1966 Chevrolet Nova Tires

The 1966 Chevrolet Nova sits squarely in the mid-1960s compact American market, a period when small Chevrolets could be ordered with everything from practical commuter character to a more spirited, style-conscious feel. That matters when choosing tires, because the right fitment affects both stance and period presentation. For this exact model, the primary fitment is a 695-14 bias-ply tire on a 14-inch rim. Within that size, there is still real choice, including blackwall, narrow whitewall, dual-redline, and raised white letter Blue Streak options, along with radial equivalents for owners considering a different road-use setup. The best selection starts with your restoration goals, wheel setup, and how the car will actually be driven.

Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1966 Chevrolet Nova

The 1966 Chevrolet Nova uses one primary tire size: 695-14. That is a bias-ply fitment for a 14-inch rim, including the covered Super Sport application, so the main decision is not which primary size fits but which version of 695-14 best suits the car’s appearance and use, and whether a radial equivalent is worth considering after checking wheel width and overall fitment.

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695-14Numeric bias-ply
Fit(s): Super Sport
Construction: Bias PlyRim: 14 in

The 695-14 size uses the vintage numeric bias-ply system, where 6.95 refers to the tire’s nominal section width in inches and 14 identifies the wheel diameter. On a 1966 Chevrolet Nova, this is the primary bias-ply fitment and it preserves the traditional look and construction style associated with the period. Available choices within 695-14 include BFGoodrich, US Royal, and Goodyear offerings in series such as Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, US Royal Classic Bias Ply, Blue Streak, and Power Cushion, with blackwall, narrow whitewall, dual-redline, and raised white letter treatments. That makes 695-14 the size to evaluate first when appearance, restoration character, and 14-inch wheel compatibility all matter.

Explore 695-14 Tires

1966 Chevrolet Nova Sub-Model Tires

Sub-model fitment here is straightforward. The covered Super Sport uses the same 695-14 bias-ply tire size, so the main task is choosing the right style and construction approach rather than sorting through multiple primary fitments.

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1966 Chevrolet Nova Super Sport

The 1966 Chevrolet Nova Super Sport uses the same 695-14 bias-ply sizing as the core fitment, keeping tire selection centered on period-style appearance and wheel compatibility rather than a different size. That opens the door to choosing among blackwall, whitewall, dual-redline, or sportier lettered options, or comparing radial equivalents if the car’s setup and use call for them.

Associated Tire Sizes

Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1966 Chevrolet Nova

For the original 695-14 size, three radial-equivalent options are available. 175R14 is the 80-series metric radial equivalent, P185/75R14 is the P-metric 75-series radial equivalent, and P195/70R14 is the P-metric 70-series radial equivalent. These choices give the Nova a range of radial sizing formats, from a more traditional metric profile to lower-profile P-metric alternatives. A 4 to 6 inch rim-width range is associated with these equivalents, so wheel width, overall dimensions, and clearance should all be checked before changing from the primary bias-ply fitment.

Modern Radial Equivalents
  • 175R14

    Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (695-14)

  • P185/75R14

    Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (695-14)

  • P195/70R14

    Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (695-14)

Important Considerations When Replacing Bias Ply With Radial
  • Compare overall diameter and section width carefully to ensure proper fit.
  • Verify recommended rim range (4-6 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 1966 Chevrolet Nova Tires for Sale

Available 695-14 choices span BFGoodrich, US Royal, and Goodyear, with series including Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, US Royal Classic Bias Ply, Blue Streak, and Power Cushion. Sidewall treatments range from blackwall and narrow whitewall to dual-redline, RWL, and Blue Streak styling.

Showing 6 of 11
Bias Ply

BFGoodrich 7/8 Inch Whitewall | 695-14

BFGoodrich - Silvertown Classic Bias Ply

SIDEWALLNarrow Whitewall
RIM DIAMETER14 in
RIM WIDTH5.00 - 6.00 in
WEIGHT20 lb
MAX LOAD1230@32 psi
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Bias Ply

US Royal 7/8 Inch Whitewall | 695-14

US Royal - US Royal Classic Bias Ply

SIDEWALLNarrow Whitewall
RIM DIAMETER14 in
RIM WIDTH5.00 - 6.00 in
WEIGHT21 lb
MAX LOAD1230@32 psi
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Bias Ply

BFGoodrich | 695-14

BFGoodrich - Silvertown Classic Bias Ply

SIDEWALLBlackwall
RIM DIAMETER14 in
RIM WIDTH5.00 - 6.00 in
WEIGHT19 lb
MAX LOAD1230@32 psi
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Bias Ply

BFGoodrich Dual Redline | 695-14

BFGoodrich - Silvertown Classic Bias Ply

SIDEWALLDual-Redline
RIM DIAMETER14 in
RIM WIDTH5.00 - 6.00 in
WEIGHT20 lb
MAX LOAD1230@32 psi
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Bias Ply

US Royal Dual Redline | 695-14

US Royal - US Royal Classic Bias Ply

SIDEWALLDual-Redline
RIM DIAMETER14 in
RIM WIDTH5.00 - 6.00 in
WEIGHT20 lb
MAX LOAD1230@32 psi
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Bias Ply

