The 1962 Toyota Tiara comes from Toyota’s early push into compact passenger cars, when modest dimensions, simple engineering, and light curb weight shaped how these cars drove and how they should look today. For a car like this, tire choice affects both stance and character more than many owners expect. The 1962 Toyota Tiara is associated with two primary 13-inch fitments: a 590-13 bias-ply and a 165R13 radial. That gives buyers a real choice between a more traditional bias-ply presentation and modern radial offerings from brands such as Michelin and Dunlop, while still keeping the car within an era-appropriate size range. The right decision starts with your wheel setup, restoration goals, and intended road use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1962 Toyota Tiara
The 1962 Toyota Tiara uses two primary tire sizes, both on 13-inch rims: 590-13 in bias-ply construction and 165R13 in radial construction. Since the rim diameter stays the same, the main decision is not wheel size but whether the car is being kept in a more traditional bias-ply format or fitted with a radial alternative. Confirming the actual wheels on the car is still important before making a final choice.
165R13 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 165 refers to the nominal section width in millimeters, R identifies radial construction, and 13 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 1962 Toyota Tiara, this size represents the radial fitment path and gives buyers access to traditional blackwall radial options. Available choices include Michelin XAS-FF, Michelin XAS, and Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet, all within the same general size family. It is a useful size for owners who want a period-appropriate radial format while still checking wheel width, overall fit, and the car’s present-day setup.
590-13 is a numeric bias-ply size, with 5.90 indicating the nominal section width in inches and 13 identifying the wheel diameter. On a 1962 Toyota Tiara, this size carries the more traditional construction style and a distinctly vintage tire profile. The available product in this size is a BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply with a wide whitewall, which makes appearance a central part of the selection. It is the size to consider when the goal is preserving an older driving feel and a more restoration-oriented sidewall presentation.
Fitment is straightforward here because the covered 1962 Toyota Tiara sub-model uses the same 13-inch tire choices already associated with the model. Checking the exact sub-model still helps confirm whether the car is staying with bias-ply construction or moving to a radial size.
1
1962 Toyota Tiara Base
The 1962 Toyota Tiara Base is associated with both the 590-13 bias-ply size and the 165R13 radial size on 13-inch rims. That gives the owner a choice between a more traditional vintage presentation and a radial tire format, with wheel width and overall setup worth confirming before selection.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1962 Toyota Tiara
For the original 590-13 size, three radial-equivalent options are available. 165R13 is the 80-series metric radial equivalent, P165/75R13 is the P-metric 75-series radial equivalent, and P175/70R13 is the P-metric 70-series radial equivalent. These choices vary by sizing convention and profile family rather than serving as automatic substitutes for one another. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches applies to the equivalent range, so wheel width, overall dimensions, and clearance should be checked before changing from the original bias-ply size.
Modern Radial Equivalents
165R13
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (590-13)
P165/75R13
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (590-13)
P175/70R13
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (590-13)
Important Considerations When Replacing Bias Ply With Radial
Compare overall diameter and section width carefully to ensure proper fit.
Verify recommended rim range (4-5 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 Toyota Tiara Tires for Sale
Available 1962 Toyota Tiara tire choices span radial and bias-ply construction in the correct 13-inch sizes. Buyers can compare Michelin, Dunlop, and BFGoodrich options by tire series, blackwall versus wide whitewall appearance, and rim-width compatibility.
These FAQs focus on the exact tire sizes used on the 1962 Toyota Tiara, how the 13-inch fitments differ, and what to consider when choosing between bias-ply style, radial alternatives, appearance, and road-use readiness.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1962 Toyota Tiara?
The 1962 Toyota Tiara is associated with two primary tire sizes: 590-13 in bias-ply construction and 165R13 in radial construction. Both sizes use a 13-inch rim, so the fitment question centers more on construction type and wheel compatibility than on changing wheel diameter.
That means the first step is deciding whether the car is being kept with a traditional bias-ply setup or fitted with a radial-size alternative. It is smart to confirm the actual wheel width on the car, especially if the Tiara has been restored, modified, or fitted with replacement wheels over the years.
What size rim does a 1962 Toyota Tiara use?
The tire sizes associated with the 1962 Toyota Tiara both use a 13-inch rim diameter. That applies to the 590-13 bias-ply fitment and the 165R13 radial fitment, so buyers are staying within the same rim diameter family when comparing these two tire sizes.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, though. Wheel width still matters, because the available bias-ply and radial products are intended for different width ranges. Before choosing a tire, check the wheel itself rather than assuming every 13-inch wheel on an older Tiara is the same.
Does the 1962 Toyota Tiara Base use the same tire size?
Yes. The 1962 Toyota Tiara Base is associated with the same two primary tire sizes used for the model overall: 590-13 in bias-ply construction and 165R13 in radial construction. Both choices remain within the Tiara’s 13-inch wheel diameter.
That makes sub-model fitment fairly simple, but the practical decision is still important. A bias-ply tire gives the car a more traditional vintage presentation, while a radial choice changes the construction style and product selection. Wheel width and any non-stock wheel changes should still be verified before final selection.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 590-13 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1962 Toyota Tiara?
590-13 is the bias-ply tire size associated with the 1962 Toyota Tiara. It uses a vintage numeric sizing format, where 5.90 refers to the nominal section width in inches and 13 refers to the wheel diameter.
Choosing 590-13 keeps the car in a traditional construction style and usually suits owners who want an older visual character and driving feel. Before selecting it, confirm that the wheel width matches the tire’s intended range and that the Tiara has enough clearance if wheel or suspension changes have been made.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 590-13?
