1965 Ford-Taunus 17M Tires

A 1965 Ford-Taunus 17M uses either 175R13 radial or 640-13 bias-ply tires, depending on the exact sub-model and setup. The Base model can use both sizes, while the Wagon uses 640-13 bias-ply. Both sizes are built around a 13-inch rim diameter, so the key difference is construction type and the vehicle configuration they apply to.

That means the first job is not choosing a brand or sidewall treatment, but confirming whether the car is a Base or Wagon and checking what wheels are actually on it. On an unrestored or modified car, it is also smart to verify the current tire size stamped on the sidewall and compare wheel diameter before selecting a replacement.

The covered tire sizes for the 1965 Ford-Taunus 17M use a 13-inch rim diameter. That applies to both the 175R13 radial fitment and the 640-13 bias-ply fitment. Even though the two sizes use different sizing systems and different constructions, they are both intended for the same nominal wheel diameter.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so it helps to check wheel width as well before changing tire type. A car that has been fitted with replacement wheels over the years may still have 13-inch rims but not the same width or profile expected for the original-style tire, which can affect fit and appearance.

No. The 1965 Ford-Taunus 17M Base can use either 175R13 radial or 640-13 bias-ply, while the 1965 Ford-Taunus 17M Wagon uses 640-13 bias-ply. So the model range does not share one universal tire size or one universal construction type across every covered version.

That difference matters because a buyer who assumes every 17M uses the same tire could end up looking at the wrong construction or the wrong equivalent options. Identifying the sub-model first keeps the search focused and makes it much easier to decide whether the goal is a period-style bias-ply setup or a radial-based configuration.

640-13 is a bias-ply tire size on the 1965 Ford-Taunus 17M. It is the vintage numeric bias-ply fitment used on the Wagon and also found on some Base-model configurations. The size code follows the older numeric system, where the first portion reflects nominal section width and the final number indicates the 13-inch rim diameter.

Keeping 640-13 bias-ply tires preserves the traditional construction and the period-style look associated with older tire sizing. If the car is being converted to a radial alternative, the wheel width, overall tire dimensions, and clearance around the suspension and body should be checked carefully rather than assuming every 13-inch radial will behave the same way.

Radial equivalents for 640-13 include 175R13 as an 80-series metric radial, P175/75R13 as a 75-series P-metric radial, P185/70R13 as a 70-series P-metric radial, and 650R13 as a bias-look radial equivalent. These alternatives cover several sizing conventions, from traditional Euro-metric radial sizing to later P-metric formats and a radial intended to keep a more vintage tire presentation.

The equivalent options share the same general fitment conversation, but they should not be treated as automatic substitutes. A recommended rim-width range of 4-6 inches is associated with these equivalents, and it is worth confirming wheel width, tire-to-fender clearance, and the car's actual setup before selecting one for road use.

That depends on which 1965 Ford-Taunus 17M configuration is being fitted and what the car is meant to preserve. The Base can be set up with either 175R13 radial or 640-13 bias-ply, while the Wagon uses 640-13 bias-ply as its primary fitment. Bias-ply keeps the vintage construction and appearance, while radial options introduce a different tire format within the same general 13-inch fitment family.

For a restoration-oriented car, staying with the original-style construction often matters as much as the size itself. For a driver, a radial equivalent may be worth considering, but the decision should include wheel width, clearance, and the current condition of the suspension and steering components so the tire choice matches the way the car will actually be used.

Start with the role that 640-13 plays on the car. It is the bias-ply fitment for the 1965 Ford-Taunus 17M Wagon and one of the fitment paths for the Base, so the decision centers on preserving bias-ply construction, selecting the right visual style, and confirming compatibility with a 13-inch wheel setup.

The available 640-13 product choice shown here is a BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply with a wide whitewall, so appearance is a major part of the decision. It is also worth checking the wheel width against the product's 4.00 to 4.50 inch rim-width range and considering whether the car is being kept period-style or evaluated for a radial-equivalent alternative.

Among the available products for the 1965 Ford-Taunus 17M, the visible sidewall style is a wide whitewall in the 640-13 bias-ply size. That gives the car a strong vintage visual character and suits buyers who want a more traditional presentation rather than a plain blackwall look.

Sidewall style should be chosen with the car's overall appearance in mind, especially on a mid-1960s European vehicle where tire presentation can noticeably change the look of the body and wheel openings. If originality is a serious concern, it helps to compare the intended sidewall treatment against period photos, marque references, or restoration records for the specific car.

The available product selection for the 1965 Ford-Taunus 17M includes BFGoodrich in the 640-13 size. That tire is part of the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series and is offered with a wide whitewall sidewall treatment, making it especially relevant for a restoration-oriented or period-style presentation.

Brand choice is only one part of the selection process. It still helps to make sure the tire matches the car's actual fitment path, whether that means staying with 640-13 bias-ply or confirming that a Base model is set up for 175R13 radial use, then checking wheel dimensions and intended use before moving ahead.

For a period-style 1965 Ford-Taunus 17M, the 640-13 bias-ply size is the natural starting point, especially for the Wagon and for Base models that are being kept in a traditional configuration. Its older numeric format and bias-ply construction suit the visual character of a mid-1960s car more closely than a later-looking P-metric radial alternative.

Appearance-driven selection still benefits from checking the exact sub-model and current wheel setup first. If the goal is strict originality rather than a general period-style look, the final choice in brand and sidewall treatment should be compared with marque-club guidance, period photographs, or vehicle-specific restoration records before settling on a tire.

Tire construction changes more than ride character on a restored 1965 Ford-Taunus 17M; it also changes the visual impression of the car. A 640-13 bias-ply keeps the older sizing language and traditional stance associated with mid-1960s tires, while a radial such as 175R13 introduces a more modern construction style even though it still fits the 13-inch wheel diameter.

That visual difference becomes even more noticeable when sidewall style enters the picture. A wide whitewall bias-ply creates a distinctly vintage presentation, whereas a radial equivalent may be chosen more for driving preference or fitment flexibility. The best construction choice depends on whether the project priorities lean more toward restoration appearance or modernized road use.

Yes. Modifications can change tire fitment on a 1965 Ford-Taunus 17M even when the intended size is correct on paper. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension changes, ride-height changes, or bodywork repairs can all affect how a 175R13 or 640-13 tire sits in the wheel opening and how much clearance it has in motion.

A modified car should be checked at full steering lock and through normal suspension travel before settling on a tire choice. That is especially important when moving from the original 640-13 bias-ply fitment to a radial equivalent, since the tire may differ in shape or profile even though it remains within the same general 13-inch application.

Before driving a 1965 Ford-Taunus 17M on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, confirm that lug hardware seats properly, and make sure the tires clear the fenders and suspension. Tire pressure should be set appropriately, and the car should also be checked for obvious steering or suspension wear that could affect how the new tires behave on the road.

A short test drive followed by a second inspection is a smart habit on a collector-era car. Recheck air pressure, listen for rubbing, and look for fresh contact marks near the wheel openings or chassis. That extra step helps catch setup issues early, especially on a car that has sat for long periods or has seen wheel changes over time.

640-13 tires on a collector 1965 Ford-Taunus 17M should be inspected regularly for pressure loss, sidewall cracking, bulges, cuts, and uneven tread wear. Because older collector cars are often driven less frequently, visible condition matters just as much as tread depth. Long periods of storage can age a tire quietly, even when the car is not covering many miles.

Good maintenance also means storing the car away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources such as electric motors or compressors. Rolling the car periodically, keeping pressures consistent, and examining the tires before every meaningful drive will help preserve both appearance and roadworthiness on a lightly used vintage Ford.