1968 Ford-Taunus 20M Tires

The 1968 Ford-Taunus 20M uses two primary tire sizes: 175R13 in radial construction and 640-13 in bias-ply construction. Both are 13-inch tire sizes, but they are not simply two ways of writing the same tire. The Base & TS can use either fitment, while the Wagon uses 640-13.

That means the first step is identifying the exact sub-model and the wheel setup already on the car. A buyer looking for a traditional restoration-oriented presentation may stay with 640-13, while a radial-equipped Base & TS should be matched accordingly. Wheel width, tire clearance, and the car’s current construction should all be confirmed before changing direction.

The 1968 Ford-Taunus 20M uses a 13-inch rim diameter with both of its primary tire sizes. That applies to the 175R13 radial fitment and the 640-13 bias-ply fitment, so the basic rim diameter stays consistent even though the tire-sizing systems differ.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so it should not be the only number checked before ordering tires. The actual wheel width on the car still matters, especially if the vehicle has had wheel changes over the years. Confirming both diameter and width helps keep the tire choice aligned with the vehicle’s intended construction and clearance needs.

No, not every 1968 Ford-Taunus 20M sub-model uses the same tire size arrangement. The Base & TS appears with both 175R13 radial and 640-13 bias-ply fitments, while the Wagon uses 640-13 bias-ply. The difference is more about sub-model and construction than about rim diameter.

That distinction matters because a buyer should not assume every 20M is set up the same way. The Wagon fitment is more straightforward, but the Base & TS requires closer attention to what is already on the car and what kind of driving or presentation is intended. Checking the sub-model first prevents confusion later when comparing products or radial alternatives.

On the 1968 Ford-Taunus 20M, 640-13 is a bias-ply tire size. It uses the older numeric sizing system commonly associated with vintage bias-ply construction, and it is the primary size used on the Wagon as well as one of the fitment options for the Base & TS.

That matters because bias-ply construction affects both appearance and replacement strategy. Owners trying to preserve a traditional look often stay with the 640-13 format, while those considering a change should compare radial equivalents carefully rather than treating them as automatic substitutes. The wheel setup and the car’s current tire arrangement should be verified before making that switch.

Radial equivalents for 640-13 include 175R13 as an 80-series metric radial, P175/75R13 as a 75-series P-metric radial, and P185/70R13 as a 70-series P-metric radial. A 650R13 bias-look radial equivalent is also available for owners who want radial construction with a more traditional visual character.

Each of those options represents a different sizing convention, so the choice is not only about moving from bias-ply to radial. The recommended rim-width range for the equivalents is 4 to 6 inches, and overall compatibility should still be checked against the wheels and the vehicle’s available clearance. That extra step matters even when the rim diameter stays the same.

Start by confirming the car’s present tire size, wheel diameter, and wheel width. A 1968 Ford-Taunus 20M using 640-13 bias-ply tires can be evaluated against radial equivalents such as 175R13, P175/75R13, P185/70R13, or 650R13, but the conversion should be based on the actual wheel and vehicle setup rather than size name alone.

It is also wise to inspect fender and suspension clearance, especially on a collector vehicle that may have had wheel or suspension changes over time. The recommended rim-width range for the 640-13 equivalents is 4 to 6 inches, which gives a useful starting point. Matching all four tires in construction and confirming the car’s road-use needs helps avoid an uneven setup.

Choosing a 640-13 tire for a 1968 Ford-Taunus 20M starts with confirming that the car actually uses the bias-ply fitment. Once that is established, the main considerations are construction, sidewall appearance, and wheel compatibility. The available 640-13 option here is a bias-ply BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply with a wide whitewall.

That makes this size especially relevant for buyers focused on traditional presentation rather than simply replacing a worn tire. The wheel width on the car should still be checked against the tire’s intended fit, particularly if the wheels are not original to the vehicle. A careful match between construction, appearance, and wheel dimensions leads to a more satisfying result.

For the 1968 Ford-Taunus 20M products available here, the visible sidewall style offered in 640-13 is a wide whitewall. That style has a distinctly vintage presentation and suits buyers who want the tire to contribute strongly to the car’s period-style appearance rather than fade into the background.

Sidewall style should be chosen with the same care as size and construction because it changes how the car sits visually, even when the fitment remains correct. A wide whitewall can work well on a restoration-oriented build, but the final decision should reflect the owner’s visual goal and the character of the individual vehicle rather than a one-style-fits-all assumption.

BFGoodrich is represented in the currently available 1968 Ford-Taunus 20M product selection for the 640-13 bias-ply size. That option appears in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series and gives buyers a recognizable vintage-style tire choice in the proper numeric bias-ply format for vehicles using that fitment.

Brand is only one part of the decision, so it should be weighed alongside tire size, construction, sidewall treatment, and wheel compatibility. On a car like the 20M, appearance can matter as much as the name on the sidewall. A buyer comparing choices should begin with the correct fitment path and then evaluate how closely the available tire matches the intended look and use.

For a period-style 1968 Ford-Taunus 20M, the first decision is whether the car is being kept in its bias-ply 640-13 configuration or in its 175R13 radial setup where that fitment applies. The 640-13 size is especially relevant when the goal is a traditional vintage tire presentation on the correct 13-inch rim diameter.

Appearance should be balanced with how the car will actually be used. A restoration-oriented owner may prefer the visual character of the bias-ply format, while another may consider a radial equivalent to retain similar proportions with a different construction. If exact historical originality matters, vehicle-specific reference material and marque knowledge remain important before settling on a final look.

Tire construction changes more than ride and handling feel on a restored 1968 Ford-Taunus 20M; it also changes the visual character of the car. A 640-13 bias-ply tire presents the vehicle in a more traditional vintage format, while a 175R13 or other radial equivalent moves the appearance toward a later-style radial look.

That difference becomes even more noticeable when sidewall styling enters the decision. A wide whitewall bias-ply tire can strongly reinforce a period-style presentation, while a radial alternative may appeal more to owners balancing classic appearance with a different construction choice. Looking closely at stance, sidewall profile, and wheel width helps the finished car feel intentional rather than mixed in style.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1968 Ford-Taunus 20M even when the size appears correct on paper. Wheel changes, altered wheel width, suspension work, ride-height changes, or body modifications can all influence how a 175R13 or 640-13 tire sits on the car and whether there is enough room during steering and suspension movement.

That is especially important on older vehicles that may have been updated over several decades. A tire should be matched to the actual wheel and body setup now on the car, not only to the original fitment path. Checking clearance at full steering lock and under load is a smart step before putting the vehicle back into regular road use.

Before driving a 1968 Ford-Taunus 20M on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and width, make sure the tires are seated properly, and confirm inflation is appropriate for the tire and vehicle setup. It is also wise to check for rubbing points, especially around the fenders, suspension, and steering range.

A collector car deserves a broader inspection at the same time. Look over brake condition, wheel hardware, alignment behavior, and any signs of suspension wear that could affect how the new tires track on the road. Starting with a short local drive and rechecking pressure and clearance afterward helps catch problems before the car is taken farther from home.

640-13 tires on a collector 1968 Ford-Taunus 20M should be inspected regularly for air loss, sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, and uneven tread wear. Because collector cars often sit for extended periods, condition matters just as much as mileage. Bias-ply tires especially deserve routine visual checks before each outing rather than occasional attention.

Storage habits also make a difference over time. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the rubber, and maintaining proper inflation reduces stress on the casing while parked. Before a longer drive, inspect each tire closely and confirm the wheel hardware and spare are ready as well, since low-use vehicles can age quietly between trips.