The 1966 Nissan Patrol comes from the era when compact four-wheel-drive utility vehicles were built first for durability, simple service, and real off-road work. That character matters when choosing tires, because this Patrol uses 15-inch bias-ply fitments in 6.50-15 and 700-15 rather than modern metric radial sizing. The decision here is less about chasing contemporary sizing trends and more about matching the vehicle’s wheel setup, intended use, and visual character. Available choices lean heavily toward traditional blackwall truck and military-style tires, with some wide whitewall options in 700-15 for a more distinctive period-style look. Careful wheel confirmation is the right first step before selecting a tire.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1966 Nissan Patrol
The 1966 Nissan Patrol uses two primary tire sizes, and both are bias-ply fitments for a 15-inch rim. Because the covered 4WD sub-model can use either 6.50-15 or 700-15, the first step is confirming which wheel and tire setup is already on the vehicle before choosing between restoration-style passenger patterns and more truck- or military-oriented options.
A 6.50-15 numeric bias-ply size uses the first number to indicate nominal section width in inches, with the final number identifying a 15-inch wheel. On a 1966 Nissan Patrol, this is a traditional bias-ply fitment that suits the vehicle’s period utility character and vintage wheel sizing. Buyers looking at this size should think in terms of preserving the original-style construction and confirming that the current wheel setup still matches 6.50-15 rather than a later substitution. That makes it a practical choice when the goal is to stay close to the Patrol’s earlier tire proportions and traditional driving feel.
A 700-15 numeric bias-ply tire uses a nominal 7.00-inch section-width designation and fits a 15-inch rim. For the 1966 Nissan Patrol, this size opens up the broadest range of available choices, including Firestone, BFGoodrich, and STA offerings across classic bias-ply, military, highway, and traction-oriented series. Sidewall treatments include mostly blackwall designs, with wide whitewall options also available for a more stylized vintage presentation. This size is the one to evaluate closely when the Patrol is being set up for utility use, truck-style appearance, or a broader comparison of tread character and load-oriented tire options.
Sub-model fitment is straightforward here, but tire selection still requires attention because the covered 4WD Patrol can use more than one primary size. Checking the exact wheel and existing tire setup matters before choosing between the available bias-ply options.
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1966 Nissan Patrol (4WD)
The 1966 Nissan Patrol (4WD) uses 15-inch bias-ply tire fitments and can be found with either 6.50-15 or 700-15. That means tire selection starts with confirming which size is on the vehicle now, then choosing the tread style, sidewall treatment, and overall look that best suits restoration goals or working 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 1966 Nissan Patrol Tires for Sale
Available 700-15 choices include Firestone, BFGoodrich, and STA tires in several distinct series. Most are blackwall bias-ply truck or military-style designs, while a few wide whitewall options offer a more restoration-oriented look on the same 15-inch fitment.
These FAQs focus on 1966 Nissan Patrol tire sizing, 15-inch wheel fitment, bias-ply construction, available product styles, and the practical checks that matter before putting a vintage 4WD back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1966 Nissan Patrol?
The 1966 Nissan Patrol uses two primary tire sizes: 6.50-15 and 700-15. Both are bias-ply sizes for 15-inch wheels, and the covered 4WD Patrol can be equipped with either one depending on the wheel and tire setup on the vehicle.
That means the right choice is not automatic just because both sizes belong to the same year and model. Checking the wheel diameter, the tire size already installed, and the overall stance you want to keep will help determine whether to stay with the existing setup or move to the other primary Patrol fitment.
What size rim does a 1966 Nissan Patrol use?
The primary tire fitments for a 1966 Nissan Patrol use a 15-inch rim. Both 6.50-15 and 700-15 share that same wheel diameter, so the key rim measurement starts with confirming that the vehicle is still running its correct 15-inch wheel setup.
Rim diameter alone is only part of the decision on an older 4WD. It is also wise to confirm wheel width, bead condition, and whether the Patrol still has its original-style steel wheels or has been changed to another wheel style that could affect tire selection and clearance.
Why does the 1966 Nissan Patrol have more than one tire size?
A 1966 Nissan Patrol can use both 6.50-15 and 700-15 because vintage utility vehicles often had more than one accepted bias-ply fitment within the same wheel diameter. In this case, both sizes are 15-inch options and both suit the Patrol’s period construction style.
The practical difference is that the vehicle should be matched to the setup it actually has rather than treated as though every Patrol used one identical tire. Looking at the current wheel, the tire size stamped on the sidewall, and the type of use planned for the vehicle will point you to the better choice.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 700-15 tire for a 1966 Nissan Patrol?
