The 1963 Nissan L520 came from an era when compact imported pickups were valued for simple utility, modest proportions, and straightforward mechanical design. For owners restoring one for shows, light hauling, or weekend use, the tire choice plays a big role in preserving that small-truck character. The 1963 Nissan L520 uses bias-ply 560-14 and 6.00-14 tire sizes on 14-inch rims, so the first step is confirming which of those two sizes suits the truck’s current wheel and fitment setup. Available choices center on traditional blackwall and whitewall presentations in BFGoodrich’s Silvertown Classic Bias Ply line. That makes this page especially useful for balancing period-style appearance with practical road-ready inspection and fitment checks.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1963 Nissan L520
The 1963 Nissan L520 uses two primary tire sizes, 560-14 and 6.00-14, and both are bias-ply tires built for 14-inch rims. Because the same sub-model can be associated with either size, the key decision is confirming the truck’s actual wheel and existing fitment before choosing a tire, then selecting the sidewall style and presentation that best matches its restoration or driver goals.
A 560-14 size uses a vintage numeric bias-ply format in which the leading number represents the tire’s nominal section width in inches, here about 5.60 inches, followed by the 14-inch rim diameter. On a 1963 Nissan L520, this size keeps the truck in its traditional bias-ply construction and period-style fitment range. Available 560-14 choices include BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply tires in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles. This size is worth considering when the truck retains a narrower wheel setup and the goal is a traditional compact-pickup appearance.
A 6.00-14 tire is also a vintage numeric bias-ply size, with the first number indicating an approximate 6.00-inch nominal section width and the final number indicating a 14-inch rim. For the 1963 Nissan L520, it represents another correct-format bias-ply fitment path rather than a modern radial conversion. Buyers considering this size should treat it as a separate fitment choice and confirm the truck’s actual wheel width, current clearance, and overall setup before moving away from a 560-14-equipped arrangement. That matters most on older trucks that may have seen wheel changes over the years.
Sub-model fitment is straightforward here because the covered 1963 Nissan L520 Base uses the same two bias-ply size options. The real task is not choosing between trims, but confirming which wheel and tire setup is actually on the truck before selecting a replacement.
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1963 Nissan L520 Base
The 1963 Nissan L520 Base is associated with 560-14 and 6.00-14 bias-ply tires on 14-inch rims. That means tire selection should start with the truck’s present wheel width and fitment, then move to appearance choices such as blackwall, narrow whitewall, or wide whitewall when shopping within the supported size.
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 Nissan L520 Tires for Sale
Available 560-14 options for the 1963 Nissan L520 come from BFGoodrich in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series, with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles. That gives buyers a clear way to compare period-style appearance while staying within the same bias-ply fitment family.
These FAQs focus on the tire sizes used on the 1963 Nissan L520, how to confirm the right 14-inch fitment, and what to consider when choosing among bias-ply styles for restoration or road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1963 Nissan L520?
The 1963 Nissan L520 uses two primary tire sizes: 560-14 and 6.00-14. Both are vintage numeric bias-ply sizes designed for 14-inch rims, and the 1963 Nissan L520 Base can be associated with either one depending on the truck’s wheel and tire setup.
That makes the first step verification rather than assumption. Check the tire size currently on the truck, confirm the wheel diameter, and inspect wheel width before choosing a replacement. On an older pickup, wheels may have been changed long ago, so selecting between 560-14 and 6.00-14 should be tied to the actual wheel and clearance situation, not just the model name alone.
What size rim does a 1963 Nissan L520 use?
The tire fitments associated with the 1963 Nissan L520 use a 14-inch rim diameter. Both 560-14 and 6.00-14 are built around that 14-inch wheel size, so rim diameter stays consistent even though the tire widths differ between the two supported fitments.
Rim diameter is only part of the picture, especially on an older truck. Before replacing tires, confirm that the wheel is truly a 14-inch rim and check its width as well, since tire sizing and wheel compatibility go together. A truck with replacement wheels, repainted wheels, or mixed components can still have the correct diameter but need closer fitment review.
What does 560-14 mean on a 1963 Nissan L520?
A 560-14 is a numeric bias-ply tire size. The 560 indicates a nominal section width of about 5.60 inches, while the 14 identifies the rim diameter in inches. On a 1963 Nissan L520, it is one of the traditional bias-ply fitments used to keep the truck in a period-style sizing format.
Understanding that code helps when comparing it with 6.00-14, which is a slightly different width in the same vintage sizing system. Since these older designations are not read the same way as modern metric tire sizes, it is important to match the actual wheel and current setup before choosing. That keeps the replacement process focused on proper fitment, appearance, and clearance.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 560-14 tire for a 1963 Nissan L520?
