1963 Chevrolet Chevy II Tires

The 1963 Chevrolet Chevy II uses four primary bias-ply tire sizes: 600-13, 650-13, 700-13, and 6.50-14. The correct choice depends on the exact sub-model and wheel diameter, since both 13-inch and 14-inch applications appear on this vehicle line.

That means the first job is not picking a brand or whitewall style, but confirming what wheels are actually on the car today. A Chevy II that has been restored, modified, or simply had wheels changed over the years may no longer match its original setup, so checking the mounted rim diameter before ordering tires is essential.

A 1963 Chevrolet Chevy II can use either a 13-inch or 14-inch rim, depending on the tire size fitted to the vehicle. The 600-13, 650-13, and 700-13 sizes are 13-inch applications, while 6.50-14 is the 14-inch application.

Since both rim diameters appear on this model line, measuring the wheel or reading the current wheel stamp is more important than assuming one size applies to every car. Once the rim diameter is confirmed, the correct tire-size family becomes much easier to narrow down, especially when comparing Base and Wagon fitments.

No, the covered 1963 Chevrolet Chevy II sub-models do not all use the same tire size. The Base model uses 6.50-14, 600-13, and 650-13, while the Wagon uses 6.50-14, 650-13, and 700-13.

The overlap between sub-models helps, but it does not remove the need to verify the exact configuration and wheel diameter on the individual car. That is especially important when one sub-model includes a size the other does not, because choosing by year and model alone could place you in the wrong 13-inch size range.

On the 1963 Chevrolet Chevy II, 650-13 is a primary bias-ply tire size. It is offered in classic bias-ply construction and serves as one of the original-style fitment choices for 13-inch wheel applications on this vehicle.

That matters because a true bias-ply tire preserves the traditional sizing system, stance, and appearance associated with an early-sixties compact. A radial alternative can still be considered, but it should be treated as an equivalent option rather than the same construction, and wheel width plus overall clearance should be verified before making the change.

Radial equivalents for 650-13 include 175R13 as an 80-series metric radial, P175/75R13 as a P-metric 75-series radial, P185/70R13 as a P-metric 70-series radial, and 650R13 as a bias-look radial. The recommended rim-width range for these equivalents is 4 to 6 inches.

Those choices give different sizing formats for the same general fitment target, with the bias-look radial offering a more traditional visual presentation than a conventional modern radial. Even so, the decision should not be made by size code alone, since the wheel, the vehicle’s clearance, and the intended look of the finished Chevy II all deserve a careful check.

Start by confirming the original primary size on the car, then compare only the radial equivalent tied to that size. For a 13-inch Chevy II, that may involve an 80-series metric radial, a 75-series P-metric radial, a 70-series P-metric radial, or in the case of 650-13, a 650R13 bias-look radial.

Beyond the size conversion itself, inspect wheel width, actual rim diameter, fender and steering clearance, and the condition of the suspension and steering components. A collector car with replacement wheels or altered ride height can react differently than a stock setup, so the safest approach is to confirm the full package before changing construction type.

The main considerations are correct fitment for the specific sub-model, 13-inch wheel compatibility, and the type of appearance you want from the finished car. In 650-13, the available bias-ply choices include Coker Classic and US Royal options with both wide whitewall and narrow whitewall styles.

That makes 650-13 one of the more appearance-sensitive choices on this page, since the sidewall treatment can strongly influence how restoration-oriented or understated the car looks. It also helps to compare rim-width specifications and load figures such as 1150@32 psi when deciding which product best suits the vehicle’s wheel setup and intended use.

Available 1963 Chevrolet Chevy II bias-ply tires include narrow whitewall and wide whitewall sidewall styles. The exact sidewall choices depend on tire size, with 600-13 and 650-13 offering both narrow and wide whitewall options, while 700-13 appears with a whitewall treatment.

Sidewall style is often one of the most visible decisions on an early-sixties car, especially on a compact model where the tire and wheel package sits plainly in view. Once the correct size is established, the sidewall becomes a styling choice that can push the car toward a cleaner understated look or a more distinctly period-style presentation.

Tires for the 1963 Chevrolet Chevy II are available from BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, US Royal, and Firestone across the applicable 13-inch bias-ply sizes shown here. Brand availability depends on the exact size, so not every brand appears in every fitment.

That means brand selection comes after confirming the correct tire size rather than before it. A buyer comparing options should look at the brand together with tire series, sidewall style, rim-width specification, and load figure, since those details usually shape the real decision more than the brand name alone.

A period-style 1963 Chevrolet Chevy II usually starts with the correct primary bias-ply size for the exact sub-model and wheel diameter. From there, the strongest restoration-oriented choices are the classic bias-ply offerings in 600-13, 650-13, or 700-13 with the whitewall treatment that best matches the look you want.

For many restorations, the goal is not simply matching dimensions but preserving the visual character of an early-sixties compact. If exact originality matters beyond general period style, it is wise to compare the tire size and sidewall treatment against marque references, period photos, or vehicle-specific documentation before settling on one presentation.

Tire construction changes more than ride behavior on a restored 1963 Chevrolet Chevy II; it also influences the car’s visual character. A bias-ply tire keeps the vintage sizing language and traditional sidewall presentation, while a modern radial equivalent can give the car a more contemporary look even when it remains close in intended fitment range.

That difference is especially noticeable on a compact Chevrolet where the tire profile and sidewall details are easy to see. Buyers trying to keep a distinctly early-sixties appearance often stay with a bias-ply or consider a bias-look radial where available, while others may prioritize a radial alternative after confirming the wheel and body clearances.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1963 Chevrolet Chevy II even when the car still uses one of the correct size families. Aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, altered offset, lowered suspension, or brake and steering changes can all influence how much room a tire has in actual use.

A car that has been changed from stock should be checked at the wheelhouse, steering stops, and suspension travel before settling on a tire choice. That is especially important on a Chevy II because both 13-inch and 14-inch applications exist, and a changed wheel package can quickly make an otherwise appropriate size a poor match.

Before road use, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and sound condition, then confirm the new tires are mounted to the proper rim-width range for the size. The car should also be checked for steering and suspension wear, since loose front-end parts can affect how any newly installed tire behaves.

It also helps to look over the valve stems, verify inflation pressure, and make sure there is no rubbing at full steering lock or over suspension movement. On a collector-era car like the Chevy II, a short test drive followed by a second visual inspection is a smart way to catch clearance or inflation issues early.

650-13 tires on a collector 1963 Chevrolet Chevy II should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspections, and careful storage habits during long periods of inactivity. Keep an eye on tread condition, sidewall cracking, bulges, cuts, and any signs of air loss, especially if the car is driven only occasionally.

Storage environment matters just as much as mileage on a hobby car. Keeping the Chevy II away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps protect the tires, and it is wise to inspect them again before each driving season or longer trip rather than assuming low annual mileage means they are ready for road use.