The 1964 DKW Junior comes from a period when compact European cars prioritized light weight, efficient packaging, and distinctive engineering over sheer size. Its small footprint and simple, utilitarian character make tire choice especially important, because the right dimensions strongly influence stance, steering feel, and overall presentation. Fitment on the 1964 DKW Junior varies by sub-model, with 12-inch and 13-inch applications and a mix of radial and bias-ply primary sizes. That creates meaningful choices between blackwall and whitewall bias-ply tires, as well as select radial-equivalent paths for certain original sizes. The key is confirming the exact sub-model and wheel diameter before choosing a restoration-oriented or road-use setup.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1964 DKW Junior
The 1964 DKW Junior uses four primary tire sizes, and the correct one depends first on the exact sub-model and wheel diameter. Some applications use 12-inch rims, while others use 13-inch rims, and the covered fitments include both radial and bias-ply constructions. Before comparing brands, sidewall styles, or equivalent options, confirm whether the car is a Base or Deluxe F11 & F12 and verify the wheel size currently on the vehicle.
145R12 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 145 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, R indicates radial construction, and 12 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1964 DKW Junior, this size serves the 12-inch Base application and gives buyers a true radial-format choice rather than a vintage numeric bias-ply. Available product selection centers on Michelin MX in a blackwall presentation. It is a useful size for owners who want to keep the Base model on a 12-inch radial fitment while still verifying wheel width and overall clearance on the actual car.
520-12 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 5.20 represents the nominal section width in inches, written without the decimal, and 12 identifies the rim diameter. For the 1964 DKW Junior, this is a 12-inch bias-ply fitment used on the Base model and it suits buyers who want a traditional small-car tire presentation. BFGoodrich options are available in both blackwall and wide whitewall within the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series. This size is the right place to focus when the car retains its 12-inch wheels and a period-style bias-ply look matters.
5.50-13 is a numeric bias-ply size where 5.50 refers to the tire's nominal section width in inches and 13 is the wheel diameter. On the 1964 DKW Junior, this size belongs to the 13-inch Deluxe F11 & F12 fitment and should be treated as a distinct application rather than a substitute for the 12-inch sizes. Its practical role is to signal that Deluxe cars may require a different wheel and tire setup from the Base model. Buyers should confirm that the car still carries the correct 13-inch wheel package before moving into product selection.
560-13 is a numeric bias-ply size that represents a nominal 5.60-inch section width on a 13-inch rim. For the 1964 DKW Junior, it is a 13-inch Deluxe F11 & F12 fitment and has the strongest product variety among the larger-size options. BFGoodrich and Firestone both appear here, with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall offerings across classic bias-ply series. This size deserves close attention from buyers restoring a Deluxe car, especially when appearance, brand preference, and wheel-width compatibility all factor into the final choice.
Sub-model fitment on the 1964 DKW Junior is not one-size-fits-all, because the Base and Deluxe F11 & F12 use different tire-size groupings and different rim diameters. Checking the exact sub-model matters before any comparison of bias-ply versus radial construction, sidewall style, or equivalent-size alternatives.
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1964 DKW Junior Base
The 1964 DKW Junior Base uses 12-inch tire fitments, with both 145R12 radial and 520-12 bias-ply applications represented. That means the selection process centers on whether the car is staying with a traditional bias-ply presentation or moving toward a radial-format setup while keeping close watch on wheel dimensions and overall clearance.
The 1964 DKW Junior Deluxe F11 & F12 uses 13-inch bias-ply tire fitments, including 5.50-13 and 560-13. Tire choice here starts with confirming the correct 13-inch wheel setup, then narrowing the decision by appearance goals, available whitewall treatment, and whether a radial-equivalent option is being considered for the 560-13 size.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1964 DKW Junior
The original 520-12 and 560-13 bias-ply sizes each have radial-equivalent options available. For 520-12, the radial choices are 125R12 as an 80-series metric radial and P125/75R12 as a 75-series P-metric radial. For 560-13, the equivalents are 155R13 as an 80-series metric radial, P155/75R13 as a 75-series P-metric radial, and P155/70R13 as a 70-series P-metric radial. These options vary by sizing convention and profile style, and the recommended rim-width range is 4-5 inches. Final selection should still be checked against wheel dimensions and vehicle clearance.
