The 1964 Ford Falcon sits squarely in the compact American car era, when simple dimensions, light weight, and practical packaging made these Fords a familiar sight on city streets and family driveways. Today, that same straightforward character makes the Falcon especially appealing to restorers and vintage drivers who want an honest, usable 1960s car. Tire fitment centers on three 13-inch bias-ply sizes: 600-13, 650-13, and 700-13, with the exact choice tied to sub-model and equipment. Available options also bring meaningful whitewall variation, and modern radial equivalents exist for each primary size. The right selection starts with confirming the exact Falcon configuration, then matching the tire's size, look, and construction to the car's intended use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1964 Ford Falcon
The 1964 Ford Falcon uses three primary tire sizes, all in bias-ply construction on 13-inch rims. The important first step is identifying the exact sub-model, because sedan, wagon, air-conditioned, and V8 applications do not all use the same size. Once the correct size is confirmed, the real choice becomes sidewall style, brand, and whether to stay with the primary bias-ply fitment or compare one of the available radial equivalents.
Fit(s): 6 Cyl. - All Models w/Air, 6 Cyl. Sedan, 6 Cyl. Wagon, and 8 Cyl. Sedan
Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 13 in
In a numeric bias-ply size like 650-13, the 650 refers to an approximate 6.50-inch nominal section width and the 13 identifies the wheel diameter. This is a 13-inch bias-ply fitment that suits several 1964 Ford Falcon applications and keeps the traditional construction style associated with the car's original era. Available choices include Coker Classic and US Royal offerings in both wide whitewall and narrow whitewall form. It is a useful size to evaluate when your Falcon falls into one of the mid-range fitment groups and appearance matters as much as basic road use.
A 600-13 tire uses vintage numeric bias-ply sizing, with 600 indicating an approximate 6.00-inch nominal section width and 13 indicating the wheel diameter. On the 1964 Ford Falcon, this is the narrower of the primary 13-inch bias-ply fitments and applies only to certain sedan applications. Product choice in this size centers on BFGoodrich options within the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series, offered with either a wide or narrow whitewall. It is the size to consider when preserving a smaller original-style footprint is more important than moving to a wider fitment.
Fit(s): 6 Cyl. Wagon, 8 Cyl. - All Models w/Air, 8 Cyl. Sedan, and Station Wagon
Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 13 in
The 700-13 designation follows the same vintage numeric bias-ply format, with 700 representing an approximate 7.00-inch nominal section width and 13 marking the rim diameter. This is the widest of the primary 13-inch Falcon fitments and appears on certain wagon, V8, and air-conditioned applications. Firestone offers this size in its Classic Bias Ply series with a wide whitewall presentation, giving it a distinctly traditional look. It deserves a close look when your Falcon uses the larger fitment and you want the tire's size and stance to remain consistent with that setup.
Tire fitment for the 1964 Ford Falcon varies by sub-model, so choosing a tire starts with confirming the exact version of the car. Several covered Falcons share a 13-inch rim diameter, but they do not all use the same primary bias-ply size.
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1964 Ford Falcon 6 Cyl. - All Models w/Air
This air-conditioned six-cylinder Falcon uses the 650-13 bias-ply size. That makes the main decision less about fitment range and more about selecting the whitewall treatment and overall period-style presentation that suits the car.
The six-cylinder sedan can use either 600-13 or 650-13, so this is one of the Falcon sub-models that requires extra attention before ordering tires. Wheel width and the car's existing setup should be checked carefully so the replacement size matches the sedan's actual configuration.
The six-cylinder wagon uses either 650-13 or 700-13, placing it in the Falcon range where fitment is not one-size-fits-all. Confirming the wagon's current wheel and tire setup is especially important before deciding between a mid-width or wider period-style replacement.
Air-conditioned V8 models use the 700-13 bias-ply size. Since this application centers on one larger 13-inch fitment, the buying choice shifts toward sidewall appearance and whether to remain with the primary bias-ply construction or compare radial equivalents.
The V8 sedan can use either 650-13 or 700-13, so the exact setup needs to be confirmed before selecting a replacement. That verification helps keep the tire size aligned with the car's wheel fitment and overall stance rather than assuming every V8 sedan used the same tire.
