1962 Pontiac Tires

The 1962 Pontiac uses two primary tire sizes: 800-14 and 850-14, both in bias-ply construction for 14-inch wheels. The smaller 800-14 applies across the broader All Models grouping, while 850-14 is also used and becomes the clear fitment for the covered air-conditioned and wagon applications.

That means the right choice depends on the exact configuration rather than the model name alone. A buyer should confirm whether the car is a general passenger-car application, an air-conditioned version, or a wagon, then verify the actual wheel diameter and current setup before choosing between the two primary sizes or comparing radial equivalents.

Both primary tire sizes for the 1962 Pontiac are built around a 14-inch rim diameter. Whether the car uses 800-14 or 850-14, the tire size ends in 14 because it is intended for a 14-inch wheel, which keeps rim diameter consistent even though section width changes between the two sizes.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, especially on a collector car that may have seen wheel changes over time. It is still worth checking the actual wheel on the car for diameter and width before ordering, since a tire can share the right rim diameter but still call for different wheel-width or clearance considerations.

No. The 1962 Pontiac does not use one universal tire size across every covered sub-model. The overall All Models grouping includes both 800-14 and 850-14 bias-ply tires, while the All Models w/Air and Wagon applications use 850-14.

That makes sub-model confirmation important before choosing a tire, because using the broader model name by itself can overlook the larger 850-14 fitment tied to certain versions. Owners should identify the exact application first, then compare tire construction, sidewall style, and wheel compatibility rather than assuming every 1962 Pontiac passenger car uses the same size.

On the 1962 Pontiac, 800-14 is a primary bias-ply tire size. It uses the vintage numeric bias-ply sizing system, and the available products in that original fitment are all bias-ply tires built for 14-inch rims, with period-style choices in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall form.

That matters because a buyer deciding on 800-14 is really choosing whether to keep the car in its original construction style or compare a radial equivalent separately. Bias-ply tires preserve the traditional presentation, while any move to a radial should be treated as a deliberate fitment change that still needs wheel, width, and clearance verification.

For 800-14, radial equivalents include 205R14 as an 80-series metric radial, P215/75R14 as a 75-series P-metric radial, P225/70R14 as a 70-series P-metric radial, and 800R14 as a bias-look radial. For 850-14, the radial equivalents are 215R14, P225/75R14, and P235/70R14.

These equivalents give a buyer several ways to compare modern radial sizing conventions against the original bias-ply sizes, but they should not be treated as automatic substitutions. The recommended rim-width range is 5 to 7 inches, and it is still important to confirm wheel width, overall dimensions, and body or steering clearance before converting.

Start by confirming the original tire size the car actually uses, then compare only the radial equivalents tied to that size. A 1962 Pontiac running 800-14 should be evaluated against 205R14, P215/75R14, P225/70R14, or 800R14, while an 850-14 application should be evaluated against 215R14, P225/75R14, or P235/70R14.

Beyond size matching, the important checks are wheel diameter, wheel width, and vehicle clearance at the front and rear. Suspension wear, prior wheel changes, and body modifications can all affect results, so the safest approach is to inspect the actual car closely and confirm the new size suits the wheel and intended use.

The first decision is confirming whether the car uses 800-14 or 850-14, since both are primary bias-ply sizes for the 1962 Pontiac but they do not apply the same way across every covered version. Once size is settled, the next considerations are construction type, sidewall appearance, tire series, and wheel compatibility.

A restoration-oriented car may call for a traditional bias-ply presentation, while a driver-focused car may prompt a closer look at the radial equivalents tied to that same primary size. It also helps to compare rim-width requirements, load figures where shown, and the visual effect of blackwall versus narrow or wide whitewall before deciding.

The available 1962 Pontiac tires include several sidewall treatments, depending on size. In 800-14, choices include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall, while 850-14 is offered with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall styling.

That sidewall decision has a big effect on how the car presents, especially on a full-size early-1960s Pontiac where the tire is a visible part of the overall stance. A blackwall gives a plainer look, while narrow and wide whitewalls move the car toward a more dressy or restoration-oriented appearance without changing the primary fitment size.

Tires for the 1962 Pontiac are available from BFGoodrich, Goodyear, and Universal Vintage Tire, depending on the size being considered. The broadest brand variety appears in 800-14, while 850-14 centers on BFGoodrich options within the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply line.

Brand choice is only one part of the selection process, and it is most useful when compared alongside tire series and sidewall treatment. Rather than trying to rank one brand against another, a buyer should focus on getting the correct size first, then choosing the brand and styling combination that best suits the car's intended appearance and use.

For a period-style 1962 Pontiac, the starting point is the correct primary bias-ply size for the specific application: either 800-14 or 850-14 on a 14-inch rim. Staying with a bias-ply tire keeps the vintage sizing system and traditional construction that suit the character of an early-1960s full-size Pontiac.

After the correct size is identified, appearance usually comes down to sidewall treatment and tire series rather than size alone. Buyers focused on exact restoration details should compare the car against marque literature, surviving originals, or club references, while most owners can choose the period-style look that best matches the build and intended presentation.

Tire construction affects both stance and visual character on a restored 1962 Pontiac. A bias-ply tire preserves the original-era sizing format and traditional sidewall presentation, which is why many restoration-oriented owners stay with 800-14 or 850-14 bias-ply tires when the goal is an authentic-looking overall package.

A radial equivalent can still be a useful option, especially for road use, but it changes the way the tire is specified and sometimes the way the car visually reads. If appearance matters as much as drivability, compare the original bias-ply size, the sidewall style, and any bias-look radial alternative before making a construction change.

Yes. Modifications can change how a tire fits a 1962 Pontiac even when the tire size itself is correct on paper. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel widths, suspension changes, lowering, and prior body work can all influence how an 800-14, 850-14, or radial equivalent sits in the wheel opening.

That is why the actual car should be checked before selecting a tire, especially if its history is not fully known. Confirm the wheel diameter and width first, then look at steering clearance, fender clearance, and the space around suspension components so the chosen tire suits the vehicle as it is currently set up.

Before road use, inspect the wheels, valve stems, lug hardware, and the general condition of the suspension and steering components. On a collector car like a 1962 Pontiac, it also makes sense to check alignment, verify proper tire pressure, and look over the tire sidewalls and tread after installation for any obvious mounting or clearance issues.

A short initial drive should be followed by another walk-around to confirm the tires are wearing evenly and not contacting fenders or suspension parts. It is also wise to recheck air pressure after the first few outings, since many collector vehicles spend long periods parked and can reveal setup issues only once they return to regular use.

Collector-car tires should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and periodic review of sidewall and tread condition even if the car is driven only occasionally. On a 1962 Pontiac, that applies whether the car runs 800-14 or 850-14 bias-ply tires, since age and storage conditions can matter as much as mileage.

Good storage habits help preserve both appearance and service life. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources can reduce deterioration, and it is smart to inspect for cracking, bulges, cuts, or air loss before each season and before any longer drive rather than relying on tread depth alone.