1964 Pontiac Tires

The 1964 Pontiac uses two primary tire sizes: 800-14 and 850-14. Both are bias-ply sizes for 14-inch rims, and the correct one depends on the vehicle’s exact configuration. Air-conditioned models and wagons use 850-14, while the broader all-models grouping can involve either size.

That means the first step is confirming whether the car is an air-conditioned application, a wagon, or another covered setup before selecting a tire. Once the correct primary size is established, the remaining decision is usually about sidewall style, tire series, and whether to stay with bias-ply construction or compare an available radial equivalent.

The 1964 Pontiac uses 14-inch rims with both of its primary tire sizes, 800-14 and 850-14. Even though the section width changes between those two sizes, the wheel diameter remains the same. That keeps rim diameter straightforward while still leaving room for fitment differences elsewhere.

Rim diameter alone does not settle the whole decision, because wheel width also matters when comparing tires or considering a radial alternative. It is smart to verify the actual wheels on the car, especially if it has been restored or modified, then confirm that the selected tire’s width and profile still make sense for the wheel and vehicle setup.

More than one tire size appears on the 1964 Pontiac because fitment changes by configuration. The two primary sizes are 800-14 and 850-14, with 850-14 used on all models with air conditioning and on wagon applications. The wider size reflects a different fitment need within the same year and model family.

For a buyer, that means year and model alone are not enough to choose a tire with confidence. The car’s exact configuration should be matched first, then the tire can be selected in the proper size and style. That approach helps avoid choosing a tire that looks right on paper but does not match the vehicle’s intended setup.

For the 1964 Pontiac, 800-14 is a primary bias-ply tire size. It uses the older numeric sizing format, where the 8.00 designation refers to nominal section width and the 14 identifies rim diameter. On this car, 800-14 belongs to the traditional bias-ply fitment rather than the original primary radial fitment.

That matters because a buyer choosing 800-14 is usually deciding whether to preserve the period-style bias-ply construction or compare it with one of the available radial equivalents. Keeping bias-ply construction maintains the vintage format and appearance, while any move to radial should involve a careful check of wheel width, overall dimensions, and clearance on the actual vehicle.

Radial equivalents for 800-14 include 205R14 as an 80-series metric radial, P215/75R14 as a 75-series P-metric radial, P225/70R14 as a 70-series P-metric radial, and 800R14 as a bias-look radial. These options give the 1964 Pontiac owner several ways to compare modern radial sizing against the original bias-ply format.

Each option represents a slightly different sizing convention and visual approach, so the choice is not just about picking any radial with a 14-inch diameter. The recommended rim-width range is 5-7 inches, but wheel width, tire clearance, and the car’s overall setup should still be checked before making the switch from the original 800-14 bias-ply fitment.

A 1964 Pontiac originally centered on bias-ply fitment in 800-14 or 850-14, so a conversion to radial starts with matching the correct primary size to the car’s configuration. From there, the radial-equivalent size should be checked against the wheel diameter, recommended rim-width range, and the amount of space available around the tire.

The practical checks include actual wheel width, steering clearance, fender clearance, suspension condition, and whether the car still has its original wheel and ride-height setup. A radial equivalent can be a useful alternative, but it should be treated as a comparison choice rather than an automatic substitute simply because it shares the same general rim diameter.

The first consideration is getting the correct primary size for the vehicle’s configuration, since the 1964 Pontiac can use either 800-14 or 850-14. Both are 14-inch bias-ply fitments, but air-conditioned cars and wagons use 850-14. After size is confirmed, the real comparison shifts to sidewall style, tire series, and construction direction.

A restoration-oriented buyer may focus on traditional bias-ply appearance, while another owner may want to compare radial-equivalent sizes for road use. It also helps to review rim-width specifications, load figures where shown, and the overall look of the sidewall. Those details often make more difference in final satisfaction than simply picking the first tire in the correct size.

