1963 Ford Consul Tires

A 1963 Ford Consul does not use one universal tire size across every sub-model. Capri and Capri GT applications use 155R13 in radial form or 560-13 in bias-ply form, while the Cortina uses 145R13 in radial form or 520-13 in bias-ply form. All of those sizes are built around a 13-inch wheel.

The first step is confirming whether the car is a Capri, Capri GT, or Cortina. After that, the choice becomes construction and presentation: bias-ply for a more traditional look, or radial for a more modern driving-oriented setup within the correct size family. Any car with replacement wheels or suspension changes should have actual wheel width and clearance checked before final tire selection.

The 1963 Ford Consul uses a 13-inch rim diameter across the tire sizes associated with this model. That includes 155R13, 560-13, 145R13, and 520-13, so the wheel diameter remains consistent even though the correct tire size changes between Capri-based and Cortina fitments.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, especially on vintage cars. Wheel width still matters, particularly when comparing bias-ply and radial choices, and some products in these sizes are intended for narrower rims than others. Measuring the wheels already on the car is worthwhile if the vehicle has been restored, modified, or fitted with aftermarket replacements over the years.

More than one tire size appears on the 1963 Ford Consul because the model line includes different sub-models with different fitment needs. Capri and Capri GT use one size family, while the Cortina uses another, and each sub-model can be found in both a bias-ply size and a radial size on the same 13-inch wheel diameter.

That means the buyer should not choose by year and model name alone. Identifying the exact sub-model is the most important step, then matching the tire to the wheel and intended use. A restoration-oriented car may stay with the bias-ply size, while a road-driven car may lead its owner to compare the correct radial fitment or an appropriate radial equivalent for the original bias-ply size.

560-13 is a bias-ply tire size for the 1963 Ford Consul, used on Capri and Capri GT applications. Its radial counterpart within this fitment family is 155R13, which keeps the same 13-inch rim diameter but uses a different sizing convention and radial construction instead of the older numeric bias-ply format.

That distinction matters because the choice is not only about size, but also about appearance and setup. A 560-13 tire keeps a more traditional presentation, especially when paired with whitewall sidewall treatments, while 155R13 shifts the car into a period European radial format. Wheel width, overall dimensions, and body clearance 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 75-series P-metric radial, and P155/70R13 as a 70-series P-metric radial. These sizes offer three different radial-format comparison points for owners starting with the original-style 560-13 bias-ply fitment on a 1963 Ford Consul Capri or Capri GT.

The practical difference is that the three alternatives use different sizing systems and profile conventions rather than one single universal substitute. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches is associated with these radial equivalents, so actual wheel width should be confirmed first. It is also smart to compare clearance at the fender, steering, and suspension before changing from the original bias-ply format.

Start by confirming the correct original bias-ply size for the specific car, since a 1963 Ford Consul Capri or Capri GT differs from a Cortina. Then compare the intended radial equivalent against the car’s 13-inch wheel diameter, actual wheel width, and the general fitment space available around the body, steering, and suspension.

Construction changes can affect more than appearance, so the rest of the vehicle deserves attention too. Old steering components, tired suspension parts, and replacement wheels can all influence how a radial conversion behaves on the road. Looking over the condition of the wheels and confirming there is no rubbing at full steering lock helps prevent choosing a radial size that suits the chart but not the actual car.

Begin with the exact sub-model, because Capri and Capri GT use different tire sizes than the Cortina. After that, choose between bias-ply and radial construction based on how the car will be used and how closely the owner wants to preserve a traditional early-1960s appearance. All of the primary fitments stay on 13-inch rims, but size family still matters.

Product differences are meaningful once the correct size is established. Buyers can compare brand, tire series, sidewall treatment, rim-width compatibility, and load figures where they are stated. A blackwall radial may suit a road-driven car, while a whitewall bias-ply can better support a restoration-oriented presentation. Cars with non-original wheels should have those measurements verified before choosing among the available options.

