The 1964 Chevrolet sits squarely in the heart of the full-size Chevrolet era, when family sedans and wagons balanced roomy comfort with clean mid-century styling. For owners restoring or maintaining one today, tire choice plays a major role in preserving that proper stance and road-going character. This model uses several 14-inch bias-ply sizes, with fitment split between the Base and Wagon sub-models. Available choices span blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and redline treatments across classic series from BFGoodrich, Firestone, Goodyear, US Royal, Coker Classic, and Universal Vintage Tire. The key is confirming the exact sub-model first, then choosing the size and presentation that best suits restoration goals and intended use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1964 Chevrolet
The 1964 Chevrolet uses four primary tire sizes, and the right one depends on the exact sub-model. All of them are bias-ply tires built for 14-inch rims, so the first step is confirming whether the car is a Base model or a Wagon. Once that is settled, the real choice becomes sidewall style, tire series, and whether to stay with the original-style bias-ply fitment or compare a radial equivalent carefully.
In a numeric bias-ply size like 700-14, the leading number indicates an approximate nominal section width of 7.00 inches, while 14 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. This is a bias-ply construction intended for the 1964 Chevrolet on a 14-inch rim and is associated with the Base sub-model. Available choices include BFGoodrich offerings in Silvertown Classic Bias Ply with blackwall and narrow whitewall sidewalls. It is a useful size to evaluate when keeping a slimmer traditional tire profile and period-style appearance on the correct Base-model wheel setup.
The 750-14 size uses the same vintage numeric system, with 7.50 indicating the nominal width class and 14 indicating the rim diameter. It is also a bias-ply fitment for the 1964 Chevrolet and appears on the Base sub-model, giving that configuration more than one correct primary size to sort through. Product choices are broad here, with BFGoodrich, US Royal, Coker Classic, Firestone, Universal Vintage Tire, and Goodyear available in blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and redline styles. This size deserves close attention if the car is a Base model and appearance details matter as much as basic fitment.
An 800-14 bias-ply tire follows the same vintage numbering convention, with 8.00 referring to the nominal section-width class and 14 matching the wheel diameter. On the 1964 Chevrolet, this size is used on the Wagon sub-model and should not be assumed for other configurations. Available options include BFGoodrich, Universal Vintage Tire, and Goodyear across blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles in series such as Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, Universal Classic Bias Ply, and Custom Super Cushion. It is the size to review when the vehicle is a Wagon and the goal is a fuller full-size Chevrolet look on 14-inch wheels.
The 825-14 code indicates a vintage numeric bias-ply tire with an approximately 8.25-inch nominal width and a 14-inch rim diameter. This size also applies to the 1964 Chevrolet Wagon, making Wagon fitment a two-size situation that should be checked against the car's actual wheel and setup. BFGoodrich options are available in Silvertown Classic Bias Ply with blackwall and narrow whitewall treatments. It is a worthwhile size to consider when sorting out Wagon tire fitment and choosing between a more understated blackwall look or a restoration-oriented whitewall presentation.
Sub-model fitment on the 1964 Chevrolet is not one-size-fits-all. The Base and Wagon use different groups of 14-inch bias-ply sizes, so confirming the exact sub-model is the first step before comparing sidewall style, brand, or radial-equivalent alternatives.
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1964 Chevrolet Base
The 1964 Chevrolet Base uses 700-14 and 750-14 bias-ply tires on 14-inch rims. That means the selection process centers on confirming which of those two sizes matches the car, then narrowing the choice by sidewall appearance, brand, and whether a radial equivalent is being considered.
The 1964 Chevrolet Wagon uses 800-14 and 825-14 bias-ply tires on 14-inch rims. Tire choice starts with confirming which of those Wagon sizes belongs on the vehicle, then comparing traditional blackwall or whitewall options and checking any radial equivalent against the actual wheel and clearance setup.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1964 Chevrolet
Radial equivalents are available for all four primary sizes used on the 1964 Chevrolet. For 700-14, the choices are 185R14 as an 80-series metric radial, P195/75R14 as a 75-series P-metric radial, and P205/70R14 as a 70-series P-metric radial. For 750-14, the equivalents are 195R14, P205/75R14, P215/70R14, and the 750R14 bias-look radial. For 800-14 and 825-14, the choices are 205R14, P215/75R14, P225/70R14, and the 800R14 bias-look radial. Recommended rim-width ranges run 4-6 inches for 700-14 and 750-14, and 5-7 inches for 800-14 and 825-14, so wheel width and vehicle clearance should be checked before changing sizes or construction.
Modern Radial Equivalents
185R14
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (700-14)
P195/75R14
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (700-14)
P205/70R14
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (700-14)
195R14
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (750-14)
P205/75R14
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (750-14)
P215/70R14
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (750-14)
750R14
Bias-look Radial Equivalent (750-14)
205R14
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (800-14)
P215/75R14
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (800-14)
P225/70R14
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (800-14)
800R14
Bias-look Radial Equivalent (800-14)
205R14
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (825-14)
P215/75R14
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (825-14)
P225/70R14
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (825-14)
800R14
Bias-look Radial Equivalent (825-14)
Important Considerations When Replacing Bias Ply With Radial
Compare overall diameter and section width carefully to ensure proper fit.
