The 1964 Peugeot 404 sits in the era when European family cars were expected to deliver durability, efficiency, and long-distance road manners with understated style. Its clean Pininfarina-influenced lines and broad model range make tire choice especially important today, because the correct fitment depends on whether the car is a Sedan & Convertible or a Wagon. This Peugeot 404 uses both period bias-ply and radial fitments on 15-inch rims, with 165R15 and 590-15 tied to the Sedan & Convertible, and 185R15 and 6.50-15 tied to the Wagon. That gives owners meaningful choices in construction, sidewall appearance, and radial-versus-bias presentation while keeping wheel size and vehicle setup in focus.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1964 Peugeot 404
Four primary tire sizes apply to the 1964 Peugeot 404, and the right one depends first on the exact sub-model. Sedan & Convertible models use 165R15 radial or 590-15 bias-ply sizes, while the Wagon uses 185R15 radial or 6.50-15 bias-ply sizes. All of them fit 15-inch rims, so the key step is confirming whether the car is a Sedan & Convertible or a Wagon and then deciding whether to stay with the original construction style or consider the available radial path.
The 165R15 size uses a metric section width of 165 millimeters, radial construction, and a 15-inch rim diameter, with this format commonly associated with an 80-series profile. On the 1964 Peugeot 404, it serves as a radial fitment for Sedan & Convertible models and gives buyers a distinctly European sizing format. Available choices include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall tires from brands such as Michelin, Firestone, BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, American Classic, and Vredestein across several series. It is the size to evaluate when keeping a radial look and checking rim-width compatibility against the actual wheels on the car.
The 590-15 designation is a vintage numeric bias-ply size, where the 5.90 figure refers to nominal section width and the 15 identifies the wheel diameter. For the 1964 Peugeot 404, this is the period-style bias-ply fitment for Sedan & Convertible models and keeps the traditional construction format in place. Product choices include blackwall and wide whitewall versions, with series such as BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply and Avon Turbospeed Mk4. This size matters to owners who want a more traditional presentation and who are also considering whether to remain with bias-ply construction or move to a radial equivalent.
The 185R15 size is a Euro-metric radial, with a nominal 185-millimeter section width and a 15-inch rim diameter, again in the classic unstated-aspect-ratio radial format. On the 1964 Peugeot 404, it applies to Wagon models and represents the radial fitment within that heavier-duty branch of the lineup. Buyers can compare blackwall, narrow whitewall, and redline treatments from Coker Classic, Michelin, Avon, and Universal Vintage Tire across series including Michelin XVS, Coker Classic Radial, Universal Sport, and Turbosteel CR3B. It is the size to examine when the Wagon calls for radial construction and appearance choice matters as much as fitment.
The 6.50-15 designation is a numeric bias-ply size, with the 6.50 figure indicating nominal section width and the 15 showing the wheel diameter. For the 1964 Peugeot 404, it is a Wagon bias-ply fitment and represents the traditional construction path for that sub-model. Its role is straightforward: match the Wagon's primary bias-ply size first, then compare available tire details such as sidewall presentation and wheel suitability once a product exists in that format. Buyers should confirm the Wagon still carries its intended 15-inch wheel setup before using this size as the basis for a replacement decision.
Tire fitment for the 1964 Peugeot 404 changes by sub-model rather than by wheel diameter. Sedan & Convertible models share one pair of radial and bias-ply sizes, while the Wagon uses a different pair, so identifying the body style is the first step before comparing construction or appearance.
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1964 Peugeot 404 Sedan & Convertible
The 1964 Peugeot 404 Sedan & Convertible uses 165R15 as its radial fitment and 590-15 as its bias-ply fitment, both on 15-inch rims. That gives owners a clear choice between a classic radial format and a period-style bias-ply presentation, along with sidewall and brand differences within each size.
The 1964 Peugeot 404 Wagon uses 185R15 in radial form and 6.50-15 in bias-ply form, also on 15-inch rims. That makes wheel diameter simple, but the buyer still needs to choose the construction style that best suits the Wagon's intended look, road use, and existing wheel setup.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1964 Peugeot 404
For the 1964 Peugeot 404, the 590-15 bias-ply size has three radial-equivalent options. Those alternatives are 165R15 as an 80-series metric radial, P165/75R15 as a 75-series P-metric radial, and P175/70R15 as a 70-series P-metric radial. The choices move from a classic Euro-style radial format to progressively more modern P-metric sizing conventions and profiles. A 4-5 inch recommended rim-width range is associated with these equivalents, so wheel width, overall dimensions, and vehicle clearance should all be checked before changing from 590-15.
