1964 Ford-Taunus 17M Tires

The 1964 Ford-Taunus 17M uses 165R13, 590-13, or 640-13 depending on the sub-model and construction. The Base model uses either 165R13 radial or 590-13 bias-ply tires, while the Wagon uses 640-13 bias-ply tires. All of these are 13-inch fitments.

That means the right choice starts with identifying whether the car is a Base model or Wagon and then confirming the wheel setup currently on the vehicle. A restored car may still wear its intended size, but an older driver or modified example can have different wheels installed, so matching tire size to the actual rim and intended use is important.

The primary tire fitments for the 1964 Ford-Taunus 17M all use a 13-inch rim diameter. That applies to the radial 165R13 size as well as the 590-13 and 640-13 bias-ply sizes. Rim width can vary by tire, so diameter alone is not the whole fitment picture.

A 13-inch wheel still needs to be checked for proper width before selecting a tire. The available 590-13 and 640-13 bias-ply options call for narrower wheel widths than the 165R13 radial choices, so an owner comparing constructions should verify more than just the wheel diameter before mounting a new set.

The 1964 Ford-Taunus 17M has more than one tire size because fitment varies by sub-model and construction. The Base model can use a radial 165R13 or a bias-ply 590-13, while the Wagon uses a larger 640-13 bias-ply size. The variation is tied to the exact version of the car rather than one universal tire choice.

That makes sub-model identification especially important before ordering tires. It also means a buyer should look at the vehicle's current wheel and tire setup rather than assuming another 17M uses the same fitment, particularly if the car has been restored, converted to radial tires earlier in its life, or fitted with replacement wheels.

590-13 is a bias-ply tire size for the 1964 Ford-Taunus 17M. It is one of the Base model fitments and uses the older numeric sizing format common to period bias-ply tires. It should not be confused with the 165R13 radial size, which is a separate fitment for the same sub-model.

That distinction matters because bias-ply and radial tires differ in construction, sidewall presentation, and wheel-width requirements. An owner selecting 590-13 usually wants a more traditional appearance, while someone considering a radial alternative should compare wheel width, overall vehicle setup, and clearance before moving away from the original bias-ply format.

For 590-13, radial equivalents include 165R13, P165/75R13, and P175/70R13. For 640-13, radial equivalents include 175R13, P175/75R13, P185/70R13, and 650R13 as a bias-look radial. These alternatives span Euro-metric, P-metric, and bias-look radial formats rather than one single replacement type.

Each equivalent should be treated as an alternative to evaluate, not an automatic swap. Rim-width guidance is 4-5 inches for 590-13 equivalents and 4-6 inches for 640-13 equivalents, and it still makes sense to confirm the wheel, compare dimensions carefully, and check steering and body clearance before converting from bias-ply to radial.

That depends on the exact 1964 Ford-Taunus 17M sub-model and the result you want from the car. The Base model supports either a 165R13 radial or a 590-13 bias-ply fitment, while the Wagon uses 640-13 bias-ply with radial-equivalent options available. Bias-ply suits a more traditional presentation, while radial choices follow later tire construction practice.

The better direction comes from the car's purpose. A restoration-minded owner may want the appearance of a wide-whitewall bias-ply, while a driver-oriented owner may prefer one of the available radial formats. Wheel width, current rim type, and clearance should be reviewed before changing construction, especially on a car that may have older wheels or previous modifications.

Start with the exact sub-model and primary tire size. A 1964 Ford-Taunus 17M Base can use either 165R13 radial or 590-13 bias-ply, while the Wagon uses 640-13 bias-ply. From there, the meaningful choices are construction, sidewall style, brand, tire series, and whether the wheel width matches the tire being considered.

The next step is deciding what matters most for the car's use. A traditional restoration look points toward the wide whitewall bias-ply options, while a road-driven Base model may lead toward Michelin or Dunlop blackwall radials in 165R13. Matching the tire to the wheel and the car's intended character usually narrows the choice quickly.