Modern Radial Equivalents
125R12
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (520-12)
P125/75R12
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (520-12)
155R13
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (560-13)
P155/75R13
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (560-13)
P155/70R13
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (560-13)
Important Considerations When Replacing Bias Ply With Radial
Compare overall diameter and section width carefully to ensure proper fit.
Verify recommended rim range (4-5 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 DKW Junior Tires for Sale
Available tire choices for the 1964 DKW Junior span Michelin, BFGoodrich, and Firestone, with radial and bias-ply construction represented across 12-inch and 13-inch fitments. Buyers can compare blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall presentations along with classic series differences and wheel-width compatibility.
These FAQs focus on the tire sizes used on the 1964 DKW Junior, how fitment changes by sub-model, and what to check when comparing bias-ply, radial, and appearance-focused options.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1964 DKW Junior?
The 1964 DKW Junior uses more than one tire size, so the correct fitment depends on the sub-model and wheel diameter. The Base uses 145R12 radial or 520-12 bias-ply on a 12-inch rim, while the Deluxe F11 & F12 uses 5.50-13 or 560-13 bias-ply on a 13-inch rim.
That means the first step is identifying whether the car is a Base or Deluxe F11 & F12 and then confirming the wheel diameter actually installed on the vehicle. Many small vintage cars have seen wheel changes over the years, so matching the tire to the current rim is just as important as matching it to the model name.
What size rim does a 1964 DKW Junior use?
A 1964 DKW Junior can use either a 12-inch or 13-inch rim, depending on the sub-model and tire size. The Base applications use 12-inch sizes such as 145R12 and 520-12, while the Deluxe F11 & F12 applications use 13-inch sizes such as 5.50-13 and 560-13.
Wheel diameter should be verified before choosing any tire, especially on a vintage import that may have been modified or repaired with later parts. Once the diameter is confirmed, the next checks are wheel width, construction type, and the amount of clearance around the fender, suspension, and steering components.
Do all 1964 DKW Junior sub-models use the same tire size?
No. The 1964 DKW Junior Base and the 1964 DKW Junior Deluxe F11 & F12 do not share the same tire-size group. The Base uses 12-inch fitments, including 145R12 radial and 520-12 bias-ply, while the Deluxe F11 & F12 uses 13-inch bias-ply sizes, including 5.50-13 and 560-13.
That difference affects more than the sidewall marking, because it also changes wheel diameter and the range of tire types available. A buyer looking at whitewall bias-ply options for a Deluxe car, for example, is shopping in a different fitment family than someone trying to keep a Base model on a 12-inch radial.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 520-12 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1964 DKW Junior?
520-12 is a bias-ply tire size for the 1964 DKW Junior. It is one of the 12-inch Base-model fitments and uses the traditional numeric bias-ply sizing format, where the width is expressed in inches and the final number indicates the wheel diameter.
That matters because a 520-12 bias-ply choice gives the car a more traditional small-vintage appearance than a modern radial-format alternative. Buyers considering a change in construction should compare the wheel width, the actual tire dimensions, and the available space in the wheelwell rather than assuming any radial option will behave the same on the car.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 560-13?
Radial equivalents for 560-13 include 155R13 as an 80-series metric radial, P155/75R13 as a 75-series P-metric radial, and P155/70R13 as a 70-series P-metric radial. The recommended rim-width range attached to these equivalents is 4-5 inches.
Those options give a Deluxe F11 & F12 owner several different radial-sizing formats to consider while staying in the same general fitment conversation. The final choice still needs to be checked against the wheel on the car, along with overall diameter, steering travel, and fender clearance, because an equivalent is a comparison tool rather than an automatic substitute.
What should I check before converting my 1964 DKW Junior from bias-ply to radial tires?
Start by confirming the car's exact sub-model, wheel diameter, and the original bias-ply size being replaced. On the 1964 DKW Junior, that is especially important because the fitment splits between 12-inch Base applications and 13-inch Deluxe F11 & F12 applications, and only certain bias-ply sizes have stated radial equivalents.
Next, compare the wheel width with the equivalent tire's recommended rim-width range and inspect the car for clearance around the fenders and steering components. A vintage car with replacement wheels, altered ride height, or worn suspension parts can respond differently than a stock setup, so conversion decisions should be made with the actual vehicle in front of you.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 560-13 tire for a 1964 DKW Junior?