BFGoodrich 5/8 Inch Whitewall | 695-14

BFGoodrich - Silvertown Classic Bias Ply

SIDEWALLNarrow Whitewall
RIM DIAMETER14 in
RIM WIDTH5.00 - 6.00 in
WEIGHT20 lb
MAX LOAD1230@32 psi
Buy Now
Bias Ply

US Royal 5/8 Inch Whitewall | 695-14

US Royal - US Royal Classic Bias Ply

SIDEWALLNarrow Whitewall
RIM DIAMETER14 in
RIM WIDTH5.00 - 6.00 in
WEIGHT20 lb
MAX LOAD1230@32 psi
Buy Now
Goodyear Tires

Goodyear Blue Streak RWL | 695-14

Goodyear - Blue Streak

SIDEWALLRWL
RIM DIAMETER14 in
RIM WIDTH5.5 in
WEIGHT20 lb
MAX LOAD1230 lbs. @ 32 psi
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Goodyear Tires

Goodyear Power Cushion 0.875 inch Whitewall | 695-14

Goodyear - Power Cushion

SIDEWALLNarrow Whitewall
RIM DIAMETER14 in
RIM WIDTH5 in
WEIGHT18 lb
MAX LOAD1230 lbs. @ 32 psi
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Goodyear Tires

Goodyear Blue Streak RWL + Blue Stripe | 695-14

Goodyear - Blue Streak

SIDEWALLRaised-White-Letter-Blue-Streak
RIM DIAMETER14 in
RIM WIDTH5.5 in
WEIGHT20 lb
MAX LOAD1230 lbs. @ 32 psi
Buy Now
Goodyear Tires

Goodyear Power Cushion Dual Redline | 695-14

Goodyear - Power Cushion

SIDEWALLDual-Redline
RIM DIAMETER14 in
RIM WIDTH5 in
WEIGHT18 lb
MAX LOAD1230 lbs. @ 32 psi
Buy Now

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions for the 1966 Chevrolet Nova usually center on the 695-14 fitment, 14-inch wheel compatibility, radial equivalents, sidewall appearance, and what to inspect before putting a restored or lightly driven car back on the road.

Tire Size & Fitment

What tire size fits a 1966 Chevrolet Nova?

The primary tire size for a 1966 Chevrolet Nova is 695-14. This is a vintage numeric bias-ply size used on a 14-inch rim, and it is also the fitment used for the covered 1966 Chevrolet Nova Super Sport application.

That makes the real choice less about picking between multiple primary sizes and more about selecting the right 695-14 tire style for the car. Sidewall treatment, brand, and tire series all affect the final look, while anyone considering a radial alternative should compare wheel width, tire dimensions, and clearance before making the change.

What size rim does a 1966 Chevrolet Nova use?

The 1966 Chevrolet Nova uses a 14-inch rim with its primary 695-14 tire fitment. Product fitments in this size commonly pair with wheel widths in the 5.00 to 6.00 inch range, with some individual applications centered more narrowly within that span.

Wheel diameter should be confirmed before ordering tires, especially on a car that may have changed hands several times or been modified over the years. A 14-inch tire does not belong on any other diameter wheel, and wheel width also matters when comparing among bias-ply choices or evaluating a radial equivalent.

Does the 1966 Chevrolet Nova Super Sport use the same tire size?

Yes. The covered 1966 Chevrolet Nova Super Sport uses the same 695-14 bias-ply tire size as the core 1966 Chevrolet Nova fitment. That keeps sizing simple and puts the focus on choosing the right tire within that established size.

For most buyers, that means deciding how the car should look and feel rather than sorting through different factory-type sizes. A Super Sport owner might lean toward a sportier sidewall treatment, while another restoration may call for a more restrained blackwall or narrow whitewall presentation on the same 14-inch wheel diameter.

Bias-Ply & Radial Options

Is 695-14 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1966 Chevrolet Nova?

For the 1966 Chevrolet Nova, 695-14 is a bias-ply tire size. That construction is the primary fitment and reflects the vintage sizing and tire design associated with the car’s original era rather than a modern radial format.

Keeping a bias-ply tire maintains the traditional look and construction character of the car, especially on a restoration-oriented Nova. Moving to a radial alternative changes both the sizing format and the construction type, so wheel width, vehicle stance, and clearance at the front suspension and fender openings should be reviewed before converting.

What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 695-14?

Radial equivalents for 695-14 include 175R14, P185/75R14, and P195/70R14. Those represent an 80-series metric radial, a P-metric 75-series radial, and a P-metric 70-series radial, giving the 1966 Chevrolet Nova several different radial-sizing conventions to compare.

Each equivalent should be treated as an alternative, not an automatic swap. The recommended rim-width range associated with these equivalents is 4 to 6 inches, and the final choice should be checked against the Nova’s actual wheels, tire-to-body clearance, and the overall look you want from the car.