Verify recommended rim range (5-7 in) and load needs match your vehicle specifications.
Check fender clearance, steering clearance, and stance before installation.
Consider suspension condition and intended road use when choosing equivalents.
Important Fitment Notes
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 1964 Chevrolet Tires for sale
Available 14-inch bias-ply choices span BFGoodrich, Firestone, Goodyear, US Royal, Coker Classic, and Universal Vintage Tire. Depending on size, buyers can compare classic series, blackwall or whitewall treatments, redline styling, and rim-width specifications within the correct fitment range.
These FAQs focus on the actual tire decisions for a 1964 Chevrolet, including sub-model size differences, 14-inch rim fitment, bias-ply versus radial-equivalent choices, sidewall styles, and the checks worth making before road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1964 Chevrolet?
A 1964 Chevrolet uses one of four primary bias-ply sizes: 700-14, 750-14, 800-14, or 825-14. The Base sub-model uses 700-14 or 750-14, while the Wagon uses 800-14 or 825-14. All of these fitments are tied to 14-inch rims and use vintage numeric bias-ply sizing.
The important next step is matching the tire size to the exact sub-model and the wheels currently on the car. A Base and a Wagon do not share the same size range, and older vehicles are often fitted with replacement wheels over time. Once the correct size is confirmed, selection usually comes down to sidewall style, brand, and whether to stay with a bias-ply tire or review a radial equivalent.
What size rim does a 1964 Chevrolet use?
The 1964 Chevrolet uses 14-inch rims with its primary tire sizes. Whether the car is fitted with 700-14, 750-14, 800-14, or 825-14 bias-ply tires, the wheel diameter remains 14 inches. That makes rim diameter straightforward even though the tire size itself varies by sub-model.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so it is still worth checking wheel width before choosing a tire. The available products in these sizes use width ranges such as 5.00-5.50 inches, 5.00-6.00 inches, and specific 5.5-inch or 6-inch applications. A car with aftermarket wheels or a long-ago wheel swap can still have a 14-inch diameter but need a closer compatibility check.
Why does the 1964 Chevrolet have more than one tire size?
The 1964 Chevrolet has more than one tire size because fitment differs by sub-model. The Base uses 700-14 and 750-14 bias-ply sizes, while the Wagon uses 800-14 and 825-14 bias-ply sizes. All are 14-inch applications, but they are not one universal fitment shared across the entire model line.
That variation matters because choosing by year and make alone is not enough on this vehicle. The buyer should identify whether the car is a Base model or a Wagon, then confirm the actual wheels on the vehicle before selecting a tire. Once the right size family is established, details like blackwall, whitewall, redline, and radial-equivalent options can be compared more confidently.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 750-14 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1964 Chevrolet?
On the 1964 Chevrolet, 750-14 is a primary bias-ply tire size. It uses a vintage numeric bias-ply format and appears on the Base sub-model. That means a 750-14 bias-ply tire represents the original-style construction approach for this fitment, while any radial in a comparable size should be treated as an alternative rather than the primary construction.
That distinction matters because construction choice affects both appearance and setup. A buyer staying with a restoration-oriented presentation may prefer the traditional bias-ply format, while a radial shopper should move into the equivalent sizes tied to 750-14 and then verify wheel width, overall dimensions, and clearance. The wheel may still be 14 inches, but construction and profile changes deserve a careful check before conversion.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 750-14?
Radial equivalents for 750-14 include 195R14 as an 80-series metric radial, P205/75R14 as a 75-series P-metric radial, P215/70R14 as a 70-series P-metric radial, and 750R14 as a bias-look radial. These give the 1964 Chevrolet Base owner several different radial-style paths while staying within the established equivalent range for the original 750-14 bias-ply size.
Each equivalent uses a different sizing convention, so the choice is not only about switching from bias-ply to radial. The recommended rim-width range for these 750-14 equivalents is 4-6 inches, and the car's actual wheel width, suspension condition, and body clearance still need to be checked. That is especially important on an older car that may no longer be riding on its original wheel and suspension combination.
What should I check before converting my 1964 Chevrolet from bias-ply to radial tires?
Start by matching the car's primary size and sub-model, then compare only the radial equivalents tied to that specific bias-ply size. A 700-14 Base car uses a different radial-equivalent group than a Wagon running 800-14 or 825-14, so the conversion begins with accurate size identification rather than a generic 14-inch radial choice.
Wheel width, rim diameter, section width, overall dimensions, and clearance at the fenders and steering points should all be checked before making the switch. It also helps to inspect suspension and steering condition, since collector cars often have aging components that affect how a new tire sits and moves. A careful comparison is more important than assuming every radial equivalent will suit every 1964 Chevrolet.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 1964 Chevrolet tire?
Begin with the exact sub-model and size, because a 1964 Chevrolet Base uses 700-14 or 750-14, while a Wagon uses 800-14 or 825-14. From there, the main considerations are staying with bias-ply construction or evaluating a radial equivalent, then comparing sidewall appearance, rim-width compatibility, and the classic tire series offered in that size.
