1963 Plymouth Valiant Tires

The 1963 Plymouth Valiant uses two primary tire sizes: 650-13 and 700-13. Both are bias-ply sizes designed for 13-inch rims, and the Base sub-model can use either size depending on the car’s setup. That means the Valiant does not point every owner to one universal primary fitment.

The practical next step is to confirm what is already on the car and verify the actual wheel dimensions before replacing anything. On a vintage compact like the Valiant, wheel changes over the years are common, so checking size, rim width, and body clearance is more useful than assuming one of the two sizes belongs on every car.

The 1963 Plymouth Valiant tire fitments here are built around a 13-inch rim diameter. Both primary sizes, 650-13 and 700-13, use that same 13-inch rim diameter, so the main fitment difference is tire width rather than wheel diameter. That keeps the basic rim-size question simple.

Even with the same 13-inch diameter, wheel width still matters when choosing between available tires or considering a radial equivalent. A Valiant that has been fitted with replacement wheels over the years may no longer match its earlier setup, so it is worth measuring the wheel and comparing it against the tire’s rim-width requirements before mounting a new set.

The 1963 Plymouth Valiant can be found with either 650-13 or 700-13, both in bias-ply construction on 13-inch rims. In practical terms, that means tire selection depends on the specific wheel and fitment setup on the individual car rather than on the model name alone. The Base sub-model is associated with both sizes.

That variation matters because a wider vintage tire changes the fitment conversation even when the rim diameter stays the same. Before choosing between the two sizes, compare the car’s current tire size, wheel width, and available clearance at the fenders and steering components. That approach is safer than selecting a size based only on appearance.

For the 1963 Plymouth Valiant, 650-13 is a primary bias-ply tire size. It uses the vintage numeric sizing system rather than a modern radial format, and available tires in this primary fitment are offered as classic bias-ply products. A radial in this context is considered an equivalent, not the original primary construction type.

That distinction matters because a buyer may be choosing between preserving a traditional driving feel and appearance or evaluating a modern radial alternative. When considering a change, keep the wheel’s 13-inch diameter in mind and compare the tire against the car’s wheel width, overall space in the wheel opening, and the way the Valiant is intended to be used.

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 the 1963 Plymouth Valiant owner several ways to compare a radial alternative against the original bias-ply size.

Each equivalent follows a different sizing convention, so the decision is not simply about keeping the same numbers on the sidewall. The recommended rim-width range is 4-6 inches, but wheel compatibility, tire dimensions, and clearance still need to be checked on the car itself before converting from a 650-13 bias-ply tire to any radial alternative.

Start by matching the radial equivalent to the Valiant’s original primary size. A 650-13 can be compared with 175R13, P175/75R13, P185/70R13, or 650R13, while a 700-13 can be compared with 185R13, P185/75R13, or P205/70R13. Both equivalent groups reference a 4-6 inch recommended rim-width range.

After narrowing the size, inspect the actual wheel diameter and width on the car, then check for steering, suspension, and fender clearance. A Valiant with replacement wheels, alignment changes, or suspension work may react differently than a stock example, so the tire’s overall dimensions and the car’s present condition should guide the final decision.

The first consideration is making sure the car actually uses 650-13 or 700-13, since the 1963 Plymouth Valiant can be associated with both primary sizes. After confirming that, compare construction, sidewall appearance, and the tire series available in that size. Both primary fitments here are bias-ply tires on 13-inch rims.

A buyer restoring the car may focus on traditional stance and whitewall presentation, while a road-use owner may also want to review radial equivalents separately. Wheel width still matters within the same rim diameter, and product details such as load capacity, rim-width range, and overall visual style are worth comparing before choosing a final tire.

The available sidewall styles for the 1963 Plymouth Valiant include wide whitewall and narrow whitewall, depending on the tire size and product selected. In 650-13, both wide whitewall and narrow whitewall options are available. In 700-13, the available product shown here uses a wide whitewall treatment.

That makes sidewall style an important appearance decision, especially on a compact early-1960s car where the tire contributes noticeably to the overall presentation. The best choice depends on whether the goal is a fuller traditional whitewall look or a subtler stripe, but the correct size and proper wheel compatibility should still come before appearance alone.

Available brands for the 1963 Plymouth Valiant include Coker Classic, US Royal, and Firestone. Coker Classic and US Royal appear in 650-13, while Firestone appears in 700-13. These products are all bias-ply offerings, but they differ in tire series and sidewall presentation within the Valiant’s applicable 13-inch sizes.

Brand choice should be part of a broader comparison rather than the only deciding factor. Once the correct size is confirmed, look at the sidewall style you want, the tire series attached to that brand, and the rim-width specification for the product. That gives a more useful basis for selection than choosing by brand name alone.

A period-style 1963 Plymouth Valiant usually starts with one of its primary bias-ply sizes, either 650-13 or 700-13, depending on the car’s wheel and fitment setup. Staying with a bias-ply tire preserves the vintage sizing format and traditional visual character that suits an early-1960s compact Plymouth particularly well.

Once the correct size is confirmed, the appearance decision shifts to details like whitewall width and tire series. Buyers seeking a highly exact restoration should compare those visual choices against marque references, period photos, or other vehicle-specific historical sources, since a correct size alone does not automatically settle the final appearance question.

On a restored 1963 Plymouth Valiant, tire construction influences both the stance of the car and the way the sidewall reads visually. The primary fitments are bias-ply tires, which keep the car in its original-era sizing language. A radial equivalent can be considered, but it changes the presentation even when the rim diameter remains the same.

That matters most when the goal is a restoration-oriented look rather than simple road use. A bias-look radial can help retain a more traditional appearance in the 650-13 range, while conventional metric and P-metric radials look more modern. The right choice depends on how strongly the build prioritizes vintage appearance versus an alternative construction.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1963 Plymouth Valiant even when the tire size appears correct on paper. Wheel replacements, changes in wheel width, altered ride height, suspension work, or body repairs can all influence how a 650-13 or 700-13 tire sits in the wheel opening and clears surrounding components.

That is why a vintage Valiant should be checked as it exists today rather than as it may have left the factory decades ago. Turn the steering through its travel, inspect fender and suspension clearance, and confirm the actual wheel dimensions before mounting tires. Those checks become even more important when comparing a bias-ply fitment with a radial equivalent.

Before driving a 1963 Plymouth Valiant on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage or corrosion, confirm the tire size and rim compatibility, and make sure the tires are seated and inflated correctly. It is also smart to check for obvious clearance concerns at the fenders, steering components, and suspension while the car is stationary.

A short, careful test drive should follow, with attention to any rubbing, pulling, or unusual vibration. Collector cars often spend long periods parked, so it is also worth checking the rest of the car before road use, including alignment condition, wheel fastener security, and any age-related wear that could affect how the new tires perform.

Collector-car tires on a 1963 Plymouth Valiant should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspection, and attention to signs of age such as cracking, bulges, cuts, or uneven wear. Whether the car uses 650-13 or 700-13, low annual mileage does not eliminate the need for inspection because long storage can still affect tire condition.

Storage habits matter just as much as driving habits on a vintage Valiant. Keep the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources when possible, and inspect the tires before each outing rather than assuming they are ready from the last drive. That routine helps catch age-related issues before they become road-use problems.