1964 Nissan 1500 Tires

The 1964 Nissan 1500 uses two primary tire sizes: 165R13 in radial construction and 560-13 in bias-ply construction. Both sizes are built for a 13-inch rim, so the basic wheel diameter stays the same while the construction type and tire profile convention differ.

The practical choice is not just size code alone, but which setup matches the wheels and goals for the car. A 560-13 bias-ply leans toward a more period-style presentation, while 165R13 follows a radial format. Checking wheel width, tire clearance, and whether the car has stayed stock or been changed over time helps narrow the correct direction.

The tire sizes used on a 1964 Nissan 1500 are built around a 13-inch rim diameter. That applies to both the 165R13 radial fitment and the 560-13 bias-ply fitment, so rim diameter remains consistent even though the tire constructions differ.

Rim diameter is only the first check. Wheel width matters too, because the available radial and bias-ply products are built for different width ranges. A car that still wears its original-style wheels may point naturally toward one fitment path, while a wheel change made years ago can alter which tire is the better match.

Yes. The 1964 Nissan 1500 Sports uses the same overall fitment choices found here, with both 165R13 radial and 560-13 bias-ply options on 13-inch rims. It is not a case where the Sports model requires a separate wheel diameter or an unrelated tire size.

That still leaves an important decision for the owner. The right choice depends on whether the car is being kept in a restoration-oriented style or set up for radial road use, along with the actual wheel width now on the car. Confirming that present wheel setup is the best way to avoid choosing the right diameter in the wrong construction format.

A 1964 Nissan 1500 can be fitted with either a 560-13 bias-ply tire or a 165R13 radial tire, both on 13-inch rims. The bias-ply route supports a more traditional vintage look, while the radial route uses a more modern construction format that still stays within the vehicle’s covered fitment range.

The better choice depends on how the car is used and how it is equipped today. Owners focused on restoration-minded appearance often start with bias-ply sizing, while owners planning regular road use may look more closely at the radial setup. Wheel width, tire clearance, and the condition of steering and suspension parts should be reviewed before changing construction.

Radial equivalents for 560-13 include 155R13, P155/75R13, and P155/70R13. Those cover three different radial sizing conventions: an 80-series metric radial, a 75-series P-metric radial, and a 70-series P-metric radial, all intended as comparison sizes for the original bias-ply fitment.

Each of those equivalents should be treated as an alternative to evaluate, not as an automatic swap. The recommended rim-width range attached to those equivalents is 4 to 5 inches, which makes wheel width an important first check. After that, look closely at overall fit on the car, especially around fender and steering clearance.

Start by confirming the wheel dimensions already on the car. A 560-13 bias-ply Nissan 1500 may be moving either to a 165R13 radial fitment or to one of the radial equivalents tied to 560-13, so wheel width and the intended tire size need to be checked together rather than assumed.

The next step is making sure the rest of the car is ready for the change. Look at steering clearance, fender clearance, suspension condition, and the overall age and condition of the wheels themselves. A roadster that has seen aftermarket wheel changes, lowering, or long storage deserves a careful inspection before any construction change is finalized.

Begin with the two core fitment directions for the 1964 Nissan 1500: 560-13 bias-ply and 165R13 radial, both on 13-inch rims. From there, the most important factors are wheel width, tire construction, and whether the car is being selected for restoration-style presentation, occasional touring, or more regular road use.

Product differences then become more meaningful. The available tires vary by brand, tire series, sidewall treatment, weight, and in some cases maximum load figures. Matching the tire to the car’s current wheel setup matters just as much as matching the size code, especially on a vehicle that may have changed hands and equipment several times.

Sidewall choice depends on which tire size and construction path you follow. The 165R13 radial options are offered in blackwall form, while the 560-13 bias-ply choices include narrow whitewall and wide whitewall treatments. That creates a clear visual split between the radial and bias-ply selections.

Appearance can change the character of a small vintage roadster more than many owners expect. A blackwall radial gives a cleaner, sport-oriented look, while the whitewall bias-ply options bring a more traditional period-style presentation. The right selection comes down to the style you want and whether that look aligns with the wheel setup and overall build.

The 1964 Nissan 1500 has tire options from Michelin and Dunlop in the 165R13 radial size, and from BFGoodrich and Firestone in the 560-13 bias-ply size. Those brands cover both the more modern radial direction and the restoration-oriented bias-ply direction for this 13-inch fitment.

Brand alone should not decide the purchase. It is more useful to compare which size each brand offers, the tire series involved, sidewall style, and the wheel-width range each product is meant to suit. Once the correct fitment path is settled, those details do a better job of separating the available choices than the brand name by itself.

For a period-style 1964 Nissan 1500, the 560-13 bias-ply size is the natural starting point. It keeps the car in a vintage numeric bias-ply format and is available in traditional whitewall presentations, including narrow whitewall and wide whitewall styles that suit an early-1960s look.

Choosing among those options depends on how closely the car is being restored and what visual balance looks right with its trim and stance. Exact originality claims should be checked against marque references, period photos, or other vehicle-specific documentation. That approach helps separate a broadly period-style tire choice from one intended to mirror a particular historical presentation.

Tire construction changes the visual character of a restored 1964 Nissan 1500 in noticeable ways. A 560-13 bias-ply maintains a distinctly vintage presentation, especially when paired with whitewall styling, while a 165R13 radial blackwall gives the car a cleaner and more modernized road-use look.

That difference matters even before the car moves. The tire’s profile, sidewall treatment, and overall visual stance all influence how authentic or updated the roadster appears. Owners restoring for show, display, or a strong era-correct impression often place more weight on that appearance question than an owner building the car for regular driving.

Yes, modifications can change what works on a 1964 Nissan 1500 even when the original fitment sizes remain the reference point. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, suspension lowering, spring changes, or body alterations can all affect how a 165R13 or 560-13 tire sits and clears the car.

That is why a modified roadster should be checked as an individual car rather than by year and model alone. Measure the wheel diameter and width first, then inspect steering travel and fender clearance. A tire that matches the intended size still needs to suit the car’s present stance and hardware before road use.

Before driving a 1964 Nissan 1500 on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, and overall mounting condition, then confirm the tires hold air properly and show no visible defects from installation. It also makes sense to look over the steering and suspension for looseness, worn bushings, or anything that could affect tracking.

A short vintage roadster can be sensitive to setup, so the first miles should be treated as a check run rather than a long trip. Watch for rubbing, uneven steering feel, vibration, or signs that the tire is not well matched to the wheel. Rechecking air pressure and lug torque after initial use is also a smart habit.

Collector-car tire care for a 1964 Nissan 1500 starts with regular inspections even when the car is driven sparingly. Look for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, tread damage, and slow air loss, and keep inflation at the level appropriate for the tire and the way the car is being used.

Storage conditions matter as much as mileage on a low-use vintage car. Keeping the Nissan away from prolonged sunlight, heat, excess moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve tire condition over time. Moving the car periodically and checking the tires before every outing are sensible steps, since age-related problems often appear before tread wear becomes an issue.