1968 American Motors Javelin Tires

A 1968 American Motors Javelin uses 14-inch bias-ply tire sizes, with 695-14, 735-14, and E70-14 appearing across the covered fitments. The 6 Cyl. Javelin uses 695-14 and 735-14, while the 8 Cyl. Javelin uses 735-14 and E70-14.

That makes the first step identifying the exact sub-model and confirming the wheels currently on the car. Many restored or modified Javelins no longer wear their original wheel setup, so checking rim diameter and width before choosing a tire helps keep the fitment aligned with the car’s stance, clearance, and intended appearance.

The covered tire fitments for the 1968 American Motors Javelin all use a 14-inch rim diameter. That applies to 695-14, 735-14, and E70-14, even though the tire sizing formats differ between the numeric and alphanumeric bias-ply options.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so the wheel width still needs to match the tire being considered. That is especially important when moving between the narrower 695-14 and the wider E70-14 range, because a tire that belongs on a 14-inch rim may still require a different wheel width than the one currently on the car.

The 1968 American Motors Javelin has more than one tire size because fitment varies by covered sub-model. The 6 Cyl. cars use 695-14 and 735-14, while the 8 Cyl. cars use 735-14 and E70-14, so the size choice is tied to the specific configuration rather than the model name alone.

That variation means a tire search should begin with the car itself, not just the year and model badge. Looking at the existing wheel diameter, wheel width, and any past changes to the car helps narrow the correct size, especially on older vehicles that may have seen aftermarket wheels, suspension work, or previous tire substitutions.

For the 1968 American Motors Javelin, 695-14 is a primary bias-ply tire size. It is a vintage numeric bias-ply format used on a 14-inch rim, and it appears as one of the fitments for the 6 Cyl. version of the car.

Modern radial equivalents do exist for buyers who want to evaluate a different construction, but the original size format itself remains bias-ply. That distinction matters because a radial alternative changes more than the lettering on the sidewall, so wheel width, overall dimensions, and the car’s visual character should all be reviewed before making the switch.

Radial equivalents for 695-14 on a 1968 American Motors Javelin are 175R14, P185/75R14, and P195/70R14. Those represent an 80-series metric radial, a 75-series P-metric radial, and a 70-series P-metric radial, all associated with the same primary bias-ply size.

These equivalents give the owner several modern sizing conventions to compare rather than one single substitute. The recommended rim width range is 4 to 6 inches, and the final choice should still be checked against the actual wheel, tire clearance, and intended stance, because an equivalent size should be treated as an alternative, not as automatic interchangeability.

Start by matching the Javelin’s primary bias-ply size to the correct radial-equivalent family for that size. For example, 695-14 maps to 175R14, P185/75R14, and P195/70R14, while 735-14 and E70-14 map to 185R14, P195/75R14, and P205/70R14.

After that, check wheel diameter, actual wheel width, and the tire’s clearance at the fenders and steering components. A conversion is also a good time to inspect suspension condition and alignment, because older cars can react differently when the construction changes, especially if the car has been lowered, altered, or fitted with non-stock wheels.

Begin with the correct primary size for the specific Javelin sub-model, since 1968 fitment ranges across 695-14, 735-14, and E70-14. From there, the main considerations are bias-ply versus radial-equivalent direction, wheel-width compatibility, sidewall style, and whether the car is being finished for restoration appearance or regular road use.

The available products also differ by tire series, brand, weight, and load capacity, so the decision is broader than size alone. A narrow whitewall, blackwall, redline, or raised white letter tire can change the car’s presentation noticeably, and the right choice usually comes from balancing visual goals with the car’s actual wheel setup.

Sidewall choices for 1968 American Motors Javelin tires include blackwall, narrow whitewall, dual-redline, redline, pin-white-stripe, raised white letter, and raised-white-letter-blue-streak treatments. The exact sidewall options depend on the tire size, with some styles concentrated in 695-14 and others appearing more prominently in E70-14 performance-oriented lines.

That makes sidewall style an important part of choosing the finished look of the car. A blackwall tends to keep the presentation understated, while whitewalls, redlines, stripes, and raised white letters each push the Javelin toward a different period-style personality, so it helps to decide whether the goal is subtle restoration, muscle-era flair, or roadgoing nostalgia.

Tires for the 1968 American Motors Javelin are available from BFGoodrich, US Royal, Firestone, and Goodyear. The exact brand mix depends on size, with 695-14 offering the broadest spread, 735-14 centered on BFGoodrich, and E70-14 represented by Firestone and Goodyear in classic muscle-car-oriented series.

Brand selection is most useful when paired with the right size and visual theme. Once the correct fitment is confirmed, comparing series and sidewall treatment within that size usually tells the buyer more than the brand name alone, especially on a collector car where the finished stance and period presentation matter as much as basic compatibility.

A period-style 1968 American Motors Javelin should start with the correct primary bias-ply size for the specific sub-model: 695-14 or 735-14 for the 6 Cyl., and 735-14 or E70-14 for the 8 Cyl. After that, the best match depends on whether the goal is a restrained late-1960s look or a more overt muscle-era presentation.

Numeric bias-ply sizes tend to support a traditional appearance, while E70-14 opens the door to Wide Oval and Custom Wide Tread styling with redline, pin-white-stripe, or raised white letter treatment. When exact originality matters, it is smart to compare the final choice against marque-club guidance, period photos, or other vehicle-specific references before settling on brand and sidewall style.

Tire construction has a noticeable effect on the appearance of a restored 1968 American Motors Javelin because the car’s primary fitments are bias-ply. A bias-ply tire preserves the vintage sizing language and traditional visual character that suits a late-1960s pony car, especially when paired with era-appropriate sidewall treatments.

A radial equivalent can still be a practical alternative, but it may change the overall presentation even when the rim diameter remains the same. Owners focused on restoration character usually look closely at profile, sidewall lettering, and stripe treatment so the finished car keeps the right visual balance rather than simply wearing any 14-inch tire that happens to fit.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1968 American Motors Javelin even when the car still uses a 14-inch wheel. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension lowering, replacement springs, or bodywork can all influence whether a 695-14, 735-14, E70-14, or radial equivalent has proper space.

That is why the actual car should be checked before choosing by size alone. Steering clearance, fender clearance, and wheel dimensions become especially important on older cars that may have been updated over time, and those checks matter even more when moving from a primary bias-ply fitment to a radial-equivalent alternative.

Before driving a 1968 American Motors Javelin on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and sound condition, then verify inflation pressure, lug hardware, and basic clearance at full steering lock. It is also wise to look over suspension and steering components so the new tires are not being asked to compensate for worn parts.

A short, careful test drive is a good way to confirm that the car tracks properly and that nothing rubs under turning or suspension movement. On a collector car, this first outing should also include a recheck for air loss, sidewall contact, or uneven wear patterns so any fitment issue is caught before regular road use.

Tires on a 1968 American Motors Javelin should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections for cracking, bulges, cuts, and uneven wear, and periodic review of overall condition even if the car is driven only occasionally. Collector vehicles often age their tires through time and storage as much as through mileage.

Proper storage makes a difference, especially for bias-ply tires on a car that spends long periods parked. Keeping the Javelin away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps protect the rubber, and an occasional inspection of tread, sidewalls, and valve stems is a smart habit before any local cruise or longer drive.