The 1968 American Motors Rambler sat in a practical part of the American market, but it still reflects the late-1960s mix of compact efficiency, straightforward engineering, and everyday style that keeps AMC vehicles interesting to collectors today. For owners restoring or maintaining one, tire choice shapes both the look and the driving feel. This Rambler uses bias-ply fitments in 6.45-14, 695-14, and 735-14, all built around a 14-inch rim. Within those sizes, the choices range from blackwall and narrow whitewall to dual redline and raised white letter Blue Streak styles, with radial equivalents available for some applications. The key is matching the exact size to the sub-model and wheel setup before choosing appearance or construction direction.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1968 American Motors Rambler
The 1968 American Motors Rambler uses three primary tire sizes, and the right one depends on the exact sub-model. All three are bias-ply sizes for 14-inch wheels, so the first step is confirming whether the car is an American 6 Cyl. or an American 8 Cyl. & Wagon, then matching the tire size to the wheel and the kind of appearance or road use you want.
In a numeric bias-ply size like 6.45-14, the first number is the tire's nominal section width in inches and the final number is the rim diameter in inches. This is a traditional bias-ply fitment for certain 1968 American Motors Rambler applications and suits buyers who want to stay with an authentic late-1960s sizing style. Its main relevance is fitment accuracy on the proper sub-model and wheel setup rather than a wide spread of product variations. Confirming the exact Rambler configuration matters before choosing this size for restoration-oriented use or regular road driving.
Fit(s): American 6 Cyl. and American 8 Cyl. & Wagon
Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 14 in
A size marked 695-14 is a numeric bias-ply designation, with 6.95 inches as the nominal section width and a 14-inch rim diameter. On the 1968 American Motors Rambler, this size appears across multiple sub-model applications, making it an important fitment to verify before moving on to style choices. It also offers the broadest visible range of tire presentations, including blackwall, narrow whitewall, dual redline, raised white letter, and Blue Streak styling from BFGoodrich, US Royal, and Goodyear. That makes 695-14 especially useful for buyers balancing period-style appearance, brand preference, and possible radial-equivalent consideration.
The 735-14 code follows the same numeric bias-ply system, with a nominal 7.35-inch section width and a 14-inch rim diameter. This size is used on specific 1968 American Motors Rambler applications that call for a larger bias-ply tire than the 695-14 fitment. Available choices here stay focused and traditional, with BFGoodrich options in blackwall and narrow whitewall within the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series. It is a size worth checking carefully against the exact sub-model and wheel dimensions, especially if the car has been altered from its original wheel setup.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1968 American Motors Rambler because the covered configurations do not all use the same tire size. Identifying whether the car is an American 6 Cyl. or an American 8 Cyl. & Wagon is the first step before narrowing the choice to the correct bias-ply size and available tire styles.
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1968 American Motors Rambler American 6 Cyl.
The 1968 American Motors Rambler American 6 Cyl. uses either 6.45-14 or 695-14 bias-ply tires on 14-inch rims. That makes wheel confirmation especially important, and once the correct size is established, the decision shifts to whether the car needs a simple blackwall look or a more restoration-oriented sidewall treatment.
1968 American Motors Rambler American 8 Cyl. & Wagon
The 1968 American Motors Rambler American 8 Cyl. & Wagon uses 695-14 or 735-14 bias-ply tires on 14-inch rims. After confirming which size belongs on the car's current wheel setup, the buyer can compare the available sidewall styles, series, and any radial-equivalent path that applies to that specific size.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1968 American Motors Rambler
The original 695-14 and 735-14 bias-ply sizes each have three radial-equivalent options. For 695-14, the available equivalents are 175R14 as an 80-series metric radial, P185/75R14 as a 75-series P-metric radial, and P195/70R14 as a 70-series P-metric radial. For 735-14, the equivalents are 185R14, P195/75R14, and P205/70R14 in those same categories. Both size groups reference a 4-6 inch recommended rim-width range, and any conversion should still be checked against wheel dimensions and vehicle clearance.
