1964 Plymouth Valiant Tires

The 1964 Plymouth Valiant uses two primary tire sizes: 650-13 and 700-13. Both are bias-ply sizes for 13-inch rims. The 6 Cyl. configuration is associated with both sizes, while the 8 Cyl. and Wagon configurations use 700-13.

That means the right starting point is the exact sub-model and the wheel setup currently on the car. A Valiant that has been changed over the years may no longer be wearing its original wheel width or tire size, so checking the existing rim diameter, wheel width, and available clearance before choosing between 650-13 and 700-13 is the smart next step.

The primary tire fitments for the 1964 Plymouth Valiant use a 13-inch rim diameter. Both 650-13 and 700-13 are 13-inch tire sizes, so the rim diameter stays consistent even though the tire width class changes between the two fitments.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, especially on an older compact car. Wheel width also matters, particularly if the car has replacement steel wheels, aftermarket wheels, or a mixed set gathered over time. Verifying both diameter and width helps prevent problems with bead seating, overall tire profile, and clearance once the tires are mounted.

More than one primary tire size appears because fitment varies by covered configuration. The 6 Cyl. version is associated with both 650-13 and 700-13, while the 8 Cyl. and Wagon versions center on 700-13. Both sizes remain part of the Valiant’s original-style bias-ply fitment range.

This is why a buyer should avoid choosing by year and model name alone. Sub-model identification comes first, and the actual wheels on the car deserve a look as well. On a vehicle of this age, past owners may have changed wheels or tire sizes, so matching the tire to the current setup is just as important as matching it to the model designation.

For the 1964 Plymouth Valiant, 650-13 is a primary bias-ply tire size. It uses the older numeric sizing format common to compact American cars of the period, and the available 650-13 product choices in this fitment group are bias-ply tires.

That matters because staying with bias-ply construction preserves the original-style sizing format and a traditional look. A radial can still be considered through the equivalent sizes, but construction changes should be approached as a setup decision rather than a simple substitution. Wheel width, rim condition, and vehicle clearance should all be reviewed before making that change.

For 650-13, radial equivalents include 175R13, P175/75R13, P185/70R13, and 650R13 as a bias-look radial. For 700-13, radial equivalents include 185R13, P185/75R13, and P205/70R13. These options represent 80-series metric, 75-series P-metric, and 70-series P-metric alternatives, with one bias-look radial available for the 650-13 size.

Those equivalents give a buyer several ways to approach the same general fitment range, but they should not be treated as automatic replacements. The Valiant’s wheel width, tire profile, and clearance at the fenders and steering components still need to be confirmed. A 4-6 inch recommended rim-width range is associated with both primary-size equivalency groupings.

Start by confirming which primary size the car uses, then compare the intended radial equivalent against the Valiant’s actual wheel and tire setup. The main areas to review are rim diameter, wheel width, tire-to-fender clearance, steering clearance, suspension condition, and the general condition of the wheels themselves.

A conversion also changes the car’s overall tire presentation, especially if the goal is a period-style restoration. Metric radials and P-metric radials follow different sizing conventions than a numeric bias-ply, and only 650-13 has a bias-look radial equivalent in this fitment group. That makes it worth deciding whether appearance, road feel, or historical presentation matters most before changing construction.

The first consideration is the correct primary size for the exact Valiant configuration: 650-13 or 700-13. After that, focus on construction, rim compatibility, sidewall appearance, and the car’s intended use. On this vehicle, the primary fitments are bias-ply, but radial equivalents are available for buyers considering a different approach.

Selection gets more specific once the size is settled. A period-style driver may call for a traditional bias-ply with a whitewall treatment, while a car meant for more regular road use may lead the owner to review radial-equivalent sizing. Existing wheel width, ride height, and any past modifications should also be part of the decision before choosing a tire.

The available sidewall styles for 1964 Plymouth Valiant fitments include wide whitewall and narrow whitewall choices. In 650-13, both wide whitewall and narrow whitewall options are available, while the 700-13 product offering in this fitment group uses a wide whitewall presentation.

Sidewall style has a strong effect on the car’s finished look, especially on a 1960s compact with modest wheel openings and clean body lines. A wider whitewall gives the Valiant a more traditional visual tone, while a narrower whitewall looks a little more restrained. The best choice depends on the appearance you want, not just the tire size itself.

Tires for the 1964 Plymouth Valiant are available here from Coker Classic, US Royal, and Firestone. The 650-13 size includes Coker Classic and US Royal options, while the 700-13 selection in this fitment group is represented by Firestone.

Brand is only one part of the comparison. It helps more to look at how each option combines size, tire series, sidewall style, rim-width specification, and load capacity. Once the correct fitment is confirmed for the car, those details give a clearer picture of which tire best matches the Valiant’s intended appearance and how the car will actually be used.

A period-style 1964 Plymouth Valiant usually starts with the correct primary bias-ply size for the exact configuration, either 650-13 or 700-13. That keeps the car in its original-style sizing format and preserves the visual character associated with compact American cars of the mid-1960s.

From there, the appearance decision comes down to details such as wide whitewall versus narrow whitewall, along with the overall tire series presentation. If strict originality matters, the safest approach is to compare the chosen tire against marque references, unrestored examples, or period documentation. For many owners, though, a correct-size bias-ply with the right visual tone is the practical restoration-minded choice.

Tire construction changes more than ride feel on a restored 1964 Plymouth Valiant; it also changes the car’s visual stance and era character. A bias-ply tire keeps the Valiant in the traditional numeric size format, while a radial equivalent introduces a more modern sizing convention and, in most cases, a different visual impression.

That distinction matters most when the restoration goal is a distinctly 1960s look. A bias-look radial can help bridge that gap for 650-13 applications, but it is still a radial alternative rather than a bias-ply tire. Owners aiming for a faithful period-style presentation usually start by confirming the right primary size, then choosing the sidewall treatment that best matches the car’s finished appearance.

Yes. Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1964 Plymouth Valiant even when the intended tire size is otherwise correct. Aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, altered ride height, suspension changes, and body or fender work can all influence whether a 650-13, 700-13, or radial-equivalent size has the clearance it needs.

That is especially important on a car that may have passed through several owners over decades. A quick inspection of wheel dimensions, steering clearance, and fender space can prevent expensive mistakes. Any Valiant that has been lowered, rebuilt with non-stock parts, or converted to a different wheel style deserves a closer fitment check before new tires are selected.

Before driving a 1964 Plymouth Valiant on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage or corrosion, confirm lug hardware condition, and verify that the mounted tire size matches the intended setup. It is also wise to check alignment, suspension wear, steering components, and the tire’s inflation pressure before the car goes back on the road.

A collector-era compact can sit for long periods, and the rest of the chassis may need as much attention as the new tires. Wheel bearings, shocks, bushings, and brake function all play into how the Valiant feels once it is moving again. A short, careful test drive followed by another pressure and clearance check is a sensible final step.

Collector-car tires on a 1964 Plymouth Valiant should be maintained with regular pressure checks, periodic visual inspection, and attention to age-related deterioration. Even a lightly driven car can develop cracking, flat spotting, air loss, or sidewall damage if it sits too long or is stored in poor conditions.

Good storage habits make a real difference. Keeping the Valiant away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires, while occasional movement reduces long-term stress from one parked position. Before longer drives, inspect tread and sidewalls carefully and confirm that the tires still suit the car’s current wheels and general road-use plans.