The station wagon uses the 700-13 bias-ply size. With fitment centered on that single primary size, the decision becomes simpler: choose the tire that best matches the wagon's intended look, road use, and wheel compatibility.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1964 Ford Falcon
Each primary 1964 Ford Falcon tire size has four radial-equivalent paths or, in some cases, three. For 650-13, the available equivalents are 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. For 600-13, the equivalents are 165R13, P165/75R13, and P175/70R13; for 700-13, they are 185R13, P185/75R13, and P205/70R13. Recommended rim-width ranges run from 4 to 6 inches depending on size, so wheel width and vehicle clearance should be checked before converting.
Modern Radial Equivalents
175R13
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (650-13)
P175/75R13
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (650-13)
P185/70R13
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (650-13)
650R13
Bias-look Radial Equivalent (650-13)
165R13
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (600-13)
P165/75R13
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (600-13)
P175/70R13
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (600-13)
185R13
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (700-13)
P185/75R13
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (700-13)
P205/70R13
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (700-13)
Important Considerations When Replacing Bias Ply With Radial
Compare overall diameter and section width carefully to ensure proper fit.
Verify recommended rim range (4-6 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 Ford Falcon Tires for Sale
Available 1964 Ford Falcon tires span Coker Classic, US Royal, BFGoodrich, and Firestone, with choices across Coker Classic Bias Ply, US Royal Classic Bias Ply, Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, and Firestone Classic Bias Ply series. Whitewall treatments vary by size, including narrow and wide whitewall presentations.
Common 1964 Ford Falcon tire questions usually come down to exact sub-model fitment, 13-inch rim compatibility, bias-ply sizing, radial equivalents, and choosing the right whitewall style for a restoration-minded or road-driven car.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1964 Ford Falcon?
A 1964 Ford Falcon uses one of three primary bias-ply tire sizes: 600-13, 650-13, or 700-13. The correct size depends on the exact sub-model, since six-cylinder sedans, wagons, V8 cars, and air-conditioned applications do not all share the same tire fitment.
The safest starting point is to confirm the car's exact configuration and compare it with the wheel and tire setup currently on the vehicle. If the Falcon has been changed over the years, checking the actual wheel width and the size already mounted can help prevent choosing a tire that suits a different sedan or wagon application.
What size rim does a 1964 Ford Falcon use?
The 1964 Ford Falcon uses 13-inch rims with its primary tire fitments. All three covered bias-ply sizes, 600-13, 650-13, and 700-13, are built around a 13-inch wheel diameter even though the exact tire width changes by sub-model and application.
That shared rim diameter simplifies one part of the decision, but it does not mean every Falcon uses the same tire. Wheel width still matters, especially if the car no longer has its original wheels or has been updated with aftermarket parts, so it is worth verifying both diameter and width before settling on a replacement.
Why does the 1964 Ford Falcon have more than one tire size?
The 1964 Ford Falcon has more than one tire size because fitment varies across its covered sub-models and equipment combinations. Depending on the version of the car, the primary bias-ply fitment may be 600-13, 650-13, or 700-13, even though all use a 13-inch rim diameter.
That variation means the tire decision is tied to the exact Falcon you own rather than the model name alone. Sedan and wagon applications can differ, and air-conditioned or V8 cars may use a different size than other versions, so confirming the sub-model is more important than assuming one Falcon tire size fits every configuration.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 650-13 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1964 Ford Falcon?
For the 1964 Ford Falcon, 650-13 is a primary bias-ply tire size. In vintage numeric sizing, the code refers to an approximate 6.50-inch nominal section width on a 13-inch rim, and the available primary products in this size follow traditional bias-ply construction.
That matters because staying with bias-ply keeps the Falcon in its original construction family, while moving to a radial equivalent changes the tire type even if the wheel diameter remains the same. Owners comparing options should check wheel width, overall tire dimensions, and clearance before treating any radial alternative as a simple one-for-one substitution.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 650-13?
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. The recommended rim-width range associated with these equivalents is 4 to 6 inches.
Those choices give a Falcon owner several ways to compare a modern radial format with the original-style bias-ply size. The main differences are the sizing convention and profile family, so the next step is to confirm that the wheel width, tire dimensions, and fender or steering clearance remain appropriate for the specific car.
Should I use bias-ply or radial tires on a 1964 Ford Falcon?
That decision depends on what matters most for your 1964 Ford Falcon. The primary fitments are bias-ply sizes, which preserve the traditional construction style, while radial equivalents are available for 600-13, 650-13, and 700-13 if a modern radial format is being considered.
