70R13 as a P-metric 70-series radial. Those sizes provide three different radial-format alternatives tied to the original 560-13 bias-ply size. No bias-look radial equivalent is identified for this fitment.

The useful difference between those options is the sizing convention and profile family rather than a claim of automatic interchangeability. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches is associated with these equivalents, which gives a starting point for wheel compatibility. Overall dimensions, steering clearance, and fender room should still be verified on the car before switching away from 560-13.

The main checks are the car's actual wheel diameter, wheel width, and the correct size family for the specific sub-model. A 1962 Nissan SPL may be on either a 14-inch or 13-inch setup, so the intended radial must match that wheel first. On SPL 310 cars using 560-13, the radial-equivalent path can also involve comparing 155R13, P155/75R13, and P155/70R13.

A conversion should also include a close look at tire clearance during steering and suspension movement, especially on an older roadster with unknown changes over time. Condition matters as much as size, so worn bushings, sagging springs, or replacement wheels can influence the result. A careful fitment check is more important here than assuming any radial equivalent will behave like the original bias-ply tire.

Start with the exact sub-model and wheel diameter, because the 1962 Nissan SPL uses both 14-inch and 13-inch tire families. After that, the main decision is construction: a bias-ply size for a more traditional presentation or the corresponding radial size for that setup. Brand and sidewall style then become secondary filters rather than the starting point.

For example, radial choices on this car are blackwall, while several bias-ply options introduce narrow whitewall or wide whitewall appearance differences. Rim-width compatibility should also be compared, especially if the car no longer wears its original wheels. A good selection balances correct size family, wheel suitability, intended appearance, and how the car will actually be used on the road.

The 1962 Nissan SPL has product choices in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall sidewall styles, depending on the tire size. The radial sizes are offered in blackwall form, while the bias-ply sizes introduce the whitewall options. That makes sidewall styling an important part of the decision once the correct size and wheel diameter have been confirmed.

A blackwall radial usually suits an owner focused on a simpler, more understated presentation, while whitewall bias-ply tires lean toward a more vintage visual character. The key is to treat sidewall style as an appearance choice within the correct fitment, not as a substitute for verifying size. On a small sports car like the SPL, the sidewall treatment can noticeably change the car's overall look.

Brands available across 1962 Nissan SPL fitments include Firestone, Camac, Michelin, Dunlop, Premium Sport, and BFGoodrich. Which brand applies depends on the specific tire size, wheel diameter, and whether the car is being set up with radial or bias-ply construction. Some sizes have multiple brand choices, while others are more tightly focused on one product family.

The most useful way to compare brands here is by matching them to the correct size first, then looking at tire series, sidewall style, and rim-width suitability where those details are available. That approach keeps the decision grounded in fitment rather than brand preference alone. On this vehicle, choosing the right size family matters more than chasing a name without confirming compatibility.

For a period-style 1962 Nissan SPL, the starting point is usually the bias-ply size associated with the car's sub-model and wheel diameter. That means 520-14 for an SPL 213 or 560-13 for an SPL 310 when the goal is to stay close to the traditional tire construction and stance these early roadsters are known for.

Appearance details then narrow the choice further, especially where narrow whitewall or wide whitewall versions are available. Because period-style and factory-original are not always the same thing, owners pursuing exact restoration standards should compare tire choices against marque references or vehicle-specific historical material. For many cars, though, the proper bias-ply size is the most important visual starting point.

Tire construction changes the visual character of a restored 1962 Nissan SPL in a noticeable way. Bias-ply tires tend to support a more traditional small-roadster presentation, especially when paired with whitewall sidewall treatments. Radials in the sizes offered for this car are blackwall, which gives the SPL a different visual tone even when the wheel diameter remains appropriate.

That does not mean one construction is automatically right and the other wrong for every build. A restoration-minded owner may prefer bias-ply tires for authenticity of look, while a driver-focused owner may still want the cleaner appearance of a blackwall radial. The key is choosing a tire that matches both the correct sub-model fitment and the intended character of the finished car.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1962 Nissan SPL, especially because this car already spans two wheel diameters from the factory fitment range. If the SPL has aftermarket wheels, altered ride height, brake changes, or replacement suspension parts, the available room around the tire may no longer match a stock setup. That is true for both bias-ply and radial choices.

A careful check should include wheel diameter, wheel width, and clearance at the fender, inner body, and steering components. Even when the tire size itself is correct for the sub-model, a changed wheel or suspension setup can alter how it sits and moves. On an older sports car, previous owner changes are common enough that visual confirmation is always worth the extra time.

Before driving a 1962 Nissan SPL on new tires, inspect the wheels for the correct diameter and condition, then confirm proper mounting, inflation, and visible clearance around the body and suspension. It is also smart to look over the steering and suspension for worn components that could affect how the tire tracks or clears under movement.

A low-use collector car deserves extra attention because old alignment issues, weak springs, or unnoticed rubbing may not appear until the car is driven again. After the first short drive, recheck air pressure and inspect for any signs of contact or unusual wear. That simple follow-up can catch problems early before they become harder on both the new tires and the car.

Tires on a collector 1962 Nissan SPL should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and attention to age and storage conditions as much as tread wear. Because many early sports cars spend long periods parked, sidewall cracking, flat spotting, cuts, bulges, and gradual air loss can matter more than mileage alone. Both radial and bias-ply tires need routine inspection.

Storage habits play a major role in tire life on a car like this. Keeping the SPL away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires between drives. It also helps to inspect the tires before each outing rather than assuming they are fine because the car was not driven far. Collector use is often harder on tires than owners expect.