1965 Nissan 1500 Tires

The 1965 Nissan 1500 comes from an era when compact imported cars were carving out a place in the American market with light weight, straightforward engineering, and an emphasis on practical road manners. For owners preserving one today, tire choice has a real effect on both appearance and driving character. This model uses either a 560-13 bias-ply fitment or a 165R13 radial, both on 13-inch rims. That opens the door to traditional whitewall bias-ply styling, blackwall radial choices from Michelin and Dunlop, and radial equivalents for the bias-ply size. The right selection depends on whether the goal is restoration-minded presentation, road use, or a careful balance of both.

Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1965 Nissan 1500

The 1965 Nissan 1500 uses two primary tire sizes, and the difference is tied mainly to construction rather than wheel diameter, since both sizes fit a 13-inch rim. The first step is deciding whether the car is staying with a traditional 560-13 bias-ply setup or using a 165R13 radial, then confirming the actual wheel width and overall vehicle setup before choosing a tire.

1
165R13Euro-metric radial
Fit(s): Sports
Construction: RadialRim: 13 in

165R13 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 165 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, R indicates radial construction, and 13 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1965 Nissan 1500, this size gives a more modern radial-format option while staying on the correct 13-inch rim. Available choices center on blackwall radials from Michelin and Dunlop, including XAS, XAS-FF, and SP Sport Aquajet series. This size is worth evaluating when road use, radial construction, and a traditional blackwall appearance matter more than a whitewall bias-ply presentation.

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2
560-13Numeric bias-ply
Fit(s): Sports
Construction: Bias PlyRim: 13 in

560-13 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 5.60 refers to the tire's nominal section width in inches and 13 refers to the wheel diameter. For the 1965 Nissan 1500, it represents the vintage-style bias-ply fitment and keeps the car in a distinctly period-style sizing format. Available tires include BFGoodrich and Firestone offerings in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply and Firestone Classic Bias Ply lines, with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall sidewall treatments. This size makes the most sense when traditional construction and restoration-oriented appearance are central to the decision.

Explore 560-13 Tires

1965 Nissan 1500 Sub-Model Tires

The covered 1965 Nissan 1500 sub-model uses the same two primary tire sizes, so fitment is more straightforward than on vehicles with size changes across trim levels. The key question is not which sub-model changes the size, but which construction and appearance better match the car's wheels, condition, and intended use.

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1965 Nissan 1500 Sports

The 1965 Nissan 1500 Sports can use either the 165R13 radial or the 560-13 bias-ply tire on a 13-inch rim. That gives the owner a choice between a more modern radial format and a traditional bias-ply presentation, with sidewall style and wheel-width compatibility becoming important parts of the final selection.

Associated Tire Sizes

Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1965 Nissan 1500

For the original 560-13 tire size, three radial-equivalent options are available. 155R13 is the 80-series metric radial equivalent, P155/75R13 is the P-metric 75-series radial equivalent, and P155/70R13 is the P-metric 70-series radial equivalent. These choices move from a traditional metric radial format to lower-profile P-metric alternatives. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches applies to these equivalents, so wheel width, overall dimensions, and clearance should all be checked before changing from the primary bias-ply size.

Modern Radial Equivalents
  • 155R13

    Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (560-13)

  • P155/75R13

    Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (560-13)

  • P155/70R13

    Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (560-13)

Important Considerations When Replacing Bias Ply With Radial
  • Compare overall diameter and section width carefully to ensure proper fit.
  • Verify recommended rim range (4-5 in) and load needs match your vehicle specifications.
  • Check fender clearance, steering clearance, and stance before installation.
  • Consider suspension condition and intended road use when choosing equivalents.

Important Fitment Notes

The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:

  • Wheel modifications (wider rims, offset changes, aftermarket wheels)
  • Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
  • Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)

If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.

Best 1965 Nissan 1500 Tires for Sale

Available 1965 Nissan 1500 tire choices include Michelin and Dunlop blackwall radials in 165R13, plus BFGoodrich and Firestone bias-ply options in 560-13. The product grid is where construction, tire series, whitewall treatment, and rim-width compatibility become easiest to compare.

Showing 6 of 6
80 Series Metric Radial

Michelin XAS-FF | 165HR13 82H

Michelin - Michelin XAS-FF

SIDEWALLBlackwall
RIM DIAMETER13 in
RIM WIDTH4.50 - 6.00 in
WEIGHT20 lb
MAX LOAD—
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80 Series Metric Radial

Michelin XAS | 165HR13 82H

Michelin - Michelin XAS

SIDEWALLBlackwall
RIM DIAMETER13 in
RIM WIDTH4.50 - 6.00 in
WEIGHT9 lb
MAX LOAD—
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Radial Tires

Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet | 165HR13

Dunlop - SP Sport Aquajet

SIDEWALLBlackwall
RIM DIAMETER13 in
RIM WIDTH—
WEIGHT20 lb
MAX LOAD1,047 lbs
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Bias Ply

