1963 Nissan PL312 Tires

A 1963 Nissan PL312 uses two primary tire sizes: 560-13 in bias-ply construction and 155R13 in radial construction. Both are 13-inch fitments, so the decision is not about switching wheel diameter but about choosing the construction and overall tire style that suit the car.

That means the next step is confirming how the car is set up now. A restoration-oriented PL312 may stay with the 560-13 bias-ply size, while a car already running radial-compatible wheels may be matched to 155R13. Sidewall appearance also differs, with whitewall bias-ply options and blackwall radial choices available.

The 1963 Nissan PL312 uses a 13-inch rim diameter with both of its primary tire sizes. That applies to the 560-13 bias-ply fitment and the 155R13 radial fitment, so rim diameter stays consistent even though construction and tire format differ.

Rim diameter alone is only part of the fitment check. Bias-ply products in 560-13 use narrower rim-width ranges than the 155R13 radial offerings, so wheel width should be verified before choosing between them. On an older imported sedan, it is also smart to confirm the wheels have not been changed during past restoration or maintenance work.

560-13 is a vintage numeric bias-ply tire size. The 560 refers to an approximate 5.60-inch nominal section width, and the 13 refers to the wheel diameter in inches. On a 1963 Nissan PL312, it represents the traditional bias-ply sizing format associated with period-style replacement tires.

That older numbering system does not read like a modern metric radial size, so it helps to interpret it before buying. Owners considering a change away from 560-13 should compare the radial-equivalent options carefully rather than assuming every 13-inch tire is suitable. Wheel width, overall dimensions, and clearance still matter on a compact early-1960s chassis.

On the 1963 Nissan PL312, 560-13 is a bias-ply tire size. It is the vintage numeric fitment, and available products in this size include bias-ply offerings from BFGoodrich and Firestone with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall sidewall styles.

Choosing 560-13 usually points toward a more traditional look and an older-style construction. That choice should still be matched to the wheel, since the available 560-13 products use narrow rim-width ranges. If the car has been updated over the years, checking the actual wheel width before staying with bias-ply tires is an important step.

Radial equivalents for 560-13 include 155R13 as the 80-series metric radial, P155/75R13 as the P-metric 75-series radial, and P155/70R13 as the P-metric 70-series radial. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches applies to that equivalent-size path.

Those equivalents give the owner several ways to move from a vintage bias-ply size into radial sizing conventions, but they should be treated as alternatives rather than automatic replacements. The wheel width, tire dimensions, and clearance around the PL312 should be checked before conversion, especially on a compact car where small changes can matter.

Either can be appropriate on a 1963 Nissan PL312 because both 560-13 bias-ply and 155R13 radial fitments are used on this model. The better choice depends on how the car is being restored, displayed, and driven, along with which wheel setup is actually on the car.

Bias-ply tires usually make the most sense when the goal is a period-style presentation, especially with whitewall sidewall options. Radials are the path to consider when the owner wants the PL312 set up around a radial construction. The important part is verifying wheel width and vehicle clearance before changing from one construction approach to the other.

Start with the primary fitment path: 560-13 for bias-ply or 155R13 for radial. Both use a 13-inch rim, but they differ in construction, sidewall presentation, and wheel-width compatibility. That makes construction choice the main decision, not just selecting any tire that shares the same rim diameter.

From there, compare the details that affect how the car will look and be used. The PL312 has whitewall bias-ply choices for a traditional appearance and blackwall radial options from Michelin and Dunlop for a later-style setup. Tire series, load figures where given, and the actual wheel dimensions on the car are all worth checking before deciding.

The available sidewall styles for the 1963 Nissan PL312 include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall. Blackwall appears on the 155R13 radial options, while the 560-13 bias-ply choices are offered with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall treatments.

That sidewall variety gives the car very different visual character depending on the direction taken. A blackwall radial keeps the presentation simpler and more understated, while narrow and wide whitewalls push the look toward a stronger vintage feel. The right choice depends on the car's restoration style and whether appearance or construction type is the top priority.

The 1963 Nissan PL312 has tire options from Michelin, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, and Firestone. Michelin and Dunlop cover the 155R13 radial fitment, while BFGoodrich and Firestone supply 560-13 bias-ply options in different whitewall styles and tire series.

Brand choice should be considered alongside size, construction, and appearance rather than treated as a stand-alone decision. A Michelin or Dunlop radial suits buyers following the 155R13 path, while BFGoodrich and Firestone are relevant for traditional 560-13 bias-ply fitment. It helps to compare rim-width requirements and sidewall style at the same time.

For a period-style 1963 Nissan PL312, the 560-13 bias-ply size is the natural starting point because it preserves the vintage sizing format and is available with traditional whitewall treatments. BFGoodrich and Firestone both offer bias-ply choices in this size, giving the owner more than one way to approach the car's appearance.

The exact sidewall treatment should match the look being pursued rather than assuming one version was universally used. Narrow whitewall and wide whitewall choices create noticeably different visual results on a compact early-1960s sedan. When exact originality matters, marque-specific historical references and restoration documentation are still worth consulting before final selection.

Tire construction changes the look of a restored 1963 Nissan PL312 as much as it changes the fitment path. A 560-13 bias-ply tire presents the car in a more traditional vintage format, especially with whitewall sidewalls, while a 155R13 radial gives the PL312 a later-style blackwall radial presentation.

That visual difference matters because tires occupy so much of the car's stance and proportion. Owners restoring for show or period flavor often begin with the bias-ply option, while owners prioritizing a radial setup may accept the different appearance. The most convincing choice is the one that stays consistent with the car's wheels and restoration goal.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1963 Nissan PL312 even when the nominal size appears correct. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, suspension alterations, or bodywork repairs can all influence whether a 560-13 bias-ply or 155R13 radial setup has the clearance and wheel support it needs.

That is especially important on a compact car with limited space around the tire. A PL312 that has been lowered, rebuilt with non-original wheels, or altered during restoration should be measured rather than assumed to match stock dimensions. Checking steering clearance and fender space before final installation can prevent costly fitment surprises.

Before driving a 1963 Nissan PL312 on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and width, confirm the tires are seated properly, and check air pressure. It is also wise to look over the suspension, steering components, and brakes, since an older car often reveals unrelated issues once fresh tires are installed.

A short, careful road test is the best follow-up. Listen for rubbing, watch for pulling or vibration, and recheck pressure after the first drive. On a recently restored or long-stored PL312, the first miles should also include another visual inspection for clearance at full steering lock and any signs of contact inside the wheel opening.

Tires on a collector 1963 Nissan PL312 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspection, and careful storage habits. Watch for cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven wear, and slow air loss, since low-use collector cars often age tires long before they wear them out.

Storage conditions matter almost as much as mileage. Keeping the PL312 away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve both bias-ply and radial tires. It also helps to inspect the tires before every meaningful drive, because a car that sits for long periods can develop issues that are easy to miss at a glance.