Choosing a 560-14 tire for a 1963 Nissan L520 starts with confirming that 560-14 is the size the truck actually uses. From there, the main considerations are bias-ply construction, 14-inch rim compatibility, sidewall appearance, and whether the tire’s rim-width specification suits the wheel on the truck.
Within the available 560-14 options, BFGoodrich offers blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series. That lets the buyer shape the truck’s visual presentation without leaving the same basic size family. It also helps to compare load capacity, weight, and intended use, especially if the truck will see more road miles than occasional show duty.
What sidewall styles are available for 1963 Nissan L520 tires?
For the 1963 Nissan L520, the available 560-14 product options include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall sidewall styles. Those choices keep the tire in the same vintage bias-ply family while changing the truck’s appearance from more utilitarian to more restoration-oriented.
The best style depends on how the pickup is being presented. A blackwall usually suits a more work-truck or understated look, while narrow and wide whitewalls create a more stylized period feel. Since sidewall treatment does not change the need for correct size and wheel compatibility, appearance should be the final layer of the decision after fitment has been confirmed.
What tire series are available for the 1963 Nissan L520?
The available 560-14 tires for the 1963 Nissan L520 are offered in BFGoodrich’s Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series. That series keeps the truck in a traditional bias-ply format and provides a consistent vintage look across the different sidewall treatments available in this size.
When a single series is available, the comparison shifts away from broad design differences and toward details such as sidewall style, rim-width compatibility, load specification, and the truck’s intended use. A buyer restoring a stock-looking pickup may focus mainly on appearance, while a road-driven truck owner may spend more time confirming wheel condition, tire age, and overall chassis readiness.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1963 Nissan L520?
A period-style 1963 Nissan L520 tire choice starts with the two supported bias-ply sizes, 560-14 and 6.00-14, both for 14-inch rims. If the truck uses 560-14, BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply options are available and preserve the vintage construction and visual character most owners want from an early compact pickup.
The most appropriate selection depends on the truck’s actual wheel setup and the look being pursued. Keeping the original-style construction is often part of the appeal on a restoration-oriented build, but exact historical authenticity can vary by vehicle and prior changes. For a highly detail-driven restoration, comparing against period photos, marque resources, and vehicle-specific history is worthwhile before settling on a sidewall style.
Which sidewall style suits a period-style 1963 Nissan L520?
A period-style 1963 Nissan L520 can be presented with blackwall, narrow whitewall, or wide whitewall treatment, depending on the tire size and product selected. On the available 560-14 BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply options, those sidewall choices create distinctly different visual impressions while staying within a traditional bias-ply format.
Blackwall tends to give the truck a simple, work-focused appearance, while whitewall treatments add more vintage flair and a more deliberate restoration look. The right choice depends on the truck’s finish, trim, and intended presentation rather than any universal rule. Appearance should still follow confirmed fitment, because the right sidewall style only matters after the correct size and wheel compatibility have been established.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1963 Nissan L520?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1963 Nissan L520. Even though the supported tire sizes are 560-14 and 6.00-14 on 14-inch rims, changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension work, ride-height changes, or body modifications can influence how either size sits on the truck.
That is especially important with older pickups, which often pass through several owners over the years. A replacement tire should be matched to the wheel actually on the vehicle, not just the original-looking setup. Check steering clearance, fender clearance, wheel width, and overall stance before installation, particularly if the truck has been lowered, updated, or fitted with non-stock wheels at some point.
What should I inspect before driving a 1963 Nissan L520 on new tires?
Before driving a 1963 Nissan L520 on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage or corrosion, verify the rim diameter and width, and confirm that the selected tire size matches the truck’s setup. It is also wise to look over valve stems, wheel hardware, and the general condition of the suspension and steering components.
A fresh set of tires cannot compensate for worn mechanical parts or wheel problems. After installation, check inflation, confirm that the tires clear through steering travel, and watch for any rubbing under load or during turns. On a collector-era truck, a short initial drive followed by a second inspection is a smart way to catch air loss, contact marks, or balance issues early.
How should 560-14 tires on a collector 1963 Nissan L520 be maintained?
560-14 tires on a collector 1963 Nissan L520 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and careful storage habits. Pay attention to tread condition, cracking, cuts, bulges, and signs of slow air loss, especially if the truck is driven infrequently and spends long periods parked.
Collector vehicles often age their tires by time and storage conditions as much as by mileage. Keeping the truck away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone-producing equipment helps preserve the sidewalls. It also helps to move or drive the vehicle periodically, inspect the tires before each outing, and have any questionable wear or aging reviewed before taking the truck on longer road trips.
