1968 Ford-Taunus 17M Tires

The 1968 Ford-Taunus 17M uses two primary tire sizes: 175R13 in radial construction and 640-13 in bias-ply construction. Both sizes are built around a 13-inch rim, but they are not simply different spellings of the same tire. They represent different sizing systems and different construction approaches for this car.

The correct choice depends on the exact sub-model and on what wheel and tire setup is already on the vehicle. A Base model may be associated with either fitment path, while the Wagon uses 640-13. Checking the current wheel diameter, wheel width, and the car's existing tire construction is the most practical next step before selecting a replacement.

The 1968 Ford-Taunus 17M uses a 13-inch rim with both of its primary tire sizes. That applies to the 175R13 radial fitment and the 640-13 bias-ply fitment. Even though the constructions differ, the wheel diameter remains the same across the fitments associated with this model.

Wheel diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so it is still worth confirming wheel width before changing tires. The radial-equivalent guidance tied to the 640-13 size includes a 4- to 6-inch rim-width range, and the available 640-13 bias-ply product is built for a narrower wheel range. That matters when older wheels or later replacements are involved.

No. The 1968 Ford-Taunus 17M Base can use either 175R13 radial or 640-13 bias-ply, while the 1968 Ford-Taunus 17M Wagon uses 640-13 bias-ply. That means sub-model identification matters before choosing tires, even though every fitment involved here uses a 13-inch wheel diameter.

This distinction becomes important when replacing old tires on a car that may have been altered over time. A Base model gives you more than one legitimate fitment path, but the Wagon keeps the decision centered on 640-13. Looking at the exact sub-model badge, current tire markings, and wheel setup helps prevent ordering around the wrong construction or sizing system.

640-13 is a bias-ply tire size on the 1968 Ford-Taunus 17M. It uses a vintage numeric sizing format in which the leading number represents nominal section width and the final number refers to the 13-inch wheel diameter. On this car, 640-13 is the traditional bias-ply fitment rather than a radial designation.

That matters because a bias-ply selection affects both appearance and the overall replacement path for the car. Owners keeping an older visual character often stay with the original-style numeric size, while others may explore radial equivalents tied to 640-13. Before changing construction, confirm wheel width, compare the current setup carefully, and make sure the tire choice suits the car's intended use.

Radial equivalents for 640-13 include 175R13 as the 80-series metric radial option, P175/75R13 as the P-metric 75-series option, P185/70R13 as the P-metric 70-series option, and 650R13 as a bias-look radial equivalent. These alternatives give the 1968 Ford-Taunus 17M owner several ways to compare modern radial sizing against the original-style bias-ply size.

Each equivalent should be treated as an alternative rather than an automatic substitute. The recommended rim-width range associated with these equivalents is 4 to 6 inches, so wheel width should be confirmed before making the move. It is also smart to check the full vehicle setup, including clearance at the fenders and suspension, especially on a car that may have replacement wheels.

A 650R13 bias-look radial is available as an equivalent for the 640-13 fitment on a 1968 Ford-Taunus 17M. That option is useful for owners who want a radial-format alternative while keeping a more traditional tire presentation than many later metric radial sizes provide.

A bias-look radial should still be evaluated like any other equivalent, not treated as a guaranteed swap. The associated rim-width range for the radial equivalents is 4 to 6 inches, and wheel width should be confirmed before conversion. It also helps to compare the car's present wheel and suspension setup so the appearance goal does not override basic fitment and clearance checks.

Start by confirming that 640-13 is the correct fitment path for your 1968 Ford-Taunus 17M, especially if the car is a Base model that may also use 175R13 radial tires. Once that is settled, focus on construction, wheel-width compatibility, and the type of appearance you want from the finished car.

Within 640-13, the available product character is shaped by bias-ply construction, traditional sizing, and sidewall presentation rather than a long list of modern touring features. A wide whitewall can shift the visual tone of the car noticeably, so appearance matters as much as fitment. Wheel width and overall vehicle setup should still be checked before finalizing the choice.