A restoration-oriented Falcon often stays closer to its period presentation with bias-ply tires, especially when whitewall style is part of the visual goal. A radial alternative may still be worth considering, but the change should be approached as a fitment decision rather than an automatic upgrade, with attention given to wheel width and available clearance.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 650-13 tire for a 1964 Ford Falcon?
Start by making sure 650-13 is the correct primary size for your exact 1964 Ford Falcon application. Once that is confirmed, the main comparison points are brand, whitewall style, tire series, and whether the tire's rim-width specification matches the wheel on the car.
In this size, options include Coker Classic and US Royal, with both wide whitewall and narrow whitewall treatments available. That means the buying decision can be shaped by the Falcon's intended appearance as much as by basic fitment, but it still helps to verify the wheel setup before choosing among period-style bias-ply products.
What sidewall styles are available for 1964 Ford Falcon tires?
1964 Ford Falcon tires in the covered sizes are available with both narrow whitewall and wide whitewall sidewall treatments. The exact choice depends on tire size, with 600-13 and 650-13 offering more than one whitewall presentation and 700-13 centered on a wide whitewall option.
Sidewall style can noticeably change the car's overall look even when the tire size stays correct. Many owners choose a whitewall treatment that complements the Falcon's era and restoration direction, but it is still important to begin with the proper size for the sub-model before narrowing the decision to appearance alone.
What brands offer tires for the 1964 Ford Falcon?
Available brands for the 1964 Ford Falcon include Coker Classic, US Royal, BFGoodrich, and Firestone. Brand choice depends on the tire size being used, since 650-13, 600-13, and 700-13 do not all share the same product assortment.
That size-by-size variation makes it smart to confirm the Falcon's fitment first, then compare what each brand offers within that exact size. Once the correct size is settled, the more useful distinctions usually become sidewall appearance, tire series, and rim-width compatibility rather than the brand name by itself.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1964 Ford Falcon?
A period-style 1964 Ford Falcon usually starts with the correct primary bias-ply size for the exact sub-model: 600-13, 650-13, or 700-13. From there, the best match depends on the look you want, including the whitewall treatment and the overall character of the available bias-ply tire series.
Choosing the right period-style tire is as much about restraint as it is about style, since the wrong width or sidewall treatment can change the car's visual balance. When exact originality matters, it helps to confirm the car's historical configuration through marque references or restoration records before finalizing the tire's appearance.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1964 Ford Falcon?
Tire construction has a visible effect on a restored 1964 Ford Falcon because the primary fitments are bias-ply, and that construction contributes to the car's traditional 1960s presentation. A radial equivalent can still be used as an alternative, but it changes the tire's format even when the wheel diameter remains 13 inches.
For many restorers, the decision is not only about road use but also about how the car sits and reads visually from the curb. Bias-ply construction tends to align more naturally with a period-style restoration, while a radial is better approached as a modernized choice that still needs careful size and wheel verification.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1964 Ford Falcon?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1964 Ford Falcon even when the correct original-style size has been identified. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, suspension work, lowering, or body alterations can all influence how a 600-13, 650-13, or 700-13 tire sits and clears.
A Falcon that no longer has its original wheel and suspension setup should be measured rather than assumed. Checking the actual wheel diameter and width, then confirming steering and fender clearance, is especially important before moving to a wider primary size or considering a radial equivalent with a different sizing convention.
What should I inspect before driving a 1964 Ford Falcon on new tires?
Before driving a 1964 Ford Falcon on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, and the surrounding suspension and steering components. It also helps to confirm that each tire is mounted in the correct size for the car, inflated properly for its use, and free from any signs of shipping or installation damage.
A short, careful road test is a good way to catch rubbing, vibration, or clearance issues before taking the car farther from home. Collector vehicles often sit for long periods, so it is also wise to recheck air pressure and look over the tread and sidewalls again after the first few drives.
How should 650-13 tires on a collector 1964 Ford Falcon be maintained?
650-13 tires on a collector 1964 Ford Falcon should be kept clean, properly inflated, and inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, or uneven wear. Because many classic Falcons are driven only occasionally, tire age and condition matter just as much as tread depth when deciding whether the tires are still roadworthy.
Storage conditions also play a role in long-term tire health. Keeping the car away from prolonged heat, direct sunlight, standing moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve the sidewalls, while periodic pressure checks and visual inspections make it easier to spot slow air loss or age-related deterioration before a longer drive.
