The 1965 Nissan L520 belongs to the early generation of compact Japanese pickups that earned a following through simple utility, light-duty hauling, and straightforward mechanical character. For many owners today, that appeal carries into preservation and careful restoration, where details like tire profile and sidewall style play a big role in the truck’s stance. The 1965 Nissan L520 uses bias-ply 560-14 and 6.00-14 tire sizes on 14-inch rims. Within 560-14, available choices include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions in the BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series. The key is confirming which size suits the truck’s present wheel setup and the appearance you want before putting it back on the road.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1965 Nissan L520
The 1965 Nissan L520 uses two primary tire sizes, and both are bias-ply fitments for 14-inch rims. Because the L520 Base is associated with both sizes, the main decision is not trim level but confirming which wheel width and overall setup are on the truck now, then choosing the tire that matches your restoration goals and intended road use.
A 560-14 is a vintage numeric bias-ply size in which the 5.60 designation refers to the tire’s nominal section width in inches, while the 14 identifies the wheel diameter. On a 1965 Nissan L520, this size keeps the truck in a traditional bias-ply format that suits restoration-minded owners and period-style presentation. Available choices in this size include BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply tires with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall sidewall treatments. It is a useful option when the goal is preserving a compact original-era look while staying with the correct 14-inch rim diameter.
A 6.00-14 is also a vintage numeric bias-ply size, with the 6.00 figure indicating a nominal section width of about 6.00 inches and the 14 marking the rim diameter. For the 1965 Nissan L520, it represents an alternate primary bias-ply fitment rather than a modern replacement format. Its relevance comes down to matching the truck’s actual wheel setup and the tire size already associated with the vehicle. Before choosing this size, check the wheel dimensions and overall clearance so the tire selection aligns with the truck’s current configuration instead of assuming every L520 is set up the same way.
Fitment is straightforward here because the covered 1965 Nissan L520 sub-model shares the same two primary bias-ply tire sizes. Even so, checking the exact wheel setup still matters, since the real choice is between the two vintage 14-inch sizes rather than between different trims.
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1965 Nissan L520 Base
The 1965 Nissan L520 Base is associated with both 560-14 and 6.00-14 bias-ply tires on 14-inch rims. That means tire selection centers on confirming the truck’s actual wheel and fitment setup, then choosing the size and sidewall presentation that best fits its intended appearance and use.
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:
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 L520 Tires for Sale
Available 560-14 options focus on traditional bias-ply construction in the BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series. Buyers can compare blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles, along with rim-width compatibility and other product specifications relevant to a 14-inch vintage truck fitment.
These FAQs for the 1965 Nissan L520 focus on primary tire sizes, 14-inch rim fitment, bias-ply selection, period-style sidewall choices, and the practical checks worth making before regular road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1965 Nissan L520?
The 1965 Nissan L520 uses two primary tire sizes: 560-14 and 6.00-14. Both are vintage numeric bias-ply sizes designed for 14-inch rims, and the L520 Base is associated with both fitments rather than one exclusive size tied to a different trim.
That makes the next step a wheel and setup check, not a sub-model check alone. Look at the actual wheels on the truck, confirm the rim diameter, and compare the tire size already on the vehicle if it has been consistent over time. On an older pickup, wheel changes, restoration work, or long-ago service replacements can affect which of the two primary sizes makes the most sense.
What size rim does a 1965 Nissan L520 use?
The primary tire fitments for a 1965 Nissan L520 are built around a 14-inch rim diameter. Both 560-14 and 6.00-14 use that same rim diameter, so the wheel diameter stays consistent even though there are two tire-size choices for the truck.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture on a vintage pickup. Wheel width also matters, especially when selecting among available 560-14 products, and it is worth confirming that the wheels on the truck are still the intended 14-inch setup. A truck that has changed hands several times may have replacement wheels, so measuring before purchase is smarter than relying on appearance alone.
What does 560-14 mean on a 1965 Nissan L520?
On a 1965 Nissan L520, 560-14 is a vintage numeric bias-ply tire size. The 5.60 portion refers to the nominal section width in inches, and the 14 indicates the rim diameter. It is an older sizing system that predates modern metric radial formats and is common on mid-century trucks and cars.
Understanding that format helps when comparing tires for restoration or regular use. A 560-14 is not just a generic 14-inch tire; it carries a specific vintage profile and construction style that affects the truck’s overall appearance. Before switching sizes or constructions, confirm wheel width and vehicle clearance so the tire choice reflects the truck’s actual setup rather than a rough visual match.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 560-14 tire for a 1965 Nissan L520?
