1963 Fairthorpe Rockette Tires

The 1963 Fairthorpe Rockette is associated with two tire sizes: 560-13 in bias-ply construction and 155R13 in radial construction. Both sizes use a 13-inch rim diameter, so the fitment decision is centered on construction type and wheel compatibility rather than changing wheel diameter.

That means the first step is deciding whether the car is being kept in a traditional bias-ply format or set up with a radial tire. Once that direction is clear, check the actual wheel width on the car and compare it with the tire's rim-width specification, especially if the Rockette has been modified or fitted with replacement wheels at some point in its life.

The 1963 Fairthorpe Rockette uses a 13-inch rim diameter with both of its associated tire sizes. That applies to the 560-13 bias-ply fitment and the 155R13 radial fitment, so the wheel diameter remains the same even though the tire construction changes.

Rim diameter is only part of the picture on a small sports car like the Rockette. The wheel's actual width still needs to match the tire being considered, because the available 560-13 and 155R13 products do not share the same rim-width range. Measuring the wheels on the car is especially worthwhile if they are not known to be original-style rims.

560-13 is a numeric bias-ply tire size. The 560 indicates a nominal 5.60-inch section-width class with the decimal omitted, and the 13 identifies the rim diameter in inches. On the 1963 Fairthorpe Rockette, this size represents the bias-ply fitment rather than the radial alternative.

That matters because a 560-13 tire brings different construction, sidewall character, and wheel-width requirements than a 155R13 radial. Available versions also differ by appearance, with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall styles offered in this size. Before choosing one, confirm that the Rockette's wheels fall within the appropriate rim-width range for the specific bias-ply tire under consideration.

560-13 is the bias-ply tire size associated with the 1963 Fairthorpe Rockette. The radial fitment tied to this car is 155R13, so the two sizes are not just different code styles; they also represent different tire constructions and different product families.

Choosing between them affects more than appearance. A bias-ply tire keeps the Rockette in a traditional sizing system and opens up whitewall presentation options, while the radial path uses a metric-style size and blackwall offerings. Since the available products also have different rim-width requirements, the actual wheel width should be checked before moving from one construction type to the other.

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. No bias-look radial equivalent is associated with 560-13 in this application.

Those sizes give the Rockette owner several radial-format comparisons, but they should not be treated as automatic substitutes. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches is tied to the equivalent-size group, and the final choice should be checked against the wheel on the car, along with overall clearance at the fenders and steering components before a conversion is made.

Start by confirming the wheel diameter and width on the car, since the 1963 Fairthorpe Rockette stays on a 13-inch rim but radial choices still need suitable wheel-width support. For a 560-13 conversion path, radial equivalents include 155R13, P155/75R13, and P155/70R13, with a recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches tied to the equivalent group.

It also helps to inspect steering and fender clearance, especially on a compact sports car where space can be tight. Beyond simple size matching, look at the car's suspension condition, ride height, and any non-original wheels that may have been added over time. Those checks matter more than the size code alone when evaluating a radial alternative.

The biggest decision is whether the Rockette will run the 560-13 bias-ply size or the 155R13 radial size. Both fit a 13-inch rim diameter, but they differ in construction, available sidewall treatments, brand choices, and the rim-width ranges attached to the actual products sold in those sizes.

A restoration-oriented car may lean toward the visual character of a bias-ply whitewall, while a road-driven car may lead the owner toward a radial format. Product details such as rim-width compatibility, load information where given, and tire series should be compared carefully. On a lightweight vintage sports car, matching the tire to the wheel and the intended use is more important than choosing by appearance alone.

Sidewall style depends on the size and construction chosen for the 1963 Fairthorpe Rockette. The 155R13 radial options are offered as blackwalls, while the 560-13 bias-ply options include narrow whitewall and wide whitewall presentations.

That gives the Rockette owner a clear appearance choice. A blackwall radial keeps the look restrained and sporting, while a whitewall bias-ply creates a more overtly vintage presentation. Sidewall style should still be chosen after the correct size, construction, and wheel compatibility are settled, because appearance alone does not determine whether a given tire suits the wheel and setup on the car.

Michelin, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, and Firestone all offer tires associated with the 1963 Fairthorpe Rockette. Michelin and Dunlop appear in the 155R13 radial size, while BFGoodrich and Firestone appear in the 560-13 bias-ply size.

The brand choice is really part of a larger fitment decision, because each brand belongs to a specific size, construction type, and tire series. Michelin XAS-FF and Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet serve the radial side of the Rockette's options, while Silvertown Classic Bias Ply and Firestone Classic Bias Ply cover the bias-ply side. The best comparison is within the correct size path rather than across unrelated constructions.

For a period-style presentation, the 560-13 bias-ply fitment is the natural starting point on a 1963 Fairthorpe Rockette. That size keeps the car in a vintage numeric bias-ply format and is offered in traditional whitewall treatments that suit a restoration-oriented or era-inspired appearance.

The exact look depends on how the car is being finished, since narrow whitewall and wide whitewall versions are both available. When originality matters beyond general period style, it is smart to compare the tire choice against marque-specific references and the car's own restoration goals. A radial can still be considered, but it creates a different visual and construction character than the bias-ply route.

Tire construction changes the visual character of a restored 1963 Fairthorpe Rockette as much as it changes the size code on the sidewall. The 560-13 bias-ply fitment supports a distinctly traditional look, especially with narrow or wide whitewall styling, while the 155R13 radial options are blackwall tires with a more modernized presentation.

That difference matters on a compact British sports car where the tire is a visible part of the car's stance and overall impression. Owners aiming for a restoration-oriented finish often start by deciding what visual era they want the car to reflect. Once that is settled, the choice should still be checked against wheel width and intended driving use so the appearance goal does not override fitment fundamentals.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1963 Fairthorpe Rockette even when the size code looks correct. Replacement wheels, altered ride height, suspension changes, or bodywork repairs can all influence how a 560-13 bias-ply or 155R13 radial sits within the wheel opening and how much room is available during steering movement.

That is why the actual car should be checked rather than relying only on model-level fitment. Measure wheel width, confirm the 13-inch diameter, and look for clearance at the fenders and suspension components. On a low-volume vintage sports car, small setup changes can matter, so a careful inspection is worthwhile before mounting a different construction or equivalent-size tire.

Before road use, inspect the wheels for damage, verify the tire size and construction match the setup you intended, and make sure the tires are mounted on wheels with suitable width. It is also wise to look over valve stems, confirm proper inflation, and check that there is no rubbing at full steering lock.

A broader vehicle inspection is just as important on a collector-era car. Examine suspension and steering components for play, make sure the brakes are in good order, and look for any sign that the car sits unevenly. On a lightweight car like the Rockette, those details affect how the new tires behave and whether the fitment remains consistent once the car is back on the road.

Tires on a collector 1963 Fairthorpe Rockette should be checked regularly for air loss, tread wear, sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, and any sign of age-related deterioration. Whether the car wears 560-13 bias-ply tires or 155R13 radials, long periods of storage make condition checks just as important as mileage.

Storage habits matter, too. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve tire condition over time. It also helps to move the car periodically or avoid letting it sit in one position for extended stretches. Before any longer drive, recheck inflation and give the tires a close visual inspection rather than assuming low annual use means they are road-ready.