1965 Mercury Comet Tires

A 1965 Mercury Comet uses either 695-14 or 735-14 tires, and both are primary bias-ply fitments on 14-inch rims. The correct size depends on the specific Comet configuration, with some 6-cylinder and wagon applications using 695-14, some convertible and air-conditioned applications using 735-14, and certain 8-cylinder versions appearing with either size.

The practical takeaway is that the model name alone is not enough to choose a tire. Confirm the exact sub-model, then compare the current wheel diameter and the existing tire size before selecting a replacement. That matters even more on cars that may have had wheels, suspension parts, or trim-specific equipment changed over time.

The 1965 Mercury Comet uses 14-inch rims with both of its primary tire sizes, 695-14 and 735-14. Even though the section width changes between those two sizes, the rim diameter remains the same, so the key difference is not wheel diameter but which tire width range belongs on the specific sub-model.

That makes wheel confirmation simpler, but it does not remove the need to check the actual wheels on the car. A Comet that has been modified may no longer carry its original wheel setup, and rim width still matters when comparing bias-ply tires or radial equivalents. Measuring the wheels before ordering helps avoid fitment surprises.

The 1965 Mercury Comet has more than one tire size because fitment varies by sub-model and equipment grouping. Some versions use 695-14, while others use 735-14, and certain 8-cylinder applications can appear with either size. Both are bias-ply sizes for 14-inch rims, but they are not assigned universally across every Comet.

That means the first decision is identifying the exact version of the car rather than choosing between brands or sidewall styles. Once the proper primary size is confirmed, selection becomes much easier. From there, it is possible to narrow the choice by construction preference, appearance, and whether a radial equivalent is worth considering.

For the 1965 Mercury Comet, 695-14 is a primary bias-ply tire size rather than a radial size. It uses the older numeric sizing system common to the period, and it appears on several Comet applications that remain tied to a 14-inch wheel and a traditional bias-ply construction.

That matters because staying with bias-ply keeps the tire in its original-era format, including period-style sidewall choices such as blackwall, narrow whitewall, dual-redline, and raised white letter depending on the product. Buyers considering a radial alternative should compare one of the approved equivalent sizes and verify wheel width and clearance before making the switch.

For a 1965 Mercury Comet, 695-14 has three radial equivalents: 175R14, P185/75R14, and P195/70R14. The 735-14 size also has three radial equivalents: 185R14, P195/75R14, and P205/70R14. In each group, the first is an 80-series metric radial, the second is a 75-series P-metric radial, and the third is a 70-series P-metric radial.

Those alternatives give the buyer a way to compare different radial sizing conventions without treating them as automatic replacements. Each equivalent should be checked against the wheel and the vehicle’s available space before changing construction. The recommended rim-width range attached to both primary sizes is 4-6 inches, which is an important starting point during that evaluation.

A 1965 Mercury Comet owner considering radial tires should start by confirming the original primary size, then choosing the correct equivalent for that size. A 695-14 Comet compares to 175R14, P185/75R14, or P195/70R14, while a 735-14 Comet compares to 185R14, P195/75R14, or P205/70R14.

The next step is checking the actual wheel width, the 14-inch rim diameter, and the car’s available clearance at the fenders and steering range. Suspension condition and any aftermarket wheel changes matter too. A radial equivalent is a useful alternative, but it should still be matched carefully to the car rather than treated as a guaranteed one-step swap.

Start with the exact tire size assigned to the car, because a 1965 Mercury Comet may use either 695-14 or 735-14 depending on the sub-model. From there, the main choices are bias-ply construction, sidewall appearance, tire series, and whether a modern radial equivalent better suits the intended use of the vehicle.

A restoration-minded Comet owner may focus on period-style presentation, while a road-use driver may spend more time comparing equivalent radial options and wheel compatibility. It also helps to review rim-width specifications, load figures such as 1230@32 psi on many 695-14 products or 1360@32 psi on 735-14 products, and the actual wheel setup on the car.

1965 Mercury Comet tires are available in several sidewall styles depending on size and product. The choices include blackwall, narrow whitewall, dual-redline, RWL, and a raised-white-letter Blue Streak presentation. The widest variety appears in 695-14, while 735-14 products focus on blackwall and narrow whitewall options.

That sidewall choice changes the visual character of the car even when the tire size stays the same. A plain blackwall gives a more understated look, whitewalls lean traditional, and redline or raised white letter styles create a stronger performance-era appearance. Matching the sidewall treatment to the car’s build theme usually matters as much as the brand name.

Tires for the 1965 Mercury Comet are available from BFGoodrich, US Royal, and Goodyear, depending on the size selected. The 695-14 range carries the broadest brand spread, while 735-14 options in this fitment group are offered in BFGoodrich. Tire series include Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, US Royal Classic Bias Ply, Blue Streak, and Power Cushion.

The useful comparison is not simply brand against brand, but how each option combines size, sidewall style, series character, and wheel compatibility. A buyer choosing a 695-14 tire has more appearance variety to compare, while a 735-14 buyer has a narrower but still clear period-style choice. Confirming the correct size always comes before choosing a brand.

A period-style 1965 Mercury Comet starts with the correct primary bias-ply size for the car, either 695-14 or 735-14. Once that size is confirmed, the strongest restoration-oriented choices are usually the bias-ply products that preserve the older sizing format and traditional tire profile associated with mid-1960s domestic cars.

Appearance then comes down to details such as blackwall, narrow whitewall, dual-redline, or raised white letter presentation where available. Exact originality can vary by trim, dealer delivery, and owner preference over time, so buyers chasing a highly specific restoration target should compare tire choices against marque references or other vehicle-specific historical documentation.

Tire construction has a noticeable effect on the look of a restored 1965 Mercury Comet because the car’s primary fitments are bias-ply sizes. Keeping a bias-ply tire preserves the vintage numeric sizing format and the traditional visual impression that many owners associate with a mid-1960s compact Mercury.

A radial equivalent can still be a sensible option, but it changes the tire presentation simply by moving into a different sizing convention and construction type. For a restoration-oriented build, that means construction is part of the appearance decision, not just a driving decision. The best starting point is deciding whether the goal is period-style authenticity or more modern road manners.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1965 Mercury Comet even when the correct primary size has been identified. Aftermarket wheels, altered ride height, suspension changes, brake conversions, or bodywork can change how a 695-14, 735-14, or one of their radial equivalents sits within the wheel opening and steering range.

That is why the actual car should be checked before finalizing a tire choice. Measure the installed wheel diameter and width, then look at clearance near the fenders and suspension components. A Comet built back to stock dimensions is usually simpler to evaluate, while a modified car needs a more careful wheel-and-clearance review.

Before driving a 1965 Mercury Comet on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and sound condition, make sure the tires are mounted in the proper size, and confirm there is no interference at full steering lock or normal suspension travel. Tire pressure should also be checked carefully before the first road use.

A collector car deserves a broader walk-around before any meaningful drive. Look for loose suspension parts, uneven ride height, brake concerns, and signs that the car has sat for long periods. Even with brand-new tires installed, the rest of the chassis still needs to be ready for road use if the Comet is returning to service after storage.

Collector-car tires on a 1965 Mercury Comet should be maintained with regular pressure checks, periodic visual inspection, and careful storage habits. Whether the car runs 695-14 or 735-14 tires, owners should watch for cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven tread wear, and gradual air loss, especially if the Comet is driven infrequently.

Storage conditions matter almost as much as mileage on a low-use car. Keeping the Comet away from prolonged sunlight, excessive heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve tire condition over time. It is also wise to inspect the tires before every longer outing, since age and inactivity can matter more than tread depth on a collector vehicle.