1965 Ford-Taunus 20M Tires

The 1965 Ford-Taunus 20M uses two primary tire sizes: 175R13 in radial construction and 640-13 in bias-ply construction. Base & TS models can use either of those sizes, while the Wagon uses 640-13 bias-ply. Both sizes are built for 13-inch rims, so the main fitment difference is tied to model version and tire construction rather than wheel diameter.

That means the first step is confirming whether the car is a Base & TS or a Wagon, then deciding whether the goal is a bias-ply presentation or a radial-type setup. If the car has replacement wheels or has been modified over the years, checking actual wheel width and available clearance before choosing a tire is still important.

The 1965 Ford-Taunus 20M uses a 13-inch rim with both of its primary tire sizes. That applies whether the car is using a 175R13 radial or a 640-13 bias-ply tire. Even though the tire constructions differ, the shared wheel diameter keeps the decision centered on size format, appearance, and wheel-width suitability rather than a change in rim diameter.

Owners should still measure the actual wheels on the car, especially if the vehicle has been restored, upgraded, or fitted with non-original rims at some point. Wheel width matters when comparing bias-ply tires with radial equivalents, and it is also worth checking that the tire’s proportions work cleanly with fender and suspension clearance.

No. The 1965 Ford-Taunus 20M Base & TS can use either 175R13 radial or 640-13 bias-ply tires, while the 1965 Ford-Taunus 20M Wagon uses 640-13 bias-ply. The fitment overlap is in the 640-13 size, but the radial 175R13 size is not universal across every covered version of the car.

That difference matters because a buyer looking at tires for a Base & TS has a broader construction choice than a Wagon owner starting from the original listed size. It also means a simple year-make-model search is not enough by itself; the exact sub-model and current wheel setup should be confirmed before selecting a tire.

640-13 is the bias-ply tire size used on the 1965 Ford-Taunus 20M. It is the listed fitment for the Wagon and also one of the fitment choices for Base & TS models. That numeric vintage size format is typical of older bias-ply sizing, where the number represents nominal section width and the final number identifies the wheel diameter.

Choosing 640-13 usually points the owner toward a more traditional appearance and an older-style tire construction. Since Base & TS models can also use a radial size, the real decision is whether to stay with the original bias-ply format or compare radial alternatives carefully against wheel width, overall tire dimensions, and available clearance.

Radial equivalents for 640-13 include 175R13 as the 80-series metric radial option, P175/75R13 as the P-metric 75-series radial option, and P185/70R13 as the P-metric 70-series radial option. A 650R13 bias-look radial is also available for owners who want a radial construction while keeping a more traditional visual character.

Those sizes are alternatives rather than automatic substitutes, so the comparison should include wheel width, tire dimensions, and clearance at the fenders and suspension. The recommended rim-width range attached to the equivalency set is 4 to 6 inches, which makes actual wheel measurement especially worthwhile before changing from a 640-13 bias-ply setup.

A conversion from 640-13 bias-ply to a radial on a 1965 Ford-Taunus 20M starts with the wheel itself. Rim diameter remains 13 inches, but wheel width should be confirmed, and the radial alternative should be compared against the car’s available space at the fender, suspension, and steering positions. The listed radial-equivalent family for 640-13 includes several size formats, so the exact choice matters.

It also helps to decide what the car is meant to be. A restoration-focused car may favor the look of a bias-ply or a bias-look radial, while a driver may be evaluated differently. Any car with replacement wheels, altered ride height, or previous bodywork deserves an extra clearance check before the conversion is finalized.

Start with the car’s sub-model and intended use. The 640-13 size is the bias-ply fitment for the 1965 Ford-Taunus 20M Wagon and one of the fitment choices for Base & TS models. Available product choice in this size includes a BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, so the decision often centers on staying with traditional construction and selecting the sidewall presentation that suits the car.