A 560-13 tire choice for a 1964 DKW Junior starts with confirming that the car is a Deluxe F11 & F12 on 13-inch wheels. Within that size, the main comparison points are brand, sidewall treatment, and wheel-width compatibility, since BFGoodrich and Firestone options appear with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall presentations.
That makes 560-13 a fitment where appearance and wheel details matter almost as much as the size itself. A buyer restoring a car to a traditional look may focus on whitewall style, while someone prioritizing wheel match should compare the stated rim-width range on each product before narrowing the choice further.
What sidewall styles are available for 1964 DKW Junior tires?
The 1964 DKW Junior has blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall tire options across its covered sizes. Blackwall choices appear in both 145R12 radial and 520-12 bias-ply, while whitewall options are concentrated in the bias-ply range, especially the 520-12 and 560-13 applications.
Sidewall style is often the biggest visual decision on a small vintage European car because it changes the car's overall character without changing the body. The right choice depends on whether the goal is a simpler driver-style presentation or a more decorative restoration-oriented look, while still staying within the correct size family for the sub-model.
What brands offer tires for the 1964 DKW Junior?
Michelin, BFGoodrich, and Firestone all offer tires within the fitment range used on the 1964 DKW Junior. Michelin appears in the 145R12 radial application, BFGoodrich covers 520-12 and 560-13 bias-ply choices, and Firestone appears in the 560-13 bias-ply range.
Brand comparison should come after confirming the correct size and wheel diameter, because not every brand appears in every fitment family. Once the proper size is established, the useful differences become tire series, sidewall style, and any wheel-width specification attached to that product rather than the brand name alone.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1964 DKW Junior?
A period-style 1964 DKW Junior usually starts with the original fitment family for its sub-model, which means 520-12 bias-ply for a 12-inch Base look or 5.50-13 and 560-13 bias-ply for a 13-inch Deluxe F11 & F12 look. Those sizes keep the car in the vintage sizing and construction language it was designed around.
From there, the appearance decision becomes more specific: blackwall for a simpler presentation or whitewall treatment for a more dressed-up look. Exact originality questions are best checked against marque references or restoration documentation, because period-style appearance and precise factory delivery are not always the same thing.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1964 DKW Junior?
Tire construction changes the visual character of a restored 1964 DKW Junior as much as it changes the driving feel. A bias-ply tire keeps the car in a more traditional vintage format, especially in sizes like 520-12 and 560-13, while a radial such as 145R12 gives the car a more modernized tire presentation.
That difference becomes especially noticeable on a compact car with relatively small wheels and short body overhangs. Buyers pursuing a restoration-oriented look often start by deciding whether they want the traditional bias-ply profile and sidewall presentation or a radial setup that looks more contemporary even when the size remains close.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1964 DKW Junior?
Yes. Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1964 DKW Junior even when the tire size itself is correct for the model or sub-model. Wheel changes, altered ride height, suspension work, or body repairs can all change the space available around the tire and the wheel-width range the car can comfortably use.
A small vintage car leaves less room for guesswork than a larger American model, so checking the actual wheel and body setup is important before mounting tires. Clearance at full steering lock, fender space, and wheel diameter should all be confirmed on the car as it sits today rather than assumed from model-year fitment alone.
What should I inspect before driving a 1964 DKW Junior on new tires?
Before driving a 1964 DKW Junior on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and general condition, then confirm the tires are mounted in the proper size for the sub-model. It also makes sense to check tire pressure, valve stems, tread and sidewall condition, and whether the tires clear the body and steering components through their range of movement.
A short test drive should follow any tire change on a collector car, especially one with small-diameter wheels and vintage suspension geometry. Pay attention to rubbing, pulling, vibration, or unusual steering feel, because those signs can point to a mismatch in wheel setup, alignment, or tire condition that needs correction before regular use.
How should 520-12 and 560-13 tires on a collector 1964 DKW Junior be maintained?
Collector-car tires in sizes like 520-12 and 560-13 should be kept properly inflated, inspected regularly, and protected from long periods of heat, direct sunlight, moisture, and ozone exposure. On a 1964 DKW Junior that is driven infrequently, sidewall aging and flat-spotting can become just as important as tread wear.
Routine checks should include looking for cracks, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and any sign of air loss before the car goes back on the road. It also helps to confirm that stored tires still have adequate clearance and proper pressure once the car is moved, since low-use vehicles often sit long enough for small issues to become noticeable.
