The 1964 Nissan PL312 comes from an era when compact imported sedans were establishing a reputation for simple engineering, light weight, and efficient everyday use in the American market. That makes tire choice especially important, because a small car like the PL312 shows clear differences in appearance and feel when construction type changes. This model uses either a 560-13 bias-ply tire or a 155R13 radial on a 13-inch rim. Available choices include blackwall radial options as well as narrow and wide whitewall bias-ply styles. The right direction depends on whether the goal is a more traditional presentation, a restoration-minded look, or a carefully checked radial alternative.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1964 Nissan PL312
The 1964 Nissan PL312 uses two primary tire sizes, and the difference is tied to construction rather than a change in rim diameter. Both sizes fit a 13-inch wheel, so the key decision is whether the car is being kept on a traditional 560-13 bias-ply setup or fitted with a 155R13 radial, then confirming the actual wheel width and overall vehicle setup before choosing.
The 155R13 size uses a metric section width of 155 millimeters, radial construction indicated by the R, and a 13-inch rim diameter. On the 1964 Nissan PL312, this is the radial-format fitment and it suits owners who want to stay within a compact period-compatible sizing convention while using radial construction. Available choices include Michelin and Dunlop blackwall tires in the Michelin XAS-FF and SP Sport Aquajet series. This size is worth evaluating when road use matters, but wheel width and overall clearance still need to match the actual car before changing from bias-ply.
The 560-13 size is a vintage numeric bias-ply format in which the 560 designates an approximate 5.60-inch nominal section width and the 13 identifies rim diameter. On the 1964 Nissan PL312, this is the traditional bias-ply fitment and it gives the car the visual character many restoration-minded owners want. Choices in this size include BFGoodrich and Firestone offerings with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall sidewall treatments in classic bias-ply series. This size makes the most sense when preserving period-style appearance is the priority and the wheel is appropriate for a bias-ply application.
Fitment is straightforward for the covered 1964 Nissan PL312 sub-model, because the same two primary tire sizes appear within that configuration. Even so, the real choice is still construction type, since a 560-13 bias-ply and a 155R13 radial create different buying paths.
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1964 Nissan PL312 Base
The 1964 Nissan PL312 Base uses both the 560-13 bias-ply size and the 155R13 radial size on 13-inch rims. That gives the owner a clear choice between a traditional bias-ply presentation with whitewall options and a radial format that should be checked against the wheel width and vehicle setup.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1964 Nissan PL312
For the original 560-13 tire size, three radial-equivalent options are available. 155R13 is the 80-series metric radial equivalent, P155/75R13 is the P-metric 75-series radial equivalent, and P155/70R13 is the P-metric 70-series radial equivalent. These alternatives keep the PL312 in the same general 13-inch sizing family while using different radial sizing conventions and profile types. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches applies to these equivalents, so wheel width, overall dimensions, and vehicle clearance should all be checked before making the switch.
Modern Radial Equivalents
155R13
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (560-13)
P155/75R13
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (560-13)
P155/70R13
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (560-13)
Important Considerations When Replacing Bias Ply With Radial
Compare overall diameter and section width carefully to ensure proper fit.
Verify recommended rim range (4-5 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 Nissan PL312 Tires for Sale
Available 1964 Nissan PL312 tire choices include Michelin and Dunlop blackwall radials in 155R13, plus BFGoodrich and Firestone bias-ply options in 560-13 with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall styling. The product grid is most useful for comparing construction, tire series, sidewall appearance, and wheel-width compatibility.
Owners of a 1964 Nissan PL312 usually need answers around 560-13 versus 155R13 fitment, 13-inch wheel compatibility, radial-equivalent choices, sidewall appearance, and the checks worth making before putting a lightly used vintage car back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1964 Nissan PL312?
The 1964 Nissan PL312 uses two primary tire sizes: 560-13 in bias-ply construction and 155R13 in radial construction. Both sizes are associated with the PL312 Base and both are built around a 13-inch rim diameter, so the difference is not wheel diameter but tire construction and sizing format.
That means the first step is deciding whether the car should stay with a traditional bias-ply look or move into a radial-style fitment. After that, check the actual wheel width on the car, especially if the wheels have been changed over the years, because the available tires in these two sizes do not share the same wheel-width recommendations.
What size rim does a 1964 Nissan PL312 use?
The tire fitments used on the 1964 Nissan PL312 are both built around a 13-inch rim. The 560-13 bias-ply size and the 155R13 radial size share that same nominal rim diameter, which keeps wheel diameter simple even though the tire constructions differ.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture on a car like the PL312. Wheel width still matters, especially when comparing a bias-ply tire intended for a narrower wheel with a radial that may call for a different width range, so it helps to measure the wheels actually on the car before selecting a replacement set.
Does the 1964 Nissan PL312 Base use the same tire size?
Yes. The 1964 Nissan PL312 Base is associated with the same two primary fitments used on this model: 560-13 bias-ply and 155R13 radial. That makes sub-model identification less complicated than on vehicles where trim level alone changes the tire size.
The practical decision is not between different PL312 Base tire sizes, but between different constructions and appearances. A bias-ply 560-13 keeps the car in a more traditional format, while a 155R13 radial takes the selection in a more modern direction and should be matched to the wheel width and overall setup on the vehicle.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 560-13 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1964 Nissan PL312?
On the 1964 Nissan PL312, 560-13 is a bias-ply tire size. It is a vintage numeric size format, and the available tires in this fitment are bias-ply products rather than radials, which makes it the traditional-style construction choice for this model.
