The 1963 Ford Falcon sits squarely in the early compact-car era, when simple dimensions, light weight, and tidy styling made these cars practical daily transportation and later a favorite with restorers and vintage Ford enthusiasts. Tire choice on this Falcon starts with confirming the exact body style, because the car uses 600-13, 650-13, or 700-13 bias-ply sizes on 13-inch rims depending on sub-model. Within those sizes, the available choices lean heavily toward traditional whitewall presentations, with different brands, series, and whitewall widths represented. Radial equivalents are also available, so the real decision is balancing period-style appearance, wheel compatibility, and intended road use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1963 Ford Falcon
The 1963 Ford Falcon uses three primary tire sizes, and the correct one depends on the exact sub-model rather than a universal fitment across the whole model line. All three are bias-ply sizes for 13-inch rims, so the first step is confirming whether the car is a sedan, hardtop, convertible, or station wagon before narrowing the choice to appearance, brand, and possible radial-equivalent alternatives.
Fit(s): Hardtops & Convertibles, Sedan, and Station Wagon
Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 13 in
A 650-13 uses the older numeric bias-ply sizing system, where the 6.50 designation refers to an approximate nominal section width in inches and the 13 identifies the wheel diameter. On the 1963 Ford Falcon, this is a traditional bias-ply fitment used across more than one sub-model, making it one of the most broadly relevant Falcon sizes. Available choices include Coker Classic and US Royal tires in both wide whitewall and narrow whitewall treatments. It is a useful size to consider when the car calls for a mid-range Falcon fitment and the goal is a vintage appearance with 13-inch wheel compatibility.
A 700-13 is also an older numeric bias-ply size, with the 7.00 designation indicating a wider nominal section width than a 650-13 and the 13 marking the rim diameter. For the 1963 Ford Falcon, this size applies to certain hardtops, convertibles, and station wagons rather than every Falcon body style. The available offering is a Firestone Classic Bias Ply with a whitewall presentation, giving it a distinctly traditional look. This size matters when the car uses the wider 13-inch fitment and the owner wants to stay with the original-style bias-ply construction approach.
A 600-13 follows the same numeric bias-ply convention, with the 6.00 figure indicating a narrower nominal section width and the 13 identifying the wheel diameter. On the 1963 Ford Falcon, this size is associated with certain sedan applications, so it should not be treated as a universal Falcon tire. BFGoodrich options in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series are available in both wide whitewall and narrow whitewall styles. This size is worth selecting when the car retains the narrower 13-inch setup and the goal is a restoration-oriented tire with an authentic early-1960s visual character.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1963 Ford Falcon because the covered body styles do not all share the same tire size. Some use a narrower size range, while others step up to larger 13-inch bias-ply sizes, so identifying the exact sub-model is the first part of choosing the right tire.
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1963 Ford Falcon Hardtops & Convertibles
1963 Ford Falcon Hardtops & Convertibles use 650-13 or 700-13 bias-ply tires, so tire choice begins with confirming which of those two 13-inch sizes is on the car. Once that is established, the decision shifts toward whitewall style, brand preference, and whether a modern radial equivalent is being considered.
The 1963 Ford Falcon Sedan uses either 600-13 or 650-13 bias-ply tires, placing it on the narrower side of Falcon fitment choices. That makes wheel confirmation especially important before selecting a period-style replacement or comparing available radial-equivalent sizes.
1963 Ford Falcon Station Wagon models use 650-13 or 700-13 bias-ply sizes, sharing the larger Falcon fitment range rather than the sedan's narrower option. Tire selection comes down to confirming the actual size on the wagon, then choosing the sidewall treatment and construction approach that suits the vehicle's intended look and use.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1963 Ford Falcon
Radial equivalents are available for all three primary 1963 Ford Falcon sizes. For 650-13, the choices are 175R13 as an 80-series metric radial, P175/75R13 as a 75-series P-metric radial, P185/70R13 as a 70-series P-metric radial, and 650R13 as a bias-look radial. For 700-13, the equivalents are 185R13, P185/75R13, and P205/70R13, while 600-13 corresponds to 165R13, P165/75R13, and P175/70R13. Recommended rim-width ranges run 4-6 inches for 650-13 and 700-13, and 4-5 inches for 600-13, so wheel width and clearance should be checked before changing formats.
