The 1966 Plymouth Valiant sits in the middle of Chrysler's compact-car era, when practical transportation still carried a strong period look and modest wheel-and-tire proportions. For owners restoring or maintaining one today, tire choice is more about matching the exact configuration than chasing a one-size-fits-all answer. This Valiant uses bias-ply fitments in 650-13, 700-13, or 695-14, depending on sub-model and equipment. That opens up meaningful choices in whitewall, blackwall, dual-redline, and raised white letter styles, with modern radial equivalents also available for each primary size. The right selection starts with confirming the sub-model and wheel diameter, then deciding how original-looking or road-oriented the finished car should be.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1966 Plymouth Valiant
Three primary tire sizes apply to the 1966 Plymouth Valiant, and the correct one depends on sub-model and equipment. Two of those sizes use 13-inch rims, while 695-14 uses a 14-inch rim, so wheel diameter should be confirmed first. Once that is settled, the decision shifts to choosing the right bias-ply presentation for the car and deciding whether a modern radial equivalent is worth considering.
In the size code 650-13, the first number represents an approximate 6.50-inch nominal section width and the final number identifies a 13-inch rim. This is a traditional bias-ply fitment for certain 1966 Plymouth Valiant configurations and preserves the narrow, compact tire profile associated with mid-1960s compact cars. Available choices include Coker Classic and US Royal products in both wide whitewall and narrow whitewall form. This size is the one to evaluate when the car retains its 13-inch wheel setup and the goal is a restoration-oriented bias-ply look rather than a later-style upgrade.
The size code 700-13 indicates an approximate 7.00-inch nominal section width paired with a 13-inch rim. As a bias-ply fitment for the 1966 Plymouth Valiant, it keeps the car in its original construction type while using a slightly broader numeric sizing convention than 650-13. Firestone offers this size in a classic whitewall presentation, making it a straightforward choice for owners who want a traditional sidewall style on a 13-inch wheel. It is especially important to confirm that the vehicle actually uses this larger 13-inch fitment before selecting it over the other Valiant sizes.
The 695-14 size uses a nominal section width of about 6.95 inches and fits a 14-inch rim, which makes it distinct from the Valiant's 13-inch options. This is also a bias-ply fitment, but it brings the buyer into a much broader selection of period-style tire choices for the 1966 Plymouth Valiant. Available products span BFGoodrich, US Royal, and Goodyear, with blackwall, narrow whitewall, dual-redline, raised white letter, and Blue Streak variations across several tire series. This size deserves extra attention because the 14-inch wheel requirement changes the fitment conversation before style and brand choices even begin.
Fitment across 1966 Plymouth Valiant sub-models is not uniform, so the exact configuration matters before a tire is selected. Some versions stay on 13-inch bias-ply sizes, while the disc-brake application moves to a 14-inch fitment that changes both wheel and tire choice.
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1966 Plymouth Valiant 6 Cyl.
The 1966 Plymouth Valiant 6 Cyl. can use either 650-13 or 700-13 bias-ply tires, which makes wheel and existing setup confirmation especially important. Tire selection here is not just about style, but about making sure the car's actual 13-inch fitment matches the size being considered.
The 1966 Plymouth Valiant Wagon uses the 700-13 bias-ply size, keeping the fitment on a 13-inch rim. Once that size is confirmed on the car, the choice becomes more straightforward and centers on whether to stay with a traditional bias-ply presentation or compare radial-equivalent alternatives.
The 1966 Plymouth Valiant w/Air uses the 700-13 bias-ply size on a 13-inch wheel. That makes this version relatively simple to shop for, with the main decision shifting toward preserving the period-style construction or reviewing modern radial-equivalent sizing for a different driving feel.
The 1966 Plymouth Valiant w/Disc Brakes uses the 695-14 bias-ply size, making it the 14-inch fitment in the range. That difference matters immediately because product selection, wheel compatibility, and sidewall choices all change once the car is confirmed as the disc-brake application.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1966 Plymouth Valiant
The original 1966 Plymouth Valiant bias-ply sizes each have radial-equivalent options. For 650-13, the equivalents are 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. For 700-13, the equivalents are 185R13, P185/75R13, and P205/70R13, while 695-14 cross-references to 175R14, P185/75R14, and P195/70R14. Recommended rim width for these equivalents is 4-6 inches, and final selection should still be checked against wheel size, dimensions, and clearance.