BFGoodrich 1.00 Inch Whitewall | 560-13S

BFGoodrich - Silvertown Classic Bias Ply

SIDEWALLNarrow Whitewall
RIM DIAMETER13 in
RIM WIDTH3.50 - 4.00 in
WEIGHT17 lb
MAX LOAD850@30 psi
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Bias Ply

BFGoodrich 2.25 Inch Whitewall | 560-13S

BFGoodrich - Silvertown Classic Bias Ply

SIDEWALLWide Whitewall
RIM DIAMETER13 in
RIM WIDTH3.50 - 4.00 in
WEIGHT17 lb
MAX LOAD850@30 psi
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Bias Ply

Firestone 2.25 Inch Whitewall | 560-13

Firestone - Firestone Classic Bias Ply

SIDEWALLWide Whitewall
RIM DIAMETER13 in
RIM WIDTH4.00 - 4.50 in
WEIGHT17 lb
MAX LOAD850@30 psi
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Frequently Asked Questions

Common 1965 Nissan 1500 tire questions usually come down to size, 13-inch rim fitment, bias-ply versus radial construction, radial equivalents for 560-13, and the sidewall and series choices that shape restoration appearance and road use.

Tire Size & Fitment

What tire size fits a 1965 Nissan 1500?

The 1965 Nissan 1500 uses two primary tire sizes: 165R13 in radial construction and 560-13 in bias-ply construction. Both sizes are associated with the model and both fit a 13-inch rim, so the fitment question is less about wheel diameter and more about which construction and tire style the car is set up to use.

That means the next step is confirming the actual wheels on the car, especially width, since the available radial and bias-ply products do not share the same rim-width ranges. A car kept close to period style may lead toward 560-13, while a car set up for radial use may point toward 165R13. Modified wheels or suspension changes should always be checked before final selection.

What size rim does a 1965 Nissan 1500 use?

The primary tire fitments for the 1965 Nissan 1500 use a 13-inch rim. Both the 165R13 radial size and the 560-13 bias-ply size are built around that same rim diameter, so wheel diameter remains consistent even though the tire sizing system and construction can differ.

Rim diameter alone does not settle the fitment decision, because width still matters. The 560-13 bias-ply products use narrower rim-width ranges than the 165R13 radial products, so a 13-inch wheel that works with one size may not be the best match for the other. Measuring the wheel before changing construction is a practical safeguard, especially on older cars that may no longer have stock wheels.

Does the 1965 Nissan 1500 Sports use the same tire size?

Yes. The 1965 Nissan 1500 Sports uses the same primary tire sizes associated with the model: 165R13 in radial construction and 560-13 in bias-ply construction. That keeps sub-model fitment simple, because the tire decision does not change from one covered version to another within this listing.

Even with shared fitment, the right choice still depends on the car's current wheels and intended use. A bias-ply 560-13 suits owners who want a more traditional look, especially with whitewall options, while 165R13 opens the door to blackwall radial choices. Checking wheel width and the overall condition of the suspension and steering remains important before moving from one construction type to the other.

Bias-Ply & Radial Options

Is 560-13 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1965 Nissan 1500?

On the 1965 Nissan 1500, 560-13 is a bias-ply tire size. It uses the older numeric sizing format common on many vintage vehicles, where the 5.60 designation reflects nominal section width and the 13 identifies the rim diameter. The available 560-13 products for this application are bias-ply tires, not radials.

That matters because a buyer deciding on 560-13 is usually choosing a more traditional tire construction and appearance, especially with whitewall sidewall options. A change from 560-13 bias-ply to a radial equivalent should be handled as a separate fitment decision rather than assumed automatically. Wheel width, vehicle stance, and available clearance should all be reviewed before making that switch.

What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 560-13?

Radial equivalents for 560-13 include 155R13, P155/75R13, and P155/70R13. The 155R13 option is an 80-series metric radial, P155/75R13 is a 75-series P-metric radial, and P155/70R13 is a 70-series P-metric radial. These give the 1965 Nissan 1500 owner several radial-format alternatives to compare against the original numeric bias-ply size.

Those equivalents are best treated as comparison points rather than automatic substitutes. The recommended rim-width range for the equivalent group is 4 to 5 inches, which should be checked against the wheels actually on the car. Overall size, clearance around the fenders and suspension, and the visual effect of a lower-profile tire can all influence whether one of these radial alternatives makes sense.

What should I check before converting my 1965 Nissan 1500 from bias-ply to radial tires?

Start by confirming the actual wheel diameter and width, then compare the intended radial size against the car's current setup. On a 1965 Nissan 1500 moving away from 560-13 bias-ply, radial equivalents include 155R13, P155/75R13, and P155/70R13, and the equivalent group calls for a 4 to 5 inch rim-width range.

Construction changes can affect more than the sidewall label, so clearance at the fenders, steering components, and suspension should be reviewed with the car at normal ride height. A tire that is acceptable on paper may still need a closer look on a vehicle with replacement wheels, worn springs, or altered ride height. Choosing the radial also depends on whether road manners or period-style appearance is the bigger priority.

Choosing the Right Tire

What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1965 Nissan 1500?

