1964 Ford-Taunus 12M Tires

The 1964 Ford-Taunus 12M uses three primary tire sizes: 155R13 radial, 560-13 bias-ply, and 590-13 bias-ply. Base and TS models can use either 155R13 or 560-13, while the Wagon uses 590-13.

That means the right tire starts with confirming the exact sub-model, not just the year and model name. Since all three sizes fit 13-inch rims, it is easy to focus only on diameter and miss the real difference in size and construction. A Base or TS owner may also need to decide whether to stay with a traditional bias-ply look or choose a radial setup.

The 1964 Ford-Taunus 12M uses a 13-inch rim across its covered tire sizes. That applies whether the car is using 155R13 radial, 560-13 bias-ply, or 590-13 bias-ply.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, because wheel width still matters when comparing tires. The available products span different width ranges depending on size and construction, so a 13-inch wheel is not enough by itself to confirm a match. Measuring the actual wheel on the car is worthwhile, especially if the vehicle may have replacement wheels from an earlier restoration.

No. The 1964 Ford-Taunus 12M Base and TS share the same fitment pattern, with 155R13 radial and 560-13 bias-ply options, but the Wagon uses 590-13 bias-ply.

That distinction matters because the Wagon should not be treated as interchangeable with the other sub-models just because the rim diameter remains 13 inches. Owners comparing tires across the model line should confirm both the sub-model and the construction they want to run. Staying precise here helps preserve proper proportions and avoids choosing a size that belongs to a different body configuration.

560-13 is a bias-ply tire size on the 1964 Ford-Taunus 12M. It is one of the primary fitments for the Base and TS and appears in traditional bias-ply product lines with whitewall sidewall treatments.

That matters because 560-13 should be approached as a vintage construction choice, not as the same thing as the radial 155R13 even though the two can be compared through radial equivalents. Buyers keeping a period-style appearance often stay with bias-ply, while drivers considering a different road-use feel usually start by reviewing the supported radial alternatives and checking wheel width carefully.

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. Each of those is a recognized alternative sizing path for the original bias-ply size.

Those options differ mainly by sizing convention and profile family rather than by sharing an identical construction style with the bias-ply original. A recommended rim-width range of 4-5 inches is associated with the equivalency, so the actual wheel should be measured before moving ahead. Clearance around steering and suspension should also be reviewed whenever the car is changing from its original-style tire format.

The answer depends on the sub-model and the goal for the car. Base and TS models can be approached with either a radial fitment in 155R13 or a bias-ply fitment in 560-13, while the Wagon starts from a 590-13 bias-ply size with its own radial-equivalent path.

A bias-ply choice usually makes the most sense when traditional appearance is the priority, especially with whitewall sidewall options available. A radial choice is often considered when the owner wants a metric-style tire format already associated with the car or wants to evaluate an equivalent alternative. Either way, the decision should include wheel width, sub-model confirmation, and a close look at clearances on the car as it sits now.

Start with the exact sub-model and the tire size tied to it. Base and TS models can use 155R13 radial or 560-13 bias-ply, while the Wagon uses 590-13 bias-ply, so the first decision is whether the tire belongs to the car before comparing brands or sidewall details.

After size is confirmed, the important comparisons are construction, wheel-width compatibility, and the type of appearance you want. A blackwall radial gives a different visual and fitment direction than a wide whitewall bias-ply. Product differences such as tire series, maximum load figures where stated, and rim-width range become more useful once the correct size and sub-model have already been settled.

The available sidewall styles for the 1964 Ford-Taunus 12M include blackwall in 155R13 radial, narrow whitewall in 560-13 bias-ply, and wide whitewall in both 560-13 and 590-13 bias-ply. Sidewall style is one of the clearest visual differences across the tire choices for this car.

That makes sidewall selection especially important for owners who care about period-style presentation. A blackwall radial creates a distinctly different look from a bias-ply whitewall even before construction differences are considered. Choosing among them should still begin with the correct tire size for the sub-model, because the sidewall treatment only matters after the fitment path itself is right.

Michelin, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, and Firestone all appear in the available tire choices for the 1964 Ford-Taunus 12M. Michelin and Dunlop cover the 155R13 radial fitment, while BFGoodrich and Firestone appear in the 560-13 and 590-13 bias-ply sizes.

Brand is most useful once the size and construction are already narrowed down. A buyer comparing radial options will be looking at blackwall tires in one part of the assortment, while a buyer focused on bias-ply styling will see whitewall choices in another. The smarter comparison is not brand alone, but brand within the correct size, sidewall style, and intended use for the car.

A period-style 1964 Ford-Taunus 12M usually starts with the primary size and construction associated with the sub-model. That means 560-13 bias-ply for Base or TS when a traditional presentation is the goal, or 590-13 bias-ply for the Wagon, rather than starting with a modern substitute.

Within that approach, sidewall style becomes the next major visual decision because narrow whitewall and wide whitewall treatments create a different look. Exact originality can depend on the car's market, equipment, and restoration standard, so owners pursuing a highly exact result should compare against marque literature or vehicle-specific historical references. For many restorations, matching the correct size family and era-appropriate construction is the right foundation.

Tire construction changes the visual character of a restored 1964 Ford-Taunus 12M more than many buyers expect. A bias-ply tire in 560-13 or 590-13 supports a distinctly vintage presentation, especially when paired with whitewall sidewalls, while a 155R13 radial reads more like a later European radial setup.

That difference is why restoration-minded owners often decide on construction before they decide on brand. The sidewall shape and available treatments can strongly influence how authentic or updated the car appears at a glance. Even so, the appearance decision should stay grounded in the correct sub-model fitment, since the Wagon's 590-13 path is not the same as the Base and TS fitment pattern.

Yes. Modifications such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension changes, lowering, or bodywork repairs can all affect tire fitment on a 1964 Ford-Taunus 12M even when the tire size itself is correct on paper.

That matters with this car because all of its primary sizes share a 13-inch rim diameter, which can make different fitment paths seem more interchangeable than they really are. A changed wheel width or offset can influence how a 155R13 radial or a 560-13 or 590-13 bias-ply sits in the car. Tire selection should always be checked against the vehicle's actual wheel and clearance conditions.

Before road use, inspect wheel condition, valve stems, lug hardware, and the tire's seated position on the rim. The car should also be checked for obvious alignment issues, rubbing points, and enough clearance at the fenders and steering range for the specific size being installed.

A collector car that sees infrequent use also deserves a close look at suspension bushings, shocks, steering joints, and brake condition before a longer outing. Tire pressure should be set appropriately for the tire being used, and the new tires should be rechecked after initial driving for air retention and any contact marks. Catching those issues early helps prevent a simple tire change from exposing a larger chassis problem.

Tires on a 1964 Ford-Taunus 12M should be inspected regularly for cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven wear, and slow air loss, especially if the car spends long periods parked. Clean storage, proper inflation, and periodic movement all help reduce stress on collector-vehicle tires.

Regular checks are particularly important on older cars because tire condition can decline before high mileage ever appears. Bias-ply and radial tires should both be kept away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, and ozone sources such as electric motors or chargers in tight storage spaces. Owners planning a longer drive should also confirm tread condition and revisit pressure before the trip rather than relying on the last inspection.