Modern Radial Equivalents
165R15
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (590-15)
P165/75R15
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (590-15)
P175/70R15
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (590-15)
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 Peugeot 404 Tires for Sale
Available 1964 Peugeot 404 tire choices span radial and bias-ply construction across 165R15, 590-15, and 185R15, with brands including Michelin, BFGoodrich, Firestone, Avon, Coker Classic, American Classic, Universal Vintage Tire, and Vredestein. The product grid also shows meaningful differences in tire series, whitewall treatments, blackwall options, and redline styling.
These questions focus on the exact tire sizes used on the 1964 Peugeot 404, how fitment changes between Sedan & Convertible and Wagon models, and what to check when comparing bias-ply, radial, and appearance-focused tire choices.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1964 Peugeot 404?
The 1964 Peugeot 404 uses more than one primary tire size. Sedan & Convertible models use 165R15 in radial form or 590-15 in bias-ply form, while Wagon models use 185R15 in radial form or 6.50-15 in bias-ply form. All of these fitments are built around a 15-inch rim.
The important next step is identifying the exact sub-model before choosing a tire. A Sedan & Convertible and a Wagon do not use the same size family, even though the rim diameter stays the same. Once the body style is confirmed, compare construction type, wheel width, and the car's current setup, especially if it has been changed from its original wheel or suspension arrangement.
What size rim does a 1964 Peugeot 404 use?
The primary tire sizes used on the 1964 Peugeot 404 are all built around a 15-inch rim diameter. That applies to the radial sizes 165R15 and 185R15 as well as the bias-ply sizes 590-15 and 6.50-15. The wheel diameter is consistent even though the Peugeot 404 uses different tire sizes by sub-model.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so wheel width still matters before selecting a tire. Radial and bias-ply products in these sizes can call for different usable rim-width ranges, and an old car may no longer have its original wheels. Checking the wheel itself before ordering helps avoid problems with tire profile, seating, and clearance.
Why does the 1964 Peugeot 404 have more than one tire size?
The 1964 Peugeot 404 has more than one tire size because fitment changes by sub-model and by construction type. Sedan & Convertible models use 165R15 radial or 590-15 bias-ply sizing, while Wagon models use 185R15 radial or 6.50-15 bias-ply sizing. That means the tire decision is tied to both body style and whether the car is being kept in a bias-ply or radial format.
This does not mean every 1964 Peugeot 404 can use all four sizes interchangeably. The practical approach is to confirm the exact sub-model first, then inspect the wheel width and current tire setup on the car. Many collector vehicles have been changed over time, so the correct replacement decision comes from matching the intended fitment to the actual wheels and clearances now in place.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 590-15 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1964 Peugeot 404?
On the 1964 Peugeot 404, 590-15 is a bias-ply tire size used on Sedan & Convertible models. It is part of the vintage numeric sizing system, and it serves as the period-style bias-ply fitment rather than a radial. The radial fitment paired with those same sub-models is 165R15.
That distinction matters because the tire's construction affects both presentation and setup decisions. A bias-ply replacement keeps the vintage construction format, while a radial alternative changes the tire type even if the wheel diameter remains the same. Before making that change, check the actual wheel width on the car and make sure steering and fender clearance remain appropriate.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 590-15?
Radial equivalents for 590-15 include 165R15 as an 80-series metric radial, P165/75R15 as a 75-series P-metric radial, and P175/70R15 as a 70-series P-metric radial. These are alternative radial sizing formats associated with the 590-15 bias-ply fitment used on the 1964 Peugeot 404 Sedan & Convertible.
Each of those sizes should be treated as an alternative to evaluate rather than an automatic substitute. A 4-5 inch recommended rim-width range is tied to these equivalents, so wheel width is an important checkpoint before conversion. It also helps to compare the current wheel and tire package on the car, since age, wheel changes, or suspension modifications can influence final clearance.
What should I check before converting my 1964 Peugeot 404 from bias-ply to radial tires?
Start by matching the radial size to the correct sub-model and original bias-ply fitment. A Sedan & Convertible moving from 590-15 can be evaluated with 165R15, P165/75R15, or P175/70R15, while a Wagon should stay within its own fitment family rather than borrowing Sedan & Convertible sizes. Wheel diameter remains 15 inches, but construction choice still changes the tire package.
The key checks are wheel width, overall physical clearance, and the condition of the suspension and steering components. A car that has replacement wheels, altered ride height, or worn front-end parts can react differently to a radial conversion than a stock, well-sorted car. Confirming those basics first keeps the decision focused on fitment instead of guesswork.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 165R15 tire for a 1964 Peugeot 404?
A 165R15 tire belongs on a 1964 Peugeot 404 Sedan & Convertible when the car is using the radial fitment. The main factors are keeping the correct size, confirming the wheel suits the tire's rim-width requirements, and deciding what kind of appearance you want, since 165R15 is available in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall forms.
