1966 Pontiac Tempest Tires

A 1966 Pontiac Tempest can use 695-14, 735-14, or 775-14 tires, all in bias-ply construction on 14-inch rims. The exact size depends on the sub-model. The 6 Cyl. uses 695-14 or 735-14, the 6 Cyl. w/Air uses 735-14 or 775-14, the 8 Cyl. uses 735-14 or 775-14, and both the 8 Cyl. w/Air and Wagon use 775-14.

The key is not treating every Tempest the same. Engine and air-conditioning configuration affect the size range, so the smartest next step is confirming the exact sub-model and checking what wheels are actually on the car today. That is especially important on older cars that may have had wheel or tire changes over the years.

The covered tire sizes for the 1966 Pontiac Tempest all use a 14-inch rim diameter. That applies to 695-14, 735-14, and 775-14, so the diameter side of the fitment remains consistent even though the vehicle can use more than one tire size depending on sub-model.

Rim diameter is only the first check. Wheel width still matters, especially when comparing bias-ply tires or considering a radial equivalent. On a Tempest that has been restored, modified, or fitted with replacement wheels, confirm the actual wheel width and tire clearance before assuming the current wheel setup matches the original-style fitment range.

The 1966 Pontiac Tempest has more than one tire size because fitment varies by sub-model. The covered range includes 6-cylinder, 8-cylinder, air-conditioned, and wagon configurations, and those versions do not all share the same bias-ply size. Some also overlap between two acceptable sizes rather than one fixed fitment.

That means the right choice starts with identifying the exact Tempest configuration instead of selecting by year and model alone. Once the sub-model is confirmed, the next step is checking whether the car still has the correct 14-inch wheels and deciding whether the goal is a traditional bias-ply look or a radial-equivalent alternative.

On the 1966 Pontiac Tempest, 775-14 is a primary bias-ply tire size. It is used on the 6 Cyl. w/Air, 8 Cyl., 8 Cyl. w/Air, and Wagon applications, with several available products from BFGoodrich, US Royal, and Firestone in traditional bias-ply construction.

That distinction matters because a radial alternative should be treated as a separate sizing choice rather than the same tire in a different construction. Owners who want to stay close to the original driving feel and visual profile often keep the bias-ply format, while those exploring radial options should also verify wheel width, clearance, and the car’s current setup.

Radial equivalents for 775-14 include 195R14 as an 80-series metric radial, P205/75R14 as a 75-series P-metric radial, P215/70R14 as a 70-series P-metric radial, and 750R14 as a bias-look radial. These give a 1966 Pontiac Tempest owner several different radial-format paths to compare against the original bias-ply size.

Each option represents a different sizing convention and appearance direction, so the choice is about more than simply picking any radial with a 14-inch rim. A recommended rim-width range of 4-6 inches is associated with these equivalents, and the final check should include wheel width, overall dimensions, steering clearance, and how the car is meant to look and drive.

Start by matching the Tempest’s original bias-ply size to the correct radial equivalent for that exact fitment. The covered equivalents are 175R14, P185/75R14, and P195/70R14 for 695-14; 185R14, P195/75R14, and P205/70R14 for 735-14; and 195R14, P205/75R14, P215/70R14, and 750R14 for 775-14.

After the size comparison, verify that the wheel width matches the intended radial range and inspect clearance at the fenders and steering stops. It also helps to evaluate suspension condition and whether the car has replacement wheels or stance changes, since an older Tempest may no longer be sitting on its original wheel-and-tire combination.

Begin with fitment and purpose. On a 1966 Pontiac Tempest, 775-14 is the relevant bias-ply size for several sub-models, including the 8 Cyl. w/Air and Wagon. After confirming the car belongs in that fitment group, compare brand, sidewall style, tire series, and the wheel-width requirements attached to the specific product.

The available 775-14 choices differ in presentation as much as specification. Some lean toward a restrained whitewall look, while others offer redline, goldline, or blueline styling for a more distinct 1960s appearance. It is also worth checking the stated load figures and wheel-width range so the tire suits both the car’s setup and the look being pursued.