A 700-15 tire for a 1966 Nissan Patrol should first be chosen by confirming that 700-15 is the size already matched to the vehicle’s 15-inch wheels. From there, the main considerations are bias-ply construction, the intended use of the Patrol, and whether a classic passenger-style look or a more truck-oriented tread better fits the vehicle.
Available 700-15 choices vary by brand, sidewall style, tire series, rim-width specification, weight, and load figures on some products. A Patrol used for show-oriented presentation may point toward a different tire character than one set up for utility driving, so comparing those details matters before settling on a specific tire.
What sidewall styles are available for 1966 Nissan Patrol tires?
The available 700-15 tires for a 1966 Nissan Patrol include mostly blackwall designs, along with wide whitewall options. Blackwall tires align naturally with truck, military, and utility-focused presentations, while wide whitewalls create a more distinctive vintage appearance on the same basic 15-inch fitment.
Sidewall style should be chosen with the Patrol’s finished look in mind, not just the tire size alone. A restored utility vehicle, a more personalized period-style build, and a road-driven vintage 4WD can all call for different visual choices even when the wheel diameter and basic tire size remain the same.
What brands offer tires for the 1966 Nissan Patrol?
700-15 tires for the 1966 Nissan Patrol are available from Firestone, BFGoodrich, and STA. Those brands appear across several styles, including classic bias-ply passenger-oriented designs as well as military, highway, and traction-focused truck tires that suit the Patrol’s vintage 4WD character.
Brand choice is only one part of the decision. Looking at the tire series, sidewall treatment, rim-width compatibility where stated, and whether the Patrol is meant for restoration display, general road use, or more work-oriented driving will give a clearer basis for selecting among the available options.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1966 Nissan Patrol?
A period-style 1966 Nissan Patrol should stay with one of its primary bias-ply sizes, either 6.50-15 or 700-15, depending on the wheel and tire setup already on the vehicle. Bias-ply construction preserves the vintage sizing language and visual character that fit an older four-wheel-drive utility vehicle.
The final choice depends on how the Patrol is being presented. A blackwall truck or military-style tire usually supports a more utilitarian look, while a wide whitewall 700-15 creates a more stylized vintage appearance. When originality matters at a detailed level, marque-specific references are worth checking before making a final selection.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1966 Nissan Patrol?
Tire construction plays a visible role in how a restored 1966 Nissan Patrol looks because its primary fitments are bias-ply sizes. Bias-ply tires carry the period sizing format and traditional sidewall profile that many owners want to preserve on a vintage utility vehicle from the mid-1960s.
Appearance is shaped by more than construction alone, since tread style and sidewall treatment matter too. A blackwall bias-ply tire gives the Patrol a straightforward working-truck presentation, while a wide whitewall changes the vehicle’s tone considerably. Matching construction and sidewall style to the finished build usually gives the most cohesive result.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1966 Nissan Patrol?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1966 Nissan Patrol even when the vehicle is using one of its primary 15-inch tire sizes. Aftermarket wheels, changed wheel width, suspension alterations, steering adjustments, or body modifications can all influence how a vintage bias-ply tire sits and clears.
That matters because an older Patrol may have been updated over time for off-road use, restoration, or general utility driving. Checking wheel dimensions, steering travel, and clearance at the fenders and suspension points is a smart step before choosing between 6.50-15 and 700-15 or moving from one product style to another.
What should I inspect before driving a 1966 Nissan Patrol on new tires?
Before driving a 1966 Nissan Patrol on new tires, inspect the wheels for diameter and condition, confirm the tires match the intended 15-inch fitment, and look over the suspension and steering for obvious wear. Lug hardware, valve stems, and inflation should also be checked before the vehicle returns to regular road use.
A vintage 4WD benefits from a broader walk-around as well. Make sure there is no rubbing at full steering lock, watch for uneven stance that could point to worn springs, and recheck pressure after the first drives. Older utility vehicles often reveal setup issues only after the tires are mounted and loaded.
How should 700-15 tires on a collector 1966 Nissan Patrol be maintained?
700-15 tires on a collector 1966 Nissan Patrol should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspection, and proper storage habits. Pay close attention to sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, irregular wear, and slow air loss, especially on a Patrol that spends long periods parked between drives.
Collector vehicles often age their tires differently than daily drivers because they accumulate little mileage while sitting for extended periods. Keeping the Patrol away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires, and a brief inspection before each outing is a sensible habit for any vintage 4WD.