Brand and series differences also matter because this size spans European-style radials and restoration-oriented whitewall offerings. Michelin, Firestone, BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, American Classic, and Vredestein are all part of the mix. It helps to choose the tire that best matches the car's intended use, whether that means a restrained blackwall presentation or a more decorative whitewall look.
What sidewall styles are available for 1964 Peugeot 404 tires?
Sidewall choices for 1964 Peugeot 404 tires include blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and redline, depending on the size. The 165R15 radial size offers blackwall plus narrow and wide whitewall styles, 590-15 bias-ply appears in blackwall and wide whitewall, and 185R15 radial is available in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and redline versions.
The best sidewall choice depends on the sub-model, the size being used, and the look you want the car to project. Whitewalls can give the 404 a more formal period-style appearance, while blackwalls keep the presentation simpler and more understated. Redlines are available in 185R15, so Wagon owners considering that style should still confirm it suits the vehicle's overall restoration direction.
What brands offer tires for the 1964 Peugeot 404?
Tires for the 1964 Peugeot 404 are available from Coker Classic, American Classic, Firestone, BFGoodrich, Michelin, Vredestein, Avon, and Universal Vintage Tire, depending on size. The brand mix changes across the fitments, with the broadest selection appearing in 165R15 radial and additional choices in 590-15 bias-ply and 185R15 radial.
Brand name is only one part of the decision. A better comparison starts with the correct size for the sub-model, then looks at construction, sidewall style, series, and wheel compatibility. That approach is especially useful on a Peugeot 404 because the tire selection spans both European-style radial offerings and more traditional bias-ply options with different visual character.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1964 Peugeot 404?
A period-style 1964 Peugeot 404 tire choice starts with the correct sub-model fitment and then the construction type. Sedan & Convertible models can follow either 590-15 bias-ply or 165R15 radial practice, while Wagon models use either 6.50-15 bias-ply or 185R15 radial. The right path depends on whether the restoration leans toward traditional construction or a classic radial presentation.
Appearance should be matched carefully to the car's overall character rather than chosen by size alone. Whitewall, blackwall, and redline treatments create very different visual results, but that does not make one automatically correct for every restored 404. When exact originality matters, vehicle-specific reference photos, marque knowledge, and period documentation are worth consulting before settling on a final look.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1964 Peugeot 404?
Tire construction changes the visual impression of a restored 1964 Peugeot 404 even before the car moves. Bias-ply sizes such as 590-15 or 6.50-15 preserve a more traditional vintage tire presentation, while radial sizes like 165R15 and 185R15 introduce the classic European radial look that many mid-century restorations also carry comfortably.
That means construction choice is not only about road use; it also shapes how formal, understated, or distinctly vintage the finished car appears. Sidewall style then refines the effect, whether the goal is blackwall restraint or a whitewall accent. Choosing construction and sidewall together usually produces a more coherent restoration result than treating them as separate decisions.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1964 Peugeot 404?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1964 Peugeot 404 even when the tire size itself is correct for the sub-model. Aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, altered ride height, suspension changes, or body repairs can all influence how a 165R15, 590-15, 185R15, or 6.50-15 tire sits within the car's available space.
That is why the actual wheel-and-car combination should be checked before settling on a replacement tire. Steering clearance, fender clearance, and the relationship between the tire and the wheel are all worth inspecting closely. A Peugeot 404 that still has its original-style setup is usually simpler to evaluate than one that has been changed over decades of use.
What should I inspect before driving a 1964 Peugeot 404 on new tires?
Before driving a 1964 Peugeot 404 on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, confirm lug hardware is secure, and verify that the tires are properly mounted and inflated. It is also smart to look over the steering and suspension for looseness, especially on a collector car that may have seen long storage between uses.
A short, careful shakedown drive is a useful final step after installation. Listen for rubbing, feel for unusual pull or vibration, and recheck tire pressure once the car has settled from its first miles. On an older Peugeot, worn bushings, tired shocks, or alignment issues can show up more clearly after a tire change, so those items deserve attention too.
How should tires on a collector 1964 Peugeot 404 be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1964 Peugeot 404 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, periodic visual inspection, and attention to age-related condition. Look for cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven wear, and signs of slow air loss. Because many Peugeot 404s are driven infrequently, condition matters just as much as tread depth.
Storage habits play a major role in tire life on a low-use vintage car. Keeping the Peugeot away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, heat sources, and ozone-producing equipment helps preserve the rubber over time. It also helps to move the car periodically or avoid leaving it parked in one position for very long stretches, especially between driving seasons.