Begin with the car's actual tire size and construction path. The 1965 Nissan 1500 uses either 560-13 bias-ply or 165R13 radial, both on 13-inch rims, so the main decision is whether the car should keep a traditional bias-ply setup or use a radial-format tire. That choice affects appearance, wheel-width compatibility, and the type of product options available.

After size and construction are settled, compare details that matter to how the car will be used. Sidewall style is a major difference on this application, since 560-13 includes whitewall choices while 165R13 products are blackwalls. Tire series, brand, rim-width range, and even load or weight details can help narrow the field once the car's restoration goals and road-use expectations are clear.

What sidewall styles are available for 1965 Nissan 1500 tires?

The 1965 Nissan 1500 has several distinct sidewall choices depending on tire size and construction. The available 165R13 radial products use a blackwall sidewall style, while 560-13 bias-ply options include narrow whitewall and wide whitewall versions. That creates a clear visual divide between the radial and bias-ply selections for this car.

Sidewall style can shape the whole presentation of a vintage car, so it is worth deciding early whether the goal is a cleaner blackwall radial look or a more traditional whitewall bias-ply appearance. Since sidewall choices are tied to specific sizes and constructions here, the visual decision cannot be separated from fitment. Wheel width and the car's overall restoration direction should stay part of the conversation.

What brands offer tires for the 1965 Nissan 1500?

Tires for the 1965 Nissan 1500 are available from Michelin, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, and Firestone. Michelin and Dunlop cover the 165R13 radial side of the fitment, while BFGoodrich and Firestone offer 560-13 bias-ply choices. That means brand selection is tied closely to the construction and visual style you want for the car.

A useful way to compare those brands is by looking at what each one represents within the fitment rather than trying to rank them. Michelin and Dunlop products are blackwall radials, while BFGoodrich and Firestone bias-ply offerings bring whitewall options into the mix. Once the size and construction are settled, the remaining comparison becomes series, sidewall treatment, and wheel compatibility.

Restoration & Appearance

Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1965 Nissan 1500?

For a period-style 1965 Nissan 1500, the 560-13 bias-ply size is the strongest starting point because it keeps the car in a vintage numeric format and opens the door to traditional whitewall presentations. BFGoodrich and Firestone options are available in that size, with both narrow whitewall and wide whitewall versions represented.

The exact appearance choice depends on how the car is being restored and how closely the owner wants to match a particular era-specific presentation. A period-style direction does not automatically mean every whitewall or every brand is historically identical for every car. When exact originality matters, checking marque references, period photography, or vehicle-specific documentation is still the right next step.

How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1965 Nissan 1500?

Tire construction changes the visual character of a restored 1965 Nissan 1500 as much as it changes the tire label. A 560-13 bias-ply gives the car a distinctly vintage look, especially when paired with narrow or wide whitewall sidewalls, while a 165R13 radial presents a more modern blackwall appearance even though it still fits the same 13-inch wheel diameter.

That difference is important because the tire often sets the tone for the whole restoration. A car built around traditional detailing may look more cohesive on a bias-ply, while a driver-focused restoration may accept the radial look more easily. The right answer depends on the balance between historical presentation and road use, not on construction alone.

Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use

Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1965 Nissan 1500?

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1965 Nissan 1500 even when the nominal tire size looks correct. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, altered ride height, replacement springs, or body and suspension work can all change the space available around the tire. That becomes especially important when moving between 560-13 bias-ply and 165R13 radial or considering radial equivalents.

A modified car should be checked at the wheel opening, steering travel, and suspension clearance before settling on a tire. Diameter is only part of the picture; width and overall profile can also influence how the tire sits in the car. Taking a few measurements and inspecting the current setup can prevent choosing a size that conflicts with the vehicle's present configuration.

What should I inspect before driving a 1965 Nissan 1500 on new tires?

Before road use, inspect the wheels, valve stems, lug hardware, and overall wheel condition along with the tires themselves. A 1965 Nissan 1500 should also be checked for proper inflation, any visible rubbing points, and general suspension and steering condition so the new tires are working with a stable mechanical setup rather than masking an older problem.

Collector cars often spend long periods parked, so it is smart to look for cracked rubber parts, loose wheel bearings, brake drag, and uneven ride height before putting miles on fresh tires. A brief low-speed check can reveal pull, vibration, or clearance issues early. Catching those details first helps protect both the new tires and the car.

How should tires on a collector 1965 Nissan 1500 be maintained?

Tires on a collector 1965 Nissan 1500 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspections, and careful storage habits. Whether the car is running 560-13 bias-ply tires or 165R13 radials, it is wise to watch for cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven wear, and slow air loss. Low-use cars can age tires long before tread wear becomes the issue.

Storage conditions matter almost as much as mileage on a vintage car. Keeping the Nissan away from prolonged sunlight, excessive heat, standing moisture, and ozone-producing equipment can help preserve the tire casing and sidewalls over time. The tires should also be inspected before longer drives, since a car that looks fine in the garage may still need attention before returning to regular road use.