Modern Radial Equivalents
175R13
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (650-13)
P175/75R13
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (650-13)
P185/70R13
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (650-13)
650R13
Bias-look Radial Equivalent (650-13)
185R13
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (700-13)
P185/75R13
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (700-13)
P205/70R13
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (700-13)
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:
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 Plymouth Valiant Tires for Sale
Available 1966 Plymouth Valiant tires cover the full spread of the vehicle's bias-ply fitments, with brands including Coker Classic, US Royal, Firestone, BFGoodrich, and Goodyear. Depending on size, buyers can compare whitewall, blackwall, dual-redline, and raised white letter styles across several classic tire series.
These 1966 Plymouth Valiant tire FAQs focus on the three primary sizes, 13-inch versus 14-inch wheel fitment, bias-ply and radial-equivalent choices, sidewall styling, and the checks that matter before road use on a collector-era compact.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1966 Plymouth Valiant?
A 1966 Plymouth Valiant can use 650-13, 700-13, or 695-14, depending on sub-model and equipment. All three are primary bias-ply fitments, but they do not apply universally across every version of the car.
The first step is confirming the exact Valiant configuration and wheel diameter already on the car. The 650-13 and 700-13 sizes use 13-inch rims, while 695-14 uses a 14-inch rim, so selecting by appearance alone can lead to the wrong choice even when the tire looks close at a glance.
What size rim does a 1966 Plymouth Valiant use?
The 1966 Plymouth Valiant uses either a 13-inch or 14-inch rim, depending on which primary tire size applies. Sizes 650-13 and 700-13 are for 13-inch wheels, while 695-14 is for a 14-inch wheel.
Wheel diameter should be verified before any tire is chosen, especially on older cars that may have had wheel swaps over the years. A Valiant with disc brakes uses the 14-inch fitment, while other versions remain in the 13-inch range, so the actual wheel on the car matters as much as the model name.
Why does the 1966 Plymouth Valiant have more than one tire size?
More than one tire size appears on the 1966 Plymouth Valiant because fitment varies by sub-model and equipment. The 6 Cyl. application can use 650-13 or 700-13, the Wagon and w/Air versions use 700-13, and the w/Disc Brakes version uses 695-14.
That variation means the buyer should identify the car's exact configuration before narrowing the tire choices. It also means wheel diameter is part of the decision, since the disc-brake application moves into a 14-inch setup with a broader range of period-style product and sidewall options than the 13-inch sizes.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 650-13 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1966 Plymouth Valiant?
For the 1966 Plymouth Valiant, 650-13 is a primary bias-ply tire size. In this numeric format, the first number refers to nominal section width and the final number identifies the 13-inch rim, but the original construction type here is bias-ply rather than radial.
That matters because the driving feel and visual character of a bias-ply tire differ from a radial alternative. A buyer keeping a restoration-oriented presentation may want to stay with bias-ply, while anyone considering a radial should compare equivalent sizing carefully and verify wheel width, overall dimensions, and fender or steering clearance.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 650-13 on a 1966 Plymouth Valiant?
Radial equivalents for 650-13 on a 1966 Plymouth Valiant 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. These are alternatives to the original bias-ply size, not additional primary fitments.
Each equivalent uses the same 13-inch rim diameter, but that does not make every option automatically interchangeable on every car. The bias-look radial is useful for preserving a more traditional visual profile, while the metric and P-metric choices reflect more modern sizing conventions and should be checked against wheel width and available clearance.
What should I check before converting my 1966 Plymouth Valiant from bias-ply to radial tires?
A radial conversion on a 1966 Plymouth Valiant starts with matching the correct equivalent to the original size: 650-13, 700-13, or 695-14. The wheel diameter must stay correct, and the recommended rim width range shown for these equivalents is 4-6 inches.
After choosing the radial-equivalent size, inspect the actual wheel width and compare the tire's dimensions to the car's available space at the front and rear. Suspension wear, altered ride height, replacement wheels, and prior brake or hub changes can all affect clearance, so a converted car should be checked physically rather than assumed correct from size code alone.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 695-14 tire for a 1966 Plymouth Valiant?
Choosing a 695-14 tire for a 1966 Plymouth Valiant starts with confirming that the car is the 14-inch application, such as the disc-brake version. Once that fitment is established, the main choices are brand, tire series, sidewall style, and matching the tire to the wheel's width specification.