Modern Radial Equivalents
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)
185R14
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (735-14)
P195/75R14
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (735-14)
P205/70R14
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (735-14)
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 1968 American Motors Rambler Tires for Sale
Available 1968 American Motors Rambler tires center on 695-14 and 735-14 bias-ply fitments from BFGoodrich, US Royal, and Goodyear. The product grid lets buyers compare classic series such as Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, US Royal Classic Bias Ply, Blue Streak, and Power Cushion across blackwall, narrow whitewall, dual redline, and raised white letter styles.
These FAQs focus on the tire sizes used on the 1968 American Motors Rambler, how sub-model fitment changes the decision, and what to consider when comparing bias-ply choices, radial equivalents, appearance, wheel fitment, and road-use preparation.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1968 American Motors Rambler?
The 1968 American Motors Rambler uses 6.45-14, 695-14, or 735-14 tires depending on the exact sub-model. All three are bias-ply sizes built for 14-inch rims, so there is not one universal tire size across every covered Rambler configuration.
The practical first step is confirming whether the car is an American 6 Cyl. or an American 8 Cyl. & Wagon, then checking the wheel diameter already on the car. If the Rambler has had wheels changed over the years, verify the actual rim size and width before choosing a tire by appearance alone.
What size rim does a 1968 American Motors Rambler use?
The tire fitments covered for the 1968 American Motors Rambler all use a 14-inch rim diameter. That applies across the 6.45-14, 695-14, and 735-14 bias-ply sizes associated with this vehicle.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, especially on a car that may have seen replacement wheels over time. It still helps to confirm wheel width as well, since available products within these sizes do carry specific rim-width recommendations that can affect tire choice, stance, and clearance.
Why does the 1968 American Motors Rambler have more than one tire size?
More than one tire size appears because different 1968 American Motors Rambler sub-models use different bias-ply fitments. The American 6 Cyl. uses 6.45-14 or 695-14, while the American 8 Cyl. & Wagon uses 695-14 or 735-14.
That means the right tire is tied to the exact Rambler configuration rather than the model name alone. A buyer should verify the sub-model and inspect the wheels currently on the car, since decades of maintenance, replacements, or cosmetic changes can leave an older vehicle wearing a different setup than expected.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 695-14 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1968 American Motors Rambler?
For the 1968 American Motors Rambler, 695-14 is a primary bias-ply tire size. It uses the vintage numeric bias-ply sizing system, not a radial designation, and it remains the size at the center of the broadest product selection for this application.
That matters because staying with a bias-ply tire preserves the traditional sizing format and the period-style sidewall choices available in this size. Owners considering a radial alternative should treat it as a separate fitment path and compare wheel width, vehicle clearance, and the overall presentation they want from the Rambler.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 695-14?
Radial equivalents for 695-14 include 175R14 as an 80-series metric radial, P185/75R14 as a 75-series P-metric radial, and P195/70R14 as a 70-series P-metric radial. These options provide several modern sizing formats for buyers comparing the original bias-ply size with radial alternatives.
Each equivalent should be evaluated as an alternative rather than assumed to interchange automatically. The recommended rim-width range tied to these equivalents is 4-6 inches, and the final choice should still account for the car's actual wheel width, steering clearance, fender space, and the look the owner wants to maintain.
What should I check before converting my 1968 American Motors Rambler from bias-ply to radial tires?
Start by matching the radial equivalent to the Rambler's original bias-ply size, such as the 695-14 or 735-14 applications that have metric and P-metric radial alternatives. Then verify that the wheels fall within the recommended rim-width range and that the selected size remains appropriate for the car's sub-model.
A conversion also deserves a close look at tire-to-fender space, steering clearance, and the condition of the suspension and steering components. Many older cars have had wheels, ride height, or alignment settings changed over time, so checking the actual vehicle matters more than assuming a radial equivalent will behave like the bias-ply tire it replaces.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 695-14 tire for a 1968 American Motors Rambler?
Begin with fitment, since 695-14 applies to more than one 1968 American Motors Rambler sub-model and still needs to match the wheel on the car. From there, the main decisions are bias-ply construction, sidewall appearance, brand, tire series, and whether the car will keep its original-style sizing or move toward a radial equivalent.