The right choice depends on how the car is used and how it is meant to look. A period-style restoration may lean toward a traditional bias-ply blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, or redline, while a more road-use-focused owner may want to study the radial alternatives. It also helps to compare load figures and wheel-width requirements within the exact size instead of choosing by appearance alone.
What sidewall styles are available for 1964 Chevrolet tires?
Sidewall choices for the 1964 Chevrolet include blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and redline, depending on the tire size. The broadest variety appears in 750-14, while 700-14, 800-14, and 825-14 each have more limited style ranges. Those appearance options let the tire play a major role in the car's finished visual character.
Choosing a sidewall style should start only after confirming the correct size for the Base or Wagon sub-model. A wide whitewall available in 750-14 is not automatically a fitment choice for a Wagon that needs 800-14 or 825-14. Once the size is correct, the sidewall treatment becomes a useful way to shape the car toward a cleaner driver look or a more restoration-oriented presentation.
What brands offer tires for the 1964 Chevrolet?
Brands available across the 1964 Chevrolet tire sizes include BFGoodrich, US Royal, Coker Classic, Firestone, Universal Vintage Tire, and Goodyear. Brand availability depends on the size, with 750-14 offering the widest spread of choices and the other sizes carrying narrower assortments. Most of these options are offered in classic bias-ply series aimed at vintage vehicle fitment and appearance.
Brand selection should be compared within the correct size rather than across the whole page. A buyer looking at 700-14 has a very different set of choices than one shopping 800-14 or 825-14, and sidewall styles also vary by size. It is more useful to compare the brand, series, sidewall treatment, and wheel-width specification inside the proper fitment than to chase a preferred name first.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1964 Chevrolet?
A period-style 1964 Chevrolet starts with the correct bias-ply size for the exact sub-model. The Base uses 700-14 or 750-14, while the Wagon uses 800-14 or 825-14, all on 14-inch rims. Once that fitment is pinned down, the tire can be chosen around the visual tone of the car, including blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, or redline where available.
That approach keeps the tire choice anchored to the car's proper proportions before focusing on appearance details. If exact originality matters, it is wise to compare the selected brand and sidewall treatment with period photos, marque references, or restoration records for the specific vehicle. Many available tires deliver a strong vintage presentation without automatically representing the exact original assembly-line combination.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1964 Chevrolet?
Tire construction affects the appearance of a restored 1964 Chevrolet because the primary fitments are bias-ply, and that traditional construction contributes to the car's vintage visual stance. A bias-ply tire in 700-14, 750-14, 800-14, or 825-14 keeps the overall presentation closely aligned with the way a mid-1960s full-size Chevrolet is usually expected to look.
A radial equivalent can still be a worthwhile option, but it changes the decision from pure period-style restoration to a blend of vintage look and modernized construction. Bias-look radial options for several sizes help bridge that gap, especially for buyers who want a more traditional side profile. The best result usually comes from balancing the car's restoration goals with the actual wheel setup and intended driving use.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1964 Chevrolet?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1964 Chevrolet even when the nominal tire size appears correct. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel widths, suspension changes, ride-height changes, or body work can all change how a 700-14, 750-14, 800-14, or 825-14 tire sits in the car. That matters whether the vehicle remains on bias-ply tires or moves to a radial equivalent.
A modified car should be checked for actual rim diameter, wheel width, steering clearance, and fender clearance before a new tire is chosen. Older full-size cars are often changed over decades of ownership, and a Base or Wagon may no longer be carrying its original setup. Taking measurements on the car itself is the safest way to avoid buying a tire that matches the catalog size but not the vehicle's present configuration.
What should I inspect before driving a 1964 Chevrolet on new tires?
Before driving a 1964 Chevrolet on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, confirm lug hardware and wheel seating, and make sure the chosen tire size matches the vehicle's exact sub-model. It also helps to verify inflation, look for any signs of rubbing at full steering lock, and confirm that the suspension and steering components are in sound condition.
That check is especially important on a collector-era car because new tires can reveal problems that old, worn tires were masking. Weak shocks, tired bushings, loose steering parts, or bent wheels can all affect how the car behaves once fresh rubber is installed. A short, careful road test after installation is a smart way to catch vibration, pull, clearance issues, or air loss before regular driving begins.
How should 1964 Chevrolet tires be maintained on a collector vehicle?
Tires on a collector 1964 Chevrolet should be checked regularly for pressure, tread wear, sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, and signs of air loss. That applies whether the car is running one of its original-style bias-ply sizes or a radial equivalent. Low-use collector cars can age their tires slowly in mileage terms while still exposing them to time, storage, and environmental deterioration.
Good maintenance also means paying attention to storage conditions and the car's general setup. Keeping the vehicle away from prolonged heat, direct sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve tire condition, while occasional movement can reduce flat-spotting on stored cars. It is also worth rechecking alignment, wheel balance, and suspension condition if the car starts to wander, vibrate, or wear its tires unevenly.