Sidewall choices for the 1963 Ford Consul include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall, depending on the tire size and product selected. The radial sizes offered here are blackwall, while the bias-ply sizes bring the wider appearance range, including narrow and wide whitewall options in both the 560-13 and 520-13 fitment families.

That gives the owner a clear appearance decision once the correct size is known. A blackwall radial creates a cleaner, more understated look, while whitewall bias-ply tires move the car toward a more traditional vintage presentation. Since sidewall treatment varies by specific size and series, it helps to choose the fitment first and then compare appearance options within that correct tire family.

Tires for the 1963 Ford Consul are available from Michelin, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, Firestone, and Premium Sport, depending on size and construction. Michelin and Dunlop appear in the radial fitments, while BFGoodrich, Firestone, and Premium Sport cover the bias-ply side of the size range with different series and sidewall presentations.

Brand choice should come after the correct size and construction have been settled. Once that is clear, the comparison can focus on details that actually affect the buying decision, such as sidewall style, classic touring versus bias-ply series, wheel-width suitability, and stated load figures where available. The strongest comparison is always among products within the right size family for the specific sub-model.

For a period-style 1963 Ford Consul, the starting point is usually the correct bias-ply size for the sub-model: 560-13 for Capri and Capri GT, or 520-13 for Cortina. Those sizes preserve the vintage numeric sizing format and open the door to traditional blackwall or whitewall presentations that suit the car’s early-1960s character.

The exact appearance choice depends on how authentic or personalized the finished car is meant to be. A wide whitewall creates a stronger visual statement, while a blackwall or narrower whitewall can keep the look more restrained. When exact originality matters, the final decision should be checked against marque-specific references or restoration history for the particular vehicle rather than size alone.

Tire construction changes the visual character of a restored 1963 Ford Consul more than many buyers expect. A bias-ply tire in 560-13 or 520-13 keeps the older numeric sizing format and a more traditional vintage presentation, while a radial such as 155R13 or 145R13 gives the car a later-looking metric tire identity even though it remains on a 13-inch wheel.

That does not make one approach automatically right and the other wrong. A road-focused restoration may favor the radial path, while a display-oriented or period-style build may lean toward bias-ply with an appropriate sidewall treatment. Looking at the car’s trim, wheel style, and intended use usually helps narrow the choice more effectively than construction type by itself.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1963 Ford Consul even when the tire size itself is correct for the model. Replacement wheels, altered wheel width, suspension changes, ride-height changes, and body repairs can all change the amount of clearance available around the tire on a vintage car.

That is especially important when moving between bias-ply and radial construction or when using a radial equivalent for one of the original bias-ply sizes. A car that has been lowered, fitted with non-original wheels, or rebuilt with different suspension parts should be checked at full steering lock and under normal loaded ride height. Small setup differences can matter as much as the nominal tire size.

Before driving a 1963 Ford Consul on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage or distortion, confirm the wheel diameter and width, and make sure the chosen tires are mounted in the correct sub-model size family. It also helps to check valve stems, look for any interference points, and verify that the tires are inflated appropriately for their application.

A vintage car deserves a broader inspection before road use, especially if it has spent time in storage. Look over steering and suspension components, check for uneven wear patterns, and make sure there are no signs of rubbing during turns. A short, cautious test drive can reveal vibration, pull, or clearance issues before the car is taken on regular roads or a longer trip.

Collector-car tires such as 560-13 and 520-13 on a 1963 Ford Consul should be inspected regularly for sidewall cracking, flat spotting, cuts, bulges, and uneven tread wear. Bias-ply tires often spend long periods parked, so maintaining proper inflation and checking for slow air loss matters just as much as monitoring tread depth.

Storage conditions play a major role in tire life on a lightly used vintage Ford. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve both the sidewalls and casing. Even a car that sees very few miles should have its tires reviewed before road use, since age and storage can affect condition long before the tread appears worn.