1964 Nissan SPL Tires

The 1964 Nissan SPL uses two tire sizes: 560-13 in bias-ply construction and 155R13 in radial construction. Both fitment paths use a 13-inch rim, but they represent different tire types and different sizing systems, so they should be viewed as separate choices rather than the same tire described two ways.

Selecting between them starts with confirming whether the car is set up for a traditional bias-ply presentation or a radial setup. The wheel diameter stays the same, but wheel width, overall tire dimensions, and clearance should still be checked before changing construction or moving from one size format to the other.

The primary tire sizes for a 1964 Nissan SPL both use a 13-inch rim diameter. That applies to the 560-13 bias-ply size and the 155R13 radial size, so wheel diameter is consistent even though the tire construction and size notation are different.

Rim diameter alone does not settle the fitment decision. Bias-ply and radial tires can call for different wheel-width ranges, and product specifications vary within each size, so it is smart to measure the actual wheel width and confirm that the car has not been changed to a different wheel or suspension setup over the years.

560-13 is a vintage numeric bias-ply size. The 560 portion refers to the tire's nominal section-width class, roughly 5.60 inches, and the 13 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1964 Nissan SPL, it represents the traditional bias-ply fitment rather than a modern metric radial size.

That matters because a 560-13 tire is chosen partly for construction and appearance, not just dimensions. Buyers comparing it to radial alternatives should look beyond the shared 13-inch rim and verify wheel width, intended use, and the kind of sidewall treatment they want on the car.

On the 1964 Nissan SPL, 560-13 is the bias-ply tire size. It uses the older numeric sizing system and is offered in classic bias-ply series from BFGoodrich and Firestone, including narrow whitewall and wide whitewall sidewall treatments.

That makes 560-13 the natural starting point for owners who want a more traditional visual presentation. A change to a radial alternative can be considered, but it should be treated as a construction change, not just a simple size substitution, and the wheel width and car's running clearance still need to be confirmed.

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. Those options provide three different radial sizing conventions tied to the original 560-13 bias-ply size.

Each one should be evaluated as an alternative rather than an automatic interchange. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches applies to the radial-equivalent path, and the buyer should also compare the actual wheel width, vehicle stance, and available clearance before moving away from the bias-ply fitment.

A conversion from 560-13 bias-ply tires to a radial option on a 1964 Nissan SPL starts with the wheel itself. The rim diameter remains 13 inches, but the radial-equivalent path calls for checking wheel width carefully, especially because the recommended range for the equivalent radial setup is 4 to 5 inches.

The next step is comparing the car's actual setup, including suspension condition and available clearance at the fenders and steering stops. Cars that have been altered over time may not match a stock wheel package, so construction changes should be approached as a fitment review rather than a simple tire swap.

Choosing a 560-13 tire for a 1964 Nissan SPL starts with confirming that the car is staying with the bias-ply fitment. From there, the meaningful differences are brand, tire series, sidewall treatment, and wheel-width compatibility, with BFGoodrich and Firestone options offering different traditional looks.

A narrow whitewall and a wide whitewall can change the car's visual character even within the same size. It also helps to compare the wheel width on the car against the tire's stated rim-width range, especially if the SPL has been restored, modified, or fitted with wheels that differ from its earlier setup.

The available sidewall styles for 1964 Nissan SPL tires include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall. Blackwall appears on the 155R13 radial options, while the 560-13 bias-ply selections include both narrow whitewall and wide whitewall treatments.

That gives the owner a real appearance choice tied to construction as well as style. A blackwall radial suits a more understated roadgoing presentation, while the whitewall bias-ply options lean toward a more traditional look, so the right sidewall depends on whether the goal is driving character, restoration mood, or both.

Tires for the 1964 Nissan SPL are available from BFGoodrich, Firestone, Michelin, and Dunlop. BFGoodrich and Firestone cover the 560-13 bias-ply fitment, while Michelin and Dunlop offer radial choices in the 155R13 size.

Brand choice should be considered alongside construction, tire series, and sidewall style rather than by name alone. A buyer looking for traditional whitewall bias-ply appearance is shopping a different kind of tire than someone choosing a blackwall radial, even though both paths remain within the SPL's 13-inch fitment.

For a period-style 1964 Nissan SPL, the 560-13 bias-ply fitment is the natural place to start. It preserves the older numeric sizing format and is available in classic bias-ply series with traditional whitewall treatments that suit a restoration-oriented presentation.

The exact sidewall style still depends on how the car is being interpreted, since narrow whitewall and wide whitewall options create different visual results. When strict originality matters, it is worth checking marque-specific references or period photos so the final tire choice supports the car's intended historical presentation.

Tire construction changes the look of a restored 1964 Nissan SPL as much as it changes the driving setup. A 560-13 bias-ply tire keeps the vintage numeric format and a more traditional visual impression, while a 155R13 radial introduces a later metric-style appearance and blackwall presentation.

That difference matters on a small sports car where tire shape and sidewall treatment are easy to notice. Owners restoring for era character often begin with the bias-ply path, while owners who want a more road-focused presentation may lean toward radial construction without expecting it to duplicate the same visual effect.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1964 Nissan SPL even when the tire size itself is correct on paper. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension work, lowering, or body repairs can influence how either a 560-13 bias-ply tire or a 155R13 radial sits in the car.

A car that has been changed over time should be measured rather than assumed to match its original setup. Checking wheel width, steering travel, and fender clearance is especially important before moving between bias-ply and radial construction, since the conversion involves more than simply keeping the same 13-inch rim diameter.

Before driving a 1964 Nissan SPL on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and sound condition, then confirm that the tires are seated properly and inflated to the appropriate pressure for the application. It also helps to look over suspension and steering components so the new tires are not being asked to work around worn hardware.

A short initial road test should include listening for rubbing and feeling for any pull, shake, or unusual response. Recheck pressure after the first drive and inspect sidewalls and tread surfaces regularly, especially on a collector car that may spend long periods parked between outings.

Collector-car tires on a 1964 Nissan SPL should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and clean storage conditions. Whether the car is running 560-13 bias-ply tires or 155R13 radials, owners should watch for cracking, flat spotting, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and slow air loss before each outing.

Long periods of inactivity can age tires even when tread wear is minimal, so condition matters as much as mileage. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the rubber, and periodic inspection by a qualified tire professional is wise before longer drives.