The available sidewall styles for 1964 Pontiac tires include Blackwall, Narrow Whitewall, and Wide Whitewall, depending on size. In 800-14, the widest variety appears, including all three styles. In 850-14, the visible choices center on Narrow Whitewall and Wide Whitewall rather than Blackwall.

That sidewall decision has a big effect on the car’s finished presentation, especially on a full-size 1964 Pontiac where tire appearance is easy to notice. A buyer trying to keep a more understated look may lean toward Blackwall or a narrower stripe, while a more formal mid-1960s appearance often points toward a wider whitewall in the correct primary size.

BFGoodrich, Goodyear, and Universal Vintage Tire all offer tires for the 1964 Pontiac within the applicable 800-14 and 850-14 bias-ply sizes. BFGoodrich appears in both sizes, while Goodyear and Universal Vintage Tire are available in 800-14. The available series include Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, Custom Super Cushion, and Universal Classic Bias Ply.

Brand alone should not be the only filter. It makes more sense to compare which size each brand covers, what sidewall styles are offered, and whether the wheel-width specification matches the wheels on the car. Looking at those details helps narrow the choice toward a tire that suits the Pontiac’s configuration and the appearance you want to preserve.

For a period-style 1964 Pontiac, the starting point is the correct bias-ply size for the car’s configuration: 800-14 or 850-14. From there, a traditional bias-ply tire with the right whitewall or Blackwall presentation usually aligns most closely with the look expected on a full-size Pontiac of this era. The larger 850-14 belongs on air-conditioned cars and wagons.

Appearance choice depends on how formal or understated the finished car should look, and whitewall width makes a visible difference. Exact originality can vary by trim, region, and prior restoration decisions, so buyers pursuing a highly exact presentation should compare the tire choice against period photos, marque-club guidance, or other vehicle-specific historical references before deciding.

Tire construction changes more than ride feel on a restored 1964 Pontiac; it also changes how the car sits visually. A bias-ply tire preserves the older-style tire shape and presentation associated with the car’s original era. A radial can shift the look, even when chosen as an equivalent size on the same 14-inch wheel diameter.

That visual difference matters on a large 1964 Pontiac because the tire sidewall and stance are part of the car’s overall character. Owners focused on a restoration-oriented appearance often stay with bias-ply construction or look closely at a bias-look radial where available. Either way, the final decision should balance appearance goals with wheel compatibility and intended road use.

Modifications can absolutely affect tire fitment on a 1964 Pontiac, even when the car is using the correct primary size family of 800-14 or 850-14. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, altered offset, suspension work, or ride-height changes can all influence how much room the tire has at the fender and steering components.

That is especially important when considering a radial equivalent, since a different sizing format may not sit exactly like the original bias-ply tire. A smart check includes wheel diameter, wheel width, turning clearance, and space under compression. Those inspections are worth doing before mounting new tires rather than after a clearance problem appears on the road.

Before driving a 1964 Pontiac on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, and the overall condition of the suspension and steering system. The tires themselves should be checked for proper inflation, even bead seating, and any signs of interference once mounted. On a collector-era car, it also helps to confirm that the selected size matches the vehicle’s actual configuration.

A short, careful road test should follow, with attention paid to pulling, vibration, rubbing, and steering response. It is also wise to recheck inflation and look for fresh marks inside the wheel opening after that first drive. Catching a clearance or setup issue early is much easier than discovering it after the tires have already seen regular use.

Collector-car tires in 800-14 or 850-14 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and clean storage conditions. Because many 1964 Pontiac cars are driven less often, age and storage exposure can matter as much as tread wear. Sidewall cracking, flat spotting, cuts, bulges, and slow air loss all deserve attention before routine use.

Long periods of inactivity make it worth checking the tires more often than mileage alone might suggest. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve tire condition. A brief inspection before each drive and a more thorough check at regular intervals is a sensible habit for any collector Pontiac that sees seasonal or occasional road use.