Modern Radial Equivalents
175R13
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (650-13)
P175/75R13
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (650-13)
P185/70R13
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (650-13)
650R13
Bias-look Radial Equivalent (650-13)
185R13
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (700-13)
P185/75R13
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (700-13)
P205/70R13
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (700-13)
165R13
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (600-13)
P165/75R13
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (600-13)
P175/70R13
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (600-13)
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 1963 Ford Falcon Tires for Sale
Available 1963 Ford Falcon tire choices center on bias-ply 13-inch options from Coker Classic, US Royal, Firestone, and BFGoodrich. Across the three sizes, the main differences are tire series, whitewall width, and rim-width specifications tied to each size.
These FAQs focus on the tire-size differences across the 1963 Ford Falcon line, how its 13-inch bias-ply fitments relate to radial equivalents, and what to review before choosing tires for restoration, regular road use, or a modified car.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1963 Ford Falcon?
A 1963 Ford Falcon can use 600-13, 650-13, or 700-13 tires, depending on the specific sub-model. All three are primary bias-ply fitments on 13-inch rims, so there is not one universal Falcon size across the entire model line.
The practical step is confirming whether the car is a sedan, hardtop, convertible, or station wagon, then checking the actual wheel and tire setup on the vehicle. Many older cars have been changed over time, so matching the tire to the body style and the current 13-inch wheel arrangement is more useful than assuming every 1963 Falcon used the same size.
What size rim does a 1963 Ford Falcon use?
The covered tire fitments for a 1963 Ford Falcon use a 13-inch rim diameter. That applies across the 600-13, 650-13, and 700-13 bias-ply sizes, even though the section widths differ between the three tire codes.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, because wheel width also matters when comparing tires or considering a radial equivalent. Before choosing a replacement, confirm that the car still has 13-inch wheels and check the actual wheel width, especially if the Falcon has had wheels changed during restoration or earlier ownership.
Why does the 1963 Ford Falcon have more than one tire size?
The 1963 Ford Falcon has more than one tire size because fitment varies by sub-model. Sedans use 600-13 or 650-13, while hardtops, convertibles, and station wagons use 650-13 or 700-13, so the full Falcon range spans three different primary sizes.
That variation means the best starting point is the exact body style and the wheel setup actually on the car. A Falcon that has been restored, modified, or simply retired from regular use for many years may no longer match its earlier tire arrangement, so checking both the sub-model and the wheel before buying avoids choosing the wrong width range.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 650-13 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1963 Ford Falcon?
For the 1963 Ford Falcon, 650-13 is a primary bias-ply tire size. It uses the older numeric sizing system typical of early compact cars, and it remains the traditional construction choice when the goal is to keep the car in a period-style 13-inch fitment.
Radial alternatives do exist for this size, but they are equivalents rather than the original bias-ply construction. Anyone comparing the two should verify wheel width, overall tire dimensions, and fender or steering clearance, especially if the Falcon has replacement wheels or suspension changes that affect how a modern radial sits in the wheel opening.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 650-13 on a 1963 Ford Falcon?
Radial equivalents for 650-13 include 175R13 as an 80-series metric radial, P175/75R13 as a 75-series P-metric radial, P185/70R13 as a 70-series P-metric radial, and 650R13 as a bias-look radial. These options give a 1963 Ford Falcon owner several ways to compare a radial alternative against the original-style bias-ply size.
Each option follows a different sizing convention, so the choice is not only about construction but also about profile and visual character. The recommended rim-width range for the 650-13 equivalents is 4 to 6 inches, and the final decision should still account for wheel compatibility, clearance, and how closely the owner wants the tire to resemble a traditional Falcon presentation.
What should I check before converting my 1963 Ford Falcon from bias-ply to radial tires?
Start by identifying the Falcon's original bias-ply size, then compare only the radial equivalents associated with that size. A 600-13, 650-13, and 700-13 Falcon do not share the same equivalent sizes, so the conversion should begin with the exact tire size and the 13-inch wheel already on the car.
Wheel width, tire clearance, suspension condition, and the car's current ride height all deserve attention before making the switch. A Falcon with aftermarket wheels, worn steering components, or body modifications can respond differently than a stock car, so it makes sense to check dimensions carefully and have a qualified tire professional review the setup when anything looks questionable.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 1963 Ford Falcon tire?