Within 695-14, choices include blackwall, narrow whitewall, dual redline, and raised white letter styles from BFGoodrich, US Royal, and Goodyear. Comparing rim-width recommendations, load figures such as 1230@32 psi or 1230 lbs. @ 32 psi, and the visual character of each series helps narrow the right tire for the Rambler's intended use.
What sidewall styles are available for 1968 American Motors Rambler tires?
Sidewall choices for 1968 American Motors Rambler tires include blackwall, narrow whitewall, dual redline, RWL, and a raised-white-letter Blue Streak style in the covered bias-ply sizes. Those options are concentrated most heavily in 695-14, while 735-14 stays more traditional with blackwall and narrow whitewall choices.
That variety lets the tire influence the Rambler's overall presentation without changing the basic size category. A blackwall gives a simpler look, whitewalls lean more formal, and redline or raised white letter treatments create a sportier late-1960s impression, so the right pick depends on the car's character and the owner's appearance goals.
What brands offer tires for the 1968 American Motors Rambler?
BFGoodrich, US Royal, and Goodyear all appear in the available tire selections for the 1968 American Motors Rambler. The broader spread of brand choice is found in 695-14, while 735-14 is represented by BFGoodrich in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series.
Brand comparison is most useful when tied to the rest of the tire details rather than the name alone. Looking at the available series, sidewall styles, rim-width specifications, and load figures provides a clearer picture of which tire best suits a restoration-minded Rambler, a driver-focused car, or one aiming for a specific period-style look.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1968 American Motors Rambler?
A period-style choice starts with the correct original-format bias-ply size for the Rambler's exact sub-model, then narrows by sidewall treatment and series. On this vehicle, that means selecting among 6.45-14, 695-14, or 735-14 as appropriate, then choosing blackwall, narrow whitewall, dual redline, or other available appearances where the size allows.
For a careful restoration, size and overall look usually matter more than chasing a single universal answer. Buyers focused on strict originality should compare the tire choice with marque-club guidance, period photos, and vehicle-specific documentation, while drivers seeking the right late-1960s character can use the available bias-ply styles as a strong visual starting point.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1968 American Motors Rambler?
On a restored 1968 American Motors Rambler, bias-ply construction preserves the original sizing style and supports the traditional sidewall treatments offered in these fitments. That gives the car a more authentically vintage visual stance than a modern radial format, even before differences in sidewall lettering or stripe treatments are considered.
Construction choice is not only about looks, but appearance is often the first thing restoration-minded owners notice. A radial equivalent can be useful for some drivers, yet it changes the sizing presentation, so the better option depends on whether the goal is preserving a late-1960s bias-ply look or moving toward a more modern road-use approach.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1968 American Motors Rambler?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1968 American Motors Rambler even when the tire size itself is correct for the sub-model. Wheel changes, altered ride height, replacement springs, brake conversions, or body repairs can all influence how a 14-inch bias-ply or radial-equivalent tire sits in the wheel opening.
A modified car should be checked for actual wheel width, steering travel, and fender clearance before a new tire is chosen. Older vehicles often carry decades of changes, so it helps to inspect both front and rear clearances under load and at full steering lock rather than relying only on what the Rambler originally used.
What should I inspect before driving a 1968 American Motors Rambler on new tires?
Before driving a 1968 American Motors Rambler on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm lug hardware condition, and make sure the selected tire matches the correct 14-inch rim setup. It also helps to look over suspension and steering components so the new tires are not being asked to compensate for worn mechanical parts.
After installation, check inflation pressure, watch for any rubbing during slow turns, and recheck the tires after the first few drives for air loss or uneven wear. On a collector-era Rambler, this basic inspection routine is especially useful because long storage periods can hide issues that only become obvious once the car returns to road use.
How should tires on a collector 1968 American Motors Rambler be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1968 American Motors Rambler should be kept properly inflated, inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, and irregular wear, and checked for air loss during storage periods. Even a lightly driven collector car can age its tires over time, so condition matters just as much as tread depth.
Storage habits make a difference on an older vehicle that may sit for long stretches between drives. Keeping the Rambler away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires, and a brief inspection before each outing is a good way to catch aging issues before they become a road-use problem.