The available sidewall style in the 640-13 product offering for the 1968 Ford-Taunus 17M is a wide whitewall. That style is paired with a BFGoodrich bias-ply tire in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series. It gives the car a distinctly traditional presentation that suits many restoration-oriented builds.

Sidewall styling should be chosen with the car's overall look in mind, not just the size marking on the tire. A wide whitewall creates a very different effect than a plain blackwall would on a compact late-1960s European car. Buyers concerned with exact historical appearance should compare tire style choices with period photos, marque guidance, and the way the individual vehicle is being restored.

BFGoodrich is represented in the available 640-13 product selection for the 1968 Ford-Taunus 17M. The current offering is a bias-ply tire in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series with a wide whitewall sidewall treatment. That keeps the brand choice focused, but still gives a clear period-style direction for the bias-ply fitment.

Brand is only one part of the decision on this car. It is just as important to match the correct size and construction to the sub-model and existing wheel setup, especially because the Base model may follow either a radial or bias-ply path. Once fitment is confirmed, compare the brand's series character and appearance against your restoration or driving goals.

For a period-style 1968 Ford-Taunus 17M, the 640-13 bias-ply fitment is the most traditional starting point. Its vintage numeric sizing and bias-ply construction align naturally with an older visual presentation, particularly on the Wagon or on a Base model being restored with a more original-era look in mind.

That does not automatically make every 640-13 tire exact to how a specific car left the showroom, so appearance-focused buyers should still compare details carefully. Sidewall treatment, wheel finish, and the overall stance of the car all influence the final result. When strict originality matters, period photos and model-specific historical references are worth consulting before deciding on a tire style.

Tire construction changes the visual character of a restored 1968 Ford-Taunus 17M more than many buyers expect. A 640-13 bias-ply keeps the car in a traditional vintage sizing language, while a 175R13 radial or other radial equivalent gives the car a more updated replacement look, even when the wheel diameter stays at 13 inches.

The difference is not only technical; it affects how the whole car reads at a glance. For some restorations, that older bias-ply presentation is central to the finished appearance. Others may prefer the compromise of a bias-look radial. Matching tire construction to the restoration goal helps avoid ending up with a car that drives one way but visually belongs to another era.

Yes. Modifications can change tire fitment on a 1968 Ford-Taunus 17M even when the nominal tire size still looks correct on paper. Aftermarket wheels, wheel-width changes, altered offsets, suspension work, or body changes can all affect how a 175R13, 640-13, or a radial equivalent actually sits and clears the car.

That matters most on older vehicles that may have passed through several owners over the years. Measuring the current wheel diameter and width is a smart first step, followed by checking steering clearance and space at the fenders. A car set up for one construction type may also need a closer look before moving to another, especially if non-original wheels are involved.

Before driving a 1968 Ford-Taunus 17M on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, and general wheel condition, then confirm that the tires are properly seated and inflated for the chosen application. It also helps to look over the suspension and steering for obvious looseness or wear that could affect how the car tracks once fresh tires are installed.

A brief clearance check is worthwhile before regular road use, especially if the car has replacement wheels or a different construction than it had before. Turn the steering through its range and look for any fender or suspension interference. After the first few drives, recheck air pressure and inspect for any rubbing, unusual wear, or signs that the setup needs further attention.

640-13 tires on a collector 1968 Ford-Taunus 17M should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and careful storage habits. Collector cars often accumulate age faster than mileage, so sidewall cracking, flat spotting, cuts, bulges, and slow air loss deserve close attention even when tread depth still appears acceptable.

Storage conditions play a major role in how long collector tires stay healthy. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone-producing equipment helps protect the rubber over time. It is also wise to inspect the tires before longer drives rather than assuming that an older, low-mileage set is road-ready just because the car is used infrequently.