Begin with the correct primary size for the exact sub-model: 600-13, 650-13, or 700-13. From there, the important choices are bias-ply versus a radial equivalent, the wheel width the tire is intended to work with, and the visual style you want on the car.
A restoration-oriented Falcon may call for a traditional bias-ply whitewall, while a more road-driven car may lead you to compare radial-equivalent options. It also helps to look at load capacity, tire series, and how the sidewall treatment suits the vehicle's appearance, rather than choosing only by size code and assuming every 13-inch Falcon tire delivers the same result.
What sidewall styles are available for 1963 Ford Falcon tires?
The available 1963 Ford Falcon tires use whitewall sidewall treatments, with both wide whitewall and narrow whitewall options represented. The exact choice depends on tire size, since 650-13 and 600-13 offer multiple whitewall widths, while 700-13 is offered in a whitewall style within the available Firestone selection.
Sidewall style affects the car's visual balance as much as the tire itself, especially on a compact early-1960s Ford. Wider whitewalls create a more traditional presentation, while narrower whitewalls give a slightly subtler look, so it helps to match the sidewall treatment to the level of period character or restraint you want the Falcon to show.
What brands offer tires for the 1963 Ford Falcon?
1963 Ford Falcon tire options are available from Coker Classic, US Royal, Firestone, and BFGoodrich across the applicable 13-inch bias-ply sizes. Brand availability depends on the specific size, with some sizes offering multiple choices and others having a more limited range of product styles.
The better comparison is not brand name alone, but how each option lines up with the Falcon's required size, wheel width, sidewall presentation, and intended use. Looking at the tire series and whitewall treatment alongside basic fitment details gives a much clearer picture than treating all available brands as interchangeable.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1963 Ford Falcon?
A period-style 1963 Ford Falcon usually starts with the correct primary bias-ply size for the exact sub-model, whether that is 600-13, 650-13, or 700-13. That keeps the car in the same general sizing and construction family associated with its early-1960s compact-car character.
After size is confirmed, the visual choice often comes down to whitewall width and overall presentation rather than brand alone. If exact restoration authenticity matters, it is wise to compare the tire against marque-club guidance, period photos, or vehicle-specific historical references, since a correct-looking size and sidewall style are not automatically the same thing as exact originality.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1963 Ford Falcon?
Tire construction changes more than road feel on a restored 1963 Ford Falcon; it also changes the way the car presents visually. A bias-ply tire keeps the Falcon in its traditional sizing language and classic sidewall character, while a radial equivalent can give a more modern look even when it stays close to the original dimensions.
That matters because the Falcon is a compact car with relatively simple lines, so tire profile and sidewall style are easy to notice. Owners aiming for a stronger vintage impression often stay with bias-ply construction, while those wanting a compromise between appearance and modern tire format may look at metric or bias-look radial equivalents after checking wheel compatibility.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1963 Ford Falcon?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1963 Ford Falcon even when the tire size seems correct on paper. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, altered ride height, suspension repairs, or bodywork around the wheel openings can all influence how a 600-13, 650-13, or 700-13 tire actually sits on the car.
A Falcon that has been lowered, fitted with replacement wheels, or updated during an older restoration may need a closer fitment review before changing tires. Turning clearance, inner-fender space, and sidewall-to-suspension clearance are all worth checking, especially when moving from bias-ply construction to a radial equivalent with a different sizing convention.
What should I inspect before driving a 1963 Ford Falcon on new tires?
Before driving a 1963 Ford Falcon on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, make sure the tires are seated properly, and confirm that inflation is appropriate for the tire being used. It is also smart to look over the suspension and steering for looseness or wear that could affect how the car tracks.
A short, careful test drive helps reveal rubbing, pulling, vibration, or clearance problems before regular use. On a collector-era Falcon, it also pays to recheck lug torque, watch for air loss after installation, and inspect the sidewalls after the first few drives so any mismatch between the tire and the car's setup can be caught early.
How should 1963 Ford Falcon tires be maintained?
1963 Ford Falcon tires should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections for cracking, cuts, bulges, and uneven tread wear, and periodic review of how the car is sitting on its suspension. Because many Falcons are driven infrequently, age and storage conditions can become just as important as mileage.
Clean, dry storage away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve tires on a collector car that spends more time parked than driven. It also helps to move the Falcon occasionally, keep an eye on slow air loss, and inspect the tires before longer drives rather than assuming a low-use car is road-ready simply because the tread still looks good.