Sidewall choices for 1966 Pontiac Tempest tires vary by size. Across the available bias-ply products, the range includes blackwall, narrow whitewall, dual redline, redline, goldline, blueline, raised white letter, and raised white letter with blue stripe. That gives the Tempest a broad spread of traditional and performance-flavored visual options.

The right sidewall depends on both size and the character of the car. A simpler blackwall or narrow whitewall can suit a restrained restoration, while redline, goldline, blueline, or raised white letter styles create a more assertive period presentation. Once the correct tire size is confirmed, sidewall choice becomes one of the clearest ways to shape the car’s finished look.

Tires for the 1966 Pontiac Tempest are available from BFGoodrich, US Royal, Firestone, and Goodyear, depending on the size. Those brands appear across the Tempest’s 695-14, 735-14, and 775-14 bias-ply fitments, with series such as Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, US Royal Classic Bias Ply, Firestone Classic Bias Ply, Blue Streak, and Power Cushion.

Brand choice is best treated as part of the overall selection rather than the only decision. Some sizes have broader brand coverage than others, and sidewall offerings differ by product line. After confirming the correct size for the car, compare the brand options that actually exist in that fitment and then narrow by series style, sidewall appearance, and wheel compatibility.

A period-style 1966 Pontiac Tempest starts with the correct bias-ply size for the exact sub-model: 695-14, 735-14, or 775-14. Once the size is settled, the car can be tailored visually through traditional sidewall treatments such as blackwall, narrow whitewall, dual redline, redline, goldline, or blueline, depending on the fitment.

The best period-style choice depends on whether the goal is a restrained stock-type appearance or a more vivid mid-1960s performance look. When exact originality matters, it is worth checking marque literature, restoration references, or build-specific history before settling on a stripe or whitewall treatment, since the right size alone does not answer every appearance question.

Tire construction has a visible effect on a restored 1966 Pontiac Tempest because the original covered fitments are bias-ply sizes. A bias-ply tire tends to preserve the car’s traditional profile and period presentation, especially when combined with sidewall treatments that suit the Tempest’s mid-1960s styling.

Radial equivalents can still be considered, but they should be chosen with the overall look in mind rather than as a purely mechanical substitution. Some owners prioritize a classic visual stance, while others want a radial-format alternative that keeps the car road-friendly. Matching construction to restoration goals usually matters just as much as selecting the correct nominal size.

Yes. Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1966 Pontiac Tempest even when the tire size itself is correct for the original application. Aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, suspension changes, lowering, or body alterations can all change how a 695-14, 735-14, 775-14, or radial equivalent sits in the wheel opening.

A Tempest with any non-stock changes should be measured rather than assumed to match a standard setup. Check wheel diameter and width first, then confirm steering clearance, fender clearance, and suspension travel. That is especially important when moving from a bias-ply tire to a radial equivalent, since the sizing format may be different even when the rim diameter remains 14 inches.

Before driving a 1966 Pontiac Tempest on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, and overall mounting condition, then confirm that the tire size matches the car’s exact sub-model. It is also wise to look over the suspension and steering components so the tires are not being asked to work around worn parts or alignment problems.

A short test drive should be preceded by checking air pressure and making sure there is no rubbing at full steering lock or over suspension movement. On a collector Tempest that has sat for long periods, it also helps to inspect brake function and wheel fastener condition so the first road miles on fresh tires are not compromised by unrelated age-related issues.

775-14 tires on a collector 1966 Pontiac Tempest should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and attention to age-related deterioration. Look for cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven tread wear, or slow air loss, especially on a car that spends more time stored than driven. Collector cars often age their tires long before they wear them out.

Storage conditions matter almost as much as mileage. Keeping the Tempest away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires between drives. It is also smart to recheck the tires before any longer outing, since an older car may sit for months and then suddenly be asked to handle highway speeds and full operating loads.