1963 Nissan SPL Tires

A 1963 Nissan SPL uses two primary tire sizes: 560-13 in bias-ply construction and 155R13 in radial construction. Both sizes are tied to the same 13-inch rim diameter, so the fitment question is less about wheel diameter and more about which tire construction the car is set up to use.

The practical next step is confirming the wheels currently on the car and whether it has remained close to a period-style setup or has been changed over to radial tires. That matters because a 560-13 bias-ply and a 155R13 radial are not simply different labels for the same tire, even though they share the same rim diameter.

The 1963 Nissan SPL 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 the common wheel-diameter reference point for this car is 13 inches.

Wheel diameter is only the first checkpoint, though. Before selecting a tire, it is still important to confirm the actual wheel width on the car, especially if the roadster has replacement wheels or has already been converted from bias-ply to radial construction. A 13-inch wheel can still vary enough in width to affect which tire choices make sense.

560-13 is a vintage numeric bias-ply tire size. The 560 designation refers to the tire's nominal section-width class, and the 13 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. On a 1963 Nissan SPL, it represents the classic bias-ply fitment rather than a modern metric or P-metric radial size.

That older sizing format matters because the tire's construction, appearance, and wheel-width requirements can differ from a radial alternative using the same 13-inch rim diameter. Buyers looking at 560-13 should focus on period-style presentation, whitewall choices, and wheel compatibility instead of assuming that any modern 13-inch tire will serve the same role on the car.

On the 1963 Nissan SPL, 560-13 is the bias-ply tire size. The radial size associated with this model is 155R13, so the distinction is clear: 560-13 belongs to the vintage numeric bias-ply fitment family, while 155R13 uses a metric radial format.

That difference affects more than the label on the sidewall. A buyer comparing the two should verify wheel width, intended appearance, and whether the car has already been set up around one construction type or the other. Keeping a bias-ply tire supports a more traditional presentation, while moving to a radial should be treated as a fitment decision that deserves a full wheel and clearance check.

Radial equivalents for 560-13 include 155R13 as the 80-series metric radial option, P155/75R13 as the 75-series P-metric alternative, and P155/70R13 as the 70-series P-metric alternative. No bias-look radial equivalent is attached to 560-13 here, so the radial choices are standard metric and P-metric formats.

A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches applies to these equivalent sizes, which gives a useful starting point when evaluating a conversion. Even so, an equivalent size should still be checked against the car's actual wheel width, tire-to-body clearance, and the overall look you want, since equivalent does not mean automatic interchangeability on every individual car.

Start by confirming the wheel diameter and width, then compare the intended radial size with the car's existing setup. For a 560-13 Nissan SPL, radial-equivalent choices include 155R13, P155/75R13, and P155/70R13, and the recommended rim-width range for those equivalents is 4 to 5 inches.

A conversion also deserves a close look at front steering clearance, rear fender room, suspension condition, and the car's current ride height. The SPL is a small roadster, so even modest differences in tire shape or wheel specification can matter. Checking those basics before changing construction helps avoid choosing a radial size that looks or fits differently than expected.

Choosing a 560-13 tire for a 1963 Nissan SPL starts with confirming that the car is staying with its bias-ply fitment. In this size, the main selection differences are brand, tire series, whitewall treatment, rim-width specification, and load details such as the 850@30 psi rating attached to the available bias-ply products.

Once the fitment is confirmed, the real choice becomes visual character and how closely the tire suits the car's intended role. Narrow whitewall and wide whitewall versions create noticeably different presentations, and wheel width should be checked before deciding between options. That approach keeps the purchase focused on the car's setup rather than on sidewall style alone.

The 1963 Nissan SPL has several sidewall styles available across its tire choices. The 155R13 radial options are blackwall tires, while the 560-13 bias-ply options include narrow whitewall and wide whitewall designs. That gives the car a meaningful spread between road-focused blackwall presentation and more traditional whitewall styling.

Sidewall choice should follow the construction and appearance direction of the car. A blackwall radial suits an owner looking at the 155R13 radial fitment, while whitewall bias-ply tires better support a vintage look built around 560-13. Since sidewall treatment changes the car's visual balance so much, it helps to decide on the overall character first and the brand second.

Tires for the 1963 Nissan SPL are available from Michelin, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, and Firestone. Michelin and Dunlop cover the 155R13 radial fitment, while BFGoodrich and Firestone provide 560-13 bias-ply options. That split makes brand choice closely tied to whether the car is staying with bias-ply construction or using radial tires.

Brand selection is most useful after the correct size and construction have already been settled. From there, compare the tire series, sidewall style, rim-width range, and any load information that matters to your setup. Looking at brands within the correct fitment family keeps the decision practical and avoids comparing products that serve different roles on the car.

For a period-style 1963 Nissan SPL, the 560-13 bias-ply fitment is the natural starting point because it preserves the vintage numeric sizing format and traditional construction associated with the car. Within that size, BFGoodrich and Firestone options give the buyer a choice of classic bias-ply tire series and whitewall presentations.

The right choice depends on how strictly the car is being restored and what visual effect is desired. A narrow whitewall and a wide whitewall create different period-style looks, but neither should be assumed to be exact factory practice without model-specific historical confirmation. When originality matters at a finer level, marque references and restoration documentation are worth checking.

Tire construction changes the look of a restored 1963 Nissan SPL in obvious ways. A 560-13 bias-ply gives the car a more traditional vintage presentation, especially with narrow whitewall or wide whitewall styling, while a 155R13 radial uses a more modern blackwall radial format that can shift the visual character even on the same 13-inch wheel diameter.

That makes construction choice part of the restoration decision, not just a driving decision. Owners focused on an earlier roadster appearance often begin with the bias-ply size, while owners planning more regular driving may weigh the radial option more heavily. Either way, the tire should complement the car's stance, wheel width, and intended level of historical authenticity.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1963 Nissan SPL even when the tire size appears correct on paper. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, altered offsets, lowered suspension, or body and fender work can influence how either a 560-13 bias-ply or 155R13 radial sits on the car.

That is especially important on a compact roadster where clearance margins can be tighter than on a larger car. Before ordering replacement tires, confirm the actual wheel dimensions and inspect steering and suspension travel with the current setup in mind. Small changes at the wheel can make a meaningful difference in clearance, stance, and overall fitment confidence.

Before driving a 1963 Nissan SPL on new tires, inspect the wheels, lug hardware, valve stems, and overall tire clearance at full steering lock and through normal suspension movement. It is also wise to look over the brakes, steering components, and suspension for looseness or wear that could affect how the car behaves once fresh tires are installed.

Tire pressure should be set appropriately for the chosen tire and the car should be rechecked after the first few drives for any signs of rubbing, uneven contact, or air loss. On an older sports car, new tires can reveal issues that worn tires masked, so a short and careful initial road test is a smart part of putting the car back into service.

Collector-car tires on a 1963 Nissan SPL should be inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and slow air loss whether the car runs 560-13 bias-ply tires or 155R13 radials. Storage also matters, since low-use cars often age their tires through time and environment rather than mileage alone.

Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve tire condition between drives. Pressure checks should be part of every pre-drive routine, and the tires deserve a close visual inspection before any longer outing. That habit is especially valuable on a lightly used roadster where deterioration may develop long before the tread appears worn.