1966 Ford-Taunus 20M Tires

The 1966 Ford-Taunus 20M uses two primary tire sizes: 175R13 in radial construction and 640-13 in bias-ply construction. Both are 13-inch fitments, but they do not apply the same way across every sub-model. Base & TS can be associated with either size, while the Wagon uses 640-13.

That means the first step is confirming whether the car is a Base & TS or a Wagon, then checking what wheel and tire setup is actually on the vehicle. A car that has been changed over the years may no longer match its original-style fitment, so wheel width, tire construction, and clearance should be reviewed before choosing a replacement.

Both primary tire sizes used on the 1966 Ford-Taunus 20M are built around a 13-inch rim diameter. That applies to the 175R13 radial size and the 640-13 bias-ply size, so rim diameter does not change between the fitments shown for this model.

Even with the same 13-inch diameter, the actual wheel setup still matters. Width, condition, and any later wheel changes can influence which tire construction makes sense and whether an equivalent radial can be considered safely. A quick check of the wheel stamping or direct measurement helps prevent choosing a tire that suits the diameter but not the rest of the setup.

No. The 1966 Ford-Taunus 20M Base & TS can use either 175R13 radial or 640-13 bias-ply, while the 1966 Ford-Taunus 20M Wagon uses 640-13 bias-ply. The shared 13-inch rim diameter makes the fitments look similar at first glance, but the tire construction and size format are not the same across every version.

That difference is important because it changes the buyer decision from simply picking a 13-inch tire to confirming the exact sub-model and current wheel setup. It also affects whether the goal is to retain a traditional bias-ply presentation or stay with a radial-format tire already associated with the car.

640-13 is a bias-ply tire size on the 1966 Ford-Taunus 20M. It is the traditional numeric bias-ply fitment used on the Wagon and also associated with Base & TS applications. The radial size in this fitment range is 175R13, which uses a different sizing convention even though it shares the same 13-inch rim diameter.

That distinction matters because a buyer choosing 640-13 is usually deciding to keep the car in a more traditional tire format. Anyone comparing it with a radial alternative should check wheel width, overall tire dimensions, and clearance rather than assuming that equal rim diameter alone makes the change straightforward.

Radial equivalents for 640-13 include 175R13 as an 80-series metric radial, P175/75R13 as a 75-series P-metric radial, and P185/70R13 as a 70-series P-metric radial. A 650R13 bias-look radial is also available for owners who want a radial construction with a more traditional visual character.

These alternatives give the 1966 Ford-Taunus 20M owner several ways to compare radial sizing formats around the original 640-13 fitment. The recommended rim-width range shown for these equivalents is 4-6 inches, but wheel compatibility, tire dimensions, and vehicle clearance still need to be verified before making the change.

Start by confirming that the car currently uses the 640-13 bias-ply setup and that the wheels suit the radial-equivalent size being considered. For 640-13, the available radial alternatives include 175R13, P175/75R13, P185/70R13, and 650R13, with a recommended rim-width range of 4-6 inches.

After the sizing is narrowed down, inspect the wheel width and condition, then compare clearance at the fender, suspension, and steering range. It also helps to consider how the car is used, since a restoration-focused owner may prefer the traditional look of bias-ply or a bias-look radial, while a regular driver may prioritize staying within a radial-format setup.

The first consideration is whether 640-13 is the correct primary size for the exact car, since the Wagon uses it and Base & TS may also use it. After size is confirmed, the next factors are construction, sidewall appearance, rim-width compatibility, and whether the goal is traditional bias-ply presentation or comparison with one of the radial equivalents.

Available 640-13 products can differ in visual character as much as fitment details. On this model, the current bias-ply option uses a wide whitewall treatment and a traditional series, which may matter to restoration-oriented buyers. Wheel condition and actual vehicle setup still deserve a careful look before settling on any replacement tire.

The available product selection for the 1966 Ford-Taunus 20M shows a Wide Whitewall sidewall style in the 640-13 bias-ply size. That gives the car a distinctly traditional look and is the clearest appearance-oriented sidewall choice shown within the current product assortment for this fitment.

Sidewall style changes the visual impression of a vintage car more than many buyers expect, especially on a compact European sedan from the 1960s. A whitewall can support a restoration-oriented presentation, but appearance should still come after confirming the correct size, construction, and wheel compatibility for the specific sub-model and current setup.

BFGoodrich appears in the current product selection for the 1966 Ford-Taunus 20M, specifically in the 640-13 bias-ply fitment. That tire is part of the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series and uses a wide whitewall sidewall style, so the available brand choice shown here is closely tied to a traditional-looking replacement path.

For a buyer, brand matters less than confirming the correct size and fitment role first. The Wagon centers on 640-13, while Base & TS may involve either 640-13 or 175R13, so the best comparison starts with the right size and construction. From there, sidewall styling and series character become the meaningful points of distinction.

A period-style direction for the 1966 Ford-Taunus 20M usually starts with the 640-13 bias-ply size where that fitment applies, especially on the Wagon. That size preserves the vintage numeric format and supports a traditional look that suits the car’s era better than a modern-looking metric sidewall presentation.

The exact choice still depends on the sub-model and how closely the owner wants to follow a restoration-oriented appearance. A buyer chasing strict originality should compare tire details with marque references or historical vehicle documentation, while a buyer focused on visual character can use the correct primary size and construction as the main guide.

Tire construction changes both the look and the visual era of a restored 1966 Ford-Taunus 20M. A 640-13 bias-ply keeps the older numeric sidewall format and a more traditional presentation, while a 175R13 radial introduces a later-style metric radial look even though both fit a 13-inch rim diameter.

That difference matters most when the car is being restored with attention to period character. Construction alone does not determine authenticity, but it strongly influences the finished stance and sidewall impression. Buyers balancing road use and appearance may also consider a 650R13 bias-look radial when starting from the 640-13 fitment.

Yes. A 1966 Ford-Taunus 20M with aftermarket wheels, altered ride height, suspension changes, or bodywork differences may need more fitment verification than a stock example. Even though the primary sizes use 13-inch rims, wheel width and tire dimensions still influence whether a given bias-ply or radial setup suits the vehicle safely.

A careful check should include wheel diameter, wheel width, steering clearance, and space at the fender and suspension. This matters even more when comparing 640-13 with radial-equivalent options, since similar rim diameter does not remove the need to verify the full installation on the actual car.

Start by confirming that the installed tires match the intended size and construction for the car, then inspect the wheels, valve stems, and overall mounting condition. On a collector-era vehicle like the 1966 Ford-Taunus 20M, it also makes sense to check alignment basics, brake condition, and whether the tires clear properly through a full steering sweep.

Before regular road use, set the tires to the appropriate operating pressure for the chosen tire and inspect for any rubbing, uneven seating, or air loss after installation. A short local drive followed by another visual check is a sensible way to catch clearance or mounting issues before putting the car into longer service.

Collector-car tires on a 1966 Ford-Taunus 20M should be checked regularly for pressure, sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and signs of air loss. Cars that spend long periods parked deserve extra attention because tire age and storage conditions can matter as much as tread depth on a low-mileage vintage vehicle.

Good maintenance also includes storing the car away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources, then moving or driving it occasionally to avoid long-term flat spotting. A seasonal inspection of wheel condition and clearances is worthwhile as well, especially if the car uses an older bias-ply setup or has had wheel changes over time.