1966 Ford-Taunus 17M Tires

The 1966 Ford-Taunus 17M uses two primary tire sizes: 175R13 in radial construction and 640-13 in bias-ply construction. The Base model can use either 175R13 or 640-13, while the Wagon uses 640-13.

That makes the first step identifying the exact sub-model and the construction the car is set up to run. Since both sizes use 13-inch rims, the decision is less about wheel diameter and more about whether you are preserving a traditional bias-ply setup or selecting the radial fitment used on the Base.

Both tire sizes used on the 1966 Ford-Taunus 17M are built around a 13-inch rim diameter. That applies to the 175R13 radial and the 640-13 bias-ply fitment.

Rim diameter alone does not settle the whole fitment question, because construction and wheel width still matter. A car that has been modified over the years may no longer have its original wheels, so it is smart to confirm actual wheel width and current tire clearance before choosing between the radial and bias-ply size paths.

No. The 1966 Ford-Taunus 17M Base can use either 175R13 radial or 640-13 bias-ply, while the 1966 Ford-Taunus 17M Wagon uses 640-13 bias-ply. Fitment is shared in part, but not identical across the full range.

That distinction matters because a buyer looking at the Base may be deciding between construction types, while Wagon owners are starting from the bias-ply size. Checking the exact sub-model keeps the selection focused and helps prevent choosing a radial-format tire for a wagon that is being maintained in its bias-ply configuration.

640-13 is a bias-ply tire size on the 1966 Ford-Taunus 17M. It is one of the primary fitments for this model and is the size used on the Wagon, while the Base model can also use it alongside the 175R13 radial fitment.

That means a 640-13 choice keeps the car in a traditional construction format rather than moving to a radial. Buyers deciding between 640-13 and a radial alternative should look beyond rim diameter and confirm the wheel width, overall vehicle setup, and whether the goal is period-style appearance, mixed-use driving, or a broader conversion to radial construction.

Radial equivalents for 640-13 include 175R13 as an 80-series metric radial, P175/75R13 as a 75-series P-metric radial, P185/70R13 as a 70-series P-metric radial, and 650R13 as a bias-look radial equivalent. These are alternative radial size formats connected to the original bias-ply fitment.

Each option approaches the original size a little differently in sizing convention and presentation, so the choice should not be made by code alone. The associated rim-width range is 4-6 inches, and a careful conversion also means checking wheel compatibility, clearance at full steering travel, and how the car sits with its current suspension and wheel setup.

Start by confirming which primary bias-ply size is on the car and then compare it to the radial equivalent you are considering. For a 640-13 setup, the radial alternatives include 175R13, P175/75R13, P185/70R13, and the bias-look 650R13.

The most important checks are wheel width, wheel condition, clearance around the fenders and suspension, and whether the car still has stock-height suspension and stock-style wheels. A collector car that has sat for long periods also deserves a close inspection of steering, alignment, and general chassis condition before changing construction and returning it to regular road use.

Begin with the role of the tire on the car. A 640-13 on a 1966 Ford-Taunus 17M keeps the vehicle in a traditional bias-ply size used on the Wagon and also applicable to the Base, so the decision starts with whether you want to preserve that original-era construction path.

From there, compare the details that shape both fit and appearance, including sidewall treatment, rim-width compatibility, and load capacity. The available 640-13 product uses bias-ply construction with a wide whitewall presentation, which makes it especially relevant for an owner who wants the tire to contribute to the car's overall vintage visual character.

The currently available product choice in the 640-13 size uses a wide whitewall sidewall style. That gives the 1966 Ford-Taunus 17M a distinctly traditional appearance in the bias-ply size path.

Sidewall style is more than a cosmetic afterthought on a collector-era car because it can change the whole visual balance of the vehicle. If the goal is a period-style presentation, a wide whitewall deserves attention alongside the tire's construction, while owners leaning toward radial alternatives may focus more on sizing convention and overall road-use priorities.

BFGoodrich is available in the 640-13 fitment for the 1966 Ford-Taunus 17M. That product is part of the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series and uses a wide whitewall sidewall style.

Brand choice is only one part of the buying decision for this car, since the larger question is still whether the vehicle is staying with bias-ply construction or moving toward a radial equivalent. Once the correct size path is settled, compare brand offerings through the lens of construction, sidewall appearance, rim-width suitability, and the way the car is actually driven.

For a period-style 1966 Ford-Taunus 17M, the 640-13 bias-ply size is the most traditional starting point because it keeps the car in an original-era sizing and construction format. That is especially relevant for the Wagon, which uses 640-13 as its primary fitment, and it remains a valid path for the Base as well.

Appearance-focused buyers should then look at sidewall presentation and overall stance rather than size code alone. A wide whitewall bias-ply gives a distinctly vintage look, while radial equivalents can change the presentation even when they serve the same general fitment role, so restoration goals should guide the final decision.

Yes, correct tire fitment matters because the 1966 Ford-Taunus 17M spans both radial and bias-ply sizing, and that choice affects the vehicle's appearance as much as its setup. A restoration-minded owner should first decide whether the car is being presented in a bias-ply style with 640-13 or in the radial 175R13 format used on the Base.

The visual difference between constructions can be noticeable even before the car moves. Buyers pursuing exact historical accuracy should use marque-specific references and vehicle history where available, while those aiming for a broadly period-style result can focus on the right size family, the correct 13-inch rim fitment, and an appropriate sidewall presentation.

Yes. Even though the 1966 Ford-Taunus 17M uses 13-inch tire fitments, modifications can change which size works comfortably on the car. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension changes, or bodywork can all affect how a 175R13, 640-13, or radial equivalent sits in the wheel opening.

A careful fitment check should include actual wheel dimensions, steering clearance, and the space available around fenders and suspension components. Cars that have changed hands several times often carry non-original wheels or ride-height changes, so it is worth measuring the current setup rather than assuming the car still matches its original tire path.

Start with the basics: confirm the wheel condition, verify that the tire size matches the car's sub-model and construction path, and make sure the new tires are mounted correctly on suitable rims. It is also wise to inspect valve stems, wheel hardware, and the general condition of the spare if one is carried.

A collector-era car deserves a broader walkaround before road use, including checks for uneven clearance, rubbing at full steering lock, proper inflation, and any signs of suspension or steering wear. Fresh tires can reveal issues that old tires were hiding, so a short test drive followed by a recheck of pressure and visual condition is a sensible final step.

640-13 tires on a collector 1966 Ford-Taunus 17M should be kept clean, properly inflated, and inspected regularly for cracking, bulges, cuts, and uneven wear. A car that is driven only occasionally still needs tire attention because age and storage conditions can affect the casing even when tread wear is minimal.

Storage matters almost as much as mileage on vintage vehicles. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps protect the sidewalls, and periodic movement prevents long-term flat spotting. Regular visual checks are especially important on a bias-ply setup because many collector cars spend more time parked than driven.