That matters because a switch from 560-13 bias-ply to a radial alternative is more than a simple change in lettering on the sidewall. Wheel width, overall tire dimensions, and clearance around steering and suspension should all be checked, especially on a small vintage sedan where even modest fitment differences can be more noticeable.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 560-13?
Radial equivalents for 560-13 include 155R13 as an 80-series metric radial, P155/75R13 as a P-metric 75-series radial, and P155/70R13 as a P-metric 70-series radial. Each option keeps the same general 13-inch wheel format while representing a different radial sizing convention.
A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches is associated with those equivalents, which makes wheel measurement important before conversion. It also helps to compare the actual tire dimensions and available clearance on the car, since an equivalent size is a useful alternative reference point rather than an automatic interchange claim.
Should I use bias-ply or radial tires on a 1964 Nissan PL312?
That choice depends on how the 1964 Nissan PL312 is being used and how closely its tire presentation should stay with a traditional period-style look. The 560-13 bias-ply size suits restoration-oriented appearance goals, while 155R13 places the car in a radial fitment that remains within the same 13-inch wheel family.
Construction choice also affects what you need to verify before purchase. A radial conversion deserves a close look at wheel width and available clearance, while a bias-ply replacement keeps the sizing format traditional and opens up whitewall styling options that can be especially important on a compact 1960s imported sedan.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1964 Nissan PL312?
Start with the two primary fitments used on the 1964 Nissan PL312: 560-13 bias-ply and 155R13 radial. From there, the most important factors are construction type, 13-inch wheel compatibility, the actual wheel width on the car, and whether the goal is traditional appearance, regular road use, or a mix of both.
Product details can help narrow the field once the size decision is settled. Sidewall treatment, tire series, brand, wheel-width specification, and even load figures where stated all matter, especially on a smaller vintage car where visual proportion and wheel match tend to be more obvious than they are on larger vehicles.
What sidewall styles are available for 1964 Nissan PL312 tires?
Sidewall choices for the 1964 Nissan PL312 vary by size and construction. The 155R13 radial options are blackwall tires, while the 560-13 bias-ply choices include narrow whitewall and wide whitewall styles, giving the car noticeably different visual presentations depending on which path is chosen.
That makes sidewall style part of the fitment decision rather than a purely cosmetic afterthought. A blackwall radial keeps the look simpler and more understated, while a whitewall bias-ply can push the car toward a stronger 1960s appearance, so it helps to match the sidewall treatment to the wheel style and overall restoration direction.
What brands offer tires for the 1964 Nissan PL312?
The 1964 Nissan PL312 has tire options from Michelin and Dunlop in the 155R13 radial size, and from BFGoodrich and Firestone in the 560-13 bias-ply size. Those brand differences also correspond to differences in construction, sidewall appearance, and tire series rather than brand name alone.
A useful way to compare them is by deciding first which size family belongs on the car, then looking at the details that change within that group. On this Nissan, that usually means comparing blackwall radial choices against whitewall bias-ply choices, along with the wheel-width requirements attached to the specific tire being considered.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1964 Nissan PL312?
For a period-style 1964 Nissan PL312, the 560-13 bias-ply size is the more traditional starting point. It keeps the car in a vintage numeric fitment and is available with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall sidewall treatments, both of which create a more restoration-oriented presentation than a blackwall radial.
Appearance goals still need to be balanced against the wheels actually on the car and the way the car will be used. When exact originality matters, marque references and vehicle-specific historical material are worth consulting, since period-style and visually appropriate are not the same thing as a verified factory-delivered tire specification.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1964 Nissan PL312?
Tire construction changes the character of a restored 1964 Nissan PL312 more than many owners expect. A 560-13 bias-ply keeps a distinctly vintage sizing format and opens the door to whitewall styling, while a 155R13 radial uses a more modern metric presentation and is offered here in blackwall form.
That difference can influence how authentic, formal, or understated the finished car feels when viewed from the side. On a compact sedan with small 13-inch wheels, sidewall treatment is especially visible, so choosing between bias-ply and radial often becomes part of the restoration plan rather than a simple replacement decision.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1964 Nissan PL312?
Yes. Modifications can change tire fitment on a 1964 Nissan PL312 even when the tire still carries a correct-looking 13-inch size. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, suspension alterations, ride-height changes, or body repairs can all affect how a 560-13 or 155R13 tire sits in the wheel opening.
A careful check should include wheel width, steering clearance, and room around the fender and suspension through the full range of movement. Small vintage cars tend to show fitment changes quickly, so it is smart to confirm the actual setup on the car rather than relying only on the tire size that would have been appropriate originally.
What should I inspect before driving a 1964 Nissan PL312 on new tires?
Before driving a 1964 Nissan PL312 on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and width, make sure the tires are seated properly, and confirm that the car has enough clearance at the fenders, suspension, and steering components. Tire pressure should also be checked before any road use.
It is also wise to look beyond the tires themselves on an older car. Worn suspension parts, loose steering components, and brake issues can affect how a fresh set of tires behaves, so a basic mechanical once-over helps the car take full advantage of the new fitment and reduces surprises on the first drive.
How should tires on a collector 1964 Nissan PL312 be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1964 Nissan PL312 should be inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and signs of air loss, even if the car is only driven occasionally. Pressure checks matter on lightly used vintage vehicles because long storage periods can hide problems that are easy to miss at a glance.
Storage conditions also play a role in tire life and readiness. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires, and it is worth giving them a close visual inspection before each outing so age-related deterioration does not go unnoticed on a seldom-driven car.