1964 Buick Special Tires

A 1964 Buick Special uses one of three bias-ply tire sizes: 6.50-14, 700-14, or 750-14, all on 14-inch rims. The exact size depends on the specific sub-model. The Base model is associated with 6.50-14 and 700-14, while the Wagon uses 700-14 and 750-14.

That means the first step is identifying the exact Buick Special sub-model and then confirming what wheels are on the car now. Many older cars have had wheels or tire sizes changed over the years, so matching the tire to the actual wheel diameter and the intended appearance is just as important as choosing the correct nominal size.

The 1964 Buick Special uses 14-inch rims with its primary tire fitments. All three applicable sizes—6.50-14, 700-14, and 750-14—share that same 14-inch rim diameter, so the main size difference is in tire width rather than wheel diameter.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture on an older Buick. Wheel width still needs to match the tire being considered, especially when comparing different bias-ply products or looking at a radial equivalent. It is smart to verify the actual wheel dimensions before ordering, particularly if the car has replacement wheels or a mixed set from a prior restoration.

No, the covered 1964 Buick Special sub-models do not all use the same tire size. The Base model uses 6.50-14 and 700-14, while the Wagon uses 700-14 and 750-14. That shared 700-14 size creates some overlap, but the full fitment is not identical across the range.

This matters because two cars with the same year and model name may still need different tire widths. A buyer should confirm the sub-model first and then inspect the wheels already on the vehicle. That prevents choosing a tire simply because it appears elsewhere in the Buick Special lineup, even though another size may be more appropriate for that specific configuration.

On a 1964 Buick Special, 700-14 is a primary bias-ply tire size. It uses the older numeric sizing system and belongs to the traditional bias-ply construction used on this vehicle. Available 700-14 product choices stay within that bias-ply format, including blackwall and narrow whitewall styles.

That makes 700-14 the right starting point for owners who want the original-style construction and appearance. Radial alternatives do exist for this size, but they should be treated as equivalent options rather than automatic replacements. Wheel width, overall dimensions, and clearance at the fenders and steering should all be reviewed before changing from a bias-ply setup.

For 700-14, the available radial equivalents are 185R14, P195/75R14, and P205/70R14. For 750-14, the radial equivalents are 195R14, P205/75R14, P215/70R14, and 750R14, with 750R14 serving as the bias-look radial option for that size.

Those alternatives cover several sizing conventions, from Euro-metric radial to P-metric 75-series and 70-series formats, plus a bias-look radial in 750R14. The recommended rim-width range for the listed equivalents is 4-6 inches. A buyer should still compare the vehicle’s actual wheel width and check clearance before treating any of them as a practical substitute.

Start by confirming the Buick’s actual tire size, wheel diameter, and wheel width, then compare those measurements to the radial equivalent under consideration. On the 1964 Buick Special, radial equivalents are available for 700-14 and 750-14, and both sizes use a recommended rim-width range of 4-6 inches in the equivalent listings.

Construction changes can also affect how the tire sits in the wheel opening and how it behaves with the car’s current steering and suspension condition. Clearance at full turn, fender space, and the condition of springs, bushings, and steering components all deserve a close look. That is especially important on a collector Buick that may no longer have its original wheel and suspension setup.

Begin with the correct size for the exact Buick Special sub-model and wheel setup. From there, compare construction, rim-width compatibility, sidewall style, tire series, and the visual presentation you want. Both 700-14 and 750-14 are available as bias-ply tires, and both also have radial-equivalent paths for buyers considering a change in construction.

The best choice depends on whether the goal is a restoration-oriented look, a traditional blackwall presentation, or a more distinctive whitewall or redline appearance. Product details such as maximum load ratings and wheel-width ranges can also help separate one option from another. Matching the tire to the car’s actual use matters just as much as choosing the right size code.

The available sidewall styles for 1964 Buick Special tires include blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and redline, depending on the size selected. The broadest variety appears in 750-14, where buyers can choose among several traditional sidewall presentations across multiple brands and tire series.

Sidewall treatment has a major effect on how the car reads visually, especially on a mid-1960s Buick with a lot of body side and wheel opening visible. A blackwall gives a simpler presentation, while narrow and wide whitewalls shift the car toward different restoration themes. Redline is another available appearance choice, but it should be selected for style rather than assumed originality.

Available tire brands for the 1964 Buick Special include BFGoodrich, US Royal, Coker Classic, Firestone, Universal Vintage Tire, and Goodyear. Brand choice depends on size, with 700-14 offered in BFGoodrich and 750-14 carrying the widest spread of brands, sidewall styles, and tire series.

That variety gives buyers room to compare more than just the name on the sidewall. Tire series, sidewall treatment, rim-width specification, and load figures can all shape the final decision. Rather than treating brand as the only factor, it helps to narrow the tire by the exact size needed first and then compare the available options within that fitment.

A period-style 1964 Buick Special usually starts with the correct bias-ply size for the exact sub-model and wheel setup. That means choosing among 6.50-14, 700-14, or 750-14 as appropriate, then selecting the sidewall presentation that best matches the car’s intended finished look.

For a more traditional restored appearance, the available blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and redline treatments each create a different visual result. Exact originality can vary by how the car was equipped when new, so buyers chasing a highly specific restoration standard should compare their tire choice against marque references, build documentation, and period photos rather than relying on size alone.

Tire construction affects more than ride feel on a restored 1964 Buick Special; it also changes the car’s visual character. A bias-ply tire preserves the traditional profile and presentation associated with mid-1960s fitment, while a radial equivalent can shift the look depending on the sizing format and sidewall design chosen.

That is why many restoration-minded owners begin with the original-style bias-ply size before deciding whether modern road use justifies a radial alternative. A bias-look radial, where available in 750R14, can help bridge that gap visually. Even then, the overall effect still depends on the wheel width, the car’s stance, and the sidewall treatment selected.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1964 Buick Special even when the nominal tire size looks correct. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, altered suspension height, or body and brake modifications can all influence whether a 6.50-14, 700-14, or 750-14 tire has the right clearance.

A buyer should check the actual wheel diameter and width on the car, then look closely at steering clearance, fender space, and suspension travel. Older cars are often changed over time, so the current setup may not match the original pattern. That matters even more when considering a radial equivalent, since construction and dimensions can differ from a traditional bias-ply tire.

Before driving a 1964 Buick Special on new tires, inspect the wheels for condition and correct size, verify inflation pressure, and make sure each tire clears the suspension and body through the steering range. It is also wise to check lug hardware, wheel seating surfaces, and valve stems before the first road miles.

The tire itself is only part of the road-ready picture on a collector Buick. Worn steering parts, tired shocks, sagging springs, and loose front-end components can all affect how a freshly mounted tire behaves. A short local drive followed by another visual inspection is a sensible way to confirm that the tires are wearing evenly and maintaining proper clearance.

Collector-car tires on a 1964 Buick Special should be checked regularly for pressure loss, tread wear, sidewall cracking, bulges, cuts, and signs of aging. Because many vintage Buicks are driven infrequently, condition can become a bigger issue than mileage, especially when the car spends long periods parked or in storage.

Good storage practices help preserve the tire as much as routine inspections do. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources can slow deterioration. It also helps to inspect the tires before every meaningful drive, since a low-use car may sit for weeks and still develop air loss or visible aging between outings.