Start with the basics: correct size, bias-ply construction, and 14-inch rim compatibility. For the 1965 Nissan L520, 560-14 is available in the BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series, so the main points of comparison are sidewall appearance, rim-width suitability, and whether the truck is being preserved as a workmanlike driver or restored with more visual emphasis.
The available sidewall treatments can change the truck’s presentation noticeably even when the size stays the same. A blackwall tends to keep a simpler utility look, while narrow or wide whitewall versions create a more styled period appearance. It also helps to verify the wheel dimensions on the truck before choosing, since vintage pickups are often fitted with replacement wheels over time.
What sidewall styles are available for 1965 Nissan L520 tires?
For the 1965 Nissan L520 in 560-14, the available sidewall styles include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall. Those choices all stay within the same vintage bias-ply format, so the decision is mostly about appearance rather than changing the tire’s basic construction type.
That gives owners some room to tailor the truck’s visual character. A blackwall usually suits a more understated utility presentation, while whitewall versions can complement a restoration-oriented build or a more polished period look. Since the tire size remains the same, sidewall style should be chosen after confirming that 560-14 is the right fitment for the wheels currently on the truck.
How do I choose between the available 560-14 tires for a 1965 Nissan L520?
Choosing among the available 560-14 tires for a 1965 Nissan L520 comes down to sidewall style, product specifications, and the truck’s intended use. The available examples stay within BFGoodrich’s Silvertown Classic Bias Ply line, so the biggest visible difference is whether you want blackwall, narrow whitewall, or wide whitewall styling.
The better choice depends on whether the truck is being kept close to a simple original-era utility look or finished with a more decorative period-style presentation. It is also worth comparing the wheel dimensions against the tire’s rim-width specification before making a final pick. On a vintage truck, appearance and fitment need to work together rather than being treated as separate decisions.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1965 Nissan L520?
A period-style 1965 Nissan L520 should stay with one of its primary bias-ply sizes, either 560-14 or 6.00-14, depending on the truck’s actual wheel setup. That keeps the sizing format and construction in the same vintage family the pickup used in its era, which matters for stance and overall presentation.
Among the currently visible choices, 560-14 offers several sidewall treatments that can shape the truck’s look without leaving the bias-ply format. For an exact originality standard, it is worth checking marque references, old photos, or restoration documentation before choosing a whitewall style. For many owners, though, the right period-style result starts with correct size, correct construction, and a sidewall that suits the truck’s finish.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1965 Nissan L520 restoration?
Correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a 1965 Nissan L520 restoration because the tire strongly affects the truck’s proportions, ride height impression, and visual balance. On a compact vintage pickup, an incorrect size or a mismatched construction can stand out quickly even when the rest of the restoration work is carefully done.
Fitment is not only about appearance, either. A restoration-grade result also depends on matching the tire to the proper 14-inch wheel setup and making sure the truck has the clearance to use that size comfortably. Even a truck that looks stock may have replacement wheels from decades of service, so measuring the actual setup is an important final check before installation.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1965 Nissan L520?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1965 Nissan L520 even when the original tire sizes are known. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, altered ride height, suspension repairs, or bodywork can all influence which of the truck’s primary 14-inch bias-ply sizes works best in practice.
A vintage pickup often carries changes made over many years, so it helps to inspect the actual truck before choosing tires. Measure wheel diameter and width, look at clearance around the fenders and steering components, and compare the setup on both front and rear if anything appears non-original. That approach avoids treating an older modified truck like an untouched reference vehicle.
What should I inspect before driving a 1965 Nissan L520 on new tires?
Before driving a 1965 Nissan L520 on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, lug hardware, and overall wheel condition first. It also makes sense to check steering and suspension wear, alignment condition, and any obvious clearance issues around the fenders or chassis, especially on an older truck returning to the road after storage.
After installation, keep an eye on inflation pressure, early signs of uneven wear, and any rubbing during turns or over bumps. A short local test drive can reveal issues before the truck sees longer use. Since collector-era vehicles are often driven infrequently, it is wise to recheck the tires regularly for air loss, cuts, bulges, or age-related cracking between outings.
How should 560-14 tires on a collector 1965 Nissan L520 be maintained?
560-14 tires on a collector 1965 Nissan L520 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and careful storage habits. Bias-ply tires on low-use vintage vehicles deserve extra attention because long parking periods can hide air loss, age-related deterioration, or sidewall damage that is easy to miss if the truck is only driven occasionally.
Good maintenance also means watching tread condition, checking for cracks, bulges, and cuts, and keeping the truck away from prolonged heat, sunlight, and moisture when stored. It helps to inspect the tires before every road outing rather than waiting for a seasonal service interval. On an older pickup, tires often age out from time and storage conditions before they wear out from mileage.