What should I check before converting my 1966 Chevrolet Nova from bias-ply to radial tires?

Start by confirming that the car still has 14-inch wheels in an appropriate width for the radial size under consideration. For a 695-14 Nova, radial alternatives include 175R14, P185/75R14, and P195/70R14, so the wheel and tire combination needs to be evaluated as a complete package.

It also helps to inspect clearance at the fenders, steering components, and suspension through the full range of movement, especially if the car has aftermarket wheels or a changed ride height. A conversion can be worthwhile for some owners, but the best result comes from matching the radial size to the actual wheel setup and intended use.

Choosing the Right Tire

What should I consider when choosing a 695-14 tire for a 1966 Chevrolet Nova?

Begin with the correct primary fitment, which is 695-14 on a 14-inch wheel, then narrow the choice by the car’s intended use and appearance. In this size, the available tires are all bias-ply, but they vary by brand, series, sidewall treatment, rim-width specification, weight, and load capacity.

A restoration-focused Nova may call for a traditional blackwall, whitewall, or dual-redline presentation, while a more performance-themed build may point toward a Blue Streak look. Matching the tire to the wheel width and the overall style of the car usually matters more than chasing minor specification differences in isolation.

What sidewall styles are available for 1966 Chevrolet Nova tires?

The 1966 Chevrolet Nova’s 695-14 fitment is available in several sidewall styles, including blackwall, narrow whitewall, dual-redline, RWL, and raised white letter Blue Streak treatments. That gives the car a wide range of visual personalities without changing its primary tire size.

Choosing among them depends on how the Nova is being presented. A narrow whitewall leans toward a more restrained mid-1960s look, blackwall keeps the appearance simple, dual-redline adds period-style flair, and the Blue Streak treatments deliver a more aggressive visual impression that suits some street and show builds.

What brands offer tires for the 1966 Chevrolet Nova?

The 1966 Chevrolet Nova’s 695-14 tire size is available from BFGoodrich, US Royal, and Goodyear. Those brands appear across different series, including Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, US Royal Classic Bias Ply, Blue Streak, and Power Cushion, depending on the look and style you want.

Brand choice works best as part of a larger decision rather than the only decision. Once the 695-14 size is confirmed, compare the series character, sidewall treatment, and wheel-width suitability of each option so the tire complements the Nova’s restoration theme, driving plans, and current wheel setup.

Restoration & Appearance

Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1966 Chevrolet Nova?

A period-style 1966 Chevrolet Nova usually starts with the correct primary size, 695-14, in bias-ply construction. From there, the choice depends on the car’s visual direction, since this size is available in blackwall, narrow whitewall, dual-redline, and sportier Goodyear Blue Streak-style presentations.

For a restoration-oriented car, keeping the vintage size and construction usually preserves the most authentic overall impression. Exact originality can vary by how the car was delivered, so owners chasing a highly specific appearance should compare the tire choice against historical photos, original paperwork, or marque-specific reference material.

How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1966 Chevrolet Nova?

Tire construction changes more than ride feel on a restored 1966 Chevrolet Nova; it also changes the visual character of the car. The primary 695-14 fitment is bias-ply, which gives the Nova a more traditional sidewall profile and period-style presentation than a modern radial alternative.

That difference becomes especially noticeable on a car with stock-style wheels and a careful restoration theme. A radial equivalent can still be a useful option for some owners, but anyone focused on the look of a mid-1960s Nova should consider how construction, sidewall shape, and sidewall styling work together before making the switch.

Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use

Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1966 Chevrolet Nova?

Yes. Even though the primary fitment is 695-14 on a 14-inch rim, modifications can change what actually works on a 1966 Chevrolet Nova. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension changes, brake conversions, or body modifications can all affect clearance and tire selection.

A Nova that no longer sits on its original-style wheels should be measured rather than assumed. Confirm the wheel diameter and width, then check steering clearance, fender clearance, and full suspension travel before choosing either a bias-ply replacement or one of the radial equivalents in a different sizing format.

What should I inspect before driving a 1966 Chevrolet Nova on new tires?

Before driving a 1966 Chevrolet Nova on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, verify that the tire size matches the wheel diameter, and make sure the tires are inflated correctly for the application. It is also worth checking lug hardware, valve stems, and the general condition of the suspension and steering components.

A short, careful test drive is a smart final step after installation. Listen for rubbing, watch how the car tracks, and recheck pressure after the first few miles. On a collector vehicle that may sit for long periods, routine checks for air loss, cuts, bulges, and sidewall cracking remain important even after new tires are installed.

How should 695-14 tires on a collector 1966 Chevrolet Nova be maintained?

A 1966 Chevrolet Nova running 695-14 tires should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and occasional close examination of tread and sidewalls. Collector cars often accumulate low mileage, so time and storage conditions can matter as much as wear when judging tire condition.

Keep the car away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone-producing equipment during storage, and move it periodically to avoid long-term flat spotting. It also helps to inspect the tires before every meaningful drive, since a Nova that looks road-ready can still have aging-related issues that only show up on close inspection.