1964 Chevrolet Wagon Tires

The 1964 Chevrolet Wagon uses two primary tire sizes: 650-13 and 700-13. Both are bias-ply tire sizes designed for 13-inch rims, and both appear within the covered fitment for this wagon. The difference is not just the number on the sidewall, because 700-13 is the wider of the two vintage numeric sizes.

Choosing between them starts with confirming what is already on the car and measuring the wheel width before changing sizes. A wagon that has been restored, re-wheeled, or updated over the years may no longer match its earlier setup, so checking the mounted tire, wheel dimensions, and available clearance is more useful than relying on appearance alone.

The covered 1964 Chevrolet Wagon tire sizes use a 13-inch rim diameter. Both 650-13 and 700-13 are built around that same 13-inch wheel diameter, which means the first rim question is diameter, not whether one size uses a different wheel size than the other.

Diameter alone is not the whole fitment story, though. Product specifications show different rim-width ranges within these 13-inch applications, so it is important to confirm the wheel’s actual width before selecting a tire. That matters most when moving between 650-13 and 700-13, or when evaluating a radial equivalent that may have its own rim-width expectations.

On a 1964 Chevrolet Wagon, 650-13 is a vintage numeric bias-ply tire size. The 6.50 identifies the tire’s nominal section width in inches, and the 13 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. It is an older sizing system commonly seen on American passenger cars from this period.

Understanding that format helps when comparing the wagon’s original-style fitment to newer radial equivalents. The old numeric size does not translate the same way a modern metric radial size does, so the better approach is to compare only known equivalent sizes and then verify wheel width, overall dimensions, and clearance before making any construction or size change.

For the 1964 Chevrolet Wagon, 650-13 is a primary bias-ply tire size. The available products in that size are classic bias-ply designs, including whitewall options that suit a period-style presentation. It is not a primary radial fitment simply because radial alternatives exist in related equivalent sizes.

That distinction matters when deciding how the wagon should look and drive. Staying with 650-13 bias-ply keeps the original sizing format and traditional construction, while moving to a radial means evaluating an equivalent size instead of assuming the same sidewall code carries over. Wheel width, clearance, and the car’s intended use should guide that decision.

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 are different approaches to approximating the original 650-13 fitment rather than alternate ways of writing the same tire size.

Each option uses a different sizing convention and may present a different appearance on the car, especially the bias-look radial. A 4-6 inch recommended rim-width range is associated with this equivalency set, but the final choice still needs to be checked against the wagon’s actual wheel width, tire clearance, and the look you want from the finished car.

Start by identifying whether the wagon is currently set up for 650-13 or 700-13 bias-ply tires, then compare only the radial equivalent sizes associated with that original size. For 650-13, that includes 175R13, P175/75R13, P185/70R13, and 650R13. For 700-13, it includes 185R13, P185/75R13, and P205/70R13.

After that, confirm the wheel’s actual width, since the equivalent listings reference a 4-6 inch rim-width range. It is also smart to check steering travel, fender clearance, suspension condition, and the car’s ride height before making the switch. A radial equivalent can be a useful alternative, but it still needs to match the wagon’s real-world wheel and body setup.

The main considerations are correct primary size, 13-inch rim compatibility, construction type, and the look you want from the finished wagon. Since this Chevrolet can use either 650-13 or 700-13 bias-ply tires, the first step is confirming the existing wheel and tire setup rather than selecting by appearance alone.

Once the size is confirmed, compare the details that shape the ownership experience: whitewall style, brand, tire series, load rating, and approved rim-width range. A restoration-oriented wagon may lean toward a traditional bias-ply presentation, while a regularly driven car may lead you to evaluate radial equivalents separately. Either way, size accuracy comes before style preference.

Whitewall presentation is a major part of the available 1964 Chevrolet Wagon tire selection. In 650-13, choices include wide whitewall and narrow whitewall options. In 700-13, the available product uses a wide whitewall sidewall treatment, so sidewall variety depends partly on which of the wagon’s two primary sizes you need.

That makes sidewall style more than a cosmetic afterthought, because it can influence which size and product family feel right for the car’s overall character. A wagon built around a strong period-style look may favor a broader whitewall visual, while a subtler restoration may suit a narrower stripe. The wheel and tire size still need to be settled first.

The available brands for 1964 Chevrolet Wagon tires are Coker Classic, US Royal, and Firestone. Coker Classic and US Royal appear in 650-13, while Firestone appears in 700-13. Those brand choices also line up with different tire series and sidewall treatments, so brand comparison is tied closely to the specific size the wagon uses.

A practical comparison starts with size, then moves to the presentation and specifications within that size. For example, 650-13 offers more whitewall variation, while 700-13 centers on a Firestone classic bias-ply option. Rather than choosing a brand first, it makes more sense to confirm the wagon’s fitment and then compare the suitable products within that correct size.

A period-style 1964 Chevrolet Wagon usually starts with the correct primary bias-ply size for the car’s setup, either 650-13 or 700-13, both on 13-inch rims. Bias-ply construction preserves the vintage sizing format and the traditional sidewall shape many restorers want on a mid-1960s Chevrolet wagon.

From there, the visual choice often comes down to whitewall treatment and overall presentation. Wide whitewall and narrow whitewall options are available within the covered fitments, but exact originality can vary by how an individual car was equipped when new. For strict restoration work, it is wise to compare the tire choice against marque references or vehicle-specific historical documentation.

Tire construction changes more than ride feel on a restored 1964 Chevrolet Wagon; it also affects the visual character of the car. A bias-ply tire keeps the wagon in its original-era sizing language and tends to suit a traditional restoration approach, especially when paired with the right whitewall treatment.

A radial equivalent can be a sensible alternative for some owners, but it may give the car a different overall presentation because the sizing format and sidewall look are not the same as the original-style bias-ply tire. That is why many restorers decide on appearance goals first, then choose between traditional construction and a more modern radial approach.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1964 Chevrolet Wagon even when the tire size seems correct on paper. Aftermarket wheels, wheel-width changes, altered offset, suspension updates, lowering, or brake conversions can all change how a 650-13, 700-13, or radial equivalent sits in the wheel opening.

That is why it helps to inspect the actual car before replacing tires, especially on an older wagon that may have been changed over time. Confirm the wheel diameter and width, then check steering clearance, fender clearance, and suspension travel. Those steps matter just as much as the sidewall size marking when deciding whether to stay bias-ply or consider a radial alternative.

Before driving a 1964 Chevrolet Wagon on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and width, make sure the tires are mounted in the intended size, and verify there is no interference at full steering lock. It is also smart to check suspension condition, alignment, valve stems, and inflation pressure before putting real miles on the car.

Collector cars often sit for long periods, so the broader road-use check should include brakes, wheel bearings, and signs of rubbing after the first short drive. Recheck pressure and look closely at sidewalls and tread once the tires have settled in. A careful inspection routine helps confirm that the wagon’s new tires are working with the car, not against it.

Maintain 650-13 or 700-13 tires on a collector 1964 Chevrolet Wagon by checking inflation regularly, watching for air loss, and inspecting the tread and sidewalls for cracking, cuts, bulges, or irregular wear. Low-use vintage cars can age tires by time and storage conditions as much as by mileage, so visual inspection matters every time the wagon is driven.

Storage habits make a difference as well. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excessive heat, moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve tire condition between drives. It also helps to move the wagon periodically rather than letting it sit in one position for long stretches. Any sign of age-related damage deserves attention before road use.