This size offers a wider assortment than the 13-inch Valiant fitments, including blackwall, narrow whitewall, dual-redline, and raised white letter styles. Buyers comparing these tires should look at appearance goals first, then review rim-width requirements, load figures such as 1230@32 psi or 1230 lbs. @ 32 psi, and any differences in intended presentation.
What sidewall styles are available for 1966 Plymouth Valiant tires?
Sidewall styles for 1966 Plymouth Valiant tires include wide whitewall, narrow whitewall, blackwall, dual-redline, RWL, and a raised-white-letter Blue Streak treatment, depending on size. The 13-inch options lean toward whitewall presentations, while 695-14 opens up the broadest appearance range.
That variety lets the tire choice support very different looks even when the basic fitment is correct. A plain blackwall can keep the car understated, whitewalls suit many restoration-oriented builds, and dual-redline or raised white letter styles create a stronger performance-era impression without changing the Valiant's primary tire size.
What brands offer tires for the 1966 Plymouth Valiant?
Brands available for the 1966 Plymouth Valiant include Coker Classic, US Royal, Firestone, BFGoodrich, and Goodyear. Brand availability depends on tire size, with 650-13, 700-13, and 695-14 each having a different mix of series and sidewall treatments.
The useful comparison is not just brand name, but what each brand offers within the correct fitment. Some sizes are available in only one presentation, while 695-14 brings multiple series such as Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, US Royal Classic Bias Ply, Blue Streak, and Power Cushion, which gives the buyer more freedom to shape the car's final look.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1966 Plymouth Valiant?
A period-style 1966 Plymouth Valiant tire choice starts with the car's correct primary size and original bias-ply construction type. After confirming whether the car uses 650-13, 700-13, or 695-14, the next step is selecting the sidewall treatment that best matches the Valiant's intended era-appropriate presentation.
Whitewall options are available in several widths, while 695-14 also offers blackwall and dual-redline choices for a different visual character. When exact restoration accuracy matters, compare the tire choice with marque-club references or other vehicle-specific documentation so the final appearance matches the way the individual car is being restored.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1966 Plymouth Valiant?
Tire construction changes more than the way a restored 1966 Plymouth Valiant drives; it also changes the visual impression of the car. Bias-ply tires maintain the original construction type used on this model year, which helps preserve the compact, mid-1960s stance and period-style sidewall presentation.
A radial equivalent can still be a thoughtful choice, especially when road use matters, but it may present the car differently than a traditional bias-ply tire. Buyers trying to keep the Valiant's restoration visually consistent usually start with the correct bias-ply size first, then decide whether appearance or modernized road manners matters more.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1966 Plymouth Valiant?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1966 Plymouth Valiant even when the chosen size is correct on paper. Wheel swaps, brake changes, altered ride height, suspension updates, or body and fender work can change the space available for a 650-13, 700-13, or 695-14 tire.
That is especially important on a compact car with more than one wheel diameter in the original fitment range. A Valiant that has been changed from stock should be checked for steering clearance, suspension travel, and wheel width before new tires go on, rather than assuming any primary or equivalent size will behave the same way.
What should I inspect before driving a 1966 Plymouth Valiant on new tires?
Before driving a 1966 Plymouth Valiant on new tires, inspect wheel condition, lug hardware, valve stems, and the tire's seating on the rim. It is also smart to confirm that the installed tire size matches the car's wheel diameter and that there is no immediate rubbing at full steering lock.
A short road test should be preceded by a basic walkaround that includes checking inflation, visual sidewall condition, and clearance around suspension and fender edges. On a collector-era car, attention should also go to older brake parts, wheel bearings, and alignment condition, since fresh tires can quickly reveal problems that were easy to miss before.
How should 650-13, 700-13, or 695-14 tires on a collector 1966 Plymouth Valiant be maintained?
Collector-car tires on a 1966 Plymouth Valiant should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspections, and attention to age-related condition as well as tread wear. Whether the car uses 650-13, 700-13, or 695-14, sidewall cracking, bulges, cuts, and repeated air loss deserve prompt attention.
Storage conditions matter almost as much as mileage on an older vehicle. Keeping the Valiant away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve the tires, and occasional movement of the car helps avoid long-term flat spotting on bias-ply constructions that spend much of their time parked.
