1964 Ford Wagons Tires

The 1964 Ford Wagons uses two primary tire sizes: 800-14 and 850-14. Both are bias-ply sizes built for 14-inch rims, and the covered Base sub-model can use either size depending on the wagon’s actual wheel and tire setup.

That makes confirmation more important than assumption. Checking the size already mounted on the wagon, along with the wheel width and overall stance you want to preserve, is the best first step before selecting a replacement. Once the correct size is confirmed, the decision usually shifts to sidewall style, brand, tire series, or whether a radial equivalent is worth considering.

The primary tire fitments for the 1964 Ford Wagons are built around a 14-inch rim diameter. Both 800-14 and 850-14 are 14-inch tire sizes, so wheel diameter remains consistent even though two different tire widths are used in this application.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, especially on an older wagon that may have had wheels changed over time. A replacement tire should also match the wheel’s actual width and the vehicle’s present setup. That matters whether the goal is a traditional bias-ply replacement or a modern radial equivalent with similar overall intent.

The 1964 Ford Wagons can use both 800-14 and 850-14, so tire selection is not limited to one numeric bias-ply size. Both sizes share the same 14-inch rim diameter, but they represent different nominal section-width classes within the wagon application.

In practical terms, that means the correct choice depends on the wagon’s actual wheel-and-tire combination rather than the model name alone. Many collector vehicles have seen wheel changes, previous replacements, or restoration decisions over the years. Verifying the existing size and checking wheel compatibility helps avoid choosing a tire that looks right on paper but does not match the vehicle’s current setup.

For the 1964 Ford Wagons, 800-14 is a primary bias-ply tire size. The numeric format and available product construction both point to a traditional bias-ply fitment intended for a 14-inch wheel in keeping with the wagon’s original-era tire style.

That matters because a buyer deciding between traditional appearance and radial conversion is making a construction choice, not just a brand choice. Bias-ply and radial tires present the vehicle differently, and they can also have different wheel-width preferences. Keeping the tire in its original construction style supports a more period-style look, while any radial alternative should be checked against wheel and clearance requirements first.

For 800-14, radial equivalents include 205R14, P215/75R14, P225/70R14, and 800R14 as a bias-look radial. For 850-14, radial equivalents include 215R14, P225/75R14, and P235/70R14. These alternatives cover an 80-series metric radial format along with 75-series and 70-series P-metric radial options.

Each equivalent should be treated as an alternative sizing path rather than an automatic swap. The recommended rim-width range attached to these equivalents is 5 to 7 inches, but wheel compatibility is only one part of the decision. Overall dimensions, steering clearance, fender clearance, and the wagon’s actual ride height and wheel setup should all be confirmed before changing construction.

That depends on what matters most for the wagon. The primary fitments are bias-ply in 800-14 and 850-14, so staying with bias-ply preserves the original-style sizing system and a more traditional visual character. Radial equivalents are available if a buyer wants to evaluate a modern construction in a comparable size range.

The better choice comes from balancing appearance, intended road use, and the wheel setup already on the vehicle. A restoration-oriented wagon may favor a bias-ply tire with the right whitewall treatment, while a road-driven wagon may lead the owner to compare radial equivalents more closely. Either way, wheel width, vehicle clearance, and overall dimensions deserve a careful check before committing.

Start with the correct primary size for the wagon as equipped, since this application uses either 800-14 or 850-14 and both are bias-ply fitments for 14-inch rims. After size is confirmed, the main selection factors become construction type, sidewall treatment, tire series, brand, and whether the wheel width matches the tire being considered.

The best comparison point is the role the wagon will play. A more restoration-oriented car may call for a traditional bias-ply tire and a whitewall style that suits the vehicle’s presentation, while a driver may also look at radial equivalents. Looking at load figures where available, wheel-width compatibility, and the wagon’s present stance helps narrow the choice sensibly.

The available sidewall styles for 1964 Ford Wagons tires include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall, depending on the tire size and product line. In 800-14, the range is broader, while 850-14 is available in narrow whitewall and wide whitewall versions.

Sidewall choice has a major effect on the wagon’s overall presentation, especially on a full-size 1960s body where the tire is visually prominent. A blackwall gives a simpler, more understated look, while narrow and wide whitewalls move the appearance in a more formal or restoration-oriented direction. Matching that visual goal to the correct size matters more than chasing sidewall style first.

Tires for the 1964 Ford Wagons are available from BFGoodrich, Goodyear, and Universal Vintage Tire in the applicable 14-inch bias-ply sizes. Depending on size, those choices include series such as Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, Custom Super Cushion, and Universal Classic Bias Ply.

Brand is only one part of the decision. The stronger comparison points are whether the tire is offered in the correct size for the wagon, whether the sidewall treatment matches the look you want, and whether the wheel-width specification suits the wheels on the vehicle. Once those basics line up, comparing series and appearance becomes far more useful.

A period-style 1964 Ford Wagons usually starts with the correct primary bias-ply size already associated with the vehicle, either 800-14 or 850-14. From there, the most relevant choices are among traditional-looking bias-ply tires and the sidewall style that best suits the wagon’s intended presentation.

That does not mean every tire offered in those sizes represents the same historical look. Blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall treatments can change the character of the vehicle noticeably. When exact originality matters, checking period photos, marque literature, or restoration references helps narrow the visual direction before choosing among currently available period-style tire options.

Tire construction changes more than ride feel on a restored 1964 Ford Wagons; it also changes visual character. The wagon’s primary fitments are bias-ply, and that construction supports the traditional profile and presentation many owners want on a mid-1960s full-size Ford long roof.

A radial equivalent may still be worth considering, but it should be viewed as a different approach rather than the same tire in another material. Some buyers prefer a modern radial format, while others want to preserve a more traditional sidewall and stance. Deciding early whether appearance or construction change matters more will make the rest of the selection process much clearer.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1964 Ford Wagons even when the tire size itself is one of the correct primary sizes. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension lowering, spring replacement, or body work can all influence how an 800-14 or 850-14 tire sits and clears.

That is especially important on a collector wagon that may have changed hands several times. A tire that suits a stock-style 14-inch setup may need closer review on a modified chassis or wheel package. Measuring the actual wheels, checking steering and fender clearance, and comparing the vehicle’s current configuration against the intended tire size can prevent avoidable fitment surprises.

Before driving a 1964 Ford Wagons on new tires, inspect the wheels for the correct diameter and sound condition, confirm proper inflation, and make sure each tire is seated and clearing the body and suspension correctly. It also helps to check valve stems, lug hardware, and the spare if the wagon will be used regularly.

A collector vehicle deserves a broader once-over before road use. Looking at suspension condition, steering play, brake operation, and any signs of rubbing after the first short drive can catch issues that are not obvious at installation. Rechecking pressure after initial use and watching for uneven wear or air loss helps the new tires settle into dependable service.

Collector-car tires in 800-14 or 850-14 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and attention to age as well as tread depth. On a 1964 Ford Wagons, sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, flat spotting from long storage, and slow air loss are all worth watching closely.

Storage conditions matter as much as mileage on a low-use wagon. Keeping the vehicle away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve tire condition over time. Periodic movement, clean wheel inspection, and a quick clearance check before longer drives are smart habits, especially on a vintage wagon that may sit for extended periods between outings.