Sidewall style depends on the tire size chosen for the 1964 Ford-Taunus 17M. The 165R13 radial options are offered as blackwall tires, while the 590-13 and 640-13 bias-ply options are available with wide whitewalls. That creates a clear visual difference between the radial and bias-ply paths.

Appearance plays a big role on a mid-1960s European car, especially one being restored or shown. A blackwall radial gives a cleaner touring-style look, while a wide whitewall bias-ply leans more heavily into period presentation. The right sidewall style is the one that matches the car's intended look without ignoring the underlying size and wheel requirements.

Michelin, Dunlop, and BFGoodrich all offer applicable tires for the 1964 Ford-Taunus 17M. Michelin and Dunlop cover the 165R13 radial fitment with blackwall options, while BFGoodrich supplies the 590-13 and 640-13 bias-ply sizes in Silvertown Classic Bias Ply wide whitewall form.

Brand choice here is closely tied to tire type rather than simple preference. Buyers comparing radial products on a Base model can focus on Michelin and Dunlop series differences, while buyers staying with bias-ply construction for the Base or Wagon are looking at BFGoodrich in the correct numeric size. The key is choosing within the right fitment first.

A period-style 1964 Ford-Taunus 17M usually points toward the primary fitment that matches the car's sub-model and intended presentation. For the Base, that can mean 590-13 bias-ply for a more traditional look or 165R13 radial for a later-style road presentation. The Wagon's primary period-style fitment is 640-13 bias-ply.

The final choice depends on whether appearance or construction is the bigger priority. A wide-whitewall bias-ply creates the strongest vintage impression, while a blackwall radial keeps a cleaner, more understated look. When exact originality matters, the smartest approach is to compare the tire decision with vehicle-specific historical references and the car's current wheel setup.

Tire construction changes the visual character of a restored 1964 Ford-Taunus 17M more than many buyers expect. Bias-ply options in 590-13 and 640-13 are available with wide whitewalls, giving the car a distinctly period-oriented presentation. The 165R13 radial options are blackwall tires, which produce a more restrained and modern-looking side profile.

That means the tire decision is partly an appearance decision, not just a sizing exercise. On a restoration-focused car, sidewall treatment and overall tire style can influence how authentic or era-appropriate the finished vehicle feels. Construction also affects which wheel widths are suitable, so visual goals should still be balanced against practical fitment checks.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1964 Ford-Taunus 17M even when the tire size itself is correct. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, suspension alterations, ride-height changes, or bodywork differences can all influence how a 13-inch tire sits and clears the car. That matters with both radial and bias-ply choices.

A modified 17M should be checked at the wheel, not just on paper. Steering clearance, fender clearance, and the actual wheel width become especially important when comparing a narrow bias-ply size with a radial alternative. Taking a few measurements before mounting new tires helps avoid choosing a tire that suits the catalog size but not the car's setup.

Before driving a 1964 Ford-Taunus 17M on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, lug hardware, and general suspension condition. Confirm that the tire size matches the sub-model, the wheel diameter is 13 inches, and the wheel width suits the tire selected. It is also worth checking that nothing rubs at full steering lock.

A collector car often sits for long periods, so road readiness involves more than fresh rubber. Tire pressure should be set correctly, and the first drive should include a careful check for vibration, pulling, or unexpected contact under turning and braking. Catching those issues early is especially helpful on an older car returning to regular road use.

Tires on a 1964 Ford-Taunus 17M should be inspected regularly for air loss, tread wear, cuts, bulges, and age-related cracking. That applies to both the 165R13 radial fitment and the 590-13 or 640-13 bias-ply sizes. Cars that see limited seasonal use deserve extra attention because time can matter as much as mileage.

Proper storage also helps preserve collector tires. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources can slow visible deterioration, and checking pressure before each outing is a good habit. A low-use 17M may appear fine at a glance, so a close inspection before longer drives remains an important part of ownership.