Radial equivalents for 590-13 include 165R13 as an 80-series metric radial, P165/75R13 as a P-metric 75-series radial, and P175/70R13 as a P-metric 70-series radial. These are equivalent-size alternatives tied to the original bias-ply fitment, not additional primary factory-style sizes.
The practical difference is that each one follows a different sizing convention and profile family. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches applies to the equivalent range, so wheel width should be checked carefully along with overall tire dimensions, steering clearance, and fender room before making the change.
What should I check before converting my 1962 Toyota Tiara from bias-ply to radial tires?
Start by confirming the wheel diameter and width on the car, then compare the intended radial size with the Tiara’s original 590-13 bias-ply fitment. The common radial equivalents are 165R13, P165/75R13, and P175/70R13, and each should be treated as an alternative that still needs to be verified on the car.
A careful conversion also includes checking clearance at the fenders and steering components, especially on a small vintage car where space can be limited. Suspension wear, replacement wheels, and prior modifications can all affect the result, so an inspection of the full wheel-and-tire setup is worthwhile before final installation.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 590-13 or 165R13 tire for a 1962 Toyota Tiara?
The main decision is whether the car should stay with the 590-13 bias-ply format or move to the 165R13 radial format. Both use a 13-inch rim, but they differ in construction, available sidewall styling, and wheel-width requirements, so this choice shapes both appearance and fitment approach.
A restoration-oriented Tiara may point toward the bias-ply option, while a driver-focused car may lead an owner to explore radial construction. Beyond size, compare brand, tire series, sidewall treatment, and rim-width compatibility, then confirm the actual wheels on the vehicle before making a final selection.
What sidewall styles are available for 1962 Toyota Tiara tires?
The available sidewall styles for the 1962 Toyota Tiara include blackwall and wide whitewall, depending on the tire size and product selected. The radial 165R13 offerings are blackwall tires, while the 590-13 bias-ply option is available with a wide whitewall presentation.
That makes sidewall choice part of the overall direction for the car rather than just a cosmetic afterthought. A blackwall radial gives a cleaner, understated look, while a wide whitewall bias-ply tire pushes the Tiara toward a more vintage visual style. Match the sidewall treatment to the way the car is being restored or driven.
What brands offer tires for the 1962 Toyota Tiara?
The 1962 Toyota Tiara has tire options from Michelin, Dunlop, and BFGoodrich in its applicable 13-inch sizes. Michelin and Dunlop appear in the 165R13 radial fitment, while BFGoodrich covers the 590-13 bias-ply fitment with a Silvertown Classic Bias Ply offering.
Brand choice should be considered alongside size, construction, and appearance rather than treated as the only decision. On this car, the product range is divided by format as much as by brand, so the buyer should first decide between bias-ply and radial, then compare the available series and sidewall treatments within that path.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1962 Toyota Tiara?
For a period-style 1962 Toyota Tiara, the 590-13 bias-ply size is the most traditional starting point because it keeps the car in an older numeric bias-ply format. That size also comes with a wide whitewall option, which gives the Tiara a distinctly vintage visual character.
A period-style result is not only about size, though. Sidewall presentation, wheel width, and the overall stance of the car all matter, especially on a small early-1960s import. If exact originality is important, compare the tire choice against marque references and restoration documentation before settling on a final appearance.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1962 Toyota Tiara?
Tire construction changes the look of a restored 1962 Toyota Tiara in noticeable ways. A 590-13 bias-ply tire delivers a more vintage profile and pairs naturally with a wide whitewall treatment, while a 165R13 radial shifts the car toward a later-style blackwall presentation.
That visual difference matters because the Tiara is a compact car with relatively small wheels, so the tire becomes a major part of its overall stance. Owners restoring for historical flavor often stay close to the bias-ply format, while drivers seeking a more modernized presentation may prefer the radial route.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1962 Toyota Tiara?
Yes. Modifications can change how either a 590-13 or 165R13 tire fits a 1962 Toyota Tiara, even though both sizes use a 13-inch rim diameter. Replacement wheels, different wheel widths, altered suspension height, or body changes can all affect clearance and how the tire sits on the car.
That is especially important on compact vintage cars, where small changes can make a noticeable difference at the fender or steering components. A Tiara with aftermarket wheels should have wheel width, backspacing, and turning clearance checked carefully before settling on either the bias-ply or radial option.
What should I inspect before driving a 1962 Toyota Tiara on new tires?
Before driving a 1962 Toyota Tiara on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and width, make sure the tires are seated properly, and verify clearances at the fenders and steering components. It is also wise to check lug hardware, valve stems, and inflation pressure before the first road use.
A short initial drive followed by a second inspection helps catch rubbing, uneven seating, or pressure loss early. On an older car, it also makes sense to look over suspension and steering wear at the same time, since worn components can affect how a newly installed tire behaves on the road.
How should 590-13 or 165R13 tires on a collector 1962 Toyota Tiara be maintained?
Collector-car tires on a 1962 Toyota Tiara should be inspected regularly for cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven wear, and slow air loss, even if the car is driven only occasionally. Low annual mileage does not prevent tire aging, so condition matters just as much as tread depth on both 590-13 and 165R13 fitments.
Proper storage also helps preserve the tires. Keeping the Tiara away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources can reduce weathering, while maintaining correct inflation helps protect the casing during long periods of storage. A brief inspection before each drive is a smart habit on any lightly used vintage car.