Wheel compatibility still matters, especially because the available 640-13 product uses a narrower rim-width range than many modern radial setups. It is also smart to compare load capacity, confirm the actual wheel width on the car, and think about whether the goal is restoration-oriented appearance, occasional touring, or a broader comparison with radial-equivalent alternatives.

For the 1965 Ford-Taunus 20M, the visible sidewall style currently available in the listed 640-13 product range is a wide whitewall. That style appears on a BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, giving the car a distinctly traditional look. Sidewall treatment can change the visual character of the car almost as much as the tire construction itself.

A wide whitewall tends to suit buyers who want a strong vintage presentation, especially on a car being restored or shown. The key is not to choose by appearance alone. Sidewall style should come after confirming the correct size, the right construction for the sub-model, and the wheel dimensions needed to support the tire properly.

BFGoodrich is represented in the current product selection for the 1965 Ford-Taunus 20M through a 640-13 Silvertown Classic Bias Ply tire. That makes BFGoodrich part of the buyer’s consideration when looking for a bias-ply tire in the vintage numeric size used on this car. Brand choice here is closely tied to the available construction and sidewall style in the correct fitment.

Rather than choosing by brand name alone, compare the actual tire characteristics that affect the car. On a vehicle like the Taunus 20M, that means checking whether the tire matches the needed size, whether the construction suits the intended use, and whether the sidewall appearance aligns with the car’s restoration or driver-focused direction.

For a period-style 1965 Ford-Taunus 20M, the 640-13 bias-ply size is the strongest starting point because it matches the car’s vintage numeric bias-ply fitment. It is used on the Wagon and is also one of the fitment choices for Base & TS models. A bias-ply tire in that size keeps the car visually closer to an earlier road-going presentation than a modern-format radial usually will.

Appearance goals can still vary, so exact originality claims should be checked against marque references or restoration documentation if that level of detail matters. For many owners, the practical choice is between a traditional bias-ply look, a wide whitewall presentation, or a radial alternative that changes the visual character while preserving the 13-inch wheel format.

Tire construction changes more than road feel on a restored 1965 Ford-Taunus 20M; it also changes the car’s stance and visual impression. A 640-13 bias-ply gives the car a more traditional vintage presentation, while a 175R13 or another radial equivalent moves the look toward a later-style tire profile and sizing convention on the same 13-inch rim.

That makes construction an appearance decision as much as a functional one, particularly on a collector car. Buyers who want the car to read as distinctly mid-1960s often begin with the bias-ply size, while those prioritizing radial construction should compare the finished look carefully and verify wheel compatibility before committing to the change.

Yes. Modifications can change tire fitment on a 1965 Ford-Taunus 20M even when the tire size itself is correct on paper. Replacement wheels, different wheel widths, altered ride height, suspension work, or body changes can affect how a 175R13, 640-13, or a radial equivalent sits in the wheel opening and clears surrounding components.

That is especially important on older cars that may have been restored more than once over the decades. A quick fitment check should include wheel diameter, wheel width, steering clearance, suspension clearance, and room at the fender edge. Those checks help prevent choosing a tire that matches the nominal size but conflicts with the vehicle’s actual setup.

Before driving a 1965 Ford-Taunus 20M on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, confirm the tires are mounted in the proper size, and make sure inflation is set appropriately for the tire being used. It is also wise to look over the valve stems, wheel hardware, and the basic condition of the suspension and steering components.

A short, careful road check is a smart next step after installation. Listen for rubbing, verify straight-ahead tracking, and recheck the tires after a few miles for air loss or any sign of contact. On a collector car, those early checks matter because the vehicle may have sat for long periods or carry older chassis components.

640-13 tires on a collector 1965 Ford-Taunus 20M should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspection, and careful storage habits. Look over the tread and sidewalls for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, or signs of air loss. On a low-mileage collector car, age and storage conditions can matter as much as miles driven.

Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires between drives. It also pays to inspect them before every outing rather than only at seasonal intervals. Even a car that looks well preserved can develop tire issues while parked, so maintenance should be part of the car’s normal road-use routine.