1967 Pontiac Tempest Tires

The 1967 Pontiac Tempest uses two primary bias-ply tire sizes: 775-14 and F78-14. Both fitments are built for 14-inch wheels, and both appear on covered Tempest configurations including the Base and Wagon.

The practical choice is determining which of those two sizes is actually on the car now or which size matches the wheel and stance being retained. Since both sizes are vintage bias-ply formats, it also helps to decide whether the goal is a traditional period-style replacement or a move toward one of the available radial-equivalent sizes.

The tire fitments associated with the 1967 Pontiac Tempest use a 14-inch rim diameter. That applies to both 775-14 and F78-14, so the wheel diameter remains consistent even though the tire sizing format changes.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so it is worth checking actual wheel width before choosing a tire. Some 775-14 products are built around narrower rim-width ranges than the F78-14 option, and radial-equivalent choices bring their own wheel-width considerations as well.

The covered 1967 Pontiac Tempest sub-models share the same two primary tire sizes. Both the Tempest Base and Tempest Wagon use 775-14 and F78-14 bias-ply fitments on 14-inch wheels.

That means sub-model choice is not the main dividing line here; the more important step is confirming which size is mounted on the car and whether the wheels are original-style or have been changed over time. A Tempest that has seen wheel or suspension updates should be measured before choosing between the available bias-ply or radial-equivalent options.

For a 1967 Pontiac Tempest, 775-14 is a primary bias-ply tire size. It uses the older numeric sizing system and represents the traditional construction associated with the Tempest's original-era fitment style.

That matters because a bias-ply replacement preserves the vintage construction and opens up several period-style sidewall treatments in this size. A radial can still be considered through equivalent sizing, but the wheel width, overall dimensions, and clearance around suspension and fenders should all be checked before changing construction.

Radial equivalents for 775-14 include 195R14, P205/75R14, P215/70R14, and 750R14. Those cover an 80-series metric radial, a 75-series P-metric radial, a 70-series P-metric radial, and a bias-look radial alternative.

Each option uses a different sizing convention, so the decision is not just radial versus bias-ply. The recommended rim-width range tied to these equivalents is 4 to 6 inches, and the final choice should be checked against the Tempest's actual wheel width, body clearance, and the overall look the owner wants to preserve.

Start by confirming the Tempest's current tire size, wheel diameter, and wheel width, then compare those measurements to the intended radial equivalent. For 775-14 and F78-14, the common radial alternatives are 195R14, P205/75R14, P215/70R14, and 750R14.

A conversion should also account for clearance at the fenders, steering components, and suspension through the full range of motion. Cars that have aftermarket wheels, altered ride height, or older suspension parts deserve extra attention, since those factors can change how well a radial-equivalent size works on the vehicle.

The starting point is making sure 775-14 is the size already used on the Tempest, since 1967 models also appear with F78-14. Once the size is confirmed, the main considerations are keeping a bias-ply construction, selecting a preferred sidewall style, and comparing brand and series character.

This size offers broad appearance variety, including narrow whitewall, redline, goldline, and blueline treatments from brands such as BFGoodrich, Firestone, and US Royal. It also helps to compare wheel-width compatibility and load figures where shown, especially if the car has been changed from its earlier wheel setup.

Sidewall choices for 1967 Pontiac Tempest tires include narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, redline, goldline, and blueline styles. Most of that variety appears in 775-14, while the available F78-14 option is a wide whitewall bias-ply tire.

That gives the Tempest owner a meaningful appearance decision even before brand is considered. A narrow whitewall or colored line can produce a different visual impression than a wide whitewall, so the best choice usually depends on whether the car is being restored, shown casually, or driven with a more personal period-style look in mind.

Available tires for the 1967 Pontiac Tempest come from BFGoodrich, Firestone, US Royal, and Coker Classic. Brand choice depends partly on which of the two primary sizes the car uses, since 775-14 has the broadest selection and F78-14 is represented by a Coker Classic option.

Brand is only one part of the decision, because series and sidewall treatment also shape the final look of the car. After the correct size is confirmed, it makes sense to compare the visual style, bias-ply construction, and wheel-width specification rather than choosing on brand name alone.

A period-style 1967 Pontiac Tempest usually starts with one of its primary bias-ply sizes, 775-14 or F78-14, rather than jumping immediately to a radial. That keeps the sizing and construction in line with the car's vintage presentation and opens up several traditional sidewall treatments.

The exact choice depends on the size already fitted to the car and the appearance you want to emphasize. When originality matters at a higher level, it is smart to compare the chosen tire against marque references or restoration documentation, since a correct size alone does not automatically settle the right brand or sidewall style.

Tire construction changes the visual character of a restored 1967 Pontiac Tempest as much as the sidewall treatment does. A bias-ply tire preserves the traditional vintage profile and presentation associated with the car's original-era fitment, while a radial equivalent can alter that look even when the overall sizing intent is similar.

That is why many restoration-oriented buyers start by deciding on appearance before comparing brands or sidewall details. A bias-look radial such as 750R14 can be useful for someone who wants radial construction with a more traditional visual impression, but wheel and clearance checks still matter before making the switch.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1967 Pontiac Tempest even when the tire size seems correct on paper. Wheel-width changes, aftermarket wheels, altered offset, suspension work, or ride-height changes can all influence how 775-14, F78-14, or a radial equivalent sits in the car.

A Tempest that has been lowered, lifted, or updated over the years should be checked at the front and rear before new tires are chosen. Clearance at the fender lips, steering linkage, and suspension travel matters just as much as matching the nominal size printed on the sidewall.

Before driving a 1967 Pontiac Tempest on new tires, inspect the wheels for proper diameter and condition, confirm the tires are seated correctly, and make sure inflation is set appropriately for the chosen tire. It is also wise to look over the suspension and steering if the car has been parked for long periods.

A short, careful road test can reveal rubbing, pulling, vibration, or clearance issues that do not appear while the car is standing still. Collector cars often develop problems from age rather than mileage, so sidewall condition, air retention, wheel hardware, and brake behavior deserve attention before regular road use resumes.

775-14 tires on a collector 1967 Pontiac Tempest should be inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and gradual air loss, especially if the car is driven infrequently. Maintaining proper inflation and keeping the wheels in good condition helps preserve both ride quality and tire life.

Storage conditions matter just as much as mileage on a low-use Tempest. Parking away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources can slow aging, and occasional movement helps avoid long-term flat spotting. Any tire that shows age-related deterioration